Trump climbs down on Iran strikes after Saudi alarm and threats from Tehran 02. August 2026 (06:45) President claims delay is ‘subject to being able to rapidly make a deal’ as intervention by Saudi crown prince is revealed and Iran warns neighboursDonald Trump said on Saturday night that the US would hold off on any new strikes on Iran provided a deal to end the months-long conflict is quickly reached – marking the president’s latest climbdown from extravagant threats to hit the Tehran regime hard.The Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman called Trump on Saturday to express concerns about his strike plans, it was reported. Trump’s reversal also came after Iran threatened to retaliate decisively against its neighbours in the event of US strikes, while Kuwait reported being hit by Iranian drones on Saturday and two ships were attacked off Oman in the strait of Hormuz. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Anti-LGBTQ+ laws are on the rise across west Africa, campaigners warn 02. August 2026 (06:00) Activists in the region say politicians regard LGBTQ+ people as ‘the easiest scapegoats to maintain their power’A growing number of west African countries are implementing or strengthening anti-LGBTQ+ laws, amid local political pressures and a global pushback against LGBTQ+ rights.In March, Senegal doubled the maximum prison sentence for gay sex to 10 years and criminalised the “promotion” of homosexuality. Niger criminalised “sexual relations with a person of the same sex” in February, the first time same-sex intimacy had been outlawed in the country. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Shooting at In-N-Out Burger restaurant in Idaho leaves multiple people dead, police say 02. August 2026 (03:03) Police chief says the shooter is among the dead in ‘very chaotic scene’ near busy shopping area in Twin FallsA shooting at an In-N-Out Burger restaurant in southern Idaho on Saturday afternoon left multiple people dead and others injured, police said.The shooter was among the dead, Twin Falls police chief Matthew Hicks said in a news conference. Police were still trying to determine the shooter’s identity and motive. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Australia news live: Hume sidesteps question over Taylor’s Icac mention saying ‘this is so distant from him’ 02. August 2026 (02:42) Meanwhile, cut to fuel excise to due end at midnight. Follow updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastYolngu leaders in north-east Arnhem Land have announced a powerful new Dilak Land Council, declaring land rights are “coming home” to traditional owners, AAP reports.On a national stage at the Garma festival, revered elder Djawa Yunupingu told leaders, politicians and visitors from across the country on Saturday real power must sit “fully into the hands of landowners”.There will be a new land council in Arnhem Land and it will be called the Dilak Land Council, and it will be the power for our future.Icac should be allowed to go through its processes free of political interference, free of commentary from politicians, and be allowed to run its course.Writing the review into the 2022 election, we specifically said that each division needs to make sure that its constitution is fit for purpose and that that its membership is match-fit to fight elections. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Moscow restaurant bombing kills three people as device carried by woman explodes 02. August 2026 (02:22) More than 20 people injured in explosion near Italian restaurant on Saturday night, authorities sayA homemade bomb carried by a woman killed three people and injured at least 21 in an explosion near a restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday evening, authorities said.The explosion occurred just before 8pm close to an Italian restaurant located in one of Moscow’s seven Stalin-era skyscrapers at Kudrinskaya Square, the police said. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Capital One says it closed Trump Organization’s accounts after anti-money-laundering review 02. August 2026 (02:04) Disclosure from 2021 investigation marks first time a bank has formally tied money-laundering concerns to Donald TrumpCapital One Financial hit back on Friday against a lawsuit over its decision to close the Trump Organization’s bank accounts years ago, stating that it did so after a review by anti-money-laundering experts.The disclosure marks the first time a bank has formally tied money-laundering concerns to Donald Trump’s family business. Capital One is seeking to dismiss the case by casting doubt on claims of illegally debanking – or denying services on religious or political grounds – the Trump Organization. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Heatwave scorching western US ups risk of hazardous fire conditions 02. August 2026 (01:39) In Oregon and Washington, low humidity and powerful winds have put officials on alert for wildfire spreadA heatwave scorching the western US region has elevated the risk of hazardous fire conditions particularly in parts of Oregon and Washington, where low humidity and powerful winds have put officials on alert for wildfire spread.The National Weather Service has forecast blistering temperatures through early next week that could climb from 110F to 120F across the south-west. In the Pacific north-west, highs reaching into the 90s are expected in the days to come. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Devolution plans strengthen case for written UK constitution, says Burnham 02. August 2026 (01:01) PM argues for codified model of decentralisation that would fundamentally change centuries-old workings of stateAndy Burnham has said his programme of devolution strengthens the case for a written constitution for the UK, a move that would fundamentally alter the workings of the state that have developed over centuries.The prime minister has long believed the UK’s “antiquated” political system needs a dramatic overhaul if opportunity is to be shared equally across the country. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Sopranos actor Vincent Pastore, known for playing mobsters and tough guys, dies aged 80 02. August 2026 (00:36) Veteran actor best-known for playing Salvatore ‘Big Pussy’ Bonpensiero, friend of Tony Soprano who becomes FBI informantVincent Pastore, a veteran actor who played mobsters and tough guys, and was best-known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on The Sopranos, has died. He was 80.Bob McGowan, who had managed Pastore since his run on The Sopranos, told the Associated Press that he learned of his death Saturday from another client and actor on the show, Vincent Curatola. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
At least 13 dead as tourist plane crashes during flight over Peru’s Nazca Lines 01. August 2026 (23:47) Aircraft crashes into field after departing from the nearby city of Pisco, according to local authorities At least 13 people, among them foreign tourists, have been killed in a plane crash in southern Peru, near the Nazca Lines, police reported on Saturday.Local authorities in Nazca confirmed that 11 tourists and two pilots died when the small plane crashed in Pueblo Viejo, approximately 4 miles (6km) from the city of Nazca and roughly 12km from the Nazca Lines site. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
