British news agency owned by Thomson Reuters
Nigel Farage has resigned as MP to trigger a by-election in Clacton, arguing the voters should judge his actions. With major parties abstaining, Count Binface and a slate of independents are contesting the race, which is drawing scrutiny over Farage’s finances and a parliamentary standards inquiry.
Andy Burnham has been confirmed as leader of the Labour Party and will become prime minister on Monday after securing overwhelming support from Labour MPs and trade unions. He has pledged to shift power from Westminster to local areas, prioritise cost-of-living measures and tackle social care while promising a ‘‘distinctively Labour’’ government to counter Reform UK.
Prince Harry has met King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House and has reunited his children Archie and Lilibet with their grandfather for the first time since 2022. The visit has followed Harry's loss in a privacy case against the Daily Mail, a dispute over state-funded security for his family, and a schedule of charity events including Invictus promotions.
U.S. officials have opened a leak investigation after reporting that the Secret Service urged President Trump to swap from a newly gifted Qatari Boeing 747-8 to an older Air Force One during his return from a NATO summit. The FBI and White House have served subpoenas on New York Times reporters and have sought contact with Secret Service staff, officials say.
The Bayeux Tapestry has arrived in London for its first display on British soil in almost 1,000 years. The 70-metre wool-on-linen embroidery is being shown at the British Museum this September, after France agreed to loan it amid renovation at Bayeux. Tickets sold rapidly, with demand high for viewing through 2026 and 2027.
President Trump has delivered a primetime address releasing declassified intelligence he says shows China acquired large volumes of U.S. voter data and that officials hid reports about foreign efforts to target U.S. elections. Journalists, former intelligence officials and state authorities have said the documents do not prove foreign actors altered 2020 vote counts and many of the administration's claims have been disputed.
Nigel Farage has resigned as MP for Clacton and is standing again in a by-election set for August 13, as other parties boycott the race amid ongoing scrutiny into undeclared gifts and donations. The by-election will test Farage’s claim of democratic renewal against a field of satirical and fringe candidates.
Airlines are expanding unbundled premium fares and no-middle-seat rows to attract high-spending travelers. United and Delta are rolling out basic business and no-middle-seat options, with mixed consumer response. Other carriers test similar strategies as travel demand stays strong.
The United States has carried out repeated air and naval strikes across Iran since mid‑July, including attacks on coastal surveillance, air defences and transport links, while Iran has launched missile and drone strikes on US bases and Gulf allies and warned it will retaliate further. The fragile June memorandum to pause the war has largely collapsed and the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted (19 July 2026).
Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, remains detained by Israel without charge. New medical assessments describe severe injuries and deteriorating health, with rights groups and international bodies urging independent medical review and his immediate release.
A severe heatwave has driven deadly wildfires across southern Spain’s Andalusia, with Bedar and Los Gallardos facing renewed flames. Authorities report multiple fatalities and hundreds of evacuees as firefighters battle on multiple fronts amid high temperatures and strong winds.
Josh Kerr has broken the mile world record at the London Diamond League, running 3:42.66 to shave 0.47 seconds off Hicham El Guerrouj's 1999 mark. The Scot led through precise pacing from Brannon Kidder and Zan Rudolf and won by a clear margin; the meet also featured standout wins from Julien Alfred and Karsten Warholm.
The government has nationalised British Steel, transferring control from Jingye on grounds of national security. The move aims to protect jobs, supply chains, and critical infrastructure, while China expresses concern about the decision and seeks compensation.
The Philippines has formally objected to a China Daily AI-generated video that dehumanizes Filipinos and mocks the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling. Manila calls for takedown and warns against propaganda that escalates tensions as regional powers urge adherence to UNCLOS.
GDP has risen by 0.1% in May, driven by services though production and construction slipped. The upside comes amid ongoing Middle East tensions and ahead of a new prime minister taking office, with analysts noting fragile momentum and potential inflation risks.
EU discussions on curbing trade with Israeli settlements face deep division over ban, tariffs, or licensing. Several member states have already imposed or considered unilateral measures amid rising settlement activity and calls for accountability under international law. The debate follows new data on settlement expansion and international rulings.
The United States has escalated strikes against Iran, while Iran and its IRGC retaliate with missiles and drones targeting Gulf bases and shipping. The renewed hostilities threaten global energy flows as both sides threaten further action and diplomatic talks remain fragile. The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the crisis.
