Review of UK and world papers and coverage of UK and global journalism stories and Journalism History for Wednesday 25th February 2026.
Journalism is the first draft of history and these daily reports seek to provide an online briefing of the history of journalism for each day featured.
The Chartered Institute of Journalists remembers all the professional journalists and media workers murdered and killed while doing their work this year in all parts of the world and remember the immense sacrifice of those who gave their lives to the profession in the past. We send our condolences to their families, friends and professional colleagues.
The Chartered Institute of Journalists wishes to make it absolutely clear that all our reporting of stories about journalism and media saying ‘reports’ ‘writes for’ ‘briefing’ or attribution followed by colon, does not imply or mean our agreement or endorsing with the quoted headline or linked story. Our policy is impartiality & apolitical.
X posts:-
BBC News Papers’ Review analysing front pages of UK national newspapers for Wednesday 25th February 2026: “‘US shuns war anniversary’ and ‘Prince of Darkness.'” See: https://x.com/CIoJournalist/status/2026555518622322796
To:
Sky News The Wrap discussing front pages of UK national newspapers for Wednesday 25th February 2026 with journalist Sonia Sodha, and Michael Gove editor of The Spectator. Guardian: ‘Mandleson hits out at police for arrest over claims of flight risk.’ See: https://x.com/CIoJournalist/status/2026557376178876824
CIoJ LinkedIn news edited by Liz Justice:
Former Mail on Sunday editor Peter Wright said Prince Harry’s accusations of illegal newsgathering at the paper are false, he told the High Court in the civil action claiming widespread use of phone hacking. See: https://www.linkedin.com/…/urn:li:activity…
To:
NBC News “TODAY” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie has issued a video on Instagram offering $1m for news about her 84-year-old mother, Nancy, who has been missing for more than three weeks. See: https://www.linkedin.com/…/urn:li:activity…
Latest CIoJ LinkedIn news feed stories edited by Liz Justice at: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/63500/
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Chatered Institute of Journalists Young Journalist of the Year Awards 2026
Business and Financial Journalist of the year category sponsored by Cavendish
‘We’re delighted that Cavendish Tech and Innovation is sponsoring the Business/Financial Journalist of the Year category at The Chartered Institute of Journalists (CIoJ) Young Journalist of the Year Awards 2026. This comes as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the media industry and championing new journalistic talent.
These awards celebrate the very best young journalists across the UK, recognising outstanding achievements by those aged 30 and under. Specifically, the Business/Financial Journalist of the Year award highlights impactful stories that cover the business/financial aspects of a particular company, sector, or issue – from funding and corporate governance to financial outcomes and strategic insight.
See: https://www.cioj.org/young-journalists-awards-2026/
The Winners of the 2026 Young Journalist of the Year Awards will be announced 17th March 2026.
Finalists for 2026 Awards
YOUNG BUSINESS/FINANCIAL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Nikou Asgari, Financial Times
Lucy Frost, International Financial Review
Sofia Gerace, mlex.com
YOUNG NEWS REPORTER OF THE YEAR
Charlotte Anderson, Romford Recorder/Local London
Isabel Clark, Southwark News
Megan Owen, BBC London
YOUNG ENVIRONMENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Charlotte Anderson, Romford Recorder/London Local
Ellen Ormesher, DeSmog UK
YOUNG CAMPAIGNING JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Charlotte Anderson, Romford Recorder – online and in print
Patricia Figueiredo, mlex.com
YOUNG FEATURE WRITER OF THE YEAR
Simon Ezra-Jackson, The Damned, print magazine, The New World. print/online
Annaliese Smith, moretohistory.com, Birmingham Dispatch, Discover Wildlife
Joseph Watt, Ultramarathon, print magazine/online, The Offset, print magazine/online.
YOUNG POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE YEAR
Jiji Ahn, BBC News
Jasmine Cameron-Chileshe, ITV National News
Amy Gibbons, The Daily Telegraph
YOUNG ARTS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Katie Chambers, The Stage
Sofia de la Cruz, Wallpaper
Evie Glen, Metal magazine
YOUNG TRAVEL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Alice Barnes-Brown, Travel Weekly
Kira Richards, National Geographic(UK)/Sunday Times
Annaliese Smith, Independent/Wired For Adventure
YOUNG HEALTH JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Amy Borrett, Financial Times
Ella Kipling, Mirror/Wales Online
Eliza Slawther, Pink Sheet
YOUNG SPORTS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Jamie Barton, CNN Digital Sports, London
Aryan Jolly, The Real EFL/The Football Deck/Wisden
Joseph Ryan, Kent Standard/Football Writers’ Association
YOUNG SHOW BIZ JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Evie Glen, The List, online magazine
Ella Kipling, The Mirror
The nominations are listed alphabetically and the winner in each category will be announced at the Young Journalist Awards presentations, on Tuesday 17th March at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, Tower Hill, following the Society of Editors Annual Conference, beginning with a reception at 6.00pm.
