EU chief Charles Michel met Prime Minister Viktor Orban Monday in a bid to ease rising tensions, with the increasingly belligerent Hungarian leader threatening to...

It's official! You Season 5 is going to be the last installment in the Joe-verse.

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Ilhan Omar has spoken out in defence of a teenage girl who was jailed for 90 days after taking an abortion pill to end an unwanted pregnancy. The Democratic congresswoman posted an image on Instagram of an article titled: “Nebraska teen who used pills to end pregnancy gets 90 days in jail”. “This is a freighting violation of privacy and autonomy…” Ms Omar wrote. Celeste Burgess, 19, was sentenced last week after she and her mother Jessica Burgess, 42, pleaded guilty to charges earlier this year. Prosecutors said Celeste Burgess used abortion pills well beyond the 10-week limit approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Court records reveal that she terminated her pregnancy when she was nearly 30 weeks pregnant, surpassing the generally recognised point of viability at 23 to 24 weeks. At that stage, a foetus would have a higher chance of survival outside the womb. The mother and daughter were charged after their private Facebook messages were obtained by the police. These messages revealed their plans to end Celeste’s pregnancy by using abortion pills ordered online and then “burn the evidence”. The teenager was not charged by prosecutors under Nebraska’s abortion law. Prosecutors agreed to drop two charges of concealing a death and false reporting against her after she pleaded guilty in May to concealing human skeletal remains. Celeste was also sentenced to two years probation apart from her 90 days’ jail sentence. Joseph Smith, the top prosecutor in Madison County, Nebraska, said the sentence “seems reasonable” as the teenager has no criminal history. “It’s a painful case for everybody,” he said, adding that it was the first case of its type that he had prosecuted in his 33-years-long career “and I’m glad it’s over”. Jessica Burgess meanwhile faces up to five years in jail. The case has prompted widespread discusson, wth Ms Omar the latest to comment on the case. Her post had garnered more than 68,000 likes as of early Tuesday morning, with comments fom her supporters including that the case was “like the beginning of the Handmaid’s Tale”. Read More Teen who took abortion pill to end pregnancy given 90 days in jail Texas women detailed agonising pregnancies after being denied abortions. The state blames doctors After Roe v Wade fell, this father-daughter duo left Texas to go on providing abortions AOC and other progressives to boycott Israeli president’s joint address to Congress Israel's president will meet with Biden as concerns over settlements, judicial overhaul continue Thai Parliament postpones vote to select new prime minister pending court ruling

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If you want to incite some drama at a dinner party, ask people how often they wash their hair. Okay, maybe don’t do that if it feels intrusive. But among the people I know I can tell you, everyone does it differently and there is no universal ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to clean your scalp.

A Chinese company seems to have quietly cracked the code on commercializing what it calls