Ukraine has removed a reform-minded defence minister six months into his term, prompting protests and questions about military leadership. Zelenskyy vows unity as political shake-ups continue amid ongoing war.
Pew Research Center finds more countries hold favorable views of China than the US in 25 of 36 countries surveyed, marking the first time China has surpassed the US in long-running global opinion tracking. The period surveyed includes February to May, during tensions around Iran, Trump policies and related global events.
Caricom’s reparations commission has convened in London to press Britain on sovereignty, decolonisation and reparations, while seeking a framework for negotiations. Caribbean leaders say the region remains the most colonised and demand self-determination for overseas territories, debt relief, and a formal apology.
The government has released June employment data showing payrolls rising by 57,000, far below forecasts, while the unemployment rate edges down to 4.2%. The labor force participation rate has fallen, highlighting a shift in the job market as fewer people are seeking work. Revisions to May and April data point to a softer hiring pace than previously thought.
OPEC+ has agreed to increase oil output by 188,000 barrels per day from August, marking the fifth straight monthly rise. While the move signals a cautious unwind of earlier cuts, oil supplies remain constrained by the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing regional tensions. Prices have edged back toward pre-war levels as shipping resumes.
The Trump-backed Board of Peace has drastically scaled back its Gaza reconstruction blueprint. What began as a comprehensive post-war plan has shifted to a limited pilot near Rafah, with international forces overseeing a temporary camp and a technocratic civilian administration. Progress is delayed, and Israeli approvals remain uncertain as elections approach in late October.
The United States has intensified strikes on Iranian targets to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran has responded with missile and drone actions. Attacks target coastal bases, railways, and port facilities across Iran and nearby states, signaling a rapid intensification of a wider confrontation.
Argentina has rallied to reach the 2026 World Cup final after a dramatic late comeback against England, with Lionel Messi providing decisive assists and a late winning cross. Messi’s performance has cemented his status as the tournament’s standout, as Argentina seeks back-to-back titles.
A study with 23 healthy men shows that sniffing dark chocolate (90% cocoa) before and during leg extensions increases repetitions by about 18, and sniffing milk chocolate (60% cocoa) increases by about 9, without raising perceived effort. Dark chocolate may cue fullness; milk chocolate offers a more pleasant scent.
Fuel shortages persist across Russia as Ukrainian drone strikes disrupt refineries and supply networks. Regions report rationing, long queues at petrol stations, and authorities are imposing export bans while exploring imports to stabilise domestic supply. Prices have risen as the crisis deepens.
Cheetah cubs born at Whipsnade Zoo are now roaming a public paddock, testing their speed and playfully interacting with littermates. Conservationists say the cubs are vital for the endangered northern cheetah population, with only about 6,500 remaining. Cubs will be named by the Zoological Society of London as conservation work continues in Zambia.
Sen. Lindsey Graham has died, triggering an interim appointee and a looming Aug. 11 special primary to determine the GOP nominee for the Senate race. Key figures include Darline Graham Nordone, Nancy Mace, and Gov. Henry McMaster, with former President Trump weighing in on potential replacements.
President Tamás Sulyok has signed a constitutional amendment that ends his term immediately after Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s Tisza party used its two-thirds parliamentary majority to pass sweeping reforms. The package removes senior Orbán-era officials, forces judicial retirements, imposes term limits for MPs and will let parliament elect an interim president on Monday, July 20, 2026.
The Strait of Hormuz has seen a sharp drop in vessel traffic as renewed US-Iran actions inflame the region. Iran asserts control over the waterway; Western powers push for free passage. The latest strikes follow attacks on three vessels near Oman, and data shows traffic through the strait has plunged from its pre-conflict normal.
Monsoon rains have killed at least 51 people across Bangladesh, with Cox’s Bazar bearing the heaviest toll. Authorities say floods and landslides have affected over a million people, prompting relief efforts and evacuation. The downpour is expected to ease only slowly as warnings of further floods persist.
Spain has advanced to the World Cup final after defeating France in a semifinal. Lamine Yamal has anchored Spain’s attack, delivering leadership, assists, and memorable moments as his 19th birthday coincides with a high-stakes match.
