disturbing

A Vermont state senator who took part in a Young Republicans group chat on Telegram in which members made racist comments and joked about rape and gas chambers has resigned.

State Sen. Sam Douglass was revealed last week to have participated in the chat, which was first reported on by Politico. The exchanges on the messaging app spanned more than seven months and involved leaders and lower ranking members of the Young Republican National Federation and some of its affiliates in New York, Kansas, Arizona and Vermont. Douglass was the only elected official involved.

Vermont’s top Republican leaders, including Gov. Phil Scott, quickly called for Douglass to resign. A joint statement from the GOP lawmakers described the comments “unacceptable and deeply disturbing.”

Douglass, who was in his first year of representing a conservative district near the Canadian border, said in a statement Friday that he and his wife had received multiple hateful messages and “nasty items” in the mail since news of the group chat broke.

“I know that this decision will upset many, and delight others, but in this political climate I must keep my family safe,” Douglass said in explaining his decision to resign. “And if my Governor asks me to do something, I will act, because I believe in what he’s trying to do for the state of Vermont.”

Douglass also said he had served in a “moderate fashion,” and touted his efforts to improve Vermont’s welfare system,

“Since the story broke, I have reached out to the majority of my Jewish and BIPOC friends and colleagues to ensure that they can be honest and upfront with me, and I know that as a young person I have a duty to set a good example for others,” Douglas wrote, referencing the acronym Black, Indigenous and people of color.

Other participants in the group chat have faced repercussions, including a New York Young Republicans organization that was suspended Friday.

Kruesi writes for the Associated Press.

While London’s markets are known for their diverse food offerings, one woman was left stunned by an unexpected discovery ata particular food stall that left her questioning what she was seeing

London’s a food lover’s dream, full of spots serving everything from posh meals to snacks and quick eats. Markets often serve up street food, relaxed, informal meals and allow guests to sample various international flavours.

Camden Market represents a favourite destination, situated alongside the Regent’s Canal. This marketplace is made of several individual markets, but Camden Lock Market remains the original and most renowned section, celebrated for its craft stalls, retro clothing and varied food and drink options. The Stables Market, set within former horse stables, forms another legendary segment recognised for its cobblestone courtyards and vibrant umbrella walkway.

One woman stumbled across an unusual food vendor in this section of Camden Market that left her completely puzzled.

Nicola Muddle posted a TikTok clip showing an octopus kebab mounted on an vertical machine, resembling those typically found in doner kebab shops.

She wrote alongside the footage: “Saw this today at Camden markets and I can’t understand it, someone explain.”

The video features Pescobar Kebap, which serves seafood for takeaway, including its distinctive octopus kebabs, octodogs (octopus hot dogs) and popcorn prawns.

It focuses on freshly sourced seafood that gets either flame-grilled or deep-fried for a satisfying crunch.

The octopus kebab stands as one of the signature dishes on the menu, featuring grilled octopus tucked into pitta bread alongside spiced chips, aioli, cucumber, radish and aromatic herbs, and it will cost you a hefty £17.50 if you want to sample it.

Another standout dish is the venue’s octodog, boasting a charred octopus tentacle nestled in a toasted brioche bun with aioli and chimichurri sauce for £16.50.

Pescobar Kebap was established by Paul Nicolau, who began with a modest seafood market in Romania before growing his enterprise by launching restaurants throughout the nation and globally, alongside the Camden Market outlet.

Nicola’s TikTok clip capturing her discovery of Pescobar Kebap during her market visit has racked up an incredible 3.2 million views, 45,300 likes and over 600 comments within two days.

Punters expressed divided opinions about an octopus doner kebab with one declaring: “Octopuses are one of the most intelligent, sensitive creatures on earth. This is horrifying.”

Another agreed: “That is the most disturbing thing I’ve ever seen.”

A third added: “I’m not ok with this. That’s not how I’m used to seeing octopuses! But give me a lamb kebab ANY day of the week!”

Someone who appreciated the creative cuisine noted: “Omg an octopus kebab sounds delicious! But you know it’s gonna be hella expensive!”.

A second fan, who has sampled the octopus kebab, observed: “I had one whilst in London! SO good!”.

Others revealed they were simultaneously repelled and fascinated by the unique food item as a different viewer stated: “I’m appalled but I want some.” Another shared: “I hate this and want it at the same time.”