Israeli militants besiege two Palestinian families in their West Bank homes 12. August 2026 (23:29) Settlers and soldiers cut off water and electricity to homes, and block medical care in campaign of terrorIsraeli militants have besieged two Palestinian families in their homes since the weekend, aiming to take over their properties in the West Bank village of Qusra through a campaign of terror.A group of settlers and soldiers set up a tent outside the home of Yousef Hassan on Sunday afternoon, trapping him inside with his wife and two young daughters. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Wisconsin Democrats chose a middle path – will it lead to victory in November? 12. August 2026 (22:31) Democratic socialist Francesca Hong fell just short as David Crowley strives for unity for the general electionDemocratic socialist Francesca Hong was on course to win the party’s nomination for Wisconsin governor on Wednesday by a clear margin, according to the polls – presaging the latest in an extraordinary wave of leftwing victories across the country, challenging the party’s establishment.It was not to be. In a photo finish after a messy campaign, David Crowley eked out a win by a few thousand votes over Hong, raising questions over the limits of the progressive movement that has swept through Democratic contests in recent months. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Nick Reiner indicted for murders of parents Rob and Michele Reiner 12. August 2026 (22:16) Reiner, 32, charged with first-degree murder in deaths of Hollywood towering figures Rob Reiner and Michele ReinerA grand jury has indicted Nick Reiner with first-degree murder in the deaths of his parents, the renowned director and actor Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, the Los Angeles county district attorney’s office announced on Wednesday.Prosecutors accuse Reiner, 32, of stabbing the couple to death in December in their Brentwood home, before fleeing the scene. He was arrested shortly after and charged with murder. Reiner has since been held in custody without bail. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Cruise ships, quiet towns and an all-day festival: millions flock to eclipse viewing spots across Europe 12. August 2026 (21:56) Beginning in Russia’s remote Arctic north, the eclipse traced an arc over much of western Europe – with the best views in Spain, Iceland and GreenlandIt was a moment of awe shared by millions across Europe: an eclipse that blocked out the sun, plunging parts of the continent into a daytime darkness in which temperatures dropped and birds suddenly went quiet.Wednesday’s eclipse began in Russia’s remote Arctic north, going on to trace an arc over much of western Europe. From the UK to northern Italy, tens of millions of people turned to the sky as the light of the setting sun was almost completely blocked out. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘A magical eeriness’: Cornwall comes together for communal moment during solar eclipse 12. August 2026 (21:55) People came from far and wide to witness phenomenon that has thrilled humans for thousands of yearsAt 6pm the beach and village began to empty, and those in the know headed up the hill towards the old granite coastguard station on the headland.“This is the best spot,” said Sennen Cove resident Lisa Redfern, who had built a pinhole camera for the eclipse out of an old Ryvita Thins box. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump’s justice department arrests expert on far right as part of SPLC crackdown 12. August 2026 (21:19) Prosecutors charge Heidi Beirich with financial crimes as part of case against the Southern Poverty Law CenterThe justice department on Wednesday arrested a leading expert on far-right extremism, charging her with financial crimes as part of the government’s ongoing case against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).Federal prosecutors charged Heidi Beirich, who formerly served as the group’s chief financial officer, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to submit false statements to a federally insured bank and conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Former Mexican governor charged in case of 43 students who vanished in 2014 12. August 2026 (20:46) Ángel Aguirre indicted in case that rocked Mexico and became symbol of its brutal cartel violenceThe former governor of Guerrero state in Mexico has been formally charged over his alleged involvement in the disappearance of 43 students in 2014, a case that has become a symbol of the country’s brutal cartel violence and government impunity.Ángel Aguirre, who was arrested last week, is accused of forced disappearance and obstruction of justice for ordering the destruction of surveillance tapes that may have shed light on what happened to the students from the Ayotzinapa teacher training college on the night of 26 September 2014. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Broadcasters to be barred from Eurovision song contest if state involved in ‘armed conflict’ 12. August 2026 (20:20) Organisers says new rule will ensure contest provides ‘safe and welcoming environment’ for participantsBroadcasters will no longer be eligible to host the Eurovision song contest if their state is involved in an “armed conflict” or “sensitive geopolitical situation”.Eurovision is traditionally hosted by the previous year’s winning broadcaster, with the next show due to take place in Bulgaria in 2027 after singer Dara’s victory for the country in May. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump administration pulls support for annual Arctic environmental report 12. August 2026 (20:17) Move by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is latest government rollback of climate science activityThe Trump administration has pulled its support for an annual report on the environmental changes across the Arctic, a region that is already heating up four times faster than the global average due to the climate crisis.On Tuesday, Kim Doster, the communications director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa), said the federal agency was withdrawing its support for the Arctic Report Card, which has provided environmental updates on the region to scientists and the public since 2006. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ex-Myanmar ambassador to UK on trial for trespassing in diplomatic residence 12. August 2026 (20:01) Kyaw Zwar Minn was ousted for declaring loyalty to Aung San Suu Kyi after 2021 coup but refused to leave his homeMyanmar’s ousted ambassador to the UK has gone on trial on trespassing charges for refusing to leave a diplomatic residence after being unceremoniously locked out of the embassy in 2021.Shortly after Myanmar’s military seized power in 2021, triggering mass protests that spiralled into a civil war, Kyaw Zwar Minn was locked out of the embassy for declaring his loyalty to the deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
