Lebanon parliament votes to abolish death penalty
The new law - which next goes to the cabinet for approval - would make Lebanon the first country in the Middle East to end capital punishment.
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Frenzy for Solar Eclipse Glasses Takes Over London
Ahead of Wednesday’s rare cosmic event, thousands of people in London are searching for protective eyewear, as prices surge and stocks sell out.
U.S. sells two ‘shadow fleet’ tankers for scrap. One switched to a Russian flag during its seizure.
The U.S. government has sold two sanctioned oil tankers it seized in January 2026, the trade publication Lloyd’s List reported.
Baptist University reviews IT security after ransomware group claims breach
Baptist University has said it is reviewing the security of its information technology (IT) systems after a ransomware group claimed online to have illegally accessed the Hong Kong institution’s data. The allegations were made by “The Gentlemen”, an advanced cybercrime group that first appeared in the middle of last year. Cybersecurity monitoring platforms reported that about 1,900 credentials…
Nicola Jennings on a partial solar eclipse on the eve of the Clacton byelection – cartoon
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Former judge Baka elected new Hungarian president in another break from Orbán era – as it happened
The new president is a former judge on the European Court of Human Rights Spanish foreign minister José Manuel Albares visited Ceuta earlier today, as he insisted that Madrid had it all under control despite “the most unique and complex” border arrangements there. He said Spain was in direct dialogue with the Moroccan authorities on how to prevent another border crisis. Continue reading...
Melania Trump has appeared in public just 38 days so far in 2026
The first lady skipped the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner as well as Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral
Russia frees imprisoned US Marine as ‘goodwill gesture’ citing Putin’s friendship with Trump
No Russian prisoners were traded to secure Gilman’s release, an American official said
Human rights groups sue Trump administration over ‘crippling’ ICC sanctions
Lawsuit challenges executive order targeting international criminal court for investigating Israeli crimes in Palestine Four prominent US human rights organizations have accused the Trump administration of using its “crippling” sanctions regime against the international criminal court (ICC) to undermine global efforts to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity. In a lawsuit filed in…
University of Michigan drops grades for freshmen in the first semester to ‘curb mental health crisis’
Come fall 2027, official transcripts for first-semester freshmen will record only whether credit was earned
Weather forecast - where will the best view be?
Look to the skies on Wednesday because one of the most spectacular solar eclipses for decades is coming the UK's way with likely optimum viewing conditions for many.
A new surveillance tool can trace people through the devices they carry
SignalTrace, a system marketed by the security company Leonardo, is designed to work alongside automatic license plate readers
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Ex-Marine Robert Gilman, Freed by Russia After 4 Years in Prison, Arrives in the U.S.
Russia released Robert Gilman on “a humanitarian basis,” President Trump said. Mr. Gilman’s family had said he was in dire physical condition.
The New York Times World -
At least 15 die as boat sinks in Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba
The vessel is said to have overturned after being hit by strong waves.
BBC World -
Trump says Secret Service wanted him to switch planes after ‘threat’: ‘I do what they tell me’
Donald Trump has confirmed that he switched planes after the Secret Service detected a possible threat when leaving a Nato summit in Turkey.
The Independent World -
'Event of the century': Total solar eclipse draws visitors to sleepy European villages
Eclipse chasers have driven a tourist surge in sleepy towns and villages in Spain and several other parts of Europe as the continent gets set for its first total eclipse since 2006.
France 24 English -
Iran-US war latest: US fires on ship for violating blockade as Trump again claims ‘total control’ over Hormuz
US leader reportedly hid in a catering truck to fend off an assassination threat after attending Nato summit last month
The Independent World -
Better-off areas must play their part in housing asylum seekers, Burnham suggests
The prime minister was asked about protests over plans to use a former military base to house asylum seekers.
BBC Politics -
8 Takeaways from Tuesday’s Primaries
A Democratic primary for governor in Wisconsin remained neck and neck early Wednesday, leaving a national battle between progressive and moderate wings largely unsettled.
The New York Times US -
Burnham to chair Cobra meeting on extreme heat as temperatures surge again
The Government will meet to discuss this summer's record-breaking heat as the tally for days above 30C in the UK is broken.
BBC Politics -
Australia politics live: Japan’s ambassador to Australia downplays Albanese’s melon comments; witness paid for Reformer’s trip to Fiji to avoid inquiry, Icac told
Follow today’s news live Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Education minister says funding agreement with Victoria ‘very close’ The education minister, Jason Clare , says…
The Guardian World -
How Nigel Farage Ended Up Running Against Count Binface in Clacton
Nigel Farage forced a new election in his parliamentary seat after coming under pressure over his finances. His main challenger is Count Binface, a novelty candidate.
