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Take a look at some of the main stories from the week and an insight into The Ferret's work.
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Hi ,

The news is officially moving too fast.

Since we last spoke, there's been a mutiny against Vladimir Putin orchestrated by a mercenary group that was cancelled after one day, Matt Hancock has apologised for the UK's poor pandemic planning, and they found a deadly spider in someone's suitcase in Edinburgh!

What we all need is to slow down and relax a bit. What better way to do that than by reading an expertly-curated newsletter from your favourite non-profit investigative journalism/fact-checking platform.

This week, we've got environmental targets missed by the Scottish Government, a far-right extremist jailed for terror offences, and a podcast about how journalism is being muzzled by strategic legal threats from the powerful.

See, I bet you feel relaxed now.
Yours,
Ali
Story of the week
An in-depth look at a Ferret investigation
A far right extremist with links to Patriotic Alternative Scotland has been jailed for four years and eight months.

Kristofer Kearney, 39, from Liverpool, is believed to be the first member of Patriotic Alternative to be convicted of terrorist offences.

Known online as Charlie Big Potatoes, he shared posts encouraging violence against Jews and Muslims and claimed Adolf Hitler “showed people the way”.

The Ferret previously revealed Kearney had links to PA Scotland and hosted a podcast for the group.
Read the full story
What did we dig up this week?
A round up of our investigations in the last seven days
Peatlands restoration target missed for fifth year running
The Scottish Government has admitted its target to restore peatlands has been missed for the fifth year running.
Caravan owners report rent hikes, eviction threats and unfair contracts
Static caravan owners in Scotland have called for better protections amid allegations of rent hikes, eviction threats, and contract terms they deem unfair.
Whisky companies rapped for polluting rivers
William Grant & Sons and Chivas Brothers were forced to take action to prevent more spillages from their Glenfiddich and Glen Keith distilleries on Speyside.
Fact check: Claims about Boris Johnson’s ‘partygate’ legal fees
The UK parliament backed a report that found Boris Johnson deliberately misled MPs over parties which took place at Downing Street during lockdown.
More than 300 racing greyhounds died last year
More than 300 racing greyhounds died last year in the UK and 4,354 injuries to dogs were recorded, according to new data.
Investigation launched into illegal gravel extraction on River Clyde
Illegal gravel extraction on the River Clyde could have “serious consequences” for wildlife and lead to flooding.
For Fact's Sake
Our misinformation and fact-checking podcast

Are strategic legal threats killing good journalism?

Episode 11 of For Fact’s Sake is all about how journalists and fact-checkers are often stifled by legal action.

We spoke to Nik Williams from Index on Censorship (and The Ferret’s co-chair) about strategic litigation against public participation, more commonly known as SLAPPs.

A SLAPP is a legal threat that is often aimed at stopping an accurate piece of information from entering the public domain.
Listen now
Question of the Week
Should greyhound racing be banned?
Yes
No
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
‘It’s breaking my heart’: Abortion providers on life after Roe
For many US abortion providers, working in a clinic isn’t just a job. In the 15 states that have banned almost all abortions, business has been turbulent. (Vice)
‘People are like, Wow!’: the man trying to make condoms sexy
It has been said that condoms share marketing characteristics with napalm and funerals. (Guardian)
Three UK supermarkets sell antibiotic dosed chickens linked to deadly superbug outbreak
Three large UK supermarkets are sourcing chickens dosed with antibiotics by a Polish producer linked to the spread of deadly superbugs. (ITV News)
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Any comments? Have you seen something we could include? Email us at contact@theferret.scot.

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