World News

Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill 12, Including Family of Six

Gaza

Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill 12, Including Family of Six

At least 12 Palestinians were killed in three separate Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip, including six members of one family, local medics said.

Video shared from Gaza City overnight showed an apartment building in flames in the western al-Sabra neighbourhood. Medics said the strike killed the family of six, with the BBC identifying the brother of Firas al-Masri as saying they were trapped and burnt to death.
Firas al-Masri’s brother told the BBC that Firas was killed alongside his wife, Salsabeel, and their three daughters and son: Faryal, Salma, Amira and Naim.
Israeli military says target was Hamas operative
The Israeli military said its target was a Hamas operative and that it was still examining the outcome of the attack. No Israeli comment was provided on the deaths reported in the other two strikes that followed later.
On Tuesday afternoon, four people were killed in an Israeli air strike on a home in the al-Samar area of central Gaza City, Palestinian media reported, citing medics.
Two more people were killed in a separate Israeli drone strike on a vehicle in the al-Zahra area to the south of Gaza City, medics said.
The Israeli military had not commented on the air strike or the drone strike by the time of reporting.
Death toll since ceasefire and attacks in Gaza
According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, at least 1,168 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect last October.
In the same period, four Israeli soldiers were reported killed in Palestinian attacks in Gaza.
The UN human rights office condemned the intensification of Israeli military attacks in Gaza on Tuesday.
Spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan said that between 13 and 20 July, at least 57 Palestinians were killed in strikes on residential buildings, a tent camp for displaced families and other crowded areas. He said the victims included six children and eight women.
Al-Kheetan also said that 34 of those people were “killed far away” from the so-called Yellow Line, a boundary that marks territory in Gaza controlled by Israeli forces.
“Nine months after the announcement of a ceasefire, still, nowhere is safe for Palestinians in Gaza,” Al-Kheetan said. He added that the deaths of civilians “raises concerns of continuing violations of international humanitarian law, war crimes and other possible atrocity crimes in Gaza”.
Background to the campaign
The Israeli military has said it has carried out recent attacks targeting members of Palestinian armed groups, which it said were involved in the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. During that attack, about 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage, according to Israeli and other reported figures.
Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza after the 7 October attacks. The Gaza health ministry said that more than 73,290 people have been killed in the conflict.


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22 July 2026

• 53 comments
• 553 views

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July 21Jul 21

France First in Europe to Ban Under-15s on Social Media

EU

France First in Europe to Ban Under-15s on Social Media

France’s parliament has approved a bill that bans children under 15 from using social media, making it the first European country to bar access to platforms including TikTok for that age group.

President Emmanuel Macron backed the measure as a key reform during his final term and said he planned to have it enforced by September. In a video posted on social media, Macron said France was “leading the way in Europe” on protecting children and teenagers online, adding that the vote was “a major step forward”.
On Tuesday, the National Assembly passed the bill after it had already been approved by the Senate earlier in the day. The lower house voted in favour by 279 to 81. Macron said the Constitutional Council must first rule on the legislation before it can be implemented.
Parliament clears bill
Macron said the next step would be for authorities to “take action” following the Constitutional Council’s decision, after which the government would move to enforce the ban.
The bill has been framed as a response to growing concerns about the effects of social media on children, following warnings in a number of countries.
Two-stage roll-out
Under the legislation, the restrictions are set to be introduced in two phases.
From 1 September, children under 15 would be blocked from creating new social media accounts. The ban on existing accounts would follow from January 2027.
Digital minister Anne Le Hénanff said before the vote that the timetable was realistic because “age-verification tools already exist”, while other methods are being developed. She said the responsibility would fall on platforms to apply the rules and added that users in France would have to prove their age.
The minister also said the measure includes assurances that people’s personal data would be protected.
Macron’s government linked enforcement by September to a separate provision in the bill that would introduce a ban on mobile phones in high schools at the start of the French school year.
Health findings and limits
France’s public health watchdog said last year that platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram were harmful to adolescents, particularly girls. It said this was not the only factor behind trends in declining mental health, but lawmakers nevertheless agreed that regulation was needed.
However, the two parliamentary chambers differed on how the rules should work. Senators had backed a two-tier approach, with some platforms being placed on a blacklist if they were deemed harmful to a child’s development, while others could still be accessed with parental consent.
The National Assembly chose a blanket ban, despite criticism from some politicians on the left. They raised concerns about how age checks would be carried out, the speed of implementation, the risk that children could bypass the rules and potential privacy issues.
The bill makes exceptions for certain types of sites, including online encyclopedias and educational platforms. It also does not set penalties for children or parents.
Centrist senator Catherine Morin-Desailly said the blacklisting system would have taken longer and required fresh consultation with the European Commission on criteria, and she warned of a “small risk” that such an approach could run into issues under European law.
Assembly member Laure Miller said major platforms were largely ready for the switch.
European plans and international comparisons
The European Commission has been considering a social media ban after pressure from member states including France, Greece and Spain. Last week, Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said children should have “phased and gradual access” to social media.
The commission has also unveiled an age verification app that EU countries, including France, have begun testing in recent months.
France is likely to face scrutiny from other European governments, as it is among about 20 countries worldwide that have proposed or introduced similar measures.
Last December, Australia became the first country to require TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat and other major platforms to remove accounts held by users under 16 or face heavy fines.

