Leon French
@leonfrench.bsky.social
Occasional freelance journalist, editor, stringer, author of Get Going In Freelance Journalism' (2003). Now tethered to Polska. Originally from another green and pleasant land. (In colour, Dullby astound sound in semi-RP native English.)
Ceasefire for 7 days? Trump says Putin accepted one-week humanitarian pause amid Ukraine winter
#standwithukraine
the420.in/putin-trump-...
#standwithukraine
the420.in/putin-trump-...
Trump Says Putin Accepted One-Week Humanitarian Pause Amid Ukraine Winter - The420.in
Trump says Putin agreed to a one-week Ukraine ceasefire citing winter hardship, but Kyiv reports continued attacks and warns of intensified Russian strikes.
the420.in
January 30, 2026 at 7:59 AM
Ceasefire for 7 days? Trump says Putin accepted one-week humanitarian pause amid Ukraine winter
#standwithukraine
the420.in/putin-trump-...
#standwithukraine
the420.in/putin-trump-...
Reposted by Leon French
NEWS! "I have to hate Springsteen now, too?" ask tearful Magaloons, realising all that's left for them is Kid Rock newsthump.com/2026/01/29/i...
“I have to hate Springsteen now, too?” ask tearful Magaloons, realising all that’s left for them is Kid Rock
Following Bruce Springsteen’s release of a new song criticising the Trump regime’s actions in Minnesota, a large percentage of MAGA followers have expressed dismay as they felt duty-bou…
newsthump.com
January 29, 2026 at 1:06 PM
NEWS! "I have to hate Springsteen now, too?" ask tearful Magaloons, realising all that's left for them is Kid Rock newsthump.com/2026/01/29/i...
Xi says China will never pose threat to other countries no matter how it grows
www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202601/29/...
www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202601/29/...
Xi says China will never pose threat to other countries no matter how it grows
www.chinadaily.com.cn
January 29, 2026 at 7:35 AM
Xi says China will never pose threat to other countries no matter how it grows
www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202601/29/...
www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202601/29/...
In case you missed it...
Erich von Däniken, Swiss writer who spawned alien archaeology, dies at 90
#ancientaliens #author #chariotsofthegods
Erich von Däniken, Swiss writer who spawned alien archaeology, dies at 90
#ancientaliens #author #chariotsofthegods
Erich von Däniken, Swiss writer who spawned alien archaeology, dies at 90
Erich von Däniken, the Swiss author whose books on the extraterrestrial origins of ancient civilizations brought him both fame and scorn, has died at age 90.
apnews.com
January 29, 2026 at 7:24 AM
In case you missed it...
Erich von Däniken, Swiss writer who spawned alien archaeology, dies at 90
#ancientaliens #author #chariotsofthegods
Erich von Däniken, Swiss writer who spawned alien archaeology, dies at 90
#ancientaliens #author #chariotsofthegods
'Melania' movie -- "just a dozen or so tickets sold in UK cinemas and for the London premiere" say press reports as Vue chain calls sales "soft"
[h/t Mrs Isa S. of Clerkenwell]
[h/t Mrs Isa S. of Clerkenwell]
$40m rights, $35m marketing: Melania Trump documentary sells just one ticket in UK cinemas; netizens call it 'failure' - The Times of India
US News: Amazon released its authorised documentary about Melania Trump in more than 100 UK cinemas this week, expecting it to be a blockbuster, but the ticket.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
January 28, 2026 at 8:07 PM
'Melania' movie -- "just a dozen or so tickets sold in UK cinemas and for the London premiere" say press reports as Vue chain calls sales "soft"
[h/t Mrs Isa S. of Clerkenwell]
[h/t Mrs Isa S. of Clerkenwell]
Alex Pretti broke rib in confrontation with federal agents a week before death, sources say
Alex Pretti was in earlier confrontation with federal agents who tackled him, broke his rib, sources say | CNN
Federal immigration officials have been collecting information on protesters and agitators, sources told CNN.