The New York Times World -
Bondi shooting hero Ahmed al-Ahmed has assault charges dropped
Al-Ahmed, who maintains his innocence, was accused of putting his father in a headlock in March Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or dail…
The Guardian World -
Snooker star Jimmy White becomes Hong Kong resident through talent scheme
Snooker star Jimmy White, known as “The Whirlwind”, has become a Hong Kong resident through an official talent scheme, and has revealed plans to establish a snooker academy in the city to nurture l…
South China Morning Post -
Parkour helps Singapore’s elderly boost agility, strength
A coach has gotten millions of views on social media by using parkour techniques to teach the elderly things such as better balance.
The Japan Times -
Homes near pylons to get £250 a year off energy bills – first sites revealed
Households living within 1,600ft of upgraded pylons will get £250 a year off their electricity bills.
BBC Politics -
Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin is preparing to use this winter to ‘break’ Kyiv, think-tank warns
Putin will not enter serious negotiations if he believes he has a ‘viable military path’, says ISW
The Independent World -
Images From Colombia, Battered by Quakes
The strongest temblor in years struck in a Pacific Coast region, killing over 100 people.
The New York Times World -
Early release scheme risks more serious crimes, probation chief warns
The chief inspector of probation for England and Wales tells the BBC services are already under "unprecedented pressure".
BBC Politics -
‘I was at greater risk’: Trump defends secret Air Force One plane swap after hiding in catering cart
Stopping in The UK, Trump sneaked back aboard the presidential plane undetected
The Independent World -
JAL plane crash victims mourned 41 years after accident
Flight 123 — a Boeing 747 bound for Osaka from Tokyo — crashed into a mountain on Aug. 12, 1985, killing 520 people.
The Japan Times -
Hong Kong student avoids jail for seditious graffiti in commercial complex toilet
A Hong Kong student has been spared jail for seditious acts in breach of the domestic national security law, after a court ruled that his good background, young age and the limited impact of his of…
South China Morning Post -
Depay says Corinthians 'unacceptable' as contract ends
Memphis Depay accuses Corinthians of "unacceptable behaviour" and of breaching an agreement after the Brazilian club decided against renewing his contract.
BBC News (Front page) -
Serious failings found in new military crimes unit, leaked report finds
A leaked internal review warns of concerns about a new unit investigating the most serious crimes.
BBC News (Front page) -
Crowley defeats democratic socialist Hong to face Tiffany in Wisconsin governor’s race
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has defeated democratic socialist Francesca Hong in the wide-open Wisconsin governor’s race, Decision Desk HQ projects. Crowley, with support from retiring …
The Hill -
Slot to stay in club football after Netherlands talks
Former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot confirms talks for Netherlands managerial vacancy but says his next job will be in club football.
BBC News (Front page) -
Crowley defeats Hong in nail-biter Wisconsin governor primary: 5 takeaways
Milwaukee County executive David Crowley emerged the victor in the hard-fought Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor against democratic socialist state Rep. Francesca Hong early Wednesday – giv…
The Hill -
Victorian microparty MPs including Georgie Purcell to face re-election struggle after group voting tickets abolished
Voters will be required to number at least five parties above the line in order of preference after bill passed upper house 33 votes to four Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates G…
The Guardian World -
Why is the women's 800m record so tough to break?
The world record for the women's 800m is the longest standing in athletics. No-one has managed to break it for 43 years. Why is it such a tough task?
BBC News (Front page) -
Myanmar ramps up civilian attacks with airborne weapons, U.N. says
The military increasingly relies on motorized paragliders, gyrocopters and drones for low-altitude strikes using unguided explosives, according to U.N. investigators.