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22 July 2026

• Social Media

• 5 comments
• 334 views

webfact

July 21Jul 21

Iran war cost reaches $37.5bn, Hegseth tells Senate

Iranian Conflict

Iran war cost reaches $37.5bn, Hegseth tells Senate

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers on Tuesday that the Iran war has cost an estimated $37.5 billion (£28 billion) so far.

He provided the updated figure while appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee, which is reviewing the Defence Department's request for $87.6 billion in additional funding.
Hegseth said the proposed funding would be used to "reinforce peace through strength".
Funding request under scrutiny
The hearing focused on the Pentagon's budget request as senators questioned senior defence officials on military spending and ongoing operations.
Hegseth was joined by other senior officials, including Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen Dan Caine, who also appeared before the committee.
Conflict intensifies
The hearing came after three US soldiers were killed in the Middle East and President Donald Trump ordered fresh military strikes against Iran, amid continuing hostilities in the region.
Lawmakers questioned defence leaders as the conflict and its financial cost continue to grow.
Protesters interrupt hearing
Hegseth's opening remarks were repeatedly interrupted by protesters shortly after he began speaking to the committee.
Despite the disruptions, the hearing continued as senators examined the Pentagon's funding request and military operations.

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22 July 2026

• USA

• 32 comments
• 664 views

webfact

July 21Jul 21

Lebanese Army Enters 'Pilot Zone' After Israeli Exit

Middle East

Lebanese Army Enters 'Pilot Zone' After Israeli Exit

Lebanon's army has begun deploying troops to a designated "pilot zone" in the country's south following a partial Israeli withdrawal under a US-brokered agreement reached last month.
Pilot zone deployment begins
Engineering units entered the village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh in Nabatieh district on Tuesday, the Lebanese army said. The deployment is part of a plan that envisions Israeli forces withdrawing from limited areas occupied during the conflict with Hezbollah while the Lebanese Armed Forces expand their presence and work toward disarming the Iran-backed group.
The operation started ahead of a meeting in Washington between US President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
Troops come under fire
Later on Tuesday, Lebanon's army said Israeli forces opened fire near its troops, warning that the incident could hinder implementation of the pilot zone plan.
Israel's military said its soldiers fired warning shots after Lebanese troops and an engineering vehicle crossed about 150 metres into the Israeli-declared security zone and breached barriers near neighbouring Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh. It said the Lebanese forces withdrew and no injuries were reported.
The Lebanese army urged residents not to return to Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh until the security situation stabilised and to follow instructions from deployed troops.
The US State Department announced on Monday that pilot zone operations had begun in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, Froun and Srifa under the Trilateral Framework agreed by Lebanon, Israel and the United States at the end of June. The agreement followed talks between Israeli and Lebanese representatives in Rome last week.
An Israeli military official said the Israel Defense Forces would adjust their deployment in one pilot area to allow the Lebanese army to carry out its mission while maintaining security and retaining the right to respond to threats.
Israel also reiterated it would keep troops inside its 10km-deep security zone along the border for as long as it considered necessary to protect northern Israeli communities.
Trump backs Lebanon
During his White House meeting with Trump, Aoun said he had requested political backing and support for the Lebanese Armed Forces as they seek to extend state control into areas where Hezbollah has long operated.
Trump said the United States would continue supporting Lebanon, describing the country as having suffered for decades. He also said Washington had "concrete plans" to help Lebanon build the capacity to disarm Hezbollah, although he gave no further details. Trump added he would speak directly with Hezbollah representatives if Aoun requested it.
