William Booth
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London Bureau Chief for The Washington Post. Formerly same in Jerusalem, Mexico City, LA & Miami. Likes = file cabinet.
Articles by William Booth
U.K. revisits its bloody history in medieval tapestry and battle reenactments
U.K. revisits its bloody history in medieval tapestry and battle reenactments (washingtonpost.com) U.K. revisits its bloody history in medieval tapestry and battle reenactments By William Booth 2026101809011800 BATTLE, England — A display of 230 feet of medieval embroidery known as the Bayeux Tapestry is turning out to be a blockbuster for the British Museum. The first batch of tickets sold out in a day, and the museum is extending its opening hours to deal with the crush.
U.S. shipwreck, laden with World War II munitions, is a time bomb near London
SHEERNESS, England - In the mouth of the River Thames, just downstream from London, a team of elite marine salvors has been busy trying to stabilize one of the world’s most dangerous shipwrecks. The SS Richard Montgomery, a U.S. military cargo ship, dragged anchor, broke its back on a sandbar, flooded and sank in late summer 1944, a few months after D-Day, with 1,500 tons of explosives still in the holds.
U.S. shipwreck, laden with World War II munitions, is a time bomb near London
U.S. shipwreck, laden with World War II munitions, is a time bomb near London (washingtonpost.com) U.S. shipwreck, laden with World War II munitions, is a time bomb near London By William Booth 2026100409011200 SHEERNESS, England — In the mouth of the River Thames, just downstream from London, a team of elite marine salvors has been busy trying to stabilize one of the world's most dangerous shipwrecks.
Trump appoints Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland
Trump appoints Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland (washingtonpost.com) Trump appoints Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland By Niha Masih; William Booth 2025122206411600 President Donald Trump said he is appointing Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R) as special envoy to Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark that the president has said he wants to acquire for the United States.
Grónčania nachádzajú silu v boji proti Trumpovi. Oživujú kultúru Inuitov
Na brehu Koloniálneho prístavu sa zhromaždili davy ľudí, aby sledovali začiatok každoročnej súťaže v love na tulene počas Dňa grónskej nezávislosti. Po výstrele z historického dela sa člny vydali na tmavú hladinu. Článok pokračuje pod video reklamou Článok pokračuje pod video reklamou O chvíľku neskôr už móla pokryla krv. Mäso poslúži ako strava pre obyvateľov domovov dôchodcov a koža bude slúžiť na výrobu tradičného oblečenia. Lovec, ktorý zabil prvého tuleňa vyhral gumový čln.
Trump hotel project canceled in Serbia after protests, investigation
Trump hotel project canceled in Serbia after protests, investigation (washingtonpost.com) Trump hotel project canceled in Serbia after protests, investigation By William Booth 2025121715275800 It was always a tricky location, but an investment firm founded by the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner thought a $500 million luxury hotel project on the site of a bombed-out Yugoslav military headquarters in downtown Belgrade could be a winner.
Reviving Inuit culture, young Greenlanders find strength against Trump
Boats depart for a seal hunting competition organized as part of Greenland National Day in Nuuk on June 21. (Juliette Pavy/Hors Format/For The Washington Post) NUUK, Greenland - The crowds lined the quay at the Colonial Harbor to cheer the start of the annual seal hunt competition on Greenland National Day. With a blast from an antique cannon, the rugged little skiffs darted out into the inky fjord. Soon the docks were slick with blood.
Reviving Inuit culture, young Greenlanders find strength against Trump
NUUK, Greenland — The crowds lined the quay at the Colonial Harbor to cheer the start of the annual seal hunt competition on Greenland National Day. With a blast from an antique cannon, the rugged little skiffs darted out into the inky fjord. Soon the docks were slick with blood. The meat would feed residents at nursing homes, and the skins would make traditional clothing.
Criminal courts in Cape Town are near to collapse
Criminal courts in Cape Town are on the verge of collapse. That, in a nutshell, is my experience as an attorney who has worked in these courts for the past 30 years. Workloads for court officials are unbearable. There are too few courts. Court buildings are old and inadequate. Security for witnesses, lawyers and the public is poor. Cases come to court which should not. There is general chaos.
