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.)
Pinned
** Wishing everyone a great Xmas/holiday season etc! ** Please don't be offended for my not following back -- such are not why I am here and so mostly I don't. Needless to say I really massively appreciate all reads, follows, likes and constructive criticism/counter-arguments.
'Tyranny is booming': Jimmy Kimmel targets Trump in alternative Christmas message
Kimmel said it had been a "great year" for fascism in the US under Donald Trump, as he warned UK viewers about the threat of censorship.
Kimmel said it had been a "great year" for fascism in the US under Donald Trump, as he warned UK viewers about the threat of censorship.
'Tyranny is booming': Jimmy Kimmel targets Trump in alternative Christmas message
Kimmel said it had been a "great year" for fascism in the US under Donald Trump, as he warned UK viewers about the threat of censorship.
news.sky.com
December 26, 2025 at 8:15 AM
'Tyranny is booming': Jimmy Kimmel targets Trump in alternative Christmas message
Kimmel said it had been a "great year" for fascism in the US under Donald Trump, as he warned UK viewers about the threat of censorship.
Kimmel said it had been a "great year" for fascism in the US under Donald Trump, as he warned UK viewers about the threat of censorship.
Trump tells children he won't let 'a bad Santa' infiltrate US - and discusses 'beautiful' coal
To an eight-year-old girl in Kansas, who said they did not want coal as a gift, Mr Trump said: "You mean clean, beautiful coal. I had to do that, I'm sorry."
To an eight-year-old girl in Kansas, who said they did not want coal as a gift, Mr Trump said: "You mean clean, beautiful coal. I had to do that, I'm sorry."
Trump tells children he won't let 'a bad Santa' infiltrate US - and discusses 'beautiful' coal
Sat by a Christmas tree at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, the president also told children coal was "beautiful" and that Santa is "a little bit on the cherubic side".
news.sky.com
December 25, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Trump tells children he won't let 'a bad Santa' infiltrate US - and discusses 'beautiful' coal
To an eight-year-old girl in Kansas, who said they did not want coal as a gift, Mr Trump said: "You mean clean, beautiful coal. I had to do that, I'm sorry."
To an eight-year-old girl in Kansas, who said they did not want coal as a gift, Mr Trump said: "You mean clean, beautiful coal. I had to do that, I'm sorry."
British rabbi delivers 5,000 presents to non-Jewish people working on Christmas Day
British rabbi delivers 5,000 presents to non-Jewish people working on Christmas Day
A Time To Say Thank You has entered its seventh year and continues to grow
www.gbnews.com
December 25, 2025 at 1:00 AM
British rabbi delivers 5,000 presents to non-Jewish people working on Christmas Day
Teenagers killed in Tesla taxi crash in Surrey
The three victims are said to have been part of a group on their way home after a day out in London.
The three victims are said to have been part of a group on their way home after a day out in London.
Teenagers killed in Tesla taxi crash in Surrey
The three victims are said to have been part of a group on their way home after a day out in London.
news.sky.com
December 25, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Teenagers killed in Tesla taxi crash in Surrey
The three victims are said to have been part of a group on their way home after a day out in London.
The three victims are said to have been part of a group on their way home after a day out in London.
UK: Reaction at Sky News reporter's accidental expletive during live broadcast she probably thought was not live [video]
[Surprisingly enough, can't find this one on Sky News's pages.]
[Surprisingly enough, can't find this one on Sky News's pages.]
Moment Sky News journalist swears live on TV after not realising she's on air
THIS is the jaw-dropping moment a Sky News reporter drops the F-bomb while not realising she is live on air. The shocking blunder unfolded during the broadcaster’s breakfast show hosted by An…
www.thesun.co.uk
December 23, 2025 at 12:18 AM
UK: Reaction at Sky News reporter's accidental expletive during live broadcast she probably thought was not live [video]
[Surprisingly enough, can't find this one on Sky News's pages.]
[Surprisingly enough, can't find this one on Sky News's pages.]