Tensions remain high
Hezbollah has rejected the agreement linking Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon to the group's disarmament, saying the conditions crossed "all red lines". Israel has insisted it will not fully withdraw until Hezbollah is disarmed.
Elsewhere on Tuesday, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported explosions near Beit Yahoun, Kounine and Majdal Zoun, attributing them to Israeli military activity. Israel says it has been destroying Hezbollah infrastructure, while human rights groups have accused it of deliberately destroying civilian infrastructure, allegations that could amount to war crimes.
The conflict escalated on 2 March after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel following a strike that killed Iran's supreme leader. Israel responded with a large-scale air campaign and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon.
According to Lebanon's health ministry, more than 4,300 people have been killed in Lebanon during the conflict, including nearly 800 children, women and medics. Israeli authorities say 37 soldiers and four civilians have been killed on both sides of the border.


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22 July 2026

• 1 comment
• 227 views

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July 21Jul 21

Former MP Widdecombe Hit 21 Times With Hammer

UK

Former MP Widdecombe Hit 21 Times With Hammer

Former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe was struck 21 times on the head with a hammer while eating lunch at her Devon home, prosecutors told Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, as the man accused of her murder made his first court appearances.

Prosecutor Kashif Malik said Joshua Kerry arrived at Widdecombe's home in Haytor, Devon, in a red Vauxhall Corsa on 8 July and entered through the front door. Wearing black gloves, Kerry allegedly remained inside for about two minutes before repeatedly attacking the former MP with a hammer in her kitchen.
Attack captured on home security footage
The court heard that Widdecombe was knocked from her chair during the assault. Prosecutors allege Kerry then stole her wallet before leaving the property in his car.
Security camera footage from the house is said to have captured the fatal attack.


Sketch courtesy of Julia Quenzler/BBC
Investigation continues
Malik told the court that Widdecombe failed to attend a scheduled online interview with Channel 5's Matt Allwright programme shortly before 13:00 BST on 8 July.
After attempts to contact her through her personal assistant were unsuccessful, the assistant asked Widdecombe's gardener to check on her welfare, the court heard.
Police are continuing to investigate whether the attack had a political or terrorist motive. The case is being led by counter-terrorism detectives.
Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was charged with one count of murder on Monday night. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court, where he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address. He was not asked to enter a plea.
Old Bailey hearing
Later on Tuesday, Kerry also appeared before the Old Bailey, where prosecutor Alistair Richardson described the killing as having been carried out with a "ferocity of violence".
The defendant was remanded in custody and is expected to be held at HMP Belmarsh in south-east London.
He is due to return to the Old Bailey on 9 October for a case management hearing. A provisional trial date has been set for 8 June 2027.
The court heard that a pathologist's provisional cause of death was blunt force injury to the head.
At an earlier inquest hearing, which was opened and adjourned on Tuesday, officials heard that emergency services were called on the day Widdecombe's body was discovered. She was pronounced dead at 12:20.
Although a post-mortem examination has been completed, the hearing was told that the precise medical cause of death has yet to be formally established.
Political career
Widdecombe served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and held ministerial posts in Sir John Major's government during the 1990s.
After leaving the House of Commons, she became a familiar television personality, appearing on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and finishing as runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.
She later represented South West England as a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party before joining Reform UK as a party spokeswoman in 2023.