Enjoy up to 40% off and experience Johannesburg’s holiday vibe!
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies City Lodge Hotels is inviting guests to celebrate summer in style with unbeatable festive offers and refurbished properties in Sandton and Rosebank. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, romantic escape, or shopping spree, we provide the perfect base for a memorable staycation.
Empowering South African youth through digital stokvel innovation Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies E Squared Investments has funded Stokvel Academy to pilot a youth-driven digitalisation initiative, empowering unemployed young people to modernise stokvels, strengthen financial literacy, and unlock greater community wealth. The programme aims to transform traditional savings groups into engines of inclusion and generational prosperity.
WCG DEDAT Tech Talks Series to support SMMEs by demystifying technology in the Western Cape Original
The Western Cape Government Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) will host its upcoming Tech Talks Series on 25 and the 26 November at UVU Africa, aimed at helping small and medium enterprises better understand and adopt technology in a practical, accessible way. The two events brings together SMMEs, industry experts, and ecosystem partners to unpack how digital tools can unlock growth, efficiency, and competitiveness for SMMEs across sectors.
Reflect. Reconnect. Reimagine: A reflection on the SEF Round 4 kick-off workshop Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies The Social Employment Fund’s (SEF) Round 4 Kick-off workshop took place from 12–13 November 2025 in Johannesburg, hosted by the Social Employment Network (SEN) in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). The two-day event brought together Strategic Implementing Partners (SIPs), to reflect on the progress made to date and to align priorities for the next phase of the programme. Source: A2BC Productions.
Criminal courts in Cape Town are near to collapse Original
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies We need a total revamp of the criminal justice system. Criminal courts in Cape Town are near to collapse. That, in a nutshell, is my experience as an attorney who has worked in these courts for the past 30 years. Workloads for court officials are unbearable. There are too few courts. Court buildings are old and inadequate. Security for witnesses, lawyers and the public is poor. Cases come to court which should not.
Unilever Food Solutions empowers township chefs with culinary masterclasses
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) made its debut in township catering education by hosting masterclasses at Unisa Daveyton and the Saul Tsotetsi Sports Complex in Sebokeng. The global foodservice company drew 100 caterers to each session, offering them practical training to enhance their culinary skills and grow their businesses.
Ramaphosa reiterates SA's stance on GBVF as "national crisis"
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated the South African government's stance on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as a dire "national crisis". The President was delivering the closing remarks at the G20 Social Summit in Johannesburg.
South Africa continues economic growth drive with rate reduction
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago’s announcement of a 25 basis point rate cut on Thursday, 20 November 2025, offered another strong signal to investors of the South African economy’s resilience and sound management, Citadel says. Source: The Banking Association of South Africa.
John Dory’s launches ‘Beyond the Shore’ initiative to save lives
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies It’s a chilling truth hidden just beneath the shimmering surface of our pools, rivers, and beaches. Drowning, silent, sudden, and devastating, claims the lives of hundreds of South African children every year. The horror is not just in the numbers, but in the heartbreaking fact that these deaths are almost all preventable. Yes, preventable.
SA citrus exports hit record 203 million cartons in 2025
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies South Africa’s citrus industry has delivered a record-breaking performance in the 2025 export season, delivering 203.4 million 15kg cartons to global markets — the highest volume ever recorded and a major milestone for the country’s leading agricultural export sector. Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen congratulated the industry on what he described as an exceptional achievement.
Discover SA’s finest wines with the 2026 Platter’s guide
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Advertise your job vacancies The 2026 Platter's by Diners Club Wine Guide has been released and is the perfect independent companion for anyone who lifts a glass of South African wine... The new edition celebrates 46 years of the guide showcasing South Africa's winegrowers and grape-spirit distillers through winery profiles, wine descriptions and ratings, wine-country maps, and much more.
Albania is fighting corruption. The accused are fighting back.
Albania is fighting corruption. The accused are fighting back. (washingtonpost.com) Albania is fighting corruption. The accused are fighting back. By William Booth; Fjori Sinoruka 2025112009440200 In a handwritten note, the democratically elected mayor of the capital of Albania confessed that it is hard to do his job: He has been locked in a prison cell for the past nine months. Erion Veliaj was — and perhaps still is — a powerful politician in Albania's ruling Socialist Party.
