A report by London victims' commissioner Claire Waxman highlights systemic failures in the criminal justice system's handling of stalking cases, with many cases being misclassified and offenders evading justice. The report calls for comprehensive reform of stalking laws, citing confusing legislation and inadequate police response. The Suzy Lamplugh Trust and other stakeholders emphasize the need for urgent action and better understanding among police officers. Recent changes in guidance aim to lower the standard of proof for issuing Stalking Prevention Orders, but more needs to be done to address escalating predatory behavior and ensure victim safety. The article also discusses the impact of stalking on victims and the need for harsher penalties for gateway offenses.

Israel's Supreme Court has ruled that ultra-Orthodox Jews must serve in the military, ending a long-standing exemption. This decision could destabilize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government, as ultra-Orthodox parties are integral to its support. The ruling has sparked controversy, with ultra-Orthodox leaders opposing it due to religious conflicts, while secular Israelis support the change. The decision comes amid ongoing conflict in Gaza and could lead to political maneuvering or even government collapse. Netanyahu has proposed compromises, but the ultra-Orthodox community remains largely resistant.

Denmark is constructing two energy islands to facilitate Europe's green transition by producing wind energy and potentially green hydrogen. The North Sea island, costing €28 billion, will transmit electricity to Denmark and neighboring countries, while Bornholm Island in the Baltic Sea will provide power to Germany and Sweden. The projects aim to reduce reliance on Russian gas and contribute to the EU's 2050 net zero target. The energy islands represent a new approach to renewable energy generation, with the potential to transmit offshore wind power over large distances and serve multiple countries simultaneously. The islands could also become hubs for green hydrogen production, benefiting heavy industry, aviation, and shipping.

The article discusses the implications of the Genocide Convention for the conflict in Gaza, focusing on a legal case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The case accuses Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and seeks to enforce measures to prevent further harm. The ICJ has ordered Israel to take steps to prevent genocide, but a final ruling could take years. The article also highlights the historical and diplomatic ties between South Africa and Palestine, as well as the involvement of other countries like Ireland and Nicaragua in related legal actions.

The World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos will focus on the climate crisis, with experts anticipating discussions on climate finance, the intersection of climate with health, and redirecting fossil-fuel subsidies to clean energy. The absence of snow in Davos underscores the urgency of the climate topic. Sessions will cover sustainable diets, clean energy, and deforestation monitoring. Climate leaders like Al Gore and John Kerry will discuss decarbonization and climate finance. The Nature Conservancy's CEO Jennifer Morris emphasizes the need for private investment in climate solutions, while Sweta Chakraborty of We Don't Have Time and Alice Bell from the Wellcome Trust stress the importance of addressing interlinked crises and fostering public-private partnerships for a clean energy transition.

Cyber flashing, the act of sending unsolicited sexual images, has become a significant issue, particularly affecting women and teenagers. In England and Wales, the Online Safety Act has criminalized cyber flashing, leading to the first conviction in February 2024. Nicholas Hawke was convicted for sending unsolicited nudes on WhatsApp to a minor and a woman. The law aims to address the disparity between in-person and online flashing, with campaigners advocating for better education on sexual violence. Scotland has had a law against cyber flashing since 2010, but with low conviction rates. Globally, countries like Singapore have taken action, while the EU plans to introduce rules against online violence towards women. In the US, some states have laws against cyber flashing, with others developing legislation.

Women in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community of Kiryas Joel near New York are on a sex strike to protest against a Jewish law that traps them in unwanted marriages. The strike, led by Adina Sash and symbolized by Malky Berkowitz, aims to pressure men to support changes to the law and recognize 'get-refusal' as abuse. The movement has sparked controversy within the community, with some religious leaders and community members opposing the tactic. The strike has drawn attention to the broader issue of women's rights within the ultra-Orthodox community.

Banksy, an anonymous British graffiti artist, has a new mural in Finsbury Park, London. Despite some of his works being removed or destroyed, fans can still find Banksy's art in London, Bristol, and other UK locations. Banksy's pieces are highly valued, with some fetching millions at auction, such as the 'Game Changer' painting sold for NHS causes. Speculation about Banksy's identity includes rumors about Robert Del Naja from Massive Attack and Robin Gunningham, but Banksy's true identity remains unconfirmed.

Dame Laura Kenny, Britain's most successful female Olympian, announced her retirement at 31 after a stellar career with five Olympic gold medals. She inspired many women and girls to take up cycling. Laura's journey began in Essex, overcoming asthma through sport, and she quickly rose to prominence in British cycling. She is married to Jason Kenny, Britain's most decorated Olympian, and they have two sons. Laura's future plans focus on family, ruling out coaching but expressing interest in supporting young cyclists.

Aloha Airlines Flight 243 experienced a catastrophic mid-flight incident on April 29, 1988, when a five-meter hole ripped through the roof of the Boeing 737-2000 due to metal fatigue. The incident resulted in the tragic death of flight attendant Clarabelle Lansing and injuries to 65 passengers. Pilot Robert Schornstheimer managed to safely land the plane at Kahului Airport on Maui despite severe structural damage. The aftermath led to changes in aircraft maintenance practices and the creation of a critical incident response program for pilots. A garden at Honolulu International Airport was later dedicated to Lansing's memory.