edition.cnn.com
January 28, 2026 at 1:10 PM
Alex Pretti broke rib in confrontation with federal agents a week before death, sources say
Reposted by Leon French
Rosjanie zaatakowali dronami pociąg pasażerski w Ukranie - https://oko.press/na-zywo/na-zywo-relacja/rosjanie-zaatakowali-dronami-pociag-pasazerski-w-ukranie
Rosjanie zaatakowali dronami pociąg pasażerski w Ukranie
Rosjanie uderzyli we wtorek wieczorem w pociąg wiozący 200 osób w obwodzie charkowskim. Zginęły cztery. W trafionym wagonie jechało 18 pasażerów.
oko.press
January 28, 2026 at 6:40 AM
Rosjanie zaatakowali dronami pociąg pasażerski w Ukranie - https://oko.press/na-zywo/na-zywo-relacja/rosjanie-zaatakowali-dronami-pociag-pasazerski-w-ukranie
Those brutal “Melania” documentary reviews have vanished from Letterboxd
[Mother Jones] Meanwhile, the First Lady used a Fox News appearav
[Mother Jones] Meanwhile, the First Lady used a Fox News appearav
Those brutal "Melania" documentary reviews have vanished from Letterboxd. Sad.
Meanwhile, the First Lady used a Fox News appearance calling for “unity” to shill the film.
www.motherjones.com
January 27, 2026 at 9:38 PM
Those brutal “Melania” documentary reviews have vanished from Letterboxd
[Mother Jones] Meanwhile, the First Lady used a Fox News appearav
[Mother Jones] Meanwhile, the First Lady used a Fox News appearav
Who's secretly filming fake TikToks inside Londoners' homes?
London Centric tracked down the viral video account entering people's houses to spread false claims about immigrants.
#ragebait #fakenews #immigrants #uk #asylumseekers
London Centric tracked down the viral video account entering people's houses to spread false claims about immigrants.
#ragebait #fakenews #immigrants #uk #asylumseekers
Who's secretly filming fake TikToks inside Londoners' homes?
We tracked down the viral video account invading people's houses to spread false claims about immigrants.
www.londoncentric.media
January 27, 2026 at 9:34 PM
Who's secretly filming fake TikToks inside Londoners' homes?
London Centric tracked down the viral video account entering people's houses to spread false claims about immigrants.
#ragebait #fakenews #immigrants #uk #asylumseekers
London Centric tracked down the viral video account entering people's houses to spread false claims about immigrants.
#ragebait #fakenews #immigrants #uk #asylumseekers
It is Holocaust Remembrance Day. Let us take a look at where we are and never forget it is up to all of us to be on our guard against such evil now and in the future. Do not be indifferent!
I'm reminded of this article mentioning a book showing a church and Hitler imagery.
#christianity #hitler
I'm reminded of this article mentioning a book showing a church and Hitler imagery.
#christianity #hitler
Trump’s photo op with church and Bible was offensive, but not new
Had Trump read the text he held, he would have found a story of liberation for slaves, a divine preference for the poor, and a damning critique of any empire that oppressed its people.
theconversation.com
January 27, 2026 at 10:38 AM
It is Holocaust Remembrance Day. Let us take a look at where we are and never forget it is up to all of us to be on our guard against such evil now and in the future. Do not be indifferent!
I'm reminded of this article mentioning a book showing a church and Hitler imagery.
#christianity #hitler
I'm reminded of this article mentioning a book showing a church and Hitler imagery.
#christianity #hitler
Reposted by Leon French
🔴Trump’s Downfall Will Come Much Quicker Than Anyone Thinks
The growing backlash against ICE’s killing of Alex Pretti will be a turning point in public opinion towards the President, predicts @alexhh.bsky.social
bylinetimes.com/2026/01/27/t...
The growing backlash against ICE’s killing of Alex Pretti will be a turning point in public opinion towards the President, predicts @alexhh.bsky.social
bylinetimes.com/2026/01/27/t...