The late Chris Rea on the ‘warmth and hope’ of ‘Driving Home for Christmas’
The British rock singer spoke with Roisin O’Connor, just days before his death aged 74, about the story behind one of the UK’s most popular festive songs
The British rock singer spoke with Roisin O’Connor, just days before his death aged 74, about the story behind one of the UK’s most popular festive songs
The late Chris Rea on the ‘warmth and hope’ of ‘Driving Home for Christmas’
The British rock singer spoke with Roisin O’Connor, just days before his death aged 74, about the story behind one of the UK’s most popular festive songs
www.independent.co.uk
December 22, 2025 at 9:39 PM
The late Chris Rea on the ‘warmth and hope’ of ‘Driving Home for Christmas’
The British rock singer spoke with Roisin O’Connor, just days before his death aged 74, about the story behind one of the UK’s most popular festive songs
The British rock singer spoke with Roisin O’Connor, just days before his death aged 74, about the story behind one of the UK’s most popular festive songs
Boiling lobsters alive to be banned in UK animal cruelty crackdown
Move is part of a long-awaited Labour strategy including
outlawing hen cages and ending puppy farming
#animalwelfare #uk #labour #animals #bill #lobsters #crabs #culinary
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Move is part of a long-awaited Labour strategy including
outlawing hen cages and ending puppy farming
#animalwelfare #uk #labour #animals #bill #lobsters #crabs #culinary
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Boiling lobsters alive to be banned in UK animal cruelty crackdown
Move is part of a long-awaited Labour strategy including outlawing hen cages and ending puppy farming
www.theguardian.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Boiling lobsters alive to be banned in UK animal cruelty crackdown
Move is part of a long-awaited Labour strategy including
outlawing hen cages and ending puppy farming
#animalwelfare #uk #labour #animals #bill #lobsters #crabs #culinary
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Move is part of a long-awaited Labour strategy including
outlawing hen cages and ending puppy farming
#animalwelfare #uk #labour #animals #bill #lobsters #crabs #culinary
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Fears Palestine Action hunger striker will die in prison after 43 days without food
Fears Palestine Action hunger striker will die in prison after 43 days without food
Teuta Hoxha's body is the "only form of resistance she has and that's what she is using against the state", her sister says.
news.sky.com
December 22, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Fears Palestine Action hunger striker will die in prison after 43 days without food
Reposted by Leon French
NEWS! White House adds permanent black square to President Trump’s face newsthump.com/2025/12/22/w...
White House adds permanent black square to President Trump’s face
The White House have today confirmed that President Trump will have a black square permanently covering his face for the remainder of his second term in office.
newsthump.com
December 22, 2025 at 8:06 AM
NEWS! White House adds permanent black square to President Trump’s face newsthump.com/2025/12/22/w...
Is it OK for Christians to shop on the Sunday before Xmas so as to be able to celebrate the Christian faith -- one that indicates Sunday is the sabbath day?
#religiousobservance #christianity #catholicism #sundayshopping #christmas #xmas #sabbath
#religiousobservance #christianity #catholicism #sundayshopping #christmas #xmas #sabbath
The Sabbath Day and Sunday Shopping
Earl C. Tingey delivers a message titled "The Sabbath Day and Sunday Shopping."
www.churchofjesuschrist.org
December 21, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Is it OK for Christians to shop on the Sunday before Xmas so as to be able to celebrate the Christian faith -- one that indicates Sunday is the sabbath day?
#religiousobservance #christianity #catholicism #sundayshopping #christmas #xmas #sabbath
#religiousobservance #christianity #catholicism #sundayshopping #christmas #xmas #sabbath
Before you publish: A journalist’s guide to safer reporting
#journalism #guide #reporting #repoters #journalists #handbook
#journalism #guide #reporting #repoters #journalists #handbook
Guide to safer reporting
This global resource provides journalists with a checklist of factors to consider before publishing to minimise their legal liability.
www.trust.org
December 21, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Before you publish: A journalist’s guide to safer reporting
#journalism #guide #reporting #repoters #journalists #handbook
#journalism #guide #reporting #repoters #journalists #handbook
Gun-toting illegal boat migrant who called for 'death to all Jews' is freed to roam British streets... only days after Bondi Beach massacre
Illegal boat migrant who called for 'death to all Jews' is freed
Prison bosses have released Palestinian gun-toting militant Abu Wadee, 34, after he served nine months behind bars for illegally entering the UK on a dinghy.
