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Sculptor's $100K Charlie Kirk statue fails to attract buyers

USA

Sculptor's $100K Charlie Kirk statue fails to attract buyers

A New York sculptor says he has been left angry after spending $100,000 of his own money to create a large statue of far-right activist Charlie Kirk, only to find that it has drawn little interest from potential buyers or donors.

Sergio Furnari, an Italian-born sculptor, said he intended to install the lifesize figure in Times Square and hoped it would help raise “millions” of dollars. Instead, he said he has received messages from people threatening to vandalise the sculpture.
Money spent, little interest
Furnari said he used $100,000 on materials and work including steel, resin and labour, without any commission. He had expected that unnamed wealthy donors would contribute, but that has not happened.
He later set up an online fundraising campaign, aiming to raise an initial $150,000 and potentially more money so he could take the statue on tour. As of Thursday, he said he had raised $1,400.
“I was thinking that it was going to resonate with the world, with whoever, but man, people are strange out there,” Furnari told The Guardian. “Meaning like, nobody is really coming up with support, especially financial support. So far I’ve spent all my money on this.”
A broken foot in the making
Furnari also described obstacles during the statue’s construction. He said he broke his foot after tripping over a roll of tape in his studio while working on the project.
He added that he did not believe the statue was cursed, but he said the situation had left him frustrated. “Things financially are a total, absolute nightmare,” he said.
Kirk’s background and Furnari’s intent
Charlie Kirk, a prominent far-right figure and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead in September last year. Furnari said he did not agree with Kirk on a number of issues, describing him as someone he was not a fan of.
Kirk became influential among supporters of former US President Donald Trump, particularly through Turning Point USA and his podcast. Furnari referenced Kirk’s public statements about Palestine, which he said he found unsettling.
Despite his disagreement with Kirk’s views, Furnari said his purpose in making the statue was to highlight what he described as free speech. During the same interview, he also said his reasons included supporting Kirk’s wife, promoting democracy and commemorating a person.
He later compared the idea of memorialising an individual to artwork by historical figures including Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Furnari said the statue was made “just to commemorate a moment, you know, a person”.
Times Square plan for September 10
Furnari’s next step is to put the statue in Times Square on 10 September, the anniversary of Kirk’s death. He said he expected the timing to help generate attention and possibly allow him to recover some of his costs.
Until then, he is left with a 6ft 4in statue built at his own expense, which he says no one is buying.

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21 July 2026

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July 21Jul 21

SCOTUS to Hear Beer Plane Seizure Appeal

USA

SCOTUS to Hear Beer Plane Seizure Appeal

The US Supreme Court has agreed to consider an appeal by an 82-year-old Alaskan bush pilot whose small plane was seized by authorities after beer was found onboard during a trip to a remote, alcohol-free village.

Kenneth Jouppi’s challenge could carry national implications for how far state and local governments can go when using asset forfeiture. The case will be heard by a 6-3 conservative court, which is expected to take up the matter with a view to whether such seizures amount to “excessive fines” under the Eighth Amendment.
Appeal over seizure of Cessna
Jouppi, a pilot, says his $95,000 Cessna was taken after officials discovered it was being flown to Beaver, a community of fewer than 100 people that is off the road system and has prohibited the sale and possession of alcohol for more than two decades.
The beer involved was described as a six-pack. Authorities found Budweiser and Bud Light packaged with other groceries, and state police said one six-pack was visible inside a grocery bag. Jouppi said the alcohol belonged to a passenger and that most of it was not in plain view.
He was convicted of alcohol importation, a misdemeanor. State police carried out a search of the plane in Fairbanks using a warrant before it was due to take off for Beaver.
Eighth Amendment argument
In court filings, Jouppi argues that the Eighth Amendment requires courts to consider the gravity of the specific wrongdoing in determining whether a punishment is excessive. He says that approach was not followed in his case, in which his plane was forfeited for what amounted to a six-pack of beer.
Sam Gedge, a senior attorney at the Institute for Justice, which represents Jouppi, said the constitutional protection “was built for cases like this”. He argued that the Supreme Court should clarify that the Excessive Fines Clause provides a meaningful check on government action involving fines and forfeitures.
Jouppi, according to a statement released by the Institute for Justice, has been challenging the forfeiture for more than a decade and said he believes the rights set out in the Bill of Rights must be enforced against government overreach.
State police argued that the circumstances justified seizure. One trooper said Jouppi would have had to see at least some of the alcohol and suggested that pilots with poor eyesight would not fly.
Alaska says remote access drives enforcement
Alaska told the Supreme Court that enforcing alcohol restrictions in remote areas presents “unique difficulties”. The state said that, because many communities can be reached primarily by air, legislation allows forfeiture for any aircraft used to illegally import alcohol into a dry community.
It also pointed to the size and location of Beaver, and to the longstanding local ban. The state’s submission argued that these conditions shaped how officials could prevent alcohol-related harms in isolated parts of Alaska.
Court’s past decisions and forfeiture debate
The Supreme Court is expected to hear oral arguments later this year or early next year, with a ruling due by next summer.
The justices have previously dealt with questions around what constitutes an excessive fine, but they have often resolved cases on narrower grounds. In late June, for example, the court unanimously allowed a Michigan family to continue fighting a county decision to sell its home for $76,008 at public auction, despite the property being assessed at more than $194,000. That decision avoided broader constitutional issues raised in that dispute.
Critics of forfeiture practices, including the libertarian Cato Institute, have urged the court to use Jouppi’s case to curb what they describe as abuses of forfeiture laws. In a brief filed last year, Cato said governments have generated billions of dollars through civil and criminal forfeitures and that defendants face hurdles when challenging such seizures, making it hard to assert Eighth Amendment protections.

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21 July 2026

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July 21Jul 21

Trump Warns Carney as Canada Wildfires Rage

Canada

Trump Warns Carney as Canada Wildfires Rage

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney faced fresh warnings from US President Donald Trump as wildfires continued to burn across Canada, with smoke reaching parts of the United States.

Trump, speaking to Carney during the World Cup Final on Sunday, urged Canada to get a handle on the blazes after saying the smoke was harming air quality in the US. He also suggested Canada should provide compensation, while adding that the US would help if needed.
Wildfire toll and evacuations
More than 900 wildfires were reported to be burning across Canada, prompting the evacuation of thousands of people, damaging homes and infrastructure, and affecting an estimated 28,000 sq km of land.
Carney said in a statement on Sunday that the government had mobilised more than 5,000 firefighters along with nearly 300 waterbombers, helicopters and evacuation aircraft to contain, control and reduce the impact of the fires.
The response, Carney said, was an “enormous” and complex operation that depended on personnel working to protect Canadians’ safety.
Trump-Carney tariff dispute
The exchange came after Trump threatened last week to impose new tariffs on Canada, linking the measures to what he described as the incalculable cost to the US from the smoke’s effects. On Friday, Trump posted the tariff warning online as dense smoke blanketed Washington DC and New York City and drifted across a wider stretch of the eastern US.
Trump’s remarks to Carney at the football final added to rising friction between the two countries, with the wildfire crisis becoming part of a broader dispute over economic leverage.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Monday criticised the approach, telling reporters the US should support its closest allies rather than issue threats over tariffs. Ford said the back-and-forth can be frustrating and pointed out that Canada has assisted the US during major disasters, including Hurricane Helene and wildfires in California.
“I get frustrated just listening to a bunch of rubbish,” Ford said at a press conference, adding that the neighbourly squabbles could matter one day when the roles are reversed.
Impacts in Ontario and beyond
In Ontario, Ford said about 1,800 people had been evacuated due to the wildfires. Whitewater Lake First Nation, which is made up largely of seasonal camps with no full-time residents, was burned over the weekend, according to Chief Pauline Drake.
Drake said community homes, infrastructure and personal property were destroyed, and she expressed concern about what the fire had meant for the local wildlife, describing the area’s beaches and hunting and noting the presence of eagles before the blaze.
Ford also visited Thunder Bay in Ontario over the weekend and promised to “do and spend whatever it takes” to protect people from what he called devastating wildfires.
In British Columbia, authorities placed the entire city of Kimberley under an evacuation alert, affecting around 9,000 residents.


