Paul Owen

Helen Pidd speaks with Guardian international news editor Paul Owen about Natalie Harp, one of Donald Trump’s closest aides. The discussion examines why Harp is known as the “human printer,” the intense media attention surrounding her, and the significance of Democratic senator Jon Ossoff naming her in a speech that went viral.

A felt-tip Duro Rocket pen used by Buzz Aldrin during Apollo 11 to restore a broken lunar-module circuit breaker sold at Sotheby’s in New York for $857,600. The pen, together with the damaged circuit-breaker component, came from Aldrin’s personal collection and attracted five bidders. Aldrin’s accounts describe how the improvised repair restored power to the ascent engine, enabling him and Neil Armstrong to leave the Moon. The sale comes as NASA and China plan future crewed lunar missions, while Aldrin continues to advocate for a human mission to Mars.

Humanity’s return to the moon through Nasa’s Artemis missions is contrasted with the political urgency and cultural impact of the Apollo era. While Artemis II will retrace rather than surpass earlier achievements, its diverse crew and renewed exploration efforts highlight the moon’s enduring cultural pull. Political shifts, especially under Donald Trump, have shaped how the mission is presented, including the removal of references to its historic representation milestones. Despite lacking the ground‑breaking novelty of Apollo, upcoming missions may still inspire public fascination given the moon’s long-standing artistic, scientific and symbolic allure.

A ranked selection of 20 songs inspired by the moon highlights a wide range of genres and themes, from romantic standards and indie meditations to social commentary and space‑age exuberance. The list spans artists including Paul Simon, Elvis Presley, Gil Scott‑Heron, David Bowie and REM, noting the cultural impact, emotional resonance and historical context behind each track.

A US strike reportedly killed seven members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces, intensifying regional tensions amid the US-Israel war on Iran. The conflict continued to disrupt global energy markets as countries including Japan and South Korea implemented emergency measures. Ursula von der Leyen urged negotiations to end hostilities, while fuel shortages spread across Australia. Israel struck targets in Lebanon and Tehran, and Iran launched additional missile attacks. Statements from Donald Trump suggested delayed US strikes following purported talks with Iran, which Tehran denied. Fighting escalated across multiple fronts as diplomatic efforts remained uncertain.

Analysis of more than a million emails reveals Jeffrey Epstein’s extensive connections with high-profile figures in finance, academia and the arts, including Larry Summers, Woody Allen and Jes Staley. Correspondence shows Epstein served as a facilitator for meetings, donations and introductions, while maintaining close personal relationships with key individuals. Summers’ communications show professional and personal entanglement, including discussions about donations involving his wife. Emails between Epstein and Allen’s household indicate a long friendship marked by meals, trips and support, including attempts to influence school admissions. Staley’s messages reflect a close bond and visits to Epstein’s properties, despite later denials of friendship. The investigation highlights Epstein’s broad network among global elites while noting that appearing in the emails does not constitute evidence of wrongdoing.

Analysis of more than a million emails from the Epstein files reveals extensive, long‑term connections between Jeffrey Epstein and influential figures across politics, business, diplomacy and culture. The correspondence highlights prolific communication with Steve Bannon, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Sarah Ferguson and Peter Mandelson, among others, with several individuals facing resignations, investigations or public scrutiny as a result. Many exchanges occurred after Epstein’s 2008 conviction, showing that numerous high‑profile contacts maintained close engagement with him for years. The documents also connect Epstein to politicians, diplomats, academics and cultural figures worldwide, illustrating his role as a key networker among global elites.

A rapidly shifting sequence of events followed Iran’s missile strike on a US base in Qatar, with Donald Trump calling the attack weak and announcing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran despite confused timelines and conflicting claims. Both sides accused the other of violating the ceasefire, and Israeli and Iranian strikes continued as officials issued contradictory statements. Trump publicly admonished Israel for its actions and urged restraint while reports indicated Netanyahu refused to cancel all planned responses. Limited Israeli strikes were ultimately carried out, Iran claimed retaliation successes, and uncertainty persisted over whether the ceasefire would hold.

China condemned US vice‑president JD Vance for referring to “Chinese peasants” while defending Donald Trump’s new tariffs, calling the remarks ignorant and disrespectful. The exchange followed China’s reciprocal 34% tariff on US imports and Trump’s threat of an additional 50% levy if Beijing did not reverse its move. Chinese internet users pushed back online, highlighting the country’s technological and infrastructure achievements. The escalating tariff dispute has contributed to global market losses as both governments signal willingness to intensify the trade conflict.