Trump's Downfall Will Come Much Quicker Than Anyone Thinks
The growing backlash against ICE's killing of Alex Pretti will be a turning point in public opinion towards the President, predicts Alexandra Hall Hall
bylinetimes.com
January 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM
🔴Trump’s Downfall Will Come Much Quicker Than Anyone Thinks
The growing backlash against ICE’s killing of Alex Pretti will be a turning point in public opinion towards the President, predicts @alexhh.bsky.social
bylinetimes.com/2026/01/27/t...
The growing backlash against ICE’s killing of Alex Pretti will be a turning point in public opinion towards the President, predicts @alexhh.bsky.social
bylinetimes.com/2026/01/27/t...
They shot him, lied about it and called him a terrorist | James O’Brien
LBC, Britain's oldest talk radio station, hosts a diverse range of voices. One of its most popular presenters listens to callers' views as he reminds us that fascism does not arrive in the way many typically expect.
LBC, Britain's oldest talk radio station, hosts a diverse range of voices. One of its most popular presenters listens to callers' views as he reminds us that fascism does not arrive in the way many typically expect.
They shot him, lied about it and called him a terrorist | James O’Brien - The Whole Show
YouTube video by LBC
youtu.be
January 27, 2026 at 7:53 AM
They shot him, lied about it and called him a terrorist | James O’Brien
LBC, Britain's oldest talk radio station, hosts a diverse range of voices. One of its most popular presenters listens to callers' views as he reminds us that fascism does not arrive in the way many typically expect.
LBC, Britain's oldest talk radio station, hosts a diverse range of voices. One of its most popular presenters listens to callers' views as he reminds us that fascism does not arrive in the way many typically expect.
Reposted by Leon French
Reporting on protests and unrest can be dangerous.
@poynterinstitute.bsky.social compiled a list of resources and tips for journalists to safely cover these unpredictable events:
@poynterinstitute.bsky.social compiled a list of resources and tips for journalists to safely cover these unpredictable events:
25 guidelines for journalists to safely cover unrest - Poynter
Your goal should be to get close enough to observe the scene without endangering yourself or others, or interfering with security or rescue operations
www.poynter.org
January 26, 2026 at 10:15 PM
Reporting on protests and unrest can be dangerous.
@poynterinstitute.bsky.social compiled a list of resources and tips for journalists to safely cover these unpredictable events:
@poynterinstitute.bsky.social compiled a list of resources and tips for journalists to safely cover these unpredictable events:
Nazi Slogans and White Nationalist Anthems
"...you may have missed that the Trump administration has launched a social media campaign invoking Nazi and white nationalist slogans, songs, and memes. This should send shockwaves across the ..."
#antisemitism #usa #nationalism #ice
"...you may have missed that the Trump administration has launched a social media campaign invoking Nazi and white nationalist slogans, songs, and memes. This should send shockwaves across the ..."
#antisemitism #usa #nationalism #ice
Nazi Slogans and White Nationalist Anthems
Emanating from the Trump White House.
jewishdems.org
January 26, 2026 at 4:27 PM
Nazi Slogans and White Nationalist Anthems
"...you may have missed that the Trump administration has launched a social media campaign invoking Nazi and white nationalist slogans, songs, and memes. This should send shockwaves across the ..."
#antisemitism #usa #nationalism #ice
"...you may have missed that the Trump administration has launched a social media campaign invoking Nazi and white nationalist slogans, songs, and memes. This should send shockwaves across the ..."
#antisemitism #usa #nationalism #ice
Homeland Security deploys white nationalist, anti-immigrant graphics to recruit for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
#ice #nationalism #recruitment
www.splcenter.org/resources/ha...
#ice #nationalism #recruitment
www.splcenter.org/resources/ha...
DHS deploys white nationalist, anti-immigrant graphics to recruit
The Department of Homeland Security’s deportation efforts under Trump have energized and validated some hate groups.
www.splcenter.org
January 26, 2026 at 4:21 PM
Homeland Security deploys white nationalist, anti-immigrant graphics to recruit for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
#ice #nationalism #recruitment
www.splcenter.org/resources/ha...