Albania is fighting corruption. The accused are fighting back.
US and Russia draw up peace plan for Ukraine that includes big concessions from Kyiv KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The U.S. and Russia have drawn up a plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine that calls for major concessions from Kyiv, according to a person familiar with the matter, including granting some demands the Kremlin has made repeatedly since the full-scale invasion began nearly …
South Africa: Criminal Courts in Cape Town Are Near to Collapse
We need a total revamp of the criminal justice system Criminal courts in Cape Town are near to collapse. That, in a nutshell, is my experience as an attorney who has worked in these courts for the past 30 years. Workloads for court officials are unbearable. There are too few courts. Court buildings are old and inadequate. Security for witnesses, lawyers and the public is poor. Cases come to court which should not. There is general chaos.
Criminal courts in Cape Town are near to collapse
We need a total revamp of the criminal justice system Criminal courts in Cape Town are near to collapse. That, in a nutshell, is my experience as an attorney who has worked in these courts for the past 30 years. Workloads for court officials are unbearable. There are too few courts. Court buildings are old and inadequate. Security for witnesses, lawyers and the public is poor. Cases come to court which should not. There is general chaos.
Can a sense of humor get Albania into the EU?
Something curious is going on in Albania. The government banned TikTok to protect the country’s youth from malign social media. The president appointed an artificial intelligence chatbot as a cabinet minister to fight corruption. Now one of the country’s best-known comedians, famous for his wicked impersonations of the long-serving leader, is running for mayor of the capital city.
Can a sense of humor get Albania into the E.U.?
Can a sense of humor get Albania into the E.U.? (washingtonpost.com) Can a sense of humor get Albania into the E.U.? By William Booth; Fjori Sinoruka 2025103009001000 Something curious is going on in Albania. The government banned TikTok to protect the country's youth from malign social media. It appointed an artificial intelligence chatbot as a cabinet minister to fight corruption.
Can a sense of humor get Albania into the E.U.?
World’s first AI minister ‘pregnant with 83 children’, Albanian prime minister says The world’s first AI minister is “pregnant with 83 children”, Albania’s prime minister has announced. Speaking in Berlin on Saturday (25 October), Edi Rama revealed that Diella, who was introduced earlier this year, will soon “give birth” to more than 80 AI children, with each one assisting a member of parliament.
Oxford debate club to vote on ousting leader for LOL over Charlie Kirk killing
Oxford debate club to vote on ousting leader for LOL over Charlie Kirk killing (washingtonpost.com) Oxford debate club to vote on ousting leader for LOL over Charlie Kirk killing By William Booth 2025101714475800 LONDON — The Oxford Union is, in its own estimation, "the world's most prestigious debating society," where international guests and speakers have sat for pointed interviews and stood for lively debate in its hallowed halls since 1823.
For the European Union, political trouble rises in the east
For the European Union, political trouble rises in the east (washingtonpost.com) For the European Union, political trouble rises in the east By William Booth 2025100811291200 Trouble is brewing in the east for the European Union — and Russia's refusal to halt its grinding war in Ukraine is only part of the problem.
Denmark, hoping to reconcile, apologizes for forced contraception in Greenland
Denmark, hoping to reconcile, apologizes for forced contraception in Greenland (washingtonpost.com) Denmark, hoping to reconcile, apologizes for forced contraception in Greenland By William Booth 2025092413053800 In a ceremony that sought to redress old wrongs — and showcase new sensitivities by a former colonial power — the prime minister of Denmark and her Greenlandic counterpart on Wednesday formally apologized for their governments' roles in the medical mistreatment of Greenlandic Inuit...
Drone flights shut airports in Denmark, Norway as anxiety over Russia soars
Drone flights shut airports in Denmark, Norway as anxiety over Russia soars (washingtonpost.com) Drone flights shut airports in Denmark, Norway as anxiety over Russia soars By William Booth; Ellen Francis 2025092311294200 LONDON — The authorities have not identified the operators. A prankster? A state actor?