Many congratulations to winners, specially commended and finalists in inaugural 2025 CIoJ Young Journalist of the Year Awards, on 25th March 2025. See: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/live-group_youngjournalistawards-journalismmatters-cioj-activity-7310632030642339840-68d4?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAeLiVwB8a2_okGmo5JT2aJ02kIVH-ra9No
Gerald Bowey is the present President of the Chartered Institute of Journalists and Caroline Roddis, the Vice-President. Their roles were confirmed in a handover event at the Reform Club in Central London on Tuesday 20th February 2024.
Bowey emphasised the guidance, support, and encouragement that had been at the heart of the Institute for 140 years and announced the launch of a new Young Journalist of the Year awards scheme that would encourage journalists under 30 years of age to enter a range of categories.
Commenting Bowey said: “the Institute is focused on supporting working journalists, both in-house and freelance, in the workplace, as a trade union, and in sustaining journalists in difficult circumstances as a charitable trust.
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Two Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Journalists at the heart of British Journalism History
T.P.O’Connor founder of London campaigning evening newspaper The Star in 1888 and Arthur Burrows the first journalist and news presenter at the B.B.C. 1922.
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CIoJ member Clare Hollingworth OBE (1911-2017) – The first war correspondent to report the outbreak of World War II, described as “the scoop of the century”
Listen to Imperial War Museum archive interview with Clare recorded in 2001
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CIoJ X news feed at: https://x.com/CIoJournalist
CIoJ LinkedIn news feed edited by Liz Justice at: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/63500/
CIoJ Facebook news feed at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077475452242
Official CIoJ LinkedIn site for Institute news and projects at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-chartered-institute-of-journalists/posts/?feedView=all
Chartered Institute of Journalists website at: https://www.cioj.org/
Review of UK national newspapers for Wednesday 25th February 2026
A number of titles lead on the arrest and political fallout surrounding Lord Mandelson, with differing emphases on police conduct and alleged “flight risk” claims.
The Guardian headline reads: “Mandelson hits out at police for arrest over claims of flight risk”, reporting that the former cabinet minister has criticised the basis for his detention. The paper also carries the line: “Zelenskyy appeals to Trump to visit Kyiv”, reflecting continued focus on Ukraine.
The Daily Telegraph similarly leads with: “Mandelson held to stop him fleeing Britain”, reporting that police were “reportedly tipped off” that the peer planned to move abroad before his arrest.
The Times headline states: “Mandelson: Flight-risk fiction led to my arrest”, presenting his account that the justification for police action was unfounded. The paper also notes that Labour has agreed to release files relating to Prince Andrew’s trade envoy role.
The Daily Mail takes a firmer tone with: “Police feared Mandelson ‘was about to flee to British Virgin Islands’”, placing the alleged destination prominently on its front page. Its main headline focuses elsewhere: “Greens plan to hand illegal migrants free house, a wage and NHS care”, describing it as an exclusive.
The Daily Express leads on the NHS with: “HALF OF ADULTS AVOID GOING TO GP FOR HELP”, reporting polling that suggests millions are delaying or avoiding contact with their GP. The Mandelson story appears as a secondary headline: “‘PRINCE OF DARKNESS’ Mandelson back home after police grilling.”
The Daily Mirror also highlights the GP issue, but its splash is political. Under the banner “EXCLUSIVE: EX-PM’S WARNING”, the main headline reads: “WHY WE MUST STOP REFORM BY GORDON BROWN”, focusing on intervention by the former prime minister. It also carries: “‘Flight risk’ Mandelson lawyers say ‘baseless’ fear was behind arrest.”
The Sun leads with a large-format headline: “GET OFF YOUR HIGH HORSE, ANDY”, referring to Prince Andrew, and reports: “Arrested ex-prince banned from riding.” A separate box reads: “MANDY: POLICE FEARED I’D FLEE.”
The Star‘s front page runs the stories “MPs to release Andy Files” along with a photograph of Peter Mandleson returning to his London home with his figure throwing his shadow onto his porch wall combined with the headline: ‘Prince of Darkness- Many arrest over “flight-risk fears.”‘
The i newspaper front page headline states: “Minister attacks ‘rude, arrogant’ Andrew in historic Commons rebuke”, reporting on parliamentary criticism of the Duke of York. It also notes that MPs have voted to release files relating to his appointment as trade envoy.