The Japan Times -
Nigel Farage looks trapped and rattled - now the nationalist tide can be turned | Rafael Behr
There are more votes in tolerance and decency than in toxic division. It doesn’t take a great leap of political courage to fight back against Reform Nigel Farage can be confident of victory against…
The Guardian Politics -
Paid police paternity leave to double after fathers reported being ‘ostracised’
Exclusive: Pay increases to two weeks in England and Wales after Guardian revealed officers ‘mocked’ for taking time off Paid paternity leave for police in England and Wales is to double, after the…
The Guardian World -
Eerie silence and ‘still surviving’: what happened next after steel town’s last blast furnace shut down
Exhibition in Port Talbot is part of project exploring how communities experience endings and transitions Margaret Heggett, 95, does not remember a time when Port Talbot was ever quiet. Born and ra…
The Guardian World -
UK extreme heat prompts Cobra emergency meeting
High temperatures continue with forecasts reaching 38C on Thursday and wildfires stretching emergency services Andy Burnham will chair an emergency Cobra meeting in response to extreme heat, which …
The Guardian World -
Hong Kong authorities charge woman who allegedly kept 136 dogs without licences
Hong Kong authorities have charged a woman on suspicion of keeping 136 dogs without valid licences at a shelter previously investigated for alleged animal cruelty, the South China Morning Post has …
South China Morning Post -
Darline Graham Advances to the Republican Senate Runoff in South Carolina
Ms. Graham will face Representative Ralph Norman, a hard-line conservative who had previously run for governor, in the runoff.
The New York Times US -
Wednesday briefing: Why the prison crisis is about much more than early release
In today’s newsletter: As ministers scramble to resolve overcrowding in prisons, experts say the crisis demands a rethink of who we lock up – and what happens when they’re set free Good morning. On…
The Guardian World -
Bondi Beach shooting hero Ahmed al Ahmed cleared of assault charges
Ahmed al-Ahmed was charged with domestic violence common assault, stalking, and intimidation following an alleged incident involving his father in March
The Independent World -
Taiwan condemns ‘dangerous’ planned Chinese navy drill with Indonesia
Taipei says Beijing was trying to create a false impression that it controls waters east of Taiwan, where the drills were conducted.
The Japan Times -
Members of Liberal group received ‘kickbacks’ from lobbying company’s Catholic Schools NSW contract, Icac hears
Lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood gives evidence about allegations linked to Reformers at Independent Commission Against Corruption hearing Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our br…
The Guardian World -
Bessent-Takaichi split on BOJ risks undermining joint yen rescue
The U.S. treasury secretary believes tightening is crucial to address the weakness in Japan's currency but the prime minister has long been wary of taking interest rates too high.
The Japan Times -
Champions League: Lyon defeat Prague and await Fenerbahce in playoffs
Having lost 2-1 in the first leg, Lyon turned the tie around with a 3-0 victory over Sparta Prague in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. OL will face Fenerbahce in the playoffs to …
France 24 English -
Thailand suspends gun licences as teen shooter and grandparents he killed are cremated
Prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul calls for tighter gun controls and ‘decisive penalties’ after nine dead in school shooting Thailand has suspended firearms licences after the deadly Nonthaburi sc…
The Guardian World -
Emery chases first Super Cup - but does it matter?
Aston Villa are competing in the Super Cup for the first time since 1982, but manager Unai Emery has much more recent experience of the match.
BBC News (Front page) -
Watch: British driver who broke sound barrier sets new speed record
Andy Green set the fastest time ever recorded in a hydrogen-powered car, reaching 406mph (654km/h).
BBC News (Front page) -
Wisconsin Democratic governor primary too close to call between Crowley, Hong
Votes are still being counted in the Wisconsin Democratic primary for governor, with Rep. Francesca Hong and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley separated by only a few hundred votes. NBC News…
NBC News -
Peggy Flanagan, a Progressive, Wins the Democratic Senate Primary in Minnesota
The victory by Minnesota’s lieutenant governor was the latest for the left-wing movement in the Midwest. She could become the first Native woman in the Senate.
The New York Times US -
Extreme heat grips Hong Kong as labour groups urge district-level index
Hong Kong remained gripped by extreme heat on Wednesday with temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) in parts of the city, prompting labour representatives to urge authorities to i…
South China Morning Post -
How affordable are Edinburgh's festivals?
The city is no stranger to complaints about soaring prices during August - but are costs on the rise?
BBC News (Front page) -
All-British chocolate bar made by scientists using Reading-grown cocoa
Master’s student made first bar with 100% UK ingredients since 1932 to highlight affect of climate crisis on cocoa plants The late queen was the only person in history to have ever eaten a chocolat…
The Guardian World -
Hollywood goes quiet as stars rethink speaking out on politics
As the midterm elections are heating up, more and more Hollywood stars say they’re putting a freeze on speaking out about politics, perhaps feeling burned by the 2024 White House race. In recent mo…
The Hill -
Mass evacuations in Beijing as Typhoon Dolphin brings more torrential rain to China
Forecasters warned the Chinese capital could receive more than one-third of its average annual rainfall over 24 hours Thousands of people have been evacuated from areas at risk of flooding and land…
The Guardian World