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22 July 2026

• Crime

• 8 comments
• 242 views

webfact

July 21Jul 21

Burnham's First 24 Hours Bring Cabinet Shake-Up

UK-Politics

Burnham's First 24 Hours Bring Cabinet Shake-Up

Prime Minister Andy Burnham wasted little time reshaping his government during his first full day in office, dismissing several allies of predecessor Keir Starmer and announcing a series of policy changes aimed at signalling a fresh start.

Among the biggest surprises was the appointment of John Healey as chancellor. The former defence secretary was summoned to Downing Street shortly after ministers were informed of changes to the cabinet. His promotion reportedly came as a surprise not only to political observers but also to Healey himself.
Cabinet reshuffle signals new direction
The appointment capped a rapid series of announcements from Burnham's new administration, including a reduction in VAT on household energy bills. While the Conservatives support the tax cut, they have questioned how the government intends to pay for it.
Former critics return to senior roles
Healey's return to frontline government comes just five weeks after he resigned as defence secretary during a dispute over military spending, a move that weakened Starmer's authority before Burnham's rise to power.
He now joins the cabinet alongside new Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh, both of whom had also resigned from Starmer's government. While some have suggested the appointments reward those who challenged the former prime minister, all three are also regarded within Labour as experienced figures capable of handling demanding portfolios.
Senior figures at the Ministry of Defence have welcomed Healey's appointment to the Treasury, believing he will support increased defence spending. However, some officials privately expressed relief that he is not returning to lead the department, describing him as a demanding minister.
Even some senior Conservatives acknowledged the political logic behind the choice, noting Healey's experience at the Treasury under former Prime Minister Tony Blair and arguing he presents a more difficult target for opponents than some other potential candidates.
Labour unity faces early test
Burnham has also entrusted ally Anneliese Midgley with maintaining support among Labour MPs, including those who lost ministerial posts during the reshuffle.
Signs of internal tensions have already emerged. Former chief secretary to the prime minister Darren Jones publicly criticised Burnham's policy on energy bills, highlighting the challenges facing the new administration.
One Labour MP suggested those removed from government fell into three broad categories: ministers dismissed because of their political views, those judged ineffective in office, and figures unpopular within the parliamentary Labour Party.
Election speculation grows
Burnham's arrival in Downing Street has also fuelled speculation that he could seek a snap general election if Labour receives a boost in the opinion polls.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has argued that such an election is needed because Burnham lacks a direct electoral mandate as prime minister. However, some within Reform reportedly fear an early contest could undermine the party's prospects, with Farage facing both a by-election and questions over his finances.
Other political parties have also begun contingency planning. A senior Liberal Democrat aide confirmed preparations were under way in case an early election is called.
Burnham has indicated he does not intend to head to the polls immediately. Nevertheless, an early election could allow him to secure a personal mandate for a more ambitious programme and potentially extend his time in office with a fresh five-year term.
Some political observers argue the prime minister must decide whether to seek public backing before anticipated economic challenges emerge. Comparisons have already been drawn with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who ultimately decided against calling an early election after succeeding Tony Blair in 2007.
Burnham reached the premiership following electoral success in Makerfield and victory in the Labour leadership contest. Whether he chooses to take another political gamble by calling an early general election remains one of the biggest questions facing Westminster.

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22 July 2026

• 4 comments
• 404 views

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July 21Jul 21

US Servicemember Deaths Raise Fears of Trump Escalation

Iranian Conflict

US Servicemember Deaths Raise Fears of Trump Escalation

The deaths of three US servicemembers over a 24-hour period this weekend have raised concerns in Washington that President Donald Trump could press for further escalation in the war involving Iran, even as both sides signal they are keeping diplomatic channels open.