The Financial Times shifts away from the Westminster focus, leading on markets with: “Investors seek shelter in asset-heavy stocks as AI anxiety shakes up Wall St”, analysing investor behaviour amid concerns about artificial intelligence. It also reports on Ukraine under the headline: “Kyiv’s candles: US shuns war anniversary.”
Finally, the Independent leads with: “MP: Epstein may have secured trade role for Andrew”, reporting claims made in the Commons about the Duke of York’s past appointment. The paper also features: “Europe backs Zelensky as Kyiv marks fourth anniversary of invasion.”
Across the front pages, the dominant themes are the Mandelson arrest and its political ramifications, renewed scrutiny of Prince Andrew’s past roles, concern over access to GP services, and continued international focus on Ukraine and financial market uncertainty.
Review of front pages of UK’s regional England, and nation Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland newspapers
Good morning. Here’s a further look at how ten front pages from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are leading the news today — in a style you might hear on BBC News or Sky News.
Wales
The Western Mail leads with a court case under the headline:
“Man murdered in ‘a fit of sexual jealousy’”,** reporting that a man has been jailed for at least 24 years after stabbing a romantic rival. The paper also features a lighter cultural story — “Druid’s call for museum of Welsh myths” — reflecting interest in national heritage.
The South Wales Echo focuses on housing, splashing:
“TEN-YEAR WAIT FOR A NEW HOME”.
It reports residents living in cold and mouldy flats who say they have waited a decade for new accommodation. The paper describes the situation as long-running and deeply frustrating for those affected.
Scotland
In Edinburgh, The Scotsman leads on public finances with:
“SNP ministers told to ‘raise taxes or face harmful cuts’”.
The report outlines proposals said to raise £2.3bn, as ministers are warned about mounting financial pressures.
Meanwhile, The Herald highlights developments in the ongoing Salmond–Sturgeon story. Its front page reads:
“Sturgeon: ‘Salmond warned of floodgates opening’”.
The paper says new files relate to claims about how harassment allegations were handled.
The Daily Record also leads on that story with the bold headline:
“THE SALMOND FILES”,
reporting that the former First Minister warned sex claims could “open the floodgates”.
Northern Ireland
In Belfast, The Irish News reports:
“Scaffolding bill at Stormont almost £250k… with still no date for repairs”.
The paper says scaffolding has remained in place for 18 months at significant cost.
The Belfast Telegraph leads on the Lurgan murder trial, with:
“‘Natalie died after suffering prolonged assault and stabbings’”.
The case continues at Belfast Crown Court.
Northern England
The Yorkshire Post focuses on farming policy under the headline:
“‘Funds cap risks sustainable farms’”.
It reports concerns over a proposed £100,000 limit on payouts for nature schemes, with landowners and the NFU said to be critical.
The Manchester Evening News leads on a tragic incident involving teenagers. Its headline reads:
“Boy ‘died a hero’ trying to save pal”,
describing how two teenagers were killed in what it calls a “station horror”.
London & National Focus
The Metro leads on new measures aimed at tackling online abuse, with:
“Tough porn crackdown to tackle abuse”.
It says ministers want to ban certain explicit content in an effort to reduce violence against women and girls.
Themes of the Day
Across the front pages, several themes emerge:
- Public finance pressures in Scotland and Northern Ireland
- Continued fallout from the Salmond investigation
- Criminal court cases in Wales and Northern Ireland
- Housing and infrastructure concerns
- Farming policy debates in England
- And proposed action on online abuse and pornography regulation
As ever, the tone varies — from campaigning language in some regional titles to more policy-focused reporting elsewhere — but together they provide a snapshot of political, social and legal issues dominating different parts of the UK this morning.
CIoJ LinkedIn news stories, Hold The Front Page news stories, Guardian media news stories, Press Gazette news stories, Arab News media stories and other stories from miscellaneous sources
The Institute calls on Belarus to release the journalists and media workers it has detained. Belarus is currently ranked 167th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index. See: https://rsf.org/en/country/belarus RSF states: ‘To silence independent journalists, the authorities have resorted to state-sponsored terrorism, including censorship, violence, mass arrests, and coordinated raids on homes and media offices, as well as disbanding the Association of Belarusian Journalists (BAJ).’
The CIoJ calls on all governments and states unjustly detaining journalists for doing their professional work to respect freedom of expression, the right to liberty and free them immediately. See: https://rsf.org/en/new-record-number-journalists-jailed-worldwide
North American Newspapers for Wednesday 25th February 2026
French Newspapers for Wednesday 25th February 2026
Montage of world newspapers Wednesday 25th February 2026
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This posting has been produced with the assistance of AI editorial and production services from ChatGPT Plus and Gemini.
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