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21 July 2026

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July 20Jul 20

Nearly Half Say US Supreme Court Driven by Ideology: Survey

USA

Nearly Half Say US Supreme Court Driven by Ideology: Survey

Nearly half of Americans believe the US Supreme Court is deciding cases involving President Donald Trump’s policy agenda based on ideology rather than the law, according to a new Washington Post/Ipsos poll.
Poll highlights public concerns
The survey, conducted from July 8 to July 13 among 2,648 adults, found that 46% of respondents said the nine-member court bases its decisions on ideology when ruling on cases affecting Trump’s agenda.
By comparison, 25% said the justices decide such cases according to the law. Another 28% said they had no opinion, while 1% did not answer the question.
The findings come after a series of high-profile Supreme Court rulings that have both advanced and blocked key elements of Trump’s second-term agenda.
Mixed rulings on Trump policies
The court has handed Trump several significant setbacks. In February, it struck down emergency tariffs imposed on imports last year. It also invalidated his executive order restricting birthright citizenship, which he signed on his first day back in office.
At the same time, the court has also ruled in the president’s favour.
In one of its most consequential decisions, the court voted 6-3 to allow Trump to remove Democrat Rebecca Slaughter from the Federal Trade Commission. The ruling, split along ideological lines, overturned the 1935 Humphrey’s Executor v. United States decision, ending a 91-year precedent that had provided certain independent federal agencies with protection from direct White House control.
The decision expands presidential authority over federal agencies.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, writing in dissent and joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, warned that the ruling would significantly alter the balance of power between the presidency and independent agencies.
She wrote that while the decision did not abolish the Federal Trade Commission or similar agencies, it would fundamentally transform them in ways their creators had sought to prevent, giving presidents greater authority than before.
After the Supreme Court concluded its term in late June, Trump described the Slaughter decision as the court’s “biggest and most consequential” ruling.
Approval remains divided
The survey also found broad dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court’s overall performance.
Overall, 55% of respondents said they disapproved of the way the court is doing its job, while just over four in 10 approved. Four percent did not express a view.
Opinions were sharply divided by political affiliation. Three-quarters of Democrats said they disapproved of the court, while 67% of Republicans said they approved. Among all respondents, just under six in 10 expressed disapproval.
The Washington Post/Ipsos poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.9 percentage points.

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21 July 2026

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July 20Jul 20

Iran Says Two Oil Tankers Exploded in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Conflict

Iran Says Two Oil Tankers Exploded in Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said two oil tankers exploded after passing through the Strait of Hormuz, following what it described as a breach of navigational routes.
IRGC said on Monday that the two “deviant” tankers exploded after they tried to enter and exit the strait using an “unsafe route”, according to Fars News Agency, which is run by the Iranian state. Fars added that the vessels were “instigated and forced by the United States” to enter the waterway and violate the designated path.
In a statement, the IRGC linked the incident to what it called an attack on Iran’s interests, and it quoted from the Quran. The force also said it would respond to what it described as unlawful action by the “terrorist American army”, adding that it had no legal legitimacy.
IRGC says routes were breached
The IRGC’s account did not provide details on damage, casualties, or investigations, but it said the explosions occurred after the tankers attempted to move through the strait via an unauthorised route.
Houthis announce maritime embargo on Saudi
The IRGC’s statement came as Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen announced they were imposing a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, Reuters reported.
The Houthis said they had declared “a maritime embargo against the criminal Saudi enemy”, using an “an eye for an eye” framework, and that it would take effect immediately, according to their statement to Reuters.
The report said Iran had called on the Houthis to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which links to the Red Sea, if the United States continued strikes on Iran’s electrical infrastructure.
Oil supply impact and wider disruption
Reuters reported that closing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait would reduce the world’s oil supply by about 7% and prevent most Saudi oil exports from leaving the Middle East. It added that it would compound disruptions affecting oil flows out of the Persian Gulf, with a 10% reduction recorded since the war began.
Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz after the IRGC and the United States resumed hostilities last week. The shutdown came after the US and Iran had agreed an interim arrangement intended to reopen the strait and lower heightened gas prices.
Mediation for ceasefire as strikes continue
A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that officials in Tehran had received a proposal from mediators for a 10-day ceasefire, aimed at salvaging the interim deal. Both Tehran and Washington have indicated they want to continue on a diplomatic track even as the US carried out strikes for a ninth consecutive night.
US Central Command said on Sunday it had completed another round of attacks on Iranian military command centres, air defence and coastal surveillance sites, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch locations, and communications networks.


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21 July 2026

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July 20Jul 20

Trump Warns Iran Will 'Pay' for Killing US Troops

Iranian Conflict

Trump Warns Iran Will 'Pay' for Killing US Troops

President Donald Trump warned Iran it would "pay" after three American service members were killed over the weekend, as U.S. forces continued military operations against Iran despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28, when the United States and Israel launched large-scale strikes targeting Iranian military, government and infrastructure sites.
Delegations from the United States and Iran later opened negotiations in June in an effort to reach a peace agreement based on a memorandum of understanding signed by both sides. However, the talks have failed to halt hostilities, with both countries continuing to exchange strikes and the Strait of Hormuz remaining the main flashpoint.
US launches new strikes
At 4 p.m. ET on Monday, the United States carried out another round of strikes against Iran, marking the 10th consecutive day of military operations.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the attacks were intended to further weaken Iranian military capabilities used in attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Jordan's armed forces said they intercepted three Iranian missiles, according to state television.
Trump issues warning
Responding to the deaths of the three U.S. service members, Trump said Iran would face severe consequences.
"Every time Iran kills an American Soldier they will pay for that killing many times over!" he wrote on Monday.
Trump did not say whether he was referring to additional military action beyond the strikes already underway.
He added that he had issued a directive to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine and other military leaders, but did not disclose its contents.
Lebanon remains diplomatic focus
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House on Tuesday in his first face-to-face meeting with the U.S. president, a White House official confirmed.
Washington has sought to keep Lebanon separate from the conflict with Iran. Trump said in April that any agreement with Tehran was "not in any way tied to Lebanon," although Iran has maintained that Lebanon remains an important issue in negotiations.
Last month's memorandum of understanding included provisions to end military operations, including in Lebanon, but the agreement later collapsed. Nevertheless, U.S.-brokered talks between Lebanon and Israel took place in Rome last week, with a State Department official describing them as "productive and positive."
Aoun met Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday. The State Department said on Monday that pilot operations under the framework agreement had begun in three Lebanese villages.
According to Aoun's office, the Lebanese president will use Tuesday's meeting to press for strengthening the ceasefire, restoring security and stability, and securing the withdrawal of Israeli forces.


The Pentagon on Monday identified the two U.S. service members killed in Friday's Iranian missile and drone attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.


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21 July 2026

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July 20Jul 20

Russian Strike on Cargo Ship Kills 10 Near Odesa

Ukraine Conflict

Russian Strike on Cargo Ship Kills 10 Near Odesa

A Russian strike on a cargo ship off the coast of Odesa has killed at least 10 people, Ukrainian officials said, as attacks on merchant vessels in the Black Sea intensify.

The Guinea-Bissau-flagged ship, the Golden Leo, was hit by Russian cruise missiles on Sunday, the Ukrainian Air Force said. A fire broke out after the impact, prompting a search and rescue operation that continued overnight.
By Monday morning, Ukraine’s seaports authority said nine crew members had died, along with one of its pilots. India later said four Indian nationals were among those killed in the attack. Ukraine’s Odesa region has faced sustained shelling in recent weeks.
Toll in the Odesa region rises
In July alone, 28 people were killed in Russian strikes across the Odesa region, regional head Oleh Kiper said in an interview with Ukrainian television on Monday.
The Golden Leo attack was the deadliest strike on a cargo ship in the Black Sea reported on Sunday, according to Ukrainian statements.
Among the victims were four Indian nationals, India’s foreign ministry said. It added that endangering crew members or creating “impending freedom of navigation” was deplorable and should be avoided.
Role of the Black Sea export route
Foreign-flagged vessels such as the Golden Leo use Ukraine’s last remaining maritime export corridor. Cargo is transported via routes along the Romanian and Bulgarian coasts before continuing to Turkey.
Ukraine’s maritime exports account for more than two-thirds of its agricultural exports, worth about $9bn (£6.7bn), providing Kyiv with a major source of revenue.
For much of the past four and a half years since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began, fighting in the Black Sea has largely produced a stalemate. Ukrainian ships have not been able to move beyond the area around Odesa because Russia controls much of the coastline, but Kyiv has used drones to force Moscow to keep naval assets based in the eastern Black Sea.
Ukraine’s Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi said on Sunday that the government and the military command were preparing measures to improve the safety of navigation and to protect civilian vessels and seafarers.
Other strikes across Ukraine and abroad
Russian strikes elsewhere in Ukraine killed five people in separate attacks on eastern and southern cities on Monday, officials said.
The UN reported that June saw the highest number of Ukrainian civilians killed and injured since April 2022. It said at least 293 civilians were killed and 1,990 injured.
In parallel, Ukraine continued strikes on Russian logistics targets and an oil depot in the Moscow region. Sergei Sobyanin, mayor of Moscow, said Kyiv launched 400 drones overnight Monday, adding that most were shot down. Russian local authorities later said 10 people were injured as a result.
In Russia’s Belgorod region, local authorities said a Ukrainian drone strike on a bus killed five people, including a child, on Monday. Ukraine has not yet commented.