The servicemembers’ deaths increased the US death toll in the conflict to 17 since fighting began in March. The Pentagon said on Monday that since US Central Command (Centcom) began daily waves of strikes against Iran on 7 July, nearly 100 service members in the command’s area of responsibility have been wounded. Of those injured, it said 96% have returned to duty.
Vali Nasr, a professor of international affairs at Johns Hopkins University, said the exchange of blows changes the political calculations facing Trump. In an interview with The Hill, he said the immediate impact on US personnel could create pressure for a broader response if further casualties occur, or if a US ship is attacked.
Victoria Coates, Trump’s former national security adviser, said the deaths marked “a new phase” and pointed to the “sobering” nature of the events. She said the Iranian leadership appeared increasingly desperate while adding that the United States should treat the situation as serious.
Strikes follow servicemembers’ deaths
The Trump administration responded to the deaths by carrying out strikes over the weekend on Iranian military command centres, air defence and coastal surveillance sites, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and communications networks.
In a TruthSocial post on Monday, Trump warned that Iran would “pay” multiple times for killing an American servicemember. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump would attend the dignified transfer of the fallen service members at Dover Air Force Base.
Michael Rubin, a Pentagon official during the second George W. Bush administration, said fatalities were an expected consequence of war while also noting that the deaths could provide impetus for those urging a response.
A White House official told The Hill that Trump is focused on ensuring Iran pays for what Washington described as violations of a memorandum of understanding and for “acts of terrorism” in the Strait of Hormuz.
Diplomacy remains open, both sides say
Despite the intensified military campaign, senior figures on both sides indicated that diplomacy was still possible. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said over the weekend that talks with Iran remained open and would continue if Iran showed that the channel could work. He spoke at Joint Base Andrews.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on Monday that the two countries were continuing to exchange messages through mediators. He said diplomatic efforts had remained active in recent days and that ideas had been conveyed without providing further details.
US forces have continued strikes for a 10th consecutive day since a fragile ceasefire broke down. Centcom said the attacks included strikes from coastal surveillance and air defence facilities, maritime capability targets, missile and drone storage sites, underground weapons storage locations, bridges and other infrastructure.
Iran said it has retaliated against at least four countries in the region, targeting US positions in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. Kuwait’s military said its forces were working on intercepting Iranian munitions. A Jordanian state broadcaster reported that Jordan intercepted three incoming Iranian missiles on Monday.
Coates said Iran’s ability to target US forces in the region has been degraded since the war began earlier this year, citing a decline from “well over a hundred” missile launches at the start to single digits per day. She said the trend would likely worsen for Iran.
Nasr said the United States appeared prepared for a long campaign but added that economic pressure could prompt another truce. He also cautioned that escalation could still occur regardless of US intent.
Hormuz blockade and public concern
Beyond air and maritime strikes, the US has sought to squeeze Iran’s economy by resuming a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Centcom said on Monday that it redirected seven commercial vessels and disabled one ship to prevent it from entering an Iranian port.
Nasr said that while the US could impose costs, breaking Iran’s hold on the strait would likely require a far larger conflict, given Tehran’s ability to raise risks for ship owners and insurers with limited attacks.
The renewed hostilities have also pushed gas prices back to about $4 a gallon. A Washington Post-Ipsos poll released last week found that only one in four voters expect Trump’s negotiations with Iran to produce a better deal than the agreement reached during the Obama administration. It also reported that majorities of Americans were not confident talks would reduce gas prices or prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
In the region, Coates highlighted potential diplomatic momentum beyond the Iran conflict. She said Lebanese President Michel Aoun would become the first Lebanese president to meet a US president at the White House on Tuesday to discuss how to disarm Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group.

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21 July 2026

• 20 comments
• 527 views

webfact

July 21Jul 21

Weekend US Mass Shootings Kill 9, Injure 60

Mass Shooting

Weekend US Mass Shootings Kill 9, Injure 60

At least nine mass-casualty shootings took place over the weekend across the United States, authorities said, leaving nine people dead and at least 60 wounded.

