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Emperor dragonfly

The Observer

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July 13, 2025

There's a story humans tell about a man who wakes up and finds that he's been turned into an insect.

- As told to Simon Barnes

I always love a story with a happy ending. But I've done better than Gregor Samsa. He merely turned from human into insect. I've changed from dragon into angel.

Monday

I was the terror of the pond. I stalked the muddy bottom for two years and lived as a monster. Larvae, crustaceans, worms, snails, leeches, tadpoles, even small fish: I ate them all, catching them with my snap-trap extending jaws. But - well, I suppose we all have this feeling sometimes - life is pretty good but it's time for something new.

Tuesday

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Andrew's emails shoot down Newsnight claim to have cut ties with tycoon

Despite what he told the BBC, a new year greeting and a confidential briefing reveal his links with Epstein were far from over

time to read

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Spooked by Reform, Labour may have cut net migration too far. It could cost us billions

When the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) sets its forecast for the 2026 budget it will have a big call to make.

time to read

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February 08, 2026

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Cabinet Office failed to query ambassador's relationship with Epstein

Investigators carrying out security vetting on Peter Mandelson failed to ask interviewees about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, despite the fact the pair's connection was in the public domain.

time to read

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February 08, 2026

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Jules Verne’s dystopia was a world without humanities. Don’t let it become a reality

In my youth, I loved Jules Verne.

time to read

6 mins

February 08, 2026

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The Epstein files reveal more than depravity. They unmask how the elite operates

Peter Mandelson was part of a cabal that prized wealth and influence. For some, sex was the added bonus

time to read

4 mins

February 08, 2026

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Orphaned brothers will lose their youth waiting for Afghan inquiry

Imran Uzbakzai was three and his brother Bilal one when they were orphaned on a night raid carried out by the British army in Afghanistan in 2012.

time to read

5 mins

February 08, 2026

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'Starmer has to stay. You wouldn't sack a football manager after 35 minutes'

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan revisits the Tooting streets where he grew up and talks to Rachel Sylvester about rejoining the EU in his lifetime, Trump's 'rubbish', Mandelson's 'arrogance' and why he takes bodyguards to the cinema

time to read

8 mins

February 08, 2026

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'Motive is everywhere': mysterious death of Gaddafi Jr brings chapter in Libya's bloody history to a close

Saif al-Islam was once a valuable link with the west but the playboy turned would-be leader had dropped from view. So what prompted the 'slick' assassination, asks Barry Malone

time to read

6 mins

February 08, 2026

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Brown-throated sloth

The world is always in a hurry, and those that hurry look at me with pity.

time to read

2 mins

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Bad Bunny

Proudly Latin American, the star's Super Bowl turn is dividing the US, writes Barbara Ellen

time to read

4 mins

February 08, 2026

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