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21 July 2026

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July 20Jul 20

Andy Burnham Unveils Cabinet as He Vows to Restore Hope

UK-Politics

Andy Burnham Unveils Cabinet as He Vows to Restore Hope

Andy Burnham said his return to No 10 would “bring back hope” as he launched his premiership by naming John Healey as chancellor and setting out plans to help repair damage to communities, particularly those affected by the Thatcher era.

Speaking outside Downing Street after taking over from Keir Starmer, Burnham said people were “fed up” with politics and that the government needed to “do better” in delivering change. He made the comments as he faced the immediate challenge of governing within existing fiscal constraints while promising a stronger programme for public services and investment.
Cost of living package and borrowing rules
Burnham told the country that the government would offer “breathing space” on Tuesday, with a package aimed at reducing costs for households. Plans expected to include cuts to energy bills and bus fares were described as fully funded.
Later, he said he would look at “any flexibility” within the government’s fiscal rules to allow borrowing of billions more for infrastructure. He added that he would take a “very prudent” approach to the economy, in comments that were followed by a fall in UK 10-year gilt prices.
Markets moved lower after his remarks, reflecting concerns about the risks associated with higher borrowing and increased debt, although they had closed by the time Healey was announced.
Cabinet reshuffle and senior appointments
Healey, a former defence secretary, was chosen as a compromise candidate after Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood were also described as potential contenders for the post. Miliband was confirmed as foreign secretary, while Mahmood remained at the Home Office.
Burnham’s arrival marked the UK’s sixth prime minister in a decade, following Labour MPs who removed Starmer from office. He used Monday evening to finalise cabinet appointments after sacking a number of senior figures described as Starmer loyalists, including chancellor Rachel Reeves and deputy prime minister David Lammy.
Louise Haigh was named first secretary of state and chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, overseeing an expanded Cabinet Office described as the “political engine room” for Burnham’s agenda.
Yvette Cooper moved from the Foreign Office to the Department of Health, where she will oversee plans to transform social care. Pat McFadden remained at the Department for Work and Pensions.
Burnham, who had taken over as Labour leader on Friday, acknowledged that his ability to change the economic framework before the next election may be limited by the government’s commitment to fiscal rules.
Calls to Trump and European leaders
In his first call with a world leader, Burnham spoke to Donald Trump. Trump had previously suggested Burnham was only mayor of a “town”, but Burnham invited him to Manchester for next year’s G20 summit.
He also spoke to Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen.
Addressing the public without notes and with his wife, Marie-France van Heel, watching, Burnham said his role came at a moment of reflection for politicians and that the country needed to regain stability. He told the crowd: “Let’s build a new national sense of unity, of common purpose, and positivity,” and said the government’s goal was to make the start of his premiership “the moment we bring back hope.”

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21 July 2026

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July 20Jul 20

Kevin Keegan, Liverpool And Newcastle Great, Dies Aged 75

UK

Kevin Keegan, Liverpool And Newcastle Great, Dies Aged 75

Kevin Keegan, the former England and Newcastle manager and a two-time European Footballer of the Year, has died aged 75.

Keegan’s family confirmed in January that he had cancer. Seven weeks before his death, Keegan said the illness had reached stage four, describing it as the most advanced form of the disease. In a statement, his family said he was “much loved” and that they wished to thank his medical team, adding that they were requesting space and privacy during a “hugely difficult time”.
Cancer diagnosis and tributes
Tributes flowed from former players and prominent figures after his death. Alan Shearer, who worked with Keegan at Newcastle and England, wrote on social media that Keegan was his hero, manager and friend, adding: “Sleep easy Boss.”
Faustino Asprilla, the Colombian former Newcastle forward, said he was deeply saddened, describing Keegan as more than a manager and suggesting that his approach to the game carried wider lessons beyond winning.
Newcastle said Keegan was “one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures” in the club’s history, describing him as the “beating heart” of generations of supporters. Liverpool also paid tribute, saying Keegan’s “indomitable spirit” and contribution would remain part of the club’s history.
Prince William said he was “incredibly saddened” by Keegan’s passing, calling him a remarkable footballer and manager who inspired generations through his talent, passion and love of the game.
By late Monday afternoon, Newcastle fans left floral tributes outside St James’ Park.
Liverpool’s golden run
Keegan began his career at Scunthorpe before joining Liverpool in 1971, signed by Bill Shankly for £33,000. He quickly earned the nickname “King Kev”, becoming a key attacking figure in Liverpool’s dominance through the 1970s.
Liverpool won three First Division titles, the FA Cup, the Uefa Cup twice and the 1977 European Cup during that period, with Keegan’s performances central to their success.
Keegan often described himself as not a natural talent, saying he worked to reach the top level. He credited Shankly with shaping his mindset, including a lesson about keeping standards high in whichever job you were given.
Ballon d’Or and international career
Keegan left Liverpool in 1977 for Hamburg, where he became the only British player to win the Ballon d’Or twice. He returned to England in 1980, adding further playing spells with Southampton and Newcastle before retiring in 1984.
He won 63 caps for England, scoring 21 goals, and took part in the 1982 World Cup.
Later life and management
Keegan was known for intensity on the pitch as well as a reluctance to accept deception. He was sent off during the 1974 Charity Shield after a scrap with Leeds’ Billy Bremner, and later spoke about disliking what he saw as people being dishonest.
While he embraced a private life, he also became a public figure beyond football. He featured in mainstream media including the BBC’s Superstars, recorded a hit single titled Head Over Heels in Love, and became associated with the aftershave Brut 33. He also became close to George Best, speaking admiringly of Best’s ability.
After retiring at 33, Keegan moved to Spain, where his two daughters grew up. He said he had initially not been open with them about his football background and referred to the period as the “glass mountain” — a challenge of adjusting after competing at the highest level.
In management, Keegan returned to Newcastle in 1992, helping them reach the Premier League and coming close to the 1995-96 title, only to miss out as Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United finished top. A post-match “I will love it” outburst from that campaign became part of English football folklore.
He later became England manager in 1999, resigning after a disappointing Euro 2000 and a defeat by Germany at Wembley following the tournament. The Football Association has said it will mark Keegan with a tribute before England’s Nations League match against Spain at Wembley in September.
Keegan also coached at Fulham and Manchester City, where the club on Monday credited him with helping establish them as a Premier League side. He returned to Newcastle in 2008 but departed eight months later after strained relations with owner Mike Ashley and the board. A tribunal later awarded him £2m damages in 2009 for constructive dismissal.
Keegan was made an OBE in 1982 for services to football. In June, during a Tyneside appearance, he discussed wanting to return to St James’ Park to say “goodbye”, joking the club would need to “wait until I die” for a statue, as he said treatment at the time was keeping his cancer at bay.
Newcastle said his impact would not be judged by appearances or results, arguing instead that his legacy would live on through memories, dreams he inspired and the supporters who fell in love with football through him.


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21 July 2026

• Sport

• 9 comments
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July 20Jul 20

Andy Burnham Becomes UK Prime Minister

UK-Politics

Andy Burnham Becomes UK Prime Minister

Andy Burnham has formally become the UK prime minister after meeting King Charles at Buckingham Palace, stepping into the role as the fourth person to hold the office in under four years and the sixth within a decade.

The Labour leader appointed on Friday took the oath of office shortly after Keir Starmer went to the palace to resign to the monarch. Burnham’s elevation followed Starmer’s departure from No 10, bringing an end to his premiership and setting up a new start for the government.
From party leader to prime minister
Burnham, formerly the mayor of Greater Manchester, was sworn in after taking over as leader of the Labour Party from Starmer. It was his first prime ministerial appointment after the leadership change, and it came as Labour moves to consolidate its new leadership following an extended period of political strain within the party.
Starmer’s resignation to the King marked the immediate trigger for Burnham’s appointment. As soon as that process was completed, Burnham accepted the role of prime minister, ending the brief interim period between leadership transition and government formation.
Heading to Downing Street
Burnham is now set to travel to Downing Street, where he will address reporters before unveiling the composition of his cabinet.
The former mayor returned to parliament only a month ago. He entered the House of Commons via a byelection organised by supporters in his party, with the stated objective of replacing Starmer as prime minister.
Path shaped by internal politics
Burnham’s rise comes after Labour MPs and ministers moved away from Starmer, following a series of political difficulties described as mishaps and U-turns. According to the account of events leading to the change, Starmer lost the support of many Labour MPs and a number of his ministers, prompting the leadership and government reshuffle that followed.
With no other figure in the party stepping forward to contest the leadership, Burnham was made leader without a competitive process. That meant he also became prime minister without an election or a wider contest, with scrutiny described as limited.
The article also notes that a similar lack of contest occurred for Rishi Sunak in 2022. In that case, however, Sunak had previously fought a leadership contest against Liz Truss just weeks earlier and had more recent experience of cabinet roles.
Parliamentary experience, then Greater Manchester
Burnham has served as both an MP and a cabinet minister before. He left parliament in 2017 to take up the role of Greater Manchester mayor, a period that preceded his eventual return to the Commons for the byelection that brought him back into national office.