www.dailymail.co.uk
December 20, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Gun-toting illegal boat migrant who called for 'death to all Jews' is freed to roam British streets... only days after Bondi Beach massacre
UK electoral watchdog criticises 'unprecedented' government offer to delay local elections – as five councils confirm requests for postponement
[Sky News] The Electoral Commission said voting should only be deferred in exceptional circumstances and that the move risked "damaging public confidence"
[Sky News] The Electoral Commission said voting should only be deferred in exceptional circumstances and that the move risked "damaging public confidence"
Watchdog criticises 'unprecedented' government offer to delay local elections – as five councils confirm requests for postponement
The Electoral Commission said voting should only be deferred in exceptional circumstances and that the move risked "damaging public confidence".
news.sky.com
December 20, 2025 at 8:13 AM
UK electoral watchdog criticises 'unprecedented' government offer to delay local elections – as five councils confirm requests for postponement
[Sky News] The Electoral Commission said voting should only be deferred in exceptional circumstances and that the move risked "damaging public confidence"
[Sky News] The Electoral Commission said voting should only be deferred in exceptional circumstances and that the move risked "damaging public confidence"
UK: Lobby journalists ‘furious’ as No 10 scraps afternoon briefing
#journalism #reporting #journalists #reporters #politics #uk #downingstreet #government #briefings
#journalism #reporting #journalists #reporters #politics #uk #downingstreet #government #briefings
Lobby journalists 'furious' as No 10 scraps afternoon briefing
Downing Street has scrapped its daily afternoon Lobby briefing, in a move journalists warned could damage scrutiny of the Government.
pressgazette.co.uk
December 19, 2025 at 4:34 PM
UK: Lobby journalists ‘furious’ as No 10 scraps afternoon briefing
#journalism #reporting #journalists #reporters #politics #uk #downingstreet #government #briefings
#journalism #reporting #journalists #reporters #politics #uk #downingstreet #government #briefings
Reposted by Leon French
An image of a man being made-up with fake blood has been shared with claims it shows a ‘crisis actor’ at the Bondi Beach shooting.
But this picture is AI and not real. Arsen Ostrovsky was treated in hospital for his genuine injuries from the attack.
But this picture is AI and not real. Arsen Ostrovsky was treated in hospital for his genuine injuries from the attack.
Fake AI image of Bondi Beach victim having blood applied circulates online – Full Fact
The AI generated picture has been circulating widely on social media alongside completely false claims the man pictured was a ‘crisis actor’ and never really injured.
fullfact.org
December 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM
An image of a man being made-up with fake blood has been shared with claims it shows a ‘crisis actor’ at the Bondi Beach shooting.
But this picture is AI and not real. Arsen Ostrovsky was treated in hospital for his genuine injuries from the attack.
But this picture is AI and not real. Arsen Ostrovsky was treated in hospital for his genuine injuries from the attack.
BBC issues statement after Trump files $5bn "defamation" lawsuit
Responding to the lawsuit, a BBC spokesperson said: "As we have made clear previously, we will be defending this case. We are not going to make further comment on ongoing legal proceedings."
#trump #bbc #beeb #lawsuit #panorama
Responding to the lawsuit, a BBC spokesperson said: "As we have made clear previously, we will be defending this case. We are not going to make further comment on ongoing legal proceedings."
#trump #bbc #beeb #lawsuit #panorama
Trump sues BBC for $5bn in defamation lawsuit
Clips were spliced together from sections of the US president's speech on 6 January 2021 to make it appear he told supporters he was going to walk to the US Capitol with them to "fight like hell".
news.sky.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Reposted by Leon French
🇵🇱#Poland: The final country of our 2025 report series examining media capture & implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (#EMFA) is out - and assesses the situation in Poland - where much of the media reform agenda has stalled.
