‘They want to break our will’: Gaza flotilla activist tells of rape in Israeli detention 15. July 2026 (15:00) Anna Liedtke files criminal complaint in Israel over alleged attack by female guards and says abuse was intended to silence campaignersThe third time Anna Liedtke was subjected to an illegal strip-search in Israeli detention, female prison guards forced her on to her knees, covered her mouth to stop her screaming and raped her, according to interviews and a criminal complaint filed in Israel.She described hearing male guards laughing during the attack, which she believes they watched and may have filmed. It took place in an area separated from the prison hallway by a partially drawn curtain that her attackers had left open. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘We did pull the levers’: emotional Starmer defends his record 15. July 2026 (14:59) In his final PMQs the prime minister offers Andy Burnham – and the England team – his full supportPolitics live – latest updatesKeir Starmer has defended his record as prime minister in an often emotional final outing at prime minister’s questions, which largely avoided political jibes in favour of tributes and questions, many about the World Cup.Answering the very last question, his voice breaking at times, Starmer paid tribute to those he had worked with over his two years in office, which will end on Monday when he hands over to Andy Burnham. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Senate expected to grill Todd Blanche over Epstein files and cases against Trump’s political rivals in confirmation hearing – live 15. July 2026 (14:39) Trump’s nominee for attorney general – also his former personal defense lawyer – will face questions from senators as he attempts to take the top justice department roleSign up for the Breaking News US emailAs we noted earlier, Jay Clayton will also appear before Senate lawmakers today at a confirmation hearing to be the next director of national intelligence.Clayton, if confirmed, would replace Bill Pulte, whom Donald Trump installed as acting director last month. Pulte’s position has been deeply divisive on Capitol Hill, with members of both parties saying his background as the chair of a federal mortgage regulation agency is not enough experience for the job, and that Pulte’s unwavering loyalty to Trump and willingness to punish the president’s political enemies makes him a dangerous spy chief. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Joe Biden to publish memoir of presidency after November midterms 15. July 2026 (14:39) Promise Me, America to cover everything from economy to decision to drop bid for re-electionFormer president Joe Biden will publish a memoir this fall, publisher Little, Brown and Company told the Associated Press.Promise Me, America, which Biden says will touch upon everything from the economy to his decision to drop his bid for re-election, is scheduled to come out on 17 November. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Muslim man stabbed multiple times in Utah over his religion, police say 15. July 2026 (14:08) Arrested suspect tells police he ‘intends to kill Muslims’ after alleged attack on kiosk worker at West Valley City millA man was arrested in Utah for stabbing a Muslim man multiple times and stated that he targeted the victim because of the victim’s religion, police said in court records on Tuesday.Police said the suspect told them he “intends to kill Muslims” and that he constituted “a substantial danger to the public if released based on his violent actions ... ideologies and pre-planned mass casualty events”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
How Democrats’ datacenter push in swing states is risking their midterm hopes 15. July 2026 (14:00) Polls suggest many Democratic voters oppose the projects as party leaders champion AI investmentSarah Brabbs used to be a fan of Michigan’s Democratic governor, Gretchen Whitmer.“I have her book; I appreciated her stewardship and guidance during the pandemic,” Brabbs, who has voted Democrat for basically her entire life, says. “I will never not appreciate who she was during that time.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Burnham urged to drop ‘flawed’ plans that may let developers bypass environment laws for £1 15. July 2026 (14:00) Exclusive: allowing firms to dodge biodiversity protections by paying into levy will harm nature and economy, say 100 experts in letterThe UK government has been accused of “rushing through” planning changes that could give developers permission to “trash” nature for as little as £1.A letter signed by more than 100 conservationists, scientists, celebrities and businesses, including the actor and writer Stephen Fry and the broadcaster Chris Packham, has urged the incoming prime minister, Andy Burnham, to immediately halt the rollout of environmental delivery plans (EDPs). Continue reading...(The Guardian)
One small pen for one giant fee: Buzz Aldrin’s mission-saving felt-tip up for auction 15. July 2026 (13:57) Sotheby’s expects second man on moon’s marker, crucial to Apollo 11 return, to reach astronomical sumThe felt-tip pen Buzz Aldrin used to fix a broken circuit breaker and escape from the moon in 1969 is up for auction in New York.The dented silver plastic Duro Rocket pen – used by the second man on the moon to save Neil Armstrong and himself from being “stuck on the moon for ever” – has a sale price estimated by Sotheby’s at between $800,000 and $1.2m. The lucky bidder will get the broken piece of circuit breaker, too. Both come from Aldrin’s personal collection. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Venezuela’s interim government and opposition to begin formal talks 15. July 2026 (13:46) Nobel laureate María Corina Machado will not lead negotiations over new elections, contrary to expectationsThe interim government of Venezuela has announced it will begin formal talks with the opposition aimed at “strengthening democracy” in the country.The move is backed by the US, which says it is seeking a “democratic transition” in a country still recovering from the twin earthquakes that killed more than 4,700 people. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Collective failure’: French press digests World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain 15. July 2026 (13:28) L’Équipe laments ‘mentally sunk’ players iin DallasOuest France front page reads: ‘End of American dream’French fans’ expectations of their national team had been at an all-time high: a semi-final on Bastille Day, Kylian Mbappé a hero, a squad unbeaten. Across the country, bars had been packed with viewers spilling on to pavements, ready to crack open the fireworks ahead of hopes for the final.But the night was unexpectedly subdued, streets cleared early. On Wednesday morning, the French media were still digesting the disappointment of defeat in a World Cup semi-final, praising Spain’s performance in Texas while struggling to comprehend Les Bleus’ fall from a high. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