An AI-generated video shared by Donald Trump depicting a fictional resort-style Gaza sparked backlash on Truth Social, with supporters criticizing its imagery, including a topless portrayal of Benjamin Netanyahu, golden statues of Trump and bearded belly dancers. Critics called the video disrespectful, idolatrous and in poor taste. The clip depicted Trump’s proposed redevelopment plan for Gaza, which has been condemned as a form of ethnic cleansing. The controversy unfolded amid ongoing allegations of genocide against Israel in the Gaza war and objections from Middle Eastern governments to Trump's plans, which excluded Palestinian input.

JD Vance’s political evolution is traced through a series of public statements spanning a decade, highlighting his shift from vocal critic of Donald Trump to his vice‑presidential running mate. The quotes cover his early denunciations of Trump, changing stance on abortion, skepticism about US involvement in Ukraine, comments on election legitimacy, views on the January 6 attack, climate change skepticism and recent remarks on the UK and the attempted assassination of Trump. These statements illustrate how Vance’s positions have aligned increasingly with Trump and the contemporary Republican Party.

Putin accuses the US and Nato of ignoring Russia’s security concerns as tensions build around Ukraine, while Russia continues military deployments near the border. Anger grows in Chicago over the early release of Jason Van Dyke, convicted of killing Laquan McDonald. The Anti-Defamation League reports more than 100 far-right Republican candidates running for office, some with extremist ties. Additional news includes Whoopi Goldberg’s suspension, Brian Flores’s discrimination lawsuit against the NFL, and revelations about Trump-era document handling. Research highlights that extreme ocean heat has become a new normal, and an Idaho library embraces a child’s self-published book after he secretly shelved it.

Michael K Williams’ portrayal of Omar Little reshaped television by subverting stereotypes and presenting a deeply complex, morally driven character within Baltimore’s drug world. His performance challenged homophobia, influenced cultural conversations, and became central to The Wire’s themes of systemic determinism. Williams’ career extended to acclaimed roles across film and television, alongside notable advocacy work on mass incarceration. His death prompted widespread tributes celebrating the humanity and depth he brought to marginalized characters.

Describes the life of educator Sue Owen, highlighting her work in adult education, multilingual interests and commitment to internationalist and feminist values. Recounts her childhood across Germany and the UK, her career in Manchester, her family life, volunteer work, travel and care for her mother. Reflects on her love of nature, music and reading, concluding with her unexpected death following an operation and the family she leaves behind.

Joe Biden strengthened his lead in the Democratic primary with key victories and measured responses to the coronavirus crisis, while Bernie Sanders faced mounting pressure despite continuing to push his policy agenda. Donald Trump’s inconsistent handling of the pandemic and abrupt travel bans drew criticism and contributed to economic turmoil. Republicans faced growing concerns as polls showed their supporters less likely to take precautions, highlighting a widening partisan divide during a quickly escalating public health emergency.

Trump announced a temporary suspension of most travel from the EU to the US, prompting widespread confusion due to unclear and inaccurate statements about the policy’s scope. The administration later clarified that US citizens, permanent residents and most family members were exempt. Congressional Democratic leaders criticized the president for failing to address the shortage of coronavirus testing kits and introduced legislation to expand testing access, emergency leave and food assistance. Travelers at US airports faced uncertainty about canceled trips and evolving restrictions, while markets signaled further declines after the end of an 11‑year bull run. Health officials noted that travel bans have limited effectiveness once domestic transmission is established, and questions remained about how the suspension would be implemented.

Joe Biden re-established himself as the Democratic frontrunner after strong Super Tuesday results aided by key centrist endorsements, while Bernie Sanders’ anticipated momentum fell short outside California. Elizabeth Warren ended her campaign following poor showings, and Mike Bloomberg exited after an unimpactful debut despite heavy spending. A dispute within Public Enemy led to Flavor Flav’s dismissal amid disagreements linked to Sanders-related events.

GCSE results in 2012 showed the first decline in A*–C grades since the exams began, triggering widespread criticism from teachers and school leaders who argued that English grade boundaries had been raised unfairly. Ofqual denied imposing pressure on exam boards but acknowledged a shift in regulatory approach, while exam boards confirmed adjustments to boundaries, particularly in English and science. The changes placed more schools at risk of falling below government floor standards, intensifying debate over political influence on exam outcomes. Reactions from unions, headteachers and politicians highlighted concerns about fairness, transparency and the impact on students’ futures, as schools across the UK reported unexpected drops in English results.