The incidents occurred in eight states, including Colorado, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Arizona, Tennessee and Minnesota. Police said the shootings involved gatherings at restaurants and nightlife venues, as well as events in public parks and entertainment districts.
Denver nightclub parking lot
In Denver, a shooting early on Monday left one person dead and eight others injured, Denver Police said.
Police said all of the injured were taken to hospital. Officers believe the victims were in serious but stable condition.
Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said the attack happened at around 1am in the parking lot of the Ultra Lounge in south-east Denver. Evidence at the scene indicated at least two weapons were fired, Thomas said.
No suspects had been identified by Monday. Police said it was not clear whether victims were bystanders or part of the confrontation. Thomas said detectives were examining whether the shooting followed an earlier dispute between two groups at another location.
Oklahoma City party shooting
In Oklahoma City, police said a shooting broke out at a restaurant in the early hours of Sunday, killing two people and injuring three others.
Officers responded after a report of gunfire shortly before 12.35am during a party at the Dos Cinco restaurant in the city’s Capitol Hill district. A preliminary investigation indicated an altercation during the event escalated into a gunfight, police said.
No arrests were announced. The restaurant said it had posted security screenings at the entrance and that firearms were somehow brought inside, and said it had provided surveillance footage to investigators.
Tennessee park, and Arizona entertainment district
In Jackson, Tennessee, sheriff’s officials said gunfire erupted on Sunday night at Savannah Williams Park, where more than 100 people were gathered.
Madison County Sheriff Julian Wiser said deputies were called to the park at about 11pm. Two people were found dead, and a third died at hospital. Wiser said nine other people were wounded.
He said investigators initially believed the shootings were gang-related and were reviewing video from cameras in the park. Wiser said witnesses indicated the gunfire occurred in two different locations, with one involving a rifle fired multiple times at victims from a vehicle.
In Tucson, Arizona, nine people were critically injured in the early hours of Sunday after a gunman opened fire in a busy downtown entertainment area, according to Tucson Police. Officers shot and stopped the suspect.
The shooting occurred at about 2am local time, a police spokesperson said. Police said a conflict between two groups was believed to have led to the attack, rather than an active shooter situation, and investigators were considering whether it was gang-related. Officers heard gunfire during foot patrol and ordered the suspect to drop his weapon before firing when he refused, police said.
Minneapolis, Baltimore, Asheville and Delaware
In Minneapolis, police said back-to-back mass shootings on Sunday combined left one person dead and 14 injured.
The first incident occurred around 8.20pm outside a business in the Steven Square neighbourhood. Police said a 28-year-old man died after being taken to hospital, while four other men were also hospitalised with gunshot wounds.
A second shooting happened around 12.27am outside an event centre in south-west Minneapolis, police said. Nine people were injured, including seven men and two women. Police said preliminary findings indicated both incidents followed an altercation involving crowds outside the Reign Event Center, but investigators found no evidence linking the two shootings. No arrests were made.
In Baltimore, police were looking for two gunmen after six people aged 17 to 21 were shot on Sunday night in the Mt. Winans neighbourhood. Police said the victims were gathered under a tree when the suspects arrived in a car, got out and opened fire. None of the injuries were life-threatening, and the motive remained under investigation.
In Asheville, North Carolina, police said two people were killed and seven others wounded after a shooting early on Sunday in a parking lot near downtown. Police said evidence suggested it may have been linked to an earlier incident involving gun violence, and no arrests were announced.
In Newark, Delaware, Delaware State Police said a shooting outside a Waffle House early Saturday injured four people, including three teenagers. Police said the injuries were not life-threatening. Officers said no arrests had been announced.

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21 July 2026

• 54 comments
• 804 views

webfact

July 21Jul 21

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

• 9 comments
• 318 views

webfact

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

• 1 comment
• 311 views

webfact

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

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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

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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

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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
• 580 views

webfact

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
• 307 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
• 511 views

webfact

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
• 650 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
• 506 views

webfact

July 19Jul 19