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20 July 2026

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July 20Jul 20

Ukraine Sees Rise in Violence Against Recruiters

Ukraine Conflict

Ukraine Sees Rise in Violence Against Recruiters

A wave of assaults and violent clashes around Ukraine’s conscription drive has prompted warnings from officials as the country struggles to mobilise men for the fifth year of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Vasyl Krupych, a veteran who volunteered early in the war, said he has seen horrors from the front line in the Donbas region, including accounts of survival during Russian assaults. But he said he later faced violence from within Ukraine while serving in the rear, after being attacked while helping search for people who were avoiding the draft.
He said two men ignored his patrol’s demand to show their documents and ran off. When the patrol gave chase, Krupych was beaten with a crowbar. He spent six weeks in hospital, saying his rib was broken and he could not breathe.
Ukraine’s military ombudswoman said such attacks are now “regular” and a major problem as mobilisation continues. She warned that the issue is sensitive, with many people reluctant to discuss it in order to avoid playing into Russian propaganda.
Surge in attacks on recruitment officers
Ukraine’s National Police Service has recorded more than 600 assaults on recruitment officers so far, and warned that the aggression is becoming increasingly threatening. The pattern includes stabbings and crowds confronting officials.
In April, several recruiters were stabbed, including one who died. More recently, in Lviv, around 200 protesters surrounded officers attempting to detain a suspected draft dodger, then smashed and overturned their car. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned violence against serving soldiers following the incident.
The situation comes as President Zelensky sacked Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov after a dispute over leadership approaches with Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, meaning efforts to address the conscription crisis are expected to stall.
Fear, losses and “busification”
Officials and analysts say the violence is driven by a mix of fear of the front line and wider reluctance to sign up for a war with no clear end date.
Opposition MP Oleksandr Honcharenko said enthusiasm for mobilisation was strongest only briefly after Ukraine’s initial rush to the front, when a counter-offensive began in late 2023 to push back in the south-east. He said that push failed to last, and that a “brutal mobilisation” phase followed, sparking backlash.
Honcharenko said recruiters hunt for people on the streets and sometimes use violent methods. “Violence leads to violence,” he said, adding that the problem is likely to worsen.
Military analyst Ivan Stupak said Ukraine has faced manpower shortages on the battlefield due to constant losses, forcing high command to refill units. He described a practice known as “busification”, used by mobile patrols that end up bundling men into buses for deployment. Stupak said that when additional manpower is needed, patrols may grab people and clashes can erupt if they refuse.
Complaints about recruitment practices
Ukraine’s Human Rights Commissioner said that complaints about recruitment practices have also risen sharply. The commissioner recorded more than 6,000 such allegations last year, double the number reported in 2024, including claims of abuse, unlawful detention and poor conditions at recruitment centres.
Kyrylo Ogdansky, a university professor exempt from the draft, said he was approached in Dnipro last November by a plain-clothes man seeking to check his call-up status. Ogdansky said he objected because patrol rules require police officers to be present. He said he was then assaulted: his phone was knocked from his hand, he was pushed into a bus and beaten, including punches to the nose. He said the attackers threatened to contact the commander and send him to Pokrovsk.
He spent two weeks in hospital with a suspected neck injury and bruising around his eyes, and said he has filed formal complaints while hesitating to speak publicly, aware that Russia exploits such cases. He said that while conscription problems exist, officials have no right to act in that way.
Reforms halted, but proposals continue
Krupych said he supports Ukraine’s war effort and has a tattoo on his neck reading “Glory to the Ukrainian Armed Forces”, but he described nightmares stemming from his own frontline injuries, including an FPV drone attack in which he dragged one friend to safety after seeing two others burn to death.
He said people should be replaced without coercion but added that, amid manpower needs, nobody volunteers. “Everyone is afraid to die,” he said.
Before Fedorov was sacked, he introduced reforms in his six months as defence minister aimed at making service more attractive, including fixed-term contracts for new recruits with the option to defer further service and improved pay, especially for the riskiest roles. Ukraine has also discussed proposals such as transferring draft patrols to police, providing proper training for officers and introducing psychological screening.
Ukraine has said it has a problem, but with only an acting defence minister in place and no settled solution, officials have yet to agree on how to end the crisis.

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20 July 2026

• 1 comment
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July 20Jul 20

Trump Hails Iran Strikes Honouring Fallen US Troops

Iranian Conflict

Trump Hails Iran Strikes Honouring Fallen US Troops

President Donald Trump said US strikes on Iran “very hard” and described the latest attacks as being carried out “in honour” of three American service members killed in recent days. Two were killed in Jordan and one in Iraq.

In the early hours of Monday local time, US Central Command (Centcom) said it had launched a “new wave” of strikes for the ninth consecutive night. Explosions were reported across Iran as the operation continued.
Ninth night of US strikes
The United States said it targeted military sites and communications networks to “further diminish” what it described as Tehran’s attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state and semi-official media reported widespread impacts, including hits in Tabriz, Chabahar, Konarak, Bandar Mahshahr and Bandar Imam Khomeini, according to Tasnim.
US officials said the strikes were aimed at reducing Iranian capabilities rather than at supporting any immediate ceasefire.
Iran reports Syria attack and drone incidents
Iran said it had carried out a “surprise attack” in Syria and targeted US aircraft at Jordan’s Aqaba airport, according to Iranian reports.
Elsewhere in the region, Kuwait’s armed forces said they intercepted Iranian drones, without giving further details.
On the question of damage to shipping, Iranian state media reported that two oil tankers had exploded while trying to cross the strait. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the vessels were travelling via what it called an “unsafe and hazardous southern route” and that they “exploded and were brought to a halt”. Centcom disputed the IRGC’s claims.
The IRGC also said the Strait of Hormuz would not be safe for the transit of petrochemical products, adding that it would not allow “even a single drop of oil and gas” to pass while US strikes continue. It said it would respond with a “punitive operation”.
US deaths and diplomatic talks
Over the weekend, the US confirmed a service member was killed following an Iranian attack in northern Iraq on Saturday.
The death came the day after an attack on a base in Jordan killed two US soldiers and left another missing. The US said “unidentified remains” had been found and that verification was continuing.
As strikes continued between the US and Iran over the weekend, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States “always remains open to a diplomatic solution”.
Rubio also warned that “the world has to decide whether or not it’s going to allow an international waterway to be under the control” of Iran. He said Tehran was using the shipping route as leverage.
His remarks came as a preliminary deal agreed in mid-June to stop fighting appeared to be unravelling. Negotiations for a permanent arrangement had made little progress after Trump declared the accord “over” on 8 July.
The latest exchange of strikes and statements has heightened tensions around shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which remains a key passage for international trade.


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20 July 2026

• 9 comments
• 495 views

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July 20Jul 20

Spain Wins World Cup After Late Extra-Time Strike

Sport

Spain Wins World Cup After Late Extra-Time Strike

Spain claimed their second World Cup title with a 1-0 win over Argentina in a tight final decided in the second half of extra time.

After 120 minutes of tension, Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to break a prolonged stalemate and give Spain the trophy. Argentina pressed for an equaliser late on but could not find the net, with Lionel Messi on the losing side.
Torres’ goal ends the deadlock
Torres provided the decisive moment after Spain had dominated the contest for long spells. He finished a chance after receiving a pass from Nico Williams, converting to send Spain ahead in extra time.
The goal came after neither team had managed to find a breakthrough through normal time and the earlier stages of extra time, leaving the match finely poised until Torres struck.
Spain defend after taking the lead
Argentina stepped up their attacking play as the closing stages approached, seeking a leveller to keep the game alive. Spain, who had controlled much of the match, responded by absorbing pressure and maintaining their shape.
Despite sustained efforts in the latter part of the match, Argentina were unable to break through, and Spain held on to secure the win.
First World Cup final halftime show
The final also featured what organisers described as the first World Cup final halftime show, bringing a lineup of international stars on to the pitch.
Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira and other performers appeared during the interval, creating a highly visible spectacle amid the build-up to a closely fought match.
Trump attends; trophy handover expected
The American president, Donald Trump, was present at the final along with other world leaders. It is anticipated that Trump will help hand over the trophy to the winning team after Spain’s victory.

