News in Brief: Abuse, Royalty, and Global Tensions

This week's news cycle has been marked by a mix of disturbing revelations, shocking accusations, and rising global tensions. From the personal story of a survivor of financial abuse to the ongoing scrutiny of Prince Andrew's past actions, and from the world of high-stakes antiques auctions to the threat of limited military strikes, the news has been dominated by contrasting stories that highlight the complexities of our world.

In the UK, a survivor of financial abuse has been invited to advise ministers on measures to support victims of financial abuse. Francesca Onody's story, highlighted by the Guardian, reveals the devastating consequences of financial abuse, which left her homeless and penniless after her husband doused their cottage with petrol while she and her two children were inside. Her husband, Malcolm Baker, died in the explosion, and Onody discovered that he had cancelled their insurance policies and emptied their business bank accounts after she began divorce proceedings. City minister Lucy Rigby has acted swiftly, inviting Onody to advise the government on measures to support victims of financial abuse.

In a stark contrast, the Chelsea flower show is seeking new charity sponsors after a mystery philanthropic couple ended their support. Project Giving Back, set up by the anonymous donors in 2022, has paid for 63 gardens at the prestigious horticultural event, but this year will be their last. The news has left the organizers scrambling to find new sponsors to support the event.

Meanwhile, Prince Andrew's past actions continue to make headlines. The former prince has been embroiled in controversy over his links to Jeffrey Epstein, and a series of photographs have kept him in the public eye. The pictures, including one taken in 2001 with Virginia Giuffre and Ghislaine Maxwell, have put pressure on the royal family to address the allegations.

In a shocking revelation, an antiques auction in Scotland has been accused of "profiting from slavery" after it emerged that they were selling neck shackles linked to the enslavement of African people in Zanzibar. Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy has condemned the sale, saying that treating these objects as collectors' items "should be looked at in horror." The auctioneer, Marcus Salter, has defended the sale, saying that he wants to "shock people into learning the whole truth" about the history of slavery.

On the global stage, tensions are rising as Iran prepares a nuclear counterproposal in response to US demands. Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that a draft could be ready for internal review in the coming days, while US President Donald Trump has warned that he is considering limited military strikes. The situation has sparked fears of a potential conflict, with two US officials telling Reuters that military planning on Iran has reached an advanced stage.

As the news cycle continues to unfold, it is clear that the world is grappling with complex and contrasting stories that highlight the best and worst of human nature. From the personal struggles of survivors of financial abuse to the global tensions that threaten to erupt into conflict, the news is a reminder that our world is multifaceted and multifarious.