Sustained protests push Serbia toward a defining choice — democracy or drift
Sustained protests push Serbia toward a defining choice — democracy or drift (washingtonpost.com) Sustained protests push Serbia toward a defining choice — democracy or drift By William Booth 2025092209245400 BELGRADE — What started with a silent vigil by a handful of students late last year has grown into some of the largest protests in Serbia's history, rivaling the mass demonstrations that pushed the strongman Slobodan Milosevic from power a quarter-century ago.
Denmark summons US diplomat over alleged influence campaign in Greenland
Mark Stroh, the top U.S. diplomat in Denmark, arrives at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday in Copenhagen, Denmark. AP Denmark’s foreign minister summoned the most senior U.S. diplomat in the country Wednesday after the nation’s public broadcaster reported that Americans have been conducting influence operations in Greenland, the semiautonomous territory that President Donald Trump wants the United States to control.
Denmark summons U.S. diplomat over alleged influence campaign in Greenland
Denmark summons U.S. diplomat over alleged influence campaign in Greenland (washingtonpost.com) Denmark summons U.S. diplomat over alleged influence campaign in Greenland By Vivian Ho; William Booth 2025082709145700 Denmark's foreign minister summoned the most senior U.S. diplomat in the country Wednesday after the nation's public broadcaster reported that Americans have been conducting influence operations in Greenland, the semiautonomous territory that President Donald Trump wants the...
Poland’s new president is positioned to make history — or rewrite it
Poland’s new president is positioned to make history — or rewrite it (washingtonpost.com) Poland’s new president is positioned to make history — or rewrite it By William Booth 2025080610000000 GDANSK, Poland — As a MAGA-endorsed candidate, he was awarded a visit to the Oval Office, where he posed, thumbs up, with President Donald Trump.
El último adiós a Ozzy Osbourne en Birmingham reunió a varias generaciones de fans
Los headbangers lanzaron flores sobre el coche fúnebre negro, mientras una banda de metales interpretaba una versión de Iron Man. Miles de dolientes presenciaron el cortejo fúnebre. Gritaron “¡Ozzy!" y levantaron las manos en señal de “cuernos del diablo” mientras el cortejo avanzaba por Broad Street, en el centro de Birmingham. La semana pasada falleció Ozzy Osbourne, líder de Black Sabbath, figura clave del heavy metal y del reality televisivo.
Il funerale di Ozzy Osbourne: un racconto da Birmingham tra fiori, lacrime e metal
Dal Washington Post Fan in lutto, corna al cielo e fiori neri per il frontman dei Black Sabbath. La città natale saluta il figlio ribelle che ha inventato l'heavy metal: “Era uno di noi. E sarà per sempre una leggenda" x Ansa Ansa Ansa LaPresse LaPresse Birmingham. I fan del metal lanciavano fiori sul carro funebre nero, mentre una banda di ottoni suonava una cover di “Iron Man”. Migliaia di persone in lutto si sono radunate per assistere al corteo.
THE WASHINGTON POST: Emotional scenes in Birmingham as fans and family honour metal icon Ozzy Osbourne
The headbangers threw flowers atop the black hearse, as a brass band played a cover of Iron Man. Thousands of mourners came out to watch the funeral procession. They chanted “Ozzy!” and raised their hands in “devil’s horns” sign as his cortege rolled down Broad Street in Birmingham’s city centre. The world last week lost Ozzy Osbourne, the front man of Black Sabbath, heavy metal founder and bat-munching TV dad.
Kovy, ktoré definujú 21. storočie, ukrýva aj Grónsko. Záujem o ne má Trump aj Únia
Trump získa, čo chce. Lokalita navrhovanej bane Tanbreez je z veľkej časti nezmenená, s výnimkou stoviek malých kruhových otvorov vo výbežku. (Zdroj: Juliette Pavy — The Washington Post) Text pôvodne vyšiel v denníku The Washington Post. Ťažko si ho nevšimnúť – tmavý skalnatý masív na vrchole fjordu. Vzduch brázdia krkavce, z útesov padajú vodopády, ale na tomto výbežku nerastie nič zelené. Pripomína Mordor. Rybár vypína motor.