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20 July 2026

• 20 comments
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July 19Jul 19

Trump Airport Rename Faces Funding and Legal Hurdles

USA

Trump Airport Rename Faces Funding and Legal Hurdles

Florida’s effort to rename Palm Beach International Airport as a “Trump” branded facility is progressing unevenly, after a state funding shortfall and legal challenges raised questions about how much the county will pay for the change.
State law sets timeline for “DJT” code
The airport’s new name, associated with President Donald J Trump, is due to be formally reflected in aviation industry designations from 18 August. The three-letter code that will replace the former identifier is “DJT”, using Trump’s initials.
The renaming followed legislation signed in March by Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican who has backed Trump at times. The law required changes that the state directed to a county commission that had been reluctant to approve the arrangement.
In May, Palm Beach County’s commission voted 4-3 to approve a trademark and licensing deal with the Trump Organisation. Some members of the board said they feared potential consequences, including financial exposure, if the agreement proceeded.
Signage changes limited by budget gap
While the switch has been reflected on some digital channels and external branding, the rollout inside the terminal has been less visible. The airport’s website and certain digital displays now refer to the “Donald J Trump” name, and highway signage leading to the airport has been updated.
But many physical signs and references in public areas still show the former name, Palm Beach International (PBI). There is no clear timetable for when all remaining signs will be replaced.
Money is a central issue. DeSantis’s $117.6bn budget, signed last month, set aside $2.75m for the name change, described as about half of an estimated $5.5m total cost. Palm Beach County has said it will not cover the shortfall.
Joseph Abruzzo, the county administrator, said on 9 July—when “Trump Force One” carrying Eric Trump landed shortly after 5am to become the first aircraft to arrive under the airport’s new name—that the county could meet baseline, necessary signage changes using the $2.75m. He said the county would need the additional state funding to complete the more extensive signage programme.
At the same time, an airport statement said that, beyond the state money, the remaining costs would be paid using the county’s Department of Airports operating budget and capital improvement programme. Critics say the difference between the statements has raised concerns that funds intended for other uses, including safety upgrades across the department’s four airports, could be redirected to support the rebranding.
Opponents seek to prevent operational spending
County commissioner Joel Flores, one of three commissioners who voted against the trademark arrangement in May, said he would attempt to block any reallocation of operational funds toward the branding. He argued that the state should cover the costs and said he had not seen federal budgets that addressed additional funding.
Flores said he agreed the project could proceed in phases until further funds are identified, but he said county money should not be used for a rebrand that he said the board did not approve.
Rebeca Krogman, the public information officer for the Palm Beach Department of Airports, said the airport is updating signage in phases to match available resources. She said digital updates have already begun, including the airport’s website, social media platforms and terminal digital signage, and that temporary signage is being installed across the campus pending permanent replacements, including a large welcome sign on Turnage Boulevard.
Krogman said the department aims to continue through normal budgeting and to pursue external funding sources, including the recent state allocation, legislative appropriations and grant funding. She said the Florida Department of Transportation did not respond to a request for comment.
Legal action filed over name change authority and safety
Two lawsuits have been filed to halt the Trump-branded renaming. Retired pilot George Poncy argued that changing the airport identifier from PBI, which he said has been embedded in air traffic control and aviation navigation and management software for decades, could cause confusion and create a safety hazard.
The second suit, brought by trademark attorney Victoria Doyle, argues the state had no authority to impose the name change on a county-owned and operated airport. Doyle, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for a congressional seat in next month’s primary election, said the case has been granted a trial date next year.

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20 July 2026

• Aviation

• 2 comments
• 347 views

webfact

July 19Jul 19

US attacks under-construction Iran nuclear plant, Iran says

Iranian Conflict

US attacks under-construction Iran nuclear plant, Iran says

Iran said the United States struck a nuclear power plant under construction, while Kuwait reported that a power generation and water desalination facility had been hit for the second time in two days.

Iranian officials did not provide additional details in the account referenced on Monday, beyond saying the facility under construction was hit by the US. The claim added to mounting tensions in the region, as both Iran and the United States traded allegations over actions and attacks.
Kuwait meanwhile said its affected facility, which produces electricity and provides desalinated water, had been struck again. The statement cited that the location was targeted for the second time in as many days, without specifying the nature of the strike or the extent of any damage.
CENTCOM reports US death in Iraq
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said one US service member was killed in Iraq on Saturday. The announcement came a day after CENTCOM reported that two US soldiers were killed, one was reported missing, and others were wounded in Jordan during an attack on a military facility.
CENTCOM’s account linked the incidents in Jordan to an Iranian attack, and described the sequence of events over the two-day period as the latest in a wider cycle of hostilities.
The reports underscored how quickly developments moved across multiple countries, with US military fatalities and injuries being described alongside separate claims by Iran and Kuwait about strikes involving critical infrastructure.
Iranian commander warns of response
A top Iranian commander warned the United States that any aggression would be met with a decisive and damaging response from Iran’s armed forces, according to the message attributed to him.
The warning was issued as the competing claims about strikes continued. Iran’s statement about the under-construction nuclear plant and Kuwait’s account of the second attack on a combined power and desalination site were presented as separate developments, but together they reflected heightened concern over the targeting of facilities tied to energy and water supplies.
No additional information was provided in the accounts about specific targets beyond the types of sites cited by the respective sides, or about operational details related to the strikes.
Claims and counterclaims continue
With Iran describing a US attack on its nuclear project and Kuwait saying its facility was targeted again, the situation remained characterised by assertions from multiple governments rather than verified shared details. The US military-related reports from CENTCOM, meanwhile, focused on casualties involving US forces in Iraq and on the earlier incident in Jordan.
The developments were framed by Iran through its commander’s warning, and by the United States through CENTCOM’s casualty statements, as all sides continued to describe actions in the context of ongoing confrontation.


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20 July 2026

• 21 comments
• 548 views

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July 19Jul 19

US Arrest Tate Brothers After 38 New UK Charges

USA

US Arrest Tate Brothers After 38 New UK Charges

Controversial influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate have been arrested in the United States following a decision by British prosecutors to bring new charges against them.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it authorised 38 additional counts against the brothers, bringing the total to 59.
The arrests were carried out in the US as extradition proceedings begin, the CPS said, after the brothers were taken into custody by US authorities.
New UK charges
The CPS said Andrew Tate, 39, faces seven further counts of rape, along with charges relating to sex trafficking and indecent images of a child.
Tristan Tate faces two counts of rape and three charges of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation.
The CPS said the alleged offences are said to have taken place between July 2010 and August 2017. The Tates have previously denied wrongdoing.
According to the CPS, the charging decisions followed receipt of a further evidence file from Bedfordshire Police and mean there are seven alleged victims in the case.
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire police have been investigating what they described as a “complex investigation”. As a result of the additional work, 38 new charges were authorised.
The CPS said the brothers’ UK caseload now totals 59 counts: Andrew faces 42 charges and Tristan faces 17.
US custody and extradition steps
US Marshals confirmed to the BBC that the brothers had been taken into custody, while a US Department of Justice spokesperson said the arrests were “pursuant to extradition proceedings”.
The CPS said that, following their arrest, prosecutors will start the legal process to extradite Andrew and Tristan Tate, who hold dual British and US citizenship, to the UK to face the charges.
Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said the CPS charging decisions were based on the additional evidence and that the total number of alleged victims in the case is seven.
Legal disputes and earlier court ruling
After the arrests on Saturday evening, lawyer Joseph McBride, who represents the Tates, said they were innocent and argued the additional charges were aimed at countering a defamation action brought by the brothers in the US. He also said he expected the case to be dismissed when a judge reviewed the facts.
In 2024, Bedfordshire Police secured European arrest warrants to have the brothers returned from Romania, where they are based and under criminal investigation.
Earlier this year, in June, the brothers lost a legal bid to be told the names of their UK accusers. The CPS said it was necessary to withhold the names until legal action formally started.
Matt Jury, a lawyer representing several alleged British victims of Andrew Tate, welcomed the new charges, saying the brothers are accused of serious offences including multiple counts of rape and human trafficking and that they should face justice.


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20 July 2026

• UK

• 17 comments
• 701 views

webfact

July 19Jul 19

Burnham to Drop Starmer Digital ID in Priority Reset

UK-Politics

Burnham to Drop Starmer Digital ID in Priority Reset

Labour’s incoming prime minister, Andy Burnham, is expected to scrap Keir Starmer’s plans for a national digital ID scheme when he takes office on Monday, a move his team described as a “reset of priorities”.

