Politics

The Guardian view on the future of the UN: more embattled, but more necessary, than ever

As the secretary general, António Guterres, prepares to step down, the general assembly is highlighting the scale of the organisation’s challenges

Philadelphia teacher admits to lying about being Palestinian and Black: ‘I hid the truth’

Local advocacy groups say they have cut ties with Hannah Gann, who ‘fully lied about her identity and background’

Ben Jennings on Andy Burnham’s meeting with Donald Trump

At the UN general assembly the British prime minister promised to crack down on misinformation ahead of his meeting with the US president

Rubio warns Russia-Ukraine war can ‘metastasize’ through hybrid attacks

Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised concerns with his Russian counterpart that the war in Ukraine could easily spill over into other regions through hybrid attacks or even genuine misunderstandings.

Harvey Weinstein sentenced to 15 years in sexual assault retrial

Former Hollywood giant Harvey Weinstein was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually assaulting his former assistant, Miriam Haley, more than six years after the disgraced producer was first convicted.

US invites Putin to G20 summit in Miami for first time during Russia-Ukraine war

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Trump administration invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Miami, Florida, in December.

Iran's president hits out at 'bully' Trump in UN speech but signals willingness to talk

Masoud Pezeshkian says Tehran is ready for dialogue and diplomacy ‘but without the language of force’

Iran's president just defended genocide to an empty room

While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stood before the United Nations lying on behalf of Tehran’s executioners, he attempted to mask a historic uprising that began on Dec. 28, 2025, against the religious dictatorship of the Shiite mullahs. People trapped in poverty, inflation, and religious despotism rose up across Iran against the republic of evil and wickedness. Following the call of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, millions poured into the streets in more than 300 cities and villages across all 31 provinces, launching the greatest uprising against the tyrannical, repressive, and occupying ruling establishment since the Iranian Revolution. The prince’s credibility, influence, and acceptance showed that he alone is the alternative leader accepted by the Iranian nation.

'And you will be the People’s Earl'

The earl on his globally lauded eulogy for Diana, King Charles’s sausage fingers and toxic Raine, topped off with a lavish sprinkling of adverbs

Harvey Weinstein Sentenced to 15 Years After Sexual Assault Conviction

Sentencing comes after years of appeals and retrials in case involving former TV production assistant Miriam Haley

Rand Paul to refer Fauci's assistant to DOJ over destruction of records

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Rand Paul (R-KY) will be asking the Justice Department to open an investigation into Dr. Anthony Fauci’s executive assistant for the alleged destruction of records related to the origins of COVID-19.

Poll offers ray of hope for GOP as Trump's popularity bounces back

Welcome to Wednesday’s edition of Washington Secrets. If a friend sent you this and you’d like to sign up, CLICK HERE. Today, we bring out the rarely used “good news for Republicans” midterm klaxon. Plus, we ask which luxury-loving politician was spotted slumming it in economy on the way back from the United Nations. And which Democrat was stoking 2028 speculation in D.C. on Tuesday evening?