TSMC has pledged an additional $100 billion for Arizona as part of a broader push, taking total U.S. chipmaking investments to $265 billion. The company has raised its annual revenue forecast after record profits driven by AI demand, and plans to accelerate production of advanced 3-nanometer chips across the U.S., Japan and Taiwan.
A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen experienced a window dislodgement shortly after takeoff, causing rapid decompression. A Serbian passenger was pulled halfway out of the cabin but was pulled back inside by his wife and fellow passengers. Investigations are under way with multiple authorities involved.
Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez score late to beat England 2-1, sending Argentina to the World Cup final against Spain. England’s Gordon had put them ahead before Argentina’s late comeback; Messi assisted the equaliser and winner. BBC and ITV report record UK viewership as the tournament moves toward its climax.
Meta has faced a federal lawsuit alleging its internal AI systems and monitoring tools discriminated against workers on legally protected leave in a May layoff round totaling about 8,000 jobs. The suit seeks an injunction to pause separations and an independent audit of the selection process while claims proceed in arbitration.
A developing clash in Congress over a GOP budget reconciliation package seeks to fund Iran-related military actions and domestic priorities. Republicans push a defense-heavy framework with limited offsets, while Democrats press for affordability and oversight as votes approach.
The US has pressed Israel to redeploy troops from Syria and Lebanon, amid renewed calls for security zones along borders. Washington has been mediating talks with Lebanon and Syria while Israel maintains a military presence in the region. Trump has urged faster weapons production as the conflict widens.
Kathryn Ruemmler has testified before the House Oversight Committee, acknowledging a long relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and saying he used her to legitimize his standing. She has stepped down from Goldman Sachs but remains as senior adviser. Lawmakers are pursuing further depositions and documents as part of a broad probe into Epstein’s network.
The government has nationalised British Steel’s Scunthorpe works to safeguard steelmaking in the UK and protect thousands of jobs. Parliament’s action comes after Jingye warned of compensation while ministers emphasise a plan to modernise and decarbonise the sector.
The region has endured days of back-and-forth attacks focused on control of the Strait of Hormuz. The collapse of a ceasefire has left no clear end in sight. U.S. airstrikes have targeted Iranian infrastructure while Iran has responded with strikes and ship disruptions; oil prices have surged accordingly.
xAI has filed a federal lawsuit in Texas against Terry Harwood, alleging he used Grok to convert non-sexual images into explicit, underage-focused material and attempted deepfake creation. The action marks one of the first AI-driven lawsuits by a company against a user over alleged CSAM, with prosecutors accusing Harwood of repeatedly subverting Grok safeguards.
The Morandi bridge collapse verdict has been delivered in Genoa. Castellucci receives a 12-year sentence for manslaughter through negligence; dozens of defendants face charges in a case that prosecutors say reflects maintenance neglect and design flaws. The trial has spanned four years and 284 hearings.
A ministerial on the resurgence of political terrorism convenes to coordinate action against far-left violence. Leaders from 65+ countries are examining left-wing extremism, with visas and designations expanding in several nations.
Eli Lilly has announced an all-cash deal to acquire AtaiBeckley for up to $2.8 billion upfront, with potential milestone payments. AtaiBeckley’s lead drug, a DMT-related nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, is in Phase 3, with initial results expected in 2029. The deal signals growing pharma interest in psychedelic therapies amid regulatory momentum.
The government has introduced a plan to ban the sale of energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to under‑16s in England, with enforcement by local authorities and fines of up to £2,500 for retailers. The move aims to curb health risks and improve children’s wellbeing, following a public consultation that received broad support.
The United States has welcomed a plan to rehabilitate the Iraq-Syria crude oil pipeline, linking Kirkuk to Syria’s Mediterranean port of Baniyas. A US-led consortium will oversee technical and financial aspects, aiming for an initial capacity of 2 million barrels per day while reducing dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.
SpaceX’s stock has fallen since its IPO last month. A failed Starship test flight led to a further drop, with shares trading below the IPO price and investors weighing the impact on SpaceX’s multi‑billion contracts and future launches.
San Francisco confronts a surge in regulatory scrutiny as Waymo robotaxis faced power outages and immobilization during a holiday traffic jam. Mayor Daniel Lurie is pushing for mandatory, statewide standards to ensure autonomous vehicles can operate in major disruptions, with agencies like NHTSA calling for immediate fixes.