According to details provided by Burnham’s side on Saturday, resources earmarked for the programme will be redirected towards measures to ease the cost of living.
The decision is also intended to distance Burnham from choices made by Starmer’s administration. A petition opposing the introduction of digital ID cards after they were announced last year attracted about 3m signatures.
Reset of priorities
Burnham’s spokesperson said the new government would focus on “creating breathing space” and delivering changes people could feel in daily life.
They said time and funding allocated to a national ID scheme would instead be used on support for the cost of living.
The spokesperson also argued that power should be returned to communities rather than held in Whitehall.
Starmer’s “Brit card” plan
Starmer announced the digital ID proposals last September, saying they would be introduced to tackle illegal working. The scheme was planned to be rolled out by 2029.
Under the plans, the “Brit card” would have been compulsory for people needing to prove they were allowed to work in the UK. The cards were intended to include information such as residency status, name, date of birth and nationality, alongside the holder’s photograph.
Starmer said the rollout would make it tougher to work illegally and would strengthen border security.
However, it has been unclear how much money would be saved if the project is dropped, because Starmer’s government did not publish a clear budget for the initiative.
The Office for Budget Responsibility suggested the scheme could cost about £1.8bn, but that figure was rejected by officials.
Backlash and earlier rollback
The issue has been shaped by a history of ID policy in the Labour Party. Tony Blair’s government introduced legislation in 2006 intended to enable ID cards, drawing criticism from privacy campaigners. Those plans never took effect and were ultimately scrapped by the coalition government in 2011.
After Starmer’s proposals, Labour-aligned organisations including the Tony Blair Institute welcomed the idea of using digital ID to improve public services and build trust.
At the same time, opposition politicians and civil rights groups criticised the scheme. Conservative MP David Davis said governments and technology firms had repeatedly failed to protect personal data, arguing that Whitehall would not do better.
Labour’s political opponents also disputed the policy. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the announcement as a “throwaway” move designed to distract from Burnham’s “leadership manoeuvrings”, while the Liberal Democrats said they could not support a mandatory system forcing people to hand over private information to go about their daily lives.
Civil society groups warned the plan could amount to a surveillance infrastructure. Jim Killock of the Open Rights Group said Labour risked creating a “pre-crime state” in which people would constantly have to prove their identity.
Earlier this year, the government rolled back the ID-card plans and clarified that they would be voluntary, with workers able to verify their identity using existing documents such as passports. In May, Karen Bradley, chair of the Conservative home affairs select committee, said the announcement had been a “fiasco” that raised fears of government overreach and left the public with few answers.
Right-to-work checks remain
Sources close to Burnham said that, despite scrapping the digital ID project, he would still back the previous government’s crackdown on illegal working, which resulted in almost 9,000 arrests last year.
Right-to-work checks are expected to remain mandatory for employers. New legislation is also expected to extend verification requirements to parts of the gig economy, including parcel couriers and delivery drivers.
Lisa Smart, the Liberal Democrats’ cabinet office spokesperson, said people would be “hugely relieved” that they would no longer be forced to provide data for everyday activities.
The move to abandon the scheme may further unsettle technology experts already angered by Burnham’s wider plans to reshape Whitehall, including proposals to abolish the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Burnham has asked officials to develop plans to absorb much of the department into a more powerful business department.



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19 July 2026

• 44 comments
• 570 views

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July 19Jul 19

Russia Launches Ballistic Missile Strikes on Kharkiv and Kyiv

Ukraine Conflict

Russia Launches Ballistic Missile Strikes on Kharkiv and Kyiv

Russia has carried out a wave of ballistic missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, killing four people and injuring at least 36, officials said.

In Kharkiv in the north-east, three people were killed and 20 others were injured. In Kyiv, one person died and 16 were hurt.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the strike on the capital was among the most extensive ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
Air defences intercept missiles and drones
The Ukrainian military said air defences in Kyiv shot down 18 of 41 missiles overnight. It also said 108 drones were intercepted.
Kharkiv regional head Oleh Syniehubov said the strikes hit a postal terminal in the city’s suburbs, killing three men aged between 24 and 62. He said three injured people were in a serious condition.
Zelensky also said that in the past week Russia used about 1,450 strike drones, more than 1,640 guided bombs and 99 missiles of various types against Ukraine.
Damage across Kyiv region
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said residential and non-residential buildings were damaged, including a supermarket and a dormitory. Firefighters were working at fires at two warehouses, and Ukraine’s emergencies ministry said a logistics hub in the Bucha district, near Kyiv, was hit, with two people injured.
The Ukrainian air force said the Kyiv strikes involved a range of Russian systems, including Iskander and hypersonic Zircon missiles, as well as 125 drones.
Ukraine retaliates with attacks on Russian targets
While the ballistic strikes were reported, Ukraine said it continued operations against Russian sites. Zelensky said SBU security service units struck three oil depots in the Stavropol region and that Armed Forces units hit another fuel-sector facility in the same area.
He also said precise strikes damaged three Russian “shadow fleet” tankers in the Black Sea.
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which ships Kazakhstan’s Caspian oil to Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, said its terminal had been hit. It said two tankers were damaged and that oil loading was suspended. The consortium said there were no injuries or oil spills.
Stavropol’s governor said a drone attack caused a fire in an industrial park.
Zelensky said Ukraine’s actions came after Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and cities and communities.
He later linked the broader campaign to Russia’s energy links, saying Ukraine has intensified long-range drone attacks on Russia’s critical energy infrastructure, contributing to fuel shortages. Kyiv said earlier this month that nearly 43% of Russia’s oil refining capacity had been “disabled” as a result; the BBC has not independently verified that figure.
Wildberries warehouse blasts follow earlier drone attacks
The latest wave of strikes on Kyiv followed Ukrainian drone attacks on two warehouses belonging to Wildberries, which Zelensky said killed eight people and caused major fires.
In Tambov, about 295 miles (475km) south-east of Moscow, the emergencies ministry reported seven deaths and 25 injuries at a facility. In Elektrostal near the capital, it reported one death and 37 injuries at another warehouse.
Wildberries is often described as the Russian equivalent of Amazon. Forbes Russia valued the RWB group, which combines Wildberries with advertising company Russ, at about $12.6bn (£9.3bn) in 2026.
Kyiv seeks more ballistic missile defences
Kyiv has asked European allies for more ballistic missile interceptors. Zelensky said on Sunday that protection against ballistic missiles is its top priority and that interceptors are needed every day.



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19 July 2026

• 1 comment
• 465 views

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July 19Jul 19

EU Entry System Triples Wait Times for Some UK Travellers

Travel

EU Entry System Triples Wait Times for Some UK Travellers

The EU’s new Entry Exit System (EES) has nearly tripled the time it takes some UK nationals to pass passport control, even after technical improvements, the boss of Rome’s main airport has said.

The comments come as Ryanair warned passengers travelling to Europe this summer to expect longer delays at border checks. The airline said the EES rollout had failed and was creating unnecessary queues.
In Portugal, border police at Faro airport told the BBC that the technology behind the system had suffered from software problems, though officials said any disruption there should ease quickly.
The European Commission said disruptions in most EU airports had been limited and that it will continue to support member states with implementation.
How the Entry Exit System works
The digital EES requires non-EU travellers entering the Schengen area, which includes 29 European countries, to record fingerprints and a photograph on arrival. The recorded data is then checked when travellers leave.
In many airports, the process is carried out using standalone automated “kiosks”. Border officers may also conduct checks, including for children under 12 who cannot use the self-service route.
The system and related machines have been phased in since October.
At several European airports, passenger numbers processed through passport control have led to queues lasting hours. Some travellers reported missing flights as they waited to clear border checks.
Rome Fiumicino: delays still higher than before
At Rome Fiumicino, airport officials have concluded it is difficult to process large volumes of passengers solely through the kiosks, which cost €12m. In response, UK nationals can now enrol their biometrics at passport e-gates rather than having to use the standalone machines.
The airport’s chief aviation officer, Ivan Bassato, said integrating the process with e-gates improved matters “significantly”. However, he said the added complexity still increased the average time for UK travellers to reach the border from seven minutes to 20 minutes.
Bassato said the process had not yet returned to its pre-EES quality and that waits of one or two hours were unacceptable for an airport “well set with technology”.
He also argued that authorities should remove duplication within the process, and said he would like to see more countries adopt the EU’s pre-registration app. Only Sweden and Portugal are currently using the tool.
Countries can suspend EES under exceptional circumstances. Airports and airlines have been urging the Commission to allow earlier, proactive suspension during peak periods, but a meeting earlier this month did not lead to changes.
Travellers in Rome reported delays consistent with the airport’s concerns. People questioned near the Piazza di Spagna described taking around 45 to 50 minutes at passport control, and others said queues were close to an hour, with boarding and departures affected.
Faro: queues vary; “bugs” linked across states
Faro airport superintendent Pedro Oliveira said the number of passengers, including many arriving from the UK, can make queuing unavoidable. However, he said the time for some travellers had risen from about 10 minutes to more than 30 minutes at times.
He said queues exceeding an hour were uncommon, but could occur if more flights than expected arrive at the same time. Oliveira said automated machines were generally the quickest route.
He added that EES has been affected by bugs and that the system’s dependence on interconnected servers can spread faults across member states. He said crashes can occur simultaneously and require a reboot across affected systems, though he noted this problem was happening less often than earlier on.
More staff have been recruited to help manage the checks. In Portugal, children under 16 are directed to border police staff to have their biometric information recorded, rather than using the self-service machines.

