US missionary released following kidnap in Niger, Christian group says
Kevin Rideout, who was kidnapped outside his home in the capital last October, is now with US officials.
Iran formalises Strait of Hormuz control as US struggles to sustain war it launched with Israel – Middle East Eye
- Iran formalises Strait of Hormuz control as US struggles to sustain war it launched with Israel Middle East Eye
- Iran talks tough to US, says Trump 'miscalculated' on Strait of Hormuz Fox News
- US-Iran talks in deadlock – what’s the latest? Al Jazeera
- Iran's military rejects Trump's claims of US control over Strait of Hormuz as 'lies' Euronews.com
- Gulf States Accept a New Normal in Hormuz: Iran Is in Control WSJ
UAE accuses Iran of Hormuz attacks as Vance says cheap gas are “goal number one” – Yahoo
Luigi Mangione hearing fuels speculation of a guilty plea in federal case
Mangione also faces separate state trial over killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan, due to start on 8 September
A hurriedly scheduled hearing for Luigi Mangione’s federal case in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is set for later on Friday morning, fueling speculation that he might plead guilty in these proceedings.
Mangione faces two stalking counts in his federal case, as well as murder and weapons charges in a separate New York state case. He has pleaded not guilty in both cases. Both the federal and state cases could lead to a life prison sentence.
Continue reading...New Zealand break ranks with Oceania as FIFA’s Infantino divide grows
Oceania have offered support to Gianni Infantino, but New Zealand have gone against their own confederation in FIFA row.
Albanian ambassador attacks UK right wing for ‘unhinged’ fixation with 2022 migrant surge
Exclusive: Uran Ferizi says arrivals fell sharply after short-lived influx, but country continues to be stigmatised
The number of Albanians who travelled to Britain in small boats four years ago remains the focus of “unhinged” and “hysterical” criticisms from rightwing politicians and the media, according to the country’s UK ambassador.
Uran Ferizi said the influx of more than 12,000 people from the Balkan state in 2022 was “real”, “exceptional” and “short-lived”, but the Albanian community in the UK was still being framed by those events by Reform UK and the Daily Telegraph.
Continue reading...Russia says hit Ukrainian railway and port facilities in new strikes
Kyiv targets Baltic oil hub and warehouse near Moscow with drones.
Swiatek defeats Rybakina to claim Canadian Open title
Six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek defeats Elena Rybakina in Toronto to claim the WTA Canadian Open title.
UK far-right leader Farage re-elected in boycotted by-election
Nigel Farage re-elected in Clacton by-election after resigning amid scrutiny over his finances.
La Liga: Barcelona key talking points heading into new 2026-27 season
Barcelona will aim to become the first club to three-peat in the Spain Primera Division since 2008-11 Pep Guardiola era.
A year after student protests that shook Valjevo: Serbia at a crossroads
Protests that erupted after railway station canopy collapsed, killing 16, have grown into a broad social movement.
What is a ‘ceasefire’ supposed to achieve?
Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, Ukraine: four ceasefires, none that held. AJLabs on why truces keep collapsing.
Why Moldova Is Central to Putin’s Goal of Wrecking NATO – The New York Times
- Why Moldova Is Central to Putin’s Goal of Wrecking NATO The New York Times
- Kremlin Files Reveal Russia’s Strategy to Target Moldova After Ukraine UNITED24 Media
- Putin ordered Russia to ‘break NATO and EU apart from within’ in 2026 The New Voice of Ukraine
- Russian Intelligence-Linked Operatives Trained Recruits for Election Disruption in Moldova Межа. Новини України.
- The Kremlin Views Moldova as a Springboard for New Aggression — NYT UA.NEWS
Panama Canal Traffic Spurs $4.6 Million Payment for a Crossing – Yahoo Finance
- Panama Canal Traffic Spurs $4.6 Million Payment for a Crossing Yahoo Finance
- Panama canal fees soar due to Iran war and El Niño as ship ‘pays $4m to jump queue’ The Guardian
- Panama Canal Auction Prices Soar as Wait Builds and Water Level Falls The Maritime Executive
- Supertanker Pays $4.6 Million to Skip Panama Canal Line Bloomberg.com
- Ship Pays $4M to Skip Long Wait at Panama Canal Newser
Tanzid makes history as Bangladesh dominate first Australia Test
Tanzid Hasan hits first Bangladesh ton in Australia as tourists close Day Two of first Test on 351-6, leading by 153.
Japan’s record rains strand thousands at Narita airport; kill eight – Reuters
- Japan's record rains strand thousands at Narita airport; kill eight Reuters
- Record-Breaking Rainfall Leaves Eight Dead and Thousands Stranded in Japan The New York Times
- Why 14 inches of rain fell in Japan in just one day Scientific American
- Flooding in Chiba Pref. leaves at least 8 dead, paralyzes transportation Japan Wire by Kyodo News
- ‘Unprecedented’ rain kills five in Japan as thousands stranded at airport The Guardian
US says dozens of countries helped China dodge Trump’s tariffs
A new US report said China had moved goods through nations with lower tariffs to dodge higher levies.
US accuses dozens of countries of helping China avoid Trump’s tariffs
White House report claims tens of billions of dollars in annual revenue lost to transshipments.
South Korea players want K League season change due to ‘worsening climate’
South Korea football players push for a K League season shift as 'punishing heat' hitting summer matches.
Wildfires force thousands to flee as blazes spread across Europe
At least a dozen people have reportedly been hospitalised in Croatia after blazes tore into the tourist town of Omis.