Europe faces up to prospect US may be unable to arm Nato allies 07. July 2026 (06:00) Wars in Iran and Ukraine have expended stockpiles of sought-after missiles, leaving gap in military resourcesThere are growing concerns in Europe that the US defence industrial base is no longer providing the weapons pledged to Nato allies with US stockpiles depleted owing to the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, leaving allies to consider new avenues to arm and defend themselves.As Nato leaders including the US president, Donald Trump, convene in Ankara, Turkey, the US plans to address European defence spending and concerns over the Trump administration’s future commitment to the military alliance. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Marine Le Pen’s political future at stake with ruling on electoral ban imminent 07. July 2026 (06:00) Leader of France’s far-right National Rally and a contender for the presidency set to hear appeal decision on TuesdayMarine Le Pen, France’s far-right figurehead and a leading contender for its presidency, will learn on Tuesday whether she can run in next year’s election when a Paris appeals court rules on her attempt to overturn a ban on holding elected office.The ruling will determine whether the far-right National Rally (RN) will be led by Le Pen, 57, or her young protege, Jordan Bardella, 30 in next year’s general elections. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Dowry murders in India no longer spark public anger or debate, study finds 07. July 2026 (06:00) Thousands of women are killed in dowry disputes each year, despite the practice being banned in 1961Dowry deaths in India no longer provoke the public anger they once did, despite thousands of women’s lives still being lost every year, according to new research.The killings – women who are murdered or driven to suicide following dowry disputes between families – have also faded from political debate, despite an increase in cases. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Overturn this’: victorious Belgium throw barb after Balogun red-card controversy 07. July 2026 (05:10) Red Devils beat USA to advance to World Cup last-eightTeam had been angered by suspension of red cardFor Belgium, Monday’s 4-1 victory over the United States was doubly sweet. They advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals, as well as overcoming what they saw as injustice off the field.The buildup to the match had been tinged with controversy after Fifa had suspended the red card US striker Folarin Balogun was given in the last 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. That meant Balogun was free to play against Belgium instead of serving a one-match ban. When it emerged that Donald Trump had lobbied for Balogun’s red card to be overturned, Belgium – and other nations – were outraged: Uefa called the decision “incomprehensible and unjustifiable”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Tributes flow for ‘deeply loved’ Melbourne teacher who died after a head clash during Australian football game 07. July 2026 (03:23) Mernda school community in mourning after Nathan Fitzgerald, 27, dies in hospital Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA Melbourne teacher who died after a horror head clash during an Australian football game has been remembered for the ways he touched the lives of his loved ones.Nathan Fitzgerald, 27, was taken to the Royal Melbourne hospital after he fell to the ground and hit his head on a covered cricket pitch during an Australian rules football game in Lalor in Melbourne’s north on Saturday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Details scarce as Mitch McConnell ‘continues recovery’ in hospital 07. July 2026 (03:09) Staff decline to give updates on senator’s health and whether he will be at Capitol when Senate returnsStaff for Mitch McConnell said last week that the Kentucky senator was “continuing his recovery” in a hospital while the Senate is out of session. But his office has released no details about the former Republican leader’s condition during his weeks-long hospitalization or whether he will be at the Capitol when the Senate returns next week.McConnell was admitted to the hospital on 14 June, according to a statement from his office that only said he was “receiving excellent care”. A statement a week later said that he would not be voting that week. And on Thursday, a new statement said that he “continues to improve” and ”appreciates the outpouring of support he’s receiving while he continues his recovery in the hospital”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Sri Lanka prison riot kills 26, with more than 100 others wounded 07. July 2026 (02:35) Victims with cuts and gunshot injuries rushed to hospital after fighting between prisoners from two drug gangsClashes at a Sri Lankan jail have killed 26 people, including seven guards, and wounded more than 100 in the country’s deadliest prison riot in years, officials said.Victims with cuts and gunshot injuries were rushed to Negombo hospital, north of the capital Colombo after overnight fighting between prisoners from two drug gangs, police said on Monday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Melbourne police in standoff with graffiti artist perched above Pam the Bird tag on Bolte Bridge tower 07. July 2026 (02:30) Man on bridge refuses to come down after posting tax complaint on social mediaFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastPolice in Melbourne are stuck in a standoff with a man on top of a major inner-city bridge after a dangerous graffiti stunt, with traffic slowing to a crawl.Emergency services were called to the Bolte Bridge at 3am on Tuesday over reports a graffiti artist had climbed up one of the bridge’s 120-metre high pillars. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Chinese government tells critics not to ‘overinterpret’ missile test in Pacific as criticism grows 07. July 2026 (01:33) The Australian government says there was ‘insufficient notice’ as details of missile path are released by Taiwan government China’s missile test in the Pacific did not comply with international law and was conducted with “insufficient notice” to nearby countries, officials in the US and Australia have said, amid growing international condemnation.But a Chinese government spokesperson claimed the test was “safe” and part of “routine” military training, telling critics to “not over-interpret it.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Prison education cuts driving drug use, self-harm and violence, says watchdog 07. July 2026 (01:01) Report by HM inspector of prisons for England and Wales comes as spending on frontline education falls by up to 50%“Brutal” cuts to prison education and training by Labour ministers are leading to an increase in drug use, self-harm and violence, a watchdog’s withering final annual report has said.Charlie Taylor, who steps down as HM inspector of prisons for England and Wales in the autumn after six years, has also warned the authorities must keep a “close eye” on the impending release of thousands of prisoners later this year. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