#ice #nationalism #recruitment
www.splcenter.org/resources/ha...
Venezuela’s acting president says she has had ‘enough’ of US orders
“Enough already of Washington’s orders over politicians in Venezuela,” she told a group of oil workers in Puerto La Cruz city, at an event broadcast by state-run channel Venezolana de Televisión.
“Enough already of Washington’s orders over politicians in Venezuela,” she told a group of oil workers in Puerto La Cruz city, at an event broadcast by state-run channel Venezolana de Televisión.
Venezuela’s acting president says she has had “enough” of US orders | CNN
Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez said Sunday she has had “enough” of Washington’s orders, as she works to unite the country after the US capture of its former leader Nicolás Maduro.
edition.cnn.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:29 PM
Venezuela’s acting president says she has had ‘enough’ of US orders
“Enough already of Washington’s orders over politicians in Venezuela,” she told a group of oil workers in Puerto La Cruz city, at an event broadcast by state-run channel Venezolana de Televisión.
“Enough already of Washington’s orders over politicians in Venezuela,” she told a group of oil workers in Puerto La Cruz city, at an event broadcast by state-run channel Venezolana de Televisión.
Videos and witness statements shed new light on moments leading up to Alex Pretti shooting
[CNN, excerpt] One officer, wearing a dark-colored jacket and light-brown beanie, is seen placing a hand on Pretti’s torso and pushing him backwards out of the street as Pretti records with his phone...
[CNN, excerpt] One officer, wearing a dark-colored jacket and light-brown beanie, is seen placing a hand on Pretti’s torso and pushing him backwards out of the street as Pretti records with his phone...
Video, witnesses shed new light on moments before agents fatally shot Alex Pretti | CNN
Alex Pretti was confronted on a Minneapolis street by an officer who was later on the scene of his shooting, video analyzed by CNN shows.
edition.cnn.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:27 PM
Videos and witness statements shed new light on moments leading up to Alex Pretti shooting
[CNN, excerpt] One officer, wearing a dark-colored jacket and light-brown beanie, is seen placing a hand on Pretti’s torso and pushing him backwards out of the street as Pretti records with his phone...
[CNN, excerpt] One officer, wearing a dark-colored jacket and light-brown beanie, is seen placing a hand on Pretti’s torso and pushing him backwards out of the street as Pretti records with his phone...
A message to the world on Holocaust Remembrance Day (tomorrow, 27 January)
Elliot Broidy at The Japan Times: "On this date, Jan. 27, in 1945, the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated by U.S.-allied Soviet troops...."
Elliot Broidy at The Japan Times: "On this date, Jan. 27, in 1945, the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated by U.S.-allied Soviet troops...."
A message to the world on Holocaust Remembrance Day
Like many Jews, I prefer not to call it a “concentration camp,” for that is what the German Nazis called the places where they confined the people they sought to exterminate.
www.japantimes.co.jp
January 26, 2026 at 2:16 PM
A message to the world on Holocaust Remembrance Day (tomorrow, 27 January)
Elliot Broidy at The Japan Times: "On this date, Jan. 27, in 1945, the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated by U.S.-allied Soviet troops...."
Elliot Broidy at The Japan Times: "On this date, Jan. 27, in 1945, the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated by U.S.-allied Soviet troops...."
Helping Ukrainian refugees in Poland: In Krakow, Rabbi Avi Baumol is aiding refugees.
With war raging on Poland’s eastern border in Ukraine, Krakow's Jewish community is doing all they can to aid desperate Ukrainian refugees.
#jewish #community #poland #krakow #polska #jewry
With war raging on Poland’s eastern border in Ukraine, Krakow's Jewish community is doing all they can to aid desperate Ukrainian refugees.
#jewish #community #poland #krakow #polska #jewry
Helping Ukrainian Refugees in Poland | Aish
In Krakow, Rabbi Avi Baumol is aiding Ukrainian refugees.
aish.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Digital Object Authenticity Working Group
DOAWG is an independent, voluntarily working group established in the beginning of 2024 by inter disciplinary professionals within the GLAM community (Galleries, Libraries Archives and Museums)...
