Hi ,

As you know, The Ferret is committed exposing the lies and malfeasance used to gain power and success.

So apologies that we missed this week's biggest scandal: alleged cheating at the World Conker Championships in Southwick!

Organisers are investigating after the men's champion was found with a steel chestnut in his pocket. David Jakins, 82, said he only had it for "humour value", but the case continues.

I hope this week's selection of investigations makes up for our journalistic oversight. 

Yours,

Ali

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Story of the week

An in-depth look at a Ferret investigation

On the way to the activity wing of Polmont Young Offenders Institute –  through locked doors and up and down stairs – there is a long corridor with full length windows on which single words are etched onto the glass. Hope, says one. Believe. Inspire. 

Today’s prison workshop on masculinity and attitudes to rising rates of online-fuelled misogyny, attended today by five young men serving time here, hopes to inspire real and lasting change.

This “positive masculinity” package was developed by the prison’s community safety team and Iain Corbett, youth worker and participation advisor for Strathclyde University’s Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice, has been delivering it for several months. Forty-eight young men have taken part so far.

What did we dig up this week?

A round up of our investigations in the last seven days

‘Sickening’: Grangemouth owners set for £6m closure windfall

The closure of the refinery will cost 400 jobs and has been described as a “hammer blow” to workers and the local community. 

Claim that Humza Yousaf knew of Hamas attacks before the public is Unsupported

The 16-minute video, which was posted to YouTube, was produced by podcast host Craig Houston who regularly posts videos discussing and analysing Scottish politics. 

Eco-billionaire’s private jets took over 1,000 flights in four years

Private jets owned by Scotland’s richest man and environmental champion, Anders Holch Povlsen, have made over 1,000 flights in the last four years.

Millionaire MP who branded wind farms ‘eco scam’ owns wind turbine firm

Liberal Democrats MP Angus MacDonald co-owns and directs a company that makes and repairs turbine parts, despite rubbishing the green technology years earlier.

Explained: The rise of online misogyny

The effect of figures online such as Andrew Tate and communities linked to the so-called ‘manosphere’ has become an issue impacting young men in Scotland. 

Question of the week

Are you concerned about the rise of misogyny online?

We now have a platform exclusive for Ferret Underground subscribers where you can share ideas about future investigations, answer polls and more!

Create an account here to get access.

Best of the rest

Investigations we've enjoyed from around the world

TikTok plans mass job cuts on UK moderation and safety teams

At least 125 people who work in content moderation and other safety roles at the video platform have been told they may be made redundant. (The Bureau)

Elon Musk has given nearly $75m to his pro-Trump super PAC

He established America PAC in May to support Trump’s campaign to return to the White House. The super PAC is focused on voter turnout efforts in potential swing states. (NBC)

Heartbreaking story behind video of young man burnt to death after Israeli strike

Shaban al Dalu was sheltering in a tent in the compound of al Aqsa hospital with his parents and five siblings when an Israeli strike hit. (Sky News)

Any comments? Have you seen something we could include? Email us at contact@theferret.scot.

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