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19 July 2026

• EU

• 2 comments
• 371 views

webfact

July 19Jul 19

Israeli Ministers Plan New Gaza, West Bank Settlements

Israel

Israeli Ministers Plan New Gaza, West Bank Settlements

Israeli ministers have announced plans to expand settlement activity in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, as Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition faces elections on 27 October. The moves include new “Nahal” outposts in northern Gaza and funding for additional Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Election campaign and push to expand control
Defence Minister Israel Katz and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich outlined steps to increase settlement presence before the end of the current government’s mandate, according to Israeli reporting. The announcements come as the coalition seeks to entrench control of land in occupied Palestine while Palestinians face displacement pressures.
Katz calls for three Nahal outposts in Gaza
Katz said he intended to establish three “Nahal” outposts in northern Gaza. Nahal communities have historically been used as an initial stage for later Israeli civilian settlements, according to land-grab monitoring groups.
The defence minister presented the Gaza plans during a visit to Israeli-controlled parts of the territory, telling Channel 14 that the outposts were to be set up in places that had previously been Israeli settlements.
Smotrich announces funding for West Bank construction
Smotrich said the cabinet allocated 1.3bn shekels (about £318m) to finance dozens of new Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Israeli media reported the decision was kept secret when it was approved last month due to expectations of US opposition.
Military chief praises extremist “security partners”
Maj Gen Avi Bluth, who commands Israeli forces in the West Bank, told residents of extremist outposts that he “appreciates their work” and described them as partners in security with the military. Bluth spoke at a meeting of the Farms Association, a group representing settlements that are considered illegal even under Israeli law.
Critics said such outposts play a role in campaigns that they link to violence and the displacement of Palestinians across the West Bank.
UN rights office and activists warn of violence and impunity
The UN human rights office for Palestine said in a report published this week that settlers were used to lead annexation efforts and that systematic impunity has helped violence continue.
Hagit Ofran of Peace Now said bulldozers were working on at least seven settlements that she said could be populated before polling day. She described the government’s approach as a “reckless pre-election sprint” aimed at creating “facts on the ground”.
Dozens of figures from Israel’s political and military elite, including former prime ministers and former heads of security services, have threatened legal action over support for “Jewish terrorism” in the West Bank, according to the report.
Control of Gaza and casualty figures under scrutiny
Katz also highlighted the scale of Israeli control in Gaza, where Maj Gen Tamir Yadai, Israel’s deputy chief of staff, said Israel now controls 65% of the strip. Yadai’s assessment was described as exceeding the 53% figure agreed under a ceasefire brokered last year by US President Donald Trump.
The officials’ account places about 2 million Palestinians in the remaining third of Gaza’s territory. Yadai said Israel had “killed over 70,000 terrorists”, framing the situation as “victory”.
On casualties, Israel’s military has said a database of Gaza’s war dead compiled by Palestinian health authorities is broadly accurate. It contains more than 73,000 named people, including more than 21,000 children, more than 10,000 women under 60 and more than 5,000 elderly people. When asked whether women, children and elderly people were counted as “terrorists”, the Israeli military declined to comment directly. A military spokesperson said the IDF was still assessing and categorising casualties, adding the work had not been completed or briefed to civilian officials. The spokesperson also declined to comment on Bluth’s backing for settler militants, saying settlement decisions were political.
Nahal outposts framed as a “first phase”
Dror Etkes, founder of Kerem Navot, said Nahal outposts were not intended for long-term military use and that they function as a first phase preparing sites for future settlement. He said the model was first applied in the 1950s in border regions, including around the Gaza Strip, before being used in the occupied West Bank after 1967, initially along the Jordan valley and then in other areas.

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19 July 2026

• 6 comments
• 625 views

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July 18Jul 18

Iran Strike on Jordan Kills Two US Service Members

Middle East

Iran Strike on Jordan Kills Two US Service Members

Two U.S. service members were killed and one remained missing after Iran struck two military bases in Jordan on Friday, U.S. Central Command (Centcom) said.

Centcom also said four American service members were medically evacuated to hospitals in Jordan following the attack and have since been discharged. Other troops who reported minor injuries were assessed and returned to duty.
Centcom statement on casualties
In a statement posted on social media on Saturday, Centcom said it was withholding further information out of respect for the families of those affected. It said it will not release additional details, including the identities of the two service members who died, until 24 hours after the next of kin have been notified.
The statement did not provide further detail on the circumstances of the deaths or the status of the missing service member beyond saying the person remained unaccounted for.
Injured troops treated and back on duty
Centcom said the four service members transferred to hospitals were later discharged. It added that other personnel with minor injuries were examined and had returned to their duties.
No further medical information was provided in the update.
US-Iran tit-for-tat continues
The attack came amid a broader escalation between the United States and Iran in recent weeks, with both sides conducting strikes in what has been described as tit-for-tat action.
The exchanges have been linked to alleged breaches of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed last month that introduced a temporary ceasefire while negotiations were under way.
President Trump has said his administration has no plan to renew the talks at this time.
US officials respond; Iran warns of wider conflict
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he was praying for the families of the service members killed, for the recovery of those injured and for the safe return of the missing service member.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also posted a message acknowledging the news, saying the sacrifice would strengthen the resolve of American forces.
Iran has warned that it could move towards wider conflict if U.S. strikes do not stop. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, blamed the United States for repeated breaches of the ceasefire agreement and accused Washington of undermining the understanding agreed between the two countries’ leaderships. In a subsequent message, he warned the United States that Iran and allied forces would respond to any further escalation, saying it would bring “unforgettable lessons”.
Khamenei took over after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes in late February on Tehran killed his father. He has not made public remarks since assuming the role.


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19 July 2026

• 17 comments
• 613 views

webfact

July 18Jul 18

Mamdani Weighs Netanyahu Arrest if He Visits NYC

USA

Mamdani Weighs Netanyahu Arrest if He Visits NYC

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he is considering whether the city could arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he travels to New York this fall for the United Nations General Assembly.

Speaking in an interview on Saturday’s episode of The New York Times podcast “The Interview”, Mamdani said he believes Netanyahu should be dealt with through international courts, adding that the matter involves an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The ICC warrant and a possible arrest
Mamdani said Netanyahu “belongs in The Hague” and described him as a war criminal, referring to charges brought by the ICC. He said the view reflects what he described as years of actions he said have caused harm in Palestine.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant in 2024 for Netanyahu over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in relation to the war in Palestine. The warrant covers allegations including “starvation as a method of warfare” and “other inhumane acts”.
Asked about the prospect of arrest in New York, Mamdani said his administration is reviewing whether it could take such action under the city’s legal framework.
What Mamdani said in his campaign
Mamdani, a Democrat, said during his mayoral campaign last year that he would order the New York Police Department to arrest Netanyahu. At the time, he also characterised the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza as a genocide.
In Saturday’s interview, he reiterated that his position was tied to the existence of the ICC warrant and the weight he said it carries as a formal charge.
Netanyahu dismisses the threat
Netanyahu recently responded to the mayor’s remarks during a radio interview, accusing Mamdani of supporting Hamas. Mamdani denied the accusation.
The prime minister said Mamdani was aligned with groups he described as terror actors, and he argued that those who oppose Israel also ultimately oppose the United States.
UN trip expected in September
World leaders from member states are expected to travel to New York in September for the UN body’s annual session, when Netanyahu has taken part in past years.
Mamdani told The Times he would “follow the laws” of the city. When pressed on what that meant, he said the matter was under discussion with the city’s legal department.
“We’re not talking about a personal assessment of Benjamin Netanyahu,” Mamdani said. He said the focus was on the ICC warrant and on the responsibilities of the mayor under New York City law.

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19 July 2026

• 38 comments
• 1,270 views

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July 18Jul 18

Ukraine Drone Strikes Kill Eight at Russian Warehouses

Russia

Ukraine Drone Strikes Kill Eight at Russian Warehouses

Ukrainian drones struck two warehouses used by Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer, killing eight people and injuring 62 others, Russian officials said. The attacks hit a Wildberries logistics site in Tambov, about 295 miles (475km) south-east of Moscow, where seven people died and 25 others were hurt, according to the regional governor.