➡️Full report - buff.ly/2sPd6g9
➡️Full report - buff.ly/2sPd6g9
Poland: Media Capture and EMFA Monitoring Report 2025 – ipi.media
The International Press Institute (IPI) and the Media and Journalism Research Center (MJRC) today publish a new report examining media capture in Poland in 2025 and the country’s compliance with the…
ipi.media
December 16, 2025 at 10:46 AM
🇵🇱#Poland: The final country of our 2025 report series examining media capture & implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (#EMFA) is out - and assesses the situation in Poland - where much of the media reform agenda has stalled.
➡️Full report - buff.ly/2sPd6g9
➡️Full report - buff.ly/2sPd6g9
In case you missed it...
'Heroic' Algerian worker praised for saving lives during UK train stabbings
[The New Arab] A rail worker who saved multiple lives during November 1st mass stabbing attack on a UK train has been named as Algerian Samir Zitouni.
#heroes
'Heroic' Algerian worker praised for saving lives during UK train stabbings
[The New Arab] A rail worker who saved multiple lives during November 1st mass stabbing attack on a UK train has been named as Algerian Samir Zitouni.
#heroes
Algerian worker praised for ’heroism’ during UK train attack
A rail worker who saved multiple lives during last week’s mass stabbing attack on a UK train has been named as Algerian Samir Zitouni.
www.newarab.com
December 15, 2025 at 11:37 PM
In case you missed it...
'Heroic' Algerian worker praised for saving lives during UK train stabbings
[The New Arab] A rail worker who saved multiple lives during November 1st mass stabbing attack on a UK train has been named as Algerian Samir Zitouni.
#heroes
'Heroic' Algerian worker praised for saving lives during UK train stabbings
[The New Arab] A rail worker who saved multiple lives during November 1st mass stabbing attack on a UK train has been named as Algerian Samir Zitouni.
#heroes
JTI Certification -- Journalism Trust Initiative
Establishing a global, neutral standard for trustworthy media.
More than 2,400 media outlets across 127 countries participate in the Journalism Trust Initiative.
#jti #journalism #trust #factcheck
Establishing a global, neutral standard for trustworthy media.
More than 2,400 media outlets across 127 countries participate in the Journalism Trust Initiative.
#jti #journalism #trust #factcheck
Home - JTI : Journalism Trust Initiative
Establishing a global, neutral standard for trustworthy media. Empowering citizens with a healthier information space by promoting transparency and reducing […]
journalismtrustinitiative.org
December 15, 2025 at 2:57 PM
JTI Certification -- Journalism Trust Initiative
Establishing a global, neutral standard for trustworthy media.
More than 2,400 media outlets across 127 countries participate in the Journalism Trust Initiative.
#jti #journalism #trust #factcheck
Establishing a global, neutral standard for trustworthy media.
More than 2,400 media outlets across 127 countries participate in the Journalism Trust Initiative.
#jti #journalism #trust #factcheck
Reposted by Leon French
NEWS! Christmas ruined as Chris Rea's car fails MOT
Christmas ruined as Chris Rea’s car fails MOT
Further proof that 2025 is one of the worst years on record has emerged after singer Chris Rea confirmed that his Ford Focus has failed its MOT due to damaged suspension. The singer is now faced wi…
buff.ly
December 15, 2025 at 1:42 PM
NEWS! Christmas ruined as Chris Rea's car fails MOT
Reposted by Leon French
Associated Press has launched a verification dashboard called AP Verify for publishers to meet ‘demand for authenticity’ pressgazette.co.uk/publishers/w...
AP launches verification dashboard for publishers to meet 'demand for authenticity'
Associated Press has rolled out a new verification system for newsbrands to ensure content is authentic before publishing.
pressgazette.co.uk
December 15, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Associated Press has launched a verification dashboard called AP Verify for publishers to meet ‘demand for authenticity’ pressgazette.co.uk/publishers/w...
Holy Hatred: How Nazi Propaganda Exploited Christian Anti-Semitic Myths, and the Warnings for Today
V A Mohamad Ashrof writes:
"The Holocaust, a genocide of unprecedented scale and brutality..."