Nearly one in three primary schools in England do not have a male classroom teacher, a study suggests. The proportion of secondary school teachers who are male remains at a record low (35%), according to a Warwick Business School report. Researchers said boys from poorer backgrounds would benefit from having a male teacher in school but they are less likely to have one. Raising teachers’ pay, reducing working hours and improving school leadership could help boost recruitment and retention, the report said. Worryingly, the decline in the number of male classroom teachers is getting worse Dr Joshua Fullard, Warwick Business School The study analysed the latest data from the annual School Workforce Census to identify trends in gender diversity among teachers in state schools in England since 2010. It found that nearly a quarter (24.3%) of all state schools in England have no male classroom teachers. In two local authorities, Rutland in the East Midlands and Northumberland in the North East, at least half of the primary schools do not have a male classroom teacher. The study found that more than two in five (41.9%) of the primary schools placed in special measures by Ofsted had no male classroom teachers. The report said: “This could be due to selection – male teachers are in relatively high demand and therefore might be less likely to sort into the lowest achieving school. “Alternately, having no gender diversity in the classroom might negatively impact the functioning of a school.” It’s important for all children and young people to experience a diverse range of positive role models James Bowen, NAHT Dr Joshua Fullard, assistant professor of behavioural science at Warwick Business School, said: “Worryingly, the decline in the number of male classroom teachers is getting worse. “This has an impact on the education that children receive. There is a large body of research that shows students benefit from being educated by a teacher with certain similarities to them. “Boys from less affluent backgrounds are already the lowest achievers in school. They are the students who would benefit most from a male teacher, but they are less and less likely to have one. “It’s not just boys who are losing out. Having no gender diversity could negatively affect how a school functions, as schools in special measures are less like to have a male classroom teacher.” The report called for teachers’ pay to be raised by more than 10% and for a merit-based reduction in tuition fees for university-led teacher training to be introduced. Dr Fullard said: “Men are more likely to consider finances when deciding to go into, or leave, a profession. This explains why the persistent decline in teachers’ pay has affected male teacher numbers more than their female counterparts.” Since 2010, there has been an increase of over 7,000 male teachers in state-funded nursery and primary schools Department for Education James Bowen, assistant general secretary at school leaders’ union the NAHT, said: “It’s important for all children and young people to experience a diverse range of positive role models. “The impact of a diverse school workforce, at all levels in education, is well recognised, including by the Department for Education. “It can help children and young people, especially those from deprived backgrounds, to visualise positive futures and fulfil their potential.” Julie McCulloch, director of policy at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: “Having a diverse workforce is a huge asset to a school, but currently many are struggling simply to put a teacher at the front of every classroom. “A great deal of work needs to be done to make teaching a more attractive career to men and women alike. This includes reversing the real terms pay cuts that teachers have experienced since 2010, reducing unmanageable workloads and ensuring all schools are properly funded. “Until these issues are addressed then the profession will continue to lose men and women, whether they are new graduates or experienced teachers, to jobs that are offering more competitive pay and better conditions of service.” A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We want teaching to be an inclusive profession, with equal opportunity for all, regardless of gender, to develop and progress in their careers. “Since 2010, there has been an increase of over 7,000 male teachers in state-funded nursery and primary schools. “We want to continue bringing great people into teaching and have introduced bursaries worth up to £27,000 tax-free and scholarships worth up to £29,000 tax-free, to attract talented trainees in subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and computing.”

