World News Hub

Former politician, TV personality Ann Widdecombe killed in ‘targeted attack': Police

Counterterror police say former politician and reality TV contestant Ann Widdecombe was the victim of a "targeted attack."

France: Wildfires tear though historic forest of Fontainebleau near Paris

Two people have been arrested in France, on suspicion of deliberately having started a wildfire near Paris. In the famous Fontainebleau forest, hundreds of firefighters are working to contain the flames. Two thousand hectares of land have already burnt down – forcing the evacuation of around one thousand people. Details by senior reporter Catherine Norris Trent.

Authorities looking for 6 missing in a Brussels building fire find charred bodies in a lift

Belgian authorities have discovered a number of bodies in an elevator at a building that was being renovated in Brussels after a fire broke out early Tuesday

Tyrannosaurus rex most expensive dinosaur ever sold

The dinosaur skeleton, which roamed the planet 67 million years ago, was sold by Sotheby's in New York.

Keir Starmer becomes first UK PM to receive France’s Légion d’honneur

Exclusive: Emmanuel Macron honours outgoing prime minister for leadership role in supporting UkraineKeir Starmer has become the first UK prime minister to be presented with the Légion d’honneur by a French president, in recognition of his work with France on the security of Europe.Emmanuel Macron awarded the historic honour to Starmer for his leadership in setting up the coalition of the willing –...

2 men arrested over 123 ‘crash-for-cash’ traffic accidents in Hong Kong

Hong Kong police have arrested a 21-year-old student and a jobless 19-year-old on suspicion of deliberately causing more than 120 traffic accidents across the city in “crash-for-cash” scams, racking up more than HK$1 million (US$127,570) in fraudulent compensation. Chief Inspector Tam Tsz-wai of the New Territories North regional crime unit said officers suspected the pair were linked to 123 stage...

Spain's Lamine Yamal warns France: 'we have no fear' ahead of World Cup semifinal

The 2026 Football World Cup is in its final stretch. Tomorrow, England will take on Argentina for a place in the finals. And this evening, France will play Spain in their semifinals match. French coach Didier Deschamps predicted a “spectacular” match, while Spanish star Lamine Yamal shared a warning to Les Bleus. Our sports reporter Selina Sykes is covering the tournament.

Ann Widdecombe was killed in ‘targeted attack’, police say – UK politics live

Counter-terrorism police say that they are still working to establish the motive for the killing of the former government ministerIn response to a question from Alec Shelbrooke (Con), Campbell said he was “totally unaware” not just of the wording of the Tory opposition day motion planned for tomorrow (see 1.04pm), but of the topic that it was going to cover. In a bid to convince MPs that this was ...

Tuberculosis outbreak at Colorado ICE jail sickens at least 12 detainees

The reported infections are the latest in a series of health concerns at the federal immigration jail in AuroraAt least 12 people detained at a federal immigration jail in Colorado have contracted tuberculosis in recent days, according to testimony from inside the facility where dozens of others have reportedly been placed in quarantine.Those affected by the outbreak are also being made to endure ...

Trump drops threat of strait of Hormuz tolls, saying Gulf states agreed ‘massive’ US investment instead – Middle East crisis live

US president claims shipping route is open for all except Iranian ships after another night of strikes on IranUS launches third night of strikes on Iran as Trump announces Hormuz blockadeResurgent oil and fuel prices could cement a fourth interest rate rise in Australia this year if Donald Trump’s renewed conflict with Iran is not resolved within a week, economists warn.US missile strikes on Iran ...

Indian man dies in skydiving accident in Massachusetts, fell from 30 feet above in 'sudden, unexpected gust of wind'

T rex fossil ‘Gus’ sells for $50.1m at New York auction, setting new record

Skeleton judged to be one of the largest and most complete ever unearthed was excavated on a ranch in South DakotaA vast, fossilized Tyrannosaurus rex nicknamed Gus sold at Sotheby’s in New York on Tuesday for $50.1m with fees (£37.4m) to a phone bidder – making it the most valuable dinosaur fossil sold at auction.It also sold well above a pre-sale estimate of $20m to $30m (£15m to £22.4m). Contin...