#antisemitism #christianity #nazism #christiannationalism #nationalism #farright
V A Mohamad Ashrof writes:
"The Holocaust, a genocide of unprecedented scale and brutality..."
#antisemitism #christianity #nazism #christiannationalism #nationalism #farright
Holy Hatred: How Nazi Propaganda Exploited Christian Anti-Semitic Myths, and the Warnings for Today | Countercurrents
The Holocaust, a genocide of unprecedented scale and brutality, remains one of the darkest chapters in human history. The systematic persecution and extermination of six million Jews by Adolf Hitler’s...
countercurrents.org
December 15, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Holy Hatred: How Nazi Propaganda Exploited Christian Anti-Semitic Myths, and the Warnings for Today
V A Mohamad Ashrof writes:
"The Holocaust, a genocide of unprecedented scale and brutality..."
#antisemitism #christianity #nazism #christiannationalism #nationalism #farright
V A Mohamad Ashrof writes:
"The Holocaust, a genocide of unprecedented scale and brutality..."
#antisemitism #christianity #nazism #christiannationalism #nationalism #farright
Anti-semitism:1930s German churches and the Nazis
How did Christians and their churches in Germany respond to the Nazi regime and its laws, particularly to the persecution of the Jews?
#antisemitism #religion #christianity #christiannationalism #nationalism #nazism #farright
How did Christians and their churches in Germany respond to the Nazi regime and its laws, particularly to the persecution of the Jews?
#antisemitism #religion #christianity #christiannationalism #nationalism #nazism #farright
The German Churches and the Nazi State | Holocaust Encyclopedia
How did Christians and their churches in Germany respond to the Nazi regime and its laws, particularly to the persecution of the Jews? Learn more.
encyclopedia.ushmm.org
December 15, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Anti-semitism:1930s German churches and the Nazis
How did Christians and their churches in Germany respond to the Nazi regime and its laws, particularly to the persecution of the Jews?
#antisemitism #religion #christianity #christiannationalism #nationalism #nazism #farright
How did Christians and their churches in Germany respond to the Nazi regime and its laws, particularly to the persecution of the Jews?
#antisemitism #religion #christianity #christiannationalism #nationalism #nazism #farright
'Hero' who wrestled gun from Bondi shooter named as Ahmed al Ahmed
Mr Ahmed, a fruit shop owner and father of two, remains in hospital, where he has undergone surgery for bullet wounds to his arm and hand, his family told 7News Australia.
#Bondibeach #hero #bondi #antisemitism
Mr Ahmed, a fruit shop owner and father of two, remains in hospital, where he has undergone surgery for bullet wounds to his arm and hand, his family told 7News Australia.
#Bondibeach #hero #bondi #antisemitism
'Hero' who wrestled gun from Bondi shooter named as Ahmed al Ahmed
Eleven people were killed in the shooting at Australia's Bondi Beach, as crowds attended an event to celebrate Hanukkah.
www.bbc.com
December 14, 2025 at 9:58 PM
'Hero' who wrestled gun from Bondi shooter named as Ahmed al Ahmed
Mr Ahmed, a fruit shop owner and father of two, remains in hospital, where he has undergone surgery for bullet wounds to his arm and hand, his family told 7News Australia.
#Bondibeach #hero #bondi #antisemitism
Mr Ahmed, a fruit shop owner and father of two, remains in hospital, where he has undergone surgery for bullet wounds to his arm and hand, his family told 7News Australia.
#Bondibeach #hero #bondi #antisemitism
Poland's new president jettisons two decades of Chanukah celebration at his palace
#Poland #Judaism #Holocaust #Festivaloflights #hanukkah #Jews #jewish #community
#Poland #Judaism #Holocaust #Festivaloflights #hanukkah #Jews #jewish #community
New Polish president has not organised Hanukkah celebration, breaking with tradition
notesfrompoland.com
December 13, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Poland's new president jettisons two decades of Chanukah celebration at his palace
#Poland #Judaism #Holocaust #Festivaloflights #hanukkah #Jews #jewish #community
#Poland #Judaism #Holocaust #Festivaloflights #hanukkah #Jews #jewish #community