Starmer vows to recognize Palestinian state unless Israel shifts Gaza policy
Starmer vows to recognize Palestinian state unless Israel shifts Gaza policy (washingtonpost.com) Starmer vows to recognize Palestinian state unless Israel shifts Gaza policy By William Booth 2025072918375400 LONDON — Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Tuesday that Britain will formally recognize a Palestinian state in September — unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire and commits to a two-state solution.
Send the Fire
1 O Jesus Christ of burning, cleansing flame, Your precious blood-bought gift today we claim. Look down and see this waiting host, send us the promised Holy Ghost: Oh, how we long to see another Pentecost. Refrain: Send the fire, send the fire, O Lord.
Donald Trump codicia las riquezas de tierras raras, pero Groenlandia planea explotar su propio negocio
Es difícil pasar por alto la imponente masa de roca oscura en la cima del fiordo. Hay cuervos volando en círculos y cascadas imponentes, pero ni una sola cosa verde crece en el afloramiento. Un aire a Mordor. El pescador apaga el motor. Esta montaña mágica en el extremo sur de Groenlandia contiene uno de los mayores depósitos de minerales de tierras raras del planeta, según la empresa propietaria de la licencia para su explotación.
Trump covets rare earth riches, but Greenland plans to mine its own business
Trump covets rare earth riches, but Greenland plans to mine its own business (washingtonpost.com) Trump covets rare earth riches, but Greenland plans to mine its own business By William Booth; Laris Karklis 2025072710155600 QAQORTOQ, Greenland — It is hard to miss, the looming mass of dark rock at the top of the fjord. There are circling ravens and towering waterfalls, but not a green thing growing on the outcrop. A Mordor vibe. The fisherman cuts the engine.
Trump covets rare earth riches, but Greenland plans to mine its own business
Here's a puzzling question: Why are stocks at record highs despite looming tariffs? From businesses to Americans across the country, everybody seems worried that the economy will be hit badly if the massive tariffs threatened by President Trump go into effect this week on Aug. 1. Yet anybody who has looked recently at their 401(k) statements or retirement accounts will have noticed …
7/28/25 National Security News and Commentary
Quotes of the Day: "Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” – Thomas Jefferson "Success is not fain, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts." – Winston Churchill "Beware of being too rational. In the country of the insane, the integrated man doesn't become king. He gets lynched." – Aldous Huxley 1. New Missile for Truck-Based Himars Launchers Has China in Its Sights 2.
Duo sentenced to four years for ‘moronic’ killing of tree in England
Duo sentenced to four years for ‘moronic’ killing of tree in England (washingtonpost.com) Duo sentenced to four years for ‘moronic’ killing of tree in England By William Booth 2025071519281200 NEWCASTLE, England — It was, the prosecutor declared, a "moronic mission" of historic proportions — a pair of hapless vandals who chopped down perhaps the most beloved tree in England, located in a gap in Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the Romans.
Macron visits Greenland in show of support for territory coveted by Trump
Macron visits Greenland in show of support for territory coveted by Trump (washingtonpost.com) Macron visits Greenland in show of support for territory coveted by Trump By William Booth 2025061518581100 COPENHAGEN — French President Emmanuel Macron visited Greenland on Sunday, saying he was bringing "a message of solidarity and friendship" from France and the European Union to a strategic Arctic territory that President Donald Trump has vowed to "get" for the United States "one way or...
To Berlin’s relief, Musk — not Merz — got slammed during White House visit
To Berlin’s relief, Musk — not Merz — got slammed during White House visit (washingtonpost.com) To Berlin’s relief, Musk — not Merz — got slammed during White House visit By Kate Brady; Aaron Wiener; William Booth 2025060614365800 BERLIN — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz went to the White House on Thursday to talk about trade, war, peace and the future of the Western alliance — a high-stakes meeting for which his top advisers made painstaking preparations.
Trump’s tariffs cloud the future of a medical wonder
FORCHHEIM, Germany - On the outskirts of this bucolic town, in a region known as “das Medical Valley,” workers on a vast factory floor are assembling what they describe as the future: the game-changing scanners that can give doctors the most detailed images ever of what is happening inside the hearts, lungs and brains of their patients.
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