France vs Spain LIVE: FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal

Live coverage and text updates as France play Spain in a semifinal clash between the two tournament favourites.

US inflation cools on brief ceasefire but Fed keeps rate hike option

US consumer inflation slowed more than expected in June as energy prices retreated, but the moderation was insufficient to convince financial markets to take an interest-rate increase from the Federal Reserve this year off the table against the backdrop of renewed conflict in the Middle East. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the Labour Department on Tuesday also showed underlying inflation subs...

Why is Trump risking a 'forever war' with Iran? 

👉Listen to This Is Why on your podcast app👈 

US rapper Boosie seeks $300,000 refund after failed Trump pardon bid

The rapper paid $600,000 to JM Burkman & Associates, but the firm says no partial refund was promisedLouisiana rapper Boosie Badazz is reportedly looking to claw back $300,000 from a firm of Washington DC lobbyists after they failed to secure a Donald Trump pardon that he hired them to pursue over his conviction on charges of possessing a loaded weapon at music video shooting in 2023.Boosie – ...

Jude Bellingham Station unveiled ahead of World Cup semi-final

A station in southeast London has been temporarily renamed Jude Bellingham Station before the World Cup semi-finals.

US judge voids Trump settlement with IRS granting him protection from tax audits

A US federal judge has found Donald Trump improperly used a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS in order to concoct a beneficial arrangement for the president – nullifying the legal agreement. A Trump lawyer and senior Justice Department officials have been referred to bar authorities for discipline. Story by Carys Garland.

Leading Houthi threatens ‘siege’ on Saudi Arabia after Yemen airport attack

Speaking to Al Jazeera, leading Houthi Mohammed al-Bukhaiti warns of attacks on Saudi Arabia.

Rubio vows to end International Criminal Court "threat", claiming it interferes with US operations

A major diplomatic battle is shaping up between Washington and its closest allies over the future of global justice. The Trump administration is preparing to completely isolate the International Criminal Court. But the move is already drawing fierce resistance from both the United Nations and European Leaders. Details by Caitlin Brown.

Australia's youth ban on social media has minimal results

Since coming into effect in December, an Australian law has barred kids under 16 from having accounts on platforms like Snapchat, Instagram and YouTube. Yet, studies show that most children are still able to access and create accounts on the networks. The government has doubled the maximum fine for non-compliance by tech firms, and is warning of further court action. Story by Bryan Quinn.

Paramount's Warner takeover challenged by 12 US states

California is leading the legal charge against one of the world's biggest media mergers ever. Twelve US states have filed a lawsuit seeking to block Paramount Skydance from acquiring Warner Brothers Discovery – saying the deal would create a company with too much market power and end up harming consumers and workers. The legal challenge is being seen in part as a political proxy battle – with Demo...

E Jean Carroll receives $5.6m owed by Trump after court releases damages

Funds released from escrow account after Trump’s efforts to block sexual abuse and defamation award failA Manhattan federal court has released more than $5.6m that Donald Trump owes E Jean Carroll in her successful 2023 sexual abuse and defamation trial against him, records reveal. The disbursement, made public in a 14 July entry on Carroll’s case docket, indicates that the funds were released by...

Inside Iran: Is the war about to escalate?

👉Listen to The World With Richard Engel And Yalda Hakim on your podcast app👈

Young Germans opting out of military service as Berlin strives to boost army

Almost 6,000 people apply to be excluded on moral or religious grounds despite ‘conscription lite’ policy The number of young men applying to be conscientious objectors and refuse armed military service in Germany has risen sharply this year, undermining a drive by Berlin to create Europe’s strongest conventional army and deter the Russian threat.More people had applied to exclude themselves from ...