In a nutshell: In Amsterdam’s oldest five-star hotel, no two rooms are the same, restaurants serve up local cuisine, and a 1909 saloon boat offers tours of the city’s canals. The neighbourhood Amsterdam attracts visitors from all around the world thanks to its rich history, eclectic museums, bike lifestyle and coffee shop culture. The city is wonderfully walkable and the five-star Pulitzer hotel places you in prime location to explore all the Dutch capital has to offer. Looming over the canal belt and in the heart of the historic Nine Streets neighborhood (right out of a Wes Anderson movie), this quintessential district is brimming with boutique shops, charming cafes and enticing restaurants. Located five minutes down the canal, you’ll find Anne Frank’s house while the Museumplein (home to Rijksmuseum, the Van Gough museum and Moco), Amsterdam Centraal and Vondelpark are a mere 20 minute walk away. If you’re keen to cycle like a local, the hotel is equipped with Pulitzer bikes and the erudite concierge Ron Stoevelaar is on hand to show you the best routes. The look Set within 25 Golden Age canal houses, the Pulitzer forms an entire block in the Nine Streets area. Founded in 1970 by Peter Pulitzer (grandson of the Pulitzer Prize founder Joseph Pulitzer), the hotel went through a £1.5 million restoration in 2016. The hotel combines 17th century Dutch elements and mid-century design (think beamed ceilings, historic fireplaces, period antiques and an impressive collection of art, books and music) with contemporary features. Every nook (and there’s many) of the hotel offers a glance into the past – whether it’s in the library of Pulitzer Prize winning books, the lobby with Persian rugs and paintings or in the four luxury collectors suites. Exemplifying the old meeting the new, look out for what appears to be a 17th century painting of a floral bouquet in the lobby. A closer look will reveal it to be a photograph of melted cutlery by a contemporary artist. The vibe Oozing elegance and class, the Pulitzer’s architectually impressive buildings are enriched with antique pieces and Dutch design details. A beguiling space, the grand lobby has a buzzy atmosphere thanks to the laid-back Pulitzer Garden bar and eatery that are tucked away toward the back, while the check-in and concierge desks are warm and welcoming. Upon arrival, you’ll spy an eclectic clientele of 30-somethings talking over old fashioned cocktails at the bar, upmarket travellers in the mid-century armchairs, older couples chatting to the concierge and families feasting in the lobby’s Italian-inspired restaurant. Stepping out of the Pulitzer doors and onto the canal side, picturesque Amsterdam – without the chaos of the main streets – is on your doorstep (just try not to collide with any of the bikes swishing past). Bed and bath Despite being home to more than 200 rooms, the hotel has a cosy, boutique feel owing to the canal house layout and warren of mood-lit interlocking corridors (there’s much enjoyment to be had in getting lost in the Pulitzer). Each room is unique and inspired by an aspect of Dutch design. With themed-collectors suites, family size spaces and canal-view rooms – as well as generous, cosy and classic spaces available – there’s a room to suit every kind of traveller. Featuring decadent marble bathrooms (complete with luxury Debaser toiletries and well-pressured power showers), the rooms boast custom made headboards, a work desk with a mirror, mid-century drinks trolleys and chaise lounges. Thoughtful details such as bookshelves, a bike repair kit, an umbrella, French press and Dutch sweet treats all elevate the space, while windows either look out over the canal, the street below or the Pulitzer garden in the centre of the hotel. You can opt in or out of having your sheets changed each morning – the hotel reminds you of the importance of saving water – by placing a card on your bed. Food and drink There are two restaurants on site at the Pulitzer: the all-day dining eatery Jansz and the more laidback Pulitzer Garden restaurant. The former favours locally-sourced ingredients and classic Dutch cuisine, with the lunch and dinner line-up brimming with seasonal small plates, freshly caught fish dishes (the shrimp croquettes and octopus were a delight) and refined classics like burgers and steaks. Jansz is also where breakfast is served, with guests able to order a la carte (the omelette is a must) or try the continental buffet. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Pulitzer Garden has indoor and outdoor tables with a hearty menu inspired by Italian cuisine – think aubergine parmigiana, lobster spaghetti and chicken caesar salad. After dinner, be sure to head to the glamorous and deliciously moody Pulitzer Bar. Sink into the armchairs, sofas and bar stools to while away the evening with signature or classic cocktails (try the breakfast margarita and new Amsterdam). Public areas The neighbourhood-style complex includes the Jansz restaurant, Pulitzer Garden bar, restaurant and garden seating, the Pulitzer Bar and the resplendent lobby. Whether you’re a guest or not, the Pulitzer bar is a must-visit. Elegant and free from the havoc of city centre bars, the Art Deco-style bar looks over the canal and is the perfect spot for people watching. Open to guests, there’s also a 24-hour gym at the Pulitzer with machines, yoga mats, weights, towels and chilled water. When visiting the Pulitzer, you’ll notice two gleaming boats docked in front of the hotel. The Tourist (which famously took Winston Churchill on a trip through the city in 1946) and the smaller Belle are available for private and group tours for guests and the public at an extra cost. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the interiors are complete with polished teak and brass, luxurious carpeting, marble, leather and original bevelled glass. Lasting 90 minutes, the concierge’s guided cruises take you on a whistlestop tour of the city’s canals – and there’s a self-service mini bar for on-board drinks. Nuts and bolts Room count: 225 Freebies: Breakfast at Jansz restaurant (if included in your booking); gym access; Pulitzer tote bag; Pulitzer card deck; welcome stroopwafels; coffee or tea in the room. Wifi: Free. Extra charges: Room service; additional beds for children; pets. Disability access: There are fully fitted accessible guest rooms available to reserve. Pet policy: A small dog or cat is allowed in rooms at a cost of €50 per day. Bottom line Best thing: Impeccable service, prime location for exploring the city, excellent restaurants and an intimate bar. Worst thing: Some might not get on with the thin doors and walls in the bedroom (it is an old building after all), meaning you can occasionally hear movement in the corridor. Plus, we would have liked to see slightly more reasonable prices in the otherwise more laidback Pulitzer Garden restaurant. Perfect for: Upmarket travellers, foodies, couples and families. Not right for: Those after a budget city break. Instagram from: The moody Pulitzer bar, canal-view room, The Tourist boat tour or Jansz window tables. Room rate: Double rooms from £351 a night. Read more of our hotel reviews: The elegant Landmark Hotel London Luxury hotel meets B&B at The Dante House The Ritz-Carlton, Abama hotel review Read more on Amsterdam travel: Amsterdam travel guide: Best things to do Best hotels in Amsterdam Everything British tourists shouldn’t do in Amsterdam Read More Independent Traveller guide to best hotels and short breaks Best UK hotels 2022 Best hotels in Paris for 2023 Amsterdam travel guide: Best things to do and where to stay for a 2023 city break The best holidays to book for November, from winter sun in Oman to Scandi Christmas markets Best hotels in Europe 2023: Where to stay for a city, beach or retreat break

As the Asian Games gets into full swing in Hangzhou and citizens pack their bags for Golden Week,