#AI #aiimage #authentication #doawg
DOAWG is an independent, voluntarily working group established in the beginning of 2024 by inter disciplinary professionals within the GLAM community (Galleries, Libraries Archives and Museums)...
#AI #aiimage #authentication #doawg
Digital Object Authenticity Working Group
Digital Object Authenticity Working Group
As trust and authenticity increasingly becomes a concern for all kinds of digital media content, we have been working toward a solution for addressing the pr...
www.doawg.org
January 26, 2026 at 12:37 PM
Digital Object Authenticity Working Group
DOAWG is an independent, voluntarily working group established in the beginning of 2024 by inter disciplinary professionals within the GLAM community (Galleries, Libraries Archives and Museums)...
#AI #aiimage #authentication #doawg
DOAWG is an independent, voluntarily working group established in the beginning of 2024 by inter disciplinary professionals within the GLAM community (Galleries, Libraries Archives and Museums)...
#AI #aiimage #authentication #doawg
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman defects to Reform UK
[Prolly just as Nigel Farage's Reform UK peaks and goes sideways or declines. But that's the chance a floor-crosser takes. Didn't Mr F say such should always trigger by-elections to be fair to constituents?-LF]
[Prolly just as Nigel Farage's Reform UK peaks and goes sideways or declines. But that's the chance a floor-crosser takes. Didn't Mr F say such should always trigger by-elections to be fair to constituents?-LF]
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman defects to Reform UK | LBC
Former Conservative Home Secretary Suella Braverman has defected to Nigel Farage's Reform UK, days after Robert Jenrick made the move.
www.lbc.co.uk
January 26, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman defects to Reform UK
[Prolly just as Nigel Farage's Reform UK peaks and goes sideways or declines. But that's the chance a floor-crosser takes. Didn't Mr F say such should always trigger by-elections to be fair to constituents?-LF]
[Prolly just as Nigel Farage's Reform UK peaks and goes sideways or declines. But that's the chance a floor-crosser takes. Didn't Mr F say such should always trigger by-elections to be fair to constituents?-LF]
Reposted by Leon French
The Washington Post has pulled its reporting team from covering the Winter Olympics in two weeks' time. One newsroom source told the NYT it had already spent $80,000 on accommodation alone. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/24/b...
Washington Post Tears Up Plans to Cover Winter Olympics
The abrupt change in direction came just weeks before the Olympic Games are set to begin in Italy.
www.nytimes.com
January 26, 2026 at 8:03 AM
The Washington Post has pulled its reporting team from covering the Winter Olympics in two weeks' time. One newsroom source told the NYT it had already spent $80,000 on accommodation alone. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/24/b...
January 26, 2026 at 8:00 AM
UK: Police Federation criticises plans for mandatory ‘licence to practise’ for officers
[Sounds like a daft idea. Police have too much to deal with already. Regular new laws and refresher training, daily briefings online and mountains of paperwork per arrest, etc. Sorry but it's a silly idea. -LF]
[Sounds like a daft idea. Police have too much to deal with already. Regular new laws and refresher training, daily briefings online and mountains of paperwork per arrest, etc. Sorry but it's a silly idea. -LF]
Police Federation criticises plans for mandatory ‘licence to practise’ for officers
Crime minister says reforms will improve standards, but Federation says unsafe workloads must be tackled first
www.theguardian.com
January 26, 2026 at 7:53 AM
UK: Police Federation criticises plans for mandatory ‘licence to practise’ for officers
[Sounds like a daft idea. Police have too much to deal with already. Regular new laws and refresher training, daily briefings online and mountains of paperwork per arrest, etc. Sorry but it's a silly idea. -LF]
[Sounds like a daft idea. Police have too much to deal with already. Regular new laws and refresher training, daily briefings online and mountains of paperwork per arrest, etc. Sorry but it's a silly idea. -LF]