US sanctions international criminal court president and prosecutor 18. August 2026 (20:37) Marco Rubio targets ICC’s Tomoko Akane and Abdoulaye Seye, who was investigating Israeli war crimes in GazaThe US has sanctioned the president of the international criminal court (ICC) and a prosecutor tasked with investigating crimes committed by Israel during its war on Gaza.The new sanctions designations were unveiled by Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, who called the Hague-based ICC a “corrupt and fatally politicized supranational court that has maliciously abused its authority and exceeded its mandate”, in a statement. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
San Diego Padres minor-league staffer detained by ICE after arrest in Texas 18. August 2026 (20:00) Family says Venezuelan has pending asylum claimDHS says 34-year-old faces removal proceedingsSan Diego Padres minor-league catching coordinator Oswaldo Pirela remained in federal immigration custody on Tuesday after being detained at an airport in El Paso, Texas, while returning from a work trip.Pirela’s family said the 34-year-old Venezuelan has a pending asylum claim and has continually renewed his work authorization. The Department of Homeland Security said he does not have legal status and will face removal proceedings. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Can’t enjoy your pint’: Wetherspoons customers welcome ban on loud phones 18. August 2026 (19:32) Patrons at two of the chain’s London pubs were all for Tim Martin’s ban on playing music or taking calls on speakerThe terrace of the Moon Under Water Wetherspoons pub in Leicester Square was full of people enjoying the warm weather and chatting between tables – without a TikTok video or speakerphone call in earshot.At Wetherspoons, the convivial atmosphere can no longer be punctuated by rude customers taking phone calls on blast, or playing videos without headphones after Tim Martin, the owner of the pub chain, banned both actions on his premises. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Death and alleged torture of man in detention sparks protests in Syria 18. August 2026 (18:03) Picture showing White Helmets volunteer unconscious and with bruises on his body went viralSyrians have protested over the death of a man who was arrested and allegedly beaten by security forces, sparking widespread anger at a practice thought to have ended with the fall of Bashar al-Assad.A crowd gathered in the city of Aleppo, demanding accountability for the security forces who are alleged to have carried out the torture, with participants holding signs and slogans such as: “Do not repeat the same oppression that we revolted against.” Protests were also planned to take place in front of Syria’s parliament in Damascus on Tuesday, as well. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
OpenAI launches ChatGPT for Teens with stronger safeguards 18. August 2026 (17:28) Teen version is intended for children aged 13 to 17 and includes content protections on self-harm and sexual chatsOpenAI is launching a version of ChatGPT designed for teenagers – the first generation to grow up with artificial intelligence – who are already using it for schoolwork, questions about daily life and even companionship.The San Francisco-based company says ChatGPT for Teens, which launches on Tuesday, is tailored for children aged 13 to 17 with stronger protections including content restrictions around things such as suicide, self-harm and romantic or sexual chats. It also provides homework and study support designed to help students learn rather than spit out answers and school essays. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Christopher Berry-Dee dropped by publisher after allegations of abuse made against him 18. August 2026 (17:14) Bonnier Books will no longer publish UK’s top-selling true crime author following Guardian investigationThe main publisher of the bestselling true crime writer Christopher Berry-Dee has dropped the author after a Guardian investigation into allegations of violence and sexual abuse against him, which he denies. Waterstones has also removed his books from sale.“We are shocked and appalled by the very serious allegations relating to Christopher Berry-Dee, and our thoughts are with those affected,” said the publisher Bonnier Books in a statement to the Guardian. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
PBS should fund drug to treat breast cancer, endometriosis and gender dysphoria, experts recommend 18. August 2026 (17:00) Triptorelin, already listed for prostate cancer, should have unrestricted use, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee saysGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe federal government should fund treatment for thousands of women with breast cancer or endometriosis, and children with gender dysphoria, according to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme’s advisory committee.The committee met urgently in July in response to AstraZeneca’s announcement it would remove Zoladex from the market, risking leaving more than 7,500 women with breast cancer without an alternative treatment. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Heavy rain on dry ground may cause UK floods as taps run dry for thousands 18. August 2026 (17:00) Forecasters say ‘first meaningful rain for a long time’ will not reverse widespread drought conditionsFloods and drought could hit the UK at the same time this week, with heavy rain forecast to fall on hard, parched soil.While some parts of the UK will have the “first meaningful rain for a long time” in the coming days, it will not reverse widespread drought conditions that have put pressure on wildlife, farmers, firefighters and water resources. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
ABC sues Trump’s media regulator over demand for TV license renewals 18. August 2026 (15:38) Network alleges FCC is trying to send ‘chilling message’ in retaliation for content the administration disapproves ofABC has sued the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), arguing that it is being retaliated against for content-based reasons in a move it warns threatens the independence of the press.The network filed the lawsuit on Tuesday after being forced to apply early to renew its license to broadcast on the eight local television stations it owns. It is waiting to hear whether the Brendan Carr-led FCC approves its renewal requests, or, more likely, holds a hearing on their merits. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK risks running out of gas by 2030s, ministers told 18. August 2026 (15:34) Government assessment warns of supply shock that could leave homes and businesses without gas within a decadeGreat Britain risks running out of gas in the 2030s despite its growing clean energy sources, unless ministers take “unprecedented” action to guard against a future gas supply shock, according to an official assessment of the country’s gas security.The government is considering plans to provide direct financial support to safeguard the country’s ageing gas infrastructure after a consultation found that a “high stress scenario” could mean homes and businesses run out of gas within the next decade. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