One person was also killed and 37 injured at another Wildberries warehouse in Elektrostal, in the Moscow region, officials said.
Tambov strike leaves multiple fatalities and injuries
In Tambov, governor Evgeniy Pervyshov said seven people working the night shift were killed on the spot. He added that 25 people were injured, including seven in serious condition, and that most injuries were caused by shrapnel.
Pervyshov said 28 drones were shot down while approaching the facility and called it the largest attack on the region in terms of the number of drones used and the number of casualties.
Unverified images circulating from the scene showed flames and large plumes of black smoke rising from a logistics building, with dozens of workers seen fleeing into a car park area.
Moscow region warehouse attack injures 37 people
In the Moscow region, governor Andrei Vorobyov said eight people injured in the Elektrostal strike were in serious condition.
Vorobyov said 48 drones were intercepted in the region overnight. He also said an oil depot was struck by a falling drone and described the incident as one with “the most serious consequences”, adding that firefighters and emergency services were continuing their work at the site.
Zelensky separately said Ukraine had also struck an oil facility.
Zelensky links strikes to logistics for drone components
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the drone attacks targeted “major logistics facilities” used to supply “sanctioned components for drone production and navigation equipment”.
In his comments, Zelensky also said Ukraine struck targets in the Sea of Azov, the Black Sea and Crimea, which Russia annexed.
Zelensky said Ukraine’s actions were in response to Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure and on cities and communities.
He also said that overnight into Wednesday, 14 people were killed in Russian attacks across Ukraine.
Wildberries says eight died as drone strikes escalate
Wildberries, often described as Russia’s equivalent of Amazon, is part of the merged RWB group, which combines Wildberries with advertising company Russ. Forbes Russia valued the group at about $12.6bn (£9.3bn) in 2026.
Wildberries chief executive Tatyana Kim said it was a “terrible night” for Russia and for the company. In Tambov, Pervyshov said the seven fatalities occurred among night-shift workers.
Energy campaign and Putin’s admission on shortages
Ukraine has recently increased long-range drone strikes on Russia’s critical energy infrastructure, which Kyiv says has contributed to fuel shortages. Earlier this month, Kyiv said nearly 43% of Russia’s oil refining capacity had been “disabled” by attacks. The BBC said it had not independently verified that figure.
Ukraine argues that Russian oil and gas facilities are legitimate targets because Russia relies heavily on fossil fuel exports to fund its full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022.
Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a rare admission that fuel shortages were caused by Ukrainian attacks. He also signed into law a bill intended to boost supplies to Russia’s domestic fuel market in early July.

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18 July 2026

• Ukraine Conflict

• 3 comments
• 489 views

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July 18Jul 18

Venice Protests Meet U.S. Envoy Fertitta’s Superyacht

Report

Venice Protests Meet U.S. Envoy Fertitta’s Superyacht

Several hundred protesters marched on Friday in Venice to oppose the arrival of Tilman Fertitta, the billionaire American ambassador to Italy, as his luxury yacht berthed in the city. As the demonstrators neared the vessel, they briefly clashed with riot police and were pushed back.

Activists described Fertitta’s visit as an unwelcome display of American wealth and influence, arguing that the Trump administration has been reshaping the post-Second World War international order in ways many Italians disapprove of.
Protesters clash with riot police
The marchers shouted “Shame!” as they approached a double line of riot police guarding access to the superyacht. Protesters had raised their arms to indicate they would remain peaceful, but police used their shields to force them back when the demonstrators did not stop.
Inflatable beach toys and water items were thrown during the clash. After the confrontation, protesters directed “Shame!” at Fertitta, the mayor and the police.
The demonstrators carried inflatable water toys and beach balls behind a banner reading “Venezia non si USA”, a wordplay on “Venezia non è USA” meaning “Venice is not for the US”, with the letters USA capitalised.


Picture courtesy of AP
Security for the Coastal Diplomacy stop
Fertitta arrived earlier in the day, mooring in St. Mark’s Basin as part of a coastal diplomacy tour marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. Police boats were positioned around the yacht, and a heavy security presence accompanied the protest.
The yacht, which dwarfed buildings along the lagoon, featured a large security cordon. Protesters also held signs including “Make America Read Again” and “Oligarch in saor”, referring to “saor”, a Venetian dish made with sardines.
The tour, labelled “Coastal Diplomacy 250”, covers 13 Italian coastal regions by superyacht. Fertitta said online that it is meant to celebrate shared history, economic partnership and cultural ties underpinning US-Italy relations.
Fertitta declined a request for an interview about the tour and the planned demonstration. In a brief statement, he said he supports the right to protest peacefully, adding that the programme had allowed him to meet Italians from different walks of life while celebrating 250 years of US independence and long-standing friendship with Italy.
Opposition from groups linked to earlier protests
In Venice, some of the same activist groups that took part in demonstrations against the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez last year also mobilised against Fertitta’s arrival. Fertitta’s yacht, the 117-metre Boardwalk, is described as having two helipads, two swimming pools and a spa and gym.
On 4 July, organisers unfurled a banner as long as Fertitta’s yacht to illustrate what they called “the dimensions of his arrogance”. Activists later expressed alarm at the scale of the vessel in the lagoon, with one protester describing it as “gross”.
Emanuele Lepore said the sight of the yacht triggered anger, pointing to a long-running campaign to ban cruise ships from the Giudecca Canal and parts of the historic centre. He argued that the message was clear that “new oligarchs” were being allowed to travel and, in his view, normalise “war and fascism” with local backing.
Fertitta’s role and next stop
Fertitta was sworn in as ambassador to Italy in 2025. His fortune is linked to the hospitality industry, including restaurants, hotels and casinos. He also owns the Houston Rockets. His official biography lists his net worth at $11.3 billion and says Forbes ranks him among the 100 wealthiest Americans.
Details of which people he will meet in Venice have not been released. He is expected to attend the Redentore festival on Saturday, which commemorates the end of the plague in 1576 and includes fireworks over St. Mark’s Basin.
Before arriving in Venice, Fertitta stopped in Cefalù in Sicily, where his family roots trace back to 1566, and met the governor in Palermo. His route also included the Calabrian port of Le Castella, as well as cruising along the coasts of Puglia and the Adriatic en route to Venice.
Political analyst Giovanni Orsina said the image of an ambassador travelling along the Italian coast in a diplomacy trip was unusual, noting that such travel is typically not done with an ambassador’s own yacht and resources.
Fertitta’s tenure comes as relations between Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Trump have cooled, after the US President made a series of social media attacks on her. Meloni, previously seen as a close ally of Trump in Europe on issues including immigration, did not attend the 250th celebrations at the US embassy.


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18 July 2026

• 2 comments
• 472 views

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July 18Jul 18

Burnham Delays Cabinet Choice Ahead of PM Handover

UK-Politics

Burnham Delays Cabinet Choice Ahead of PM Handover

Andy Burnham said he has not yet settled who will serve in his cabinet as he prepares to become prime minister on Monday, after taking over from Sir Keir Starmer following a reception with King Charles III.

Speaking to reporters when asked why he had not announced his senior team, Burnham said it would be premature to begin reshaping roles before he formally takes office. He added that he is “finalising” his decisions and will reach conclusions “very shortly”, before making announcements on Monday.
Speculation has continued about Burnham’s first appointments, with Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood widely viewed as potential contenders to replace Rachel Reeves as chancellor.
Cabinet decisions and speculation
Burnham returned to Parliament a month ago after winning a by-election, and his selection as Labour leader earlier this week was backed by 379 Labour MPs and all 11 trade unions affiliated to the party.
Asked directly about who would be in the cabinet, he said he would announce the arrangements after he assumes office. In his first speech as Labour leader at the TUC headquarters in central London, he said the make-up of his cabinet would reflect “all parts of our party” and “all communities”.
Early messages to Labour and devolution
Burnham used the speech to set out themes for his premiership, including a pledge to restore “hope” to working-class communities he said had been overlooked by the political class. He reiterated his plan to devolve power away from Westminster to the regions, presenting devolution as a central element of his approach.
He also said the government he leads would bring the biggest change in decades and move away from “neoliberal” policies pursued over the past 40 years, including during his own time in government. Burnham said he would reindustrialise the country.
In a message to Labour MPs, he urged party unity, warning that infighting would prevent Labour from defeating Britain’s “new right”. He said he wants a culture of “one Labour team” and described his style of government as “problem-solving rather than point-scoring”. He told the audience he has a plan and that he knows what he wants to do in office.
Social care reform set as priority
While his TUC speech focused more on direction than detailed policy, he told reporters that reforming social care would be a top priority. He said he would commit substantial political effort to a sector he described as long neglected.
Social care is devolved, meaning any reforms Burnham advances would apply to England. In discussing the scale of the challenge, he pointed to the fact that, unlike the NHS, social care is not free at the point of use. He said high costs can lead people to sell their homes to pay for care.
Burnham has previously called for major change. As health secretary under Gordon Brown, he published a white paper in the weeks before the 2010 general election proposing a National Care Service that would be free at the point of use.
Opposition and union reactions
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, said Burnham “comes in with absolutely no mandate of any kind at all” and called for an immediate general election for voters to decide the country’s direction.
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey welcomed Burnham’s call for more collaborative politics, adding that his party’s “door is open”. He said the Lib Dems would particularly want changes to the water industry, support for the NHS, and reform of social care, including more help for family carers.
Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake said Burnham should recall Parliament, which is currently in recess until September, so MPs can put questions to him about his plan. Linda Hobson, from Unison, said Burnham must “get this right” and deliver the hope he has promised.
Burnham’s rise to the premiership follows a rapid shift in Labour’s leadership trajectory after Starmer resigned last month, saying he was not best placed to lead the party into the next general election. Labour has trailed Reform UK in opinion polls for about 18 months, with heavy losses in May’s local elections before Burnham secured a by-election victory in Makerfield last month.
On Friday, Burnham paid tribute to Starmer, citing improvements to workers’ and renters’ rights, lower NHS waiting lists and bringing rail back under public control.

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18 July 2026

• 8 comments
• 626 views

webfact

July 17Jul 17