Japan admits growing need to counter espionage after Russian ‘den of spies’ report 14. July 2026 (03:10) Issue must be addressed with ‘even greater rigour’, says government spokesman, after New York Times report on how it has become a spy hub for Vladimir PutinJapan has said it recognised the need to counter foreign intelligence better after the New York Times reported that Russia had turned the country into a “den of spies” and key source of weapons components.The newspaper, in an investigation published on Sunday, reported that thanks to “weak espionage laws”, Moscow was using Japan as a key hub for intelligence gathering and procurement of dual-use technology needed for its war in Ukraine. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US refunds $81bn in Trump tariffs after supreme court ruled them illegal 14. July 2026 (02:35) Government had been forced to pay back duties to companies that imported goods into the US that were hit by Trump’s tariffsThe US government has already paid back tens of billions of dollars in tariffs it collected before the supreme court ruled them illegal, according to budget figures released on Monday.Tariffs – taxes on imported goods – have been a key part of president Donald Trump’s game economic plan since he took office again last year. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump dramatically cuts size of two national monuments held sacred by tribes 14. July 2026 (01:45) Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah will lose ‘close to a million and a half acres each’ and open land to developers and oil industryDonald Trump has approved a sharp reduction in the size of two national monuments in Utah held sacred by many Native Americans, in the latest move to open US public land to corporate developers and the oil and gas industry.The two monuments, Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, will see a reduction of “close to a million and a half acres each”, Trump said during an executive order signing event on Monday, undoing protections established by former presidents. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
World Cup and sunshine prompt UK consumers to splash out on beer and online shopping 14. July 2026 (01:01) Despite spending increase in June, Barclays says most people still pessimistic about economyRelentless sunshine and the World Cup coaxed consumers to spend more on beer and online shopping last month, with purse strings expected to remain loose as England fans gear up for Wednesday’s semi-final.Most people remain pessimistic about the UK economy, according to data from Barclays Bank based on debit and credit card transactions. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK children will be one of unhealthiest generations in decades, doctors say 14. July 2026 (01:01) Analysis of 12 indicators including asthma, obesity and vaccination finds child health is ‘national embarrassment’Children in the UK will grow up to be one of the unhealthiest generations in decades, with child health outcomes having declined or stalled completely across all areas, a group of leading paediatricians has said.Reduced vaccination rates alongside rising hospital admissions for asthma and mental health disorders are all contributing factors to the UK’s record on children’s health, which should be seen as a “national embarrassment”, their analysis has found. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Andy Burnham backs controversial asylum bill amid Labour dissent 14. July 2026 (00:52) Prime minister-in-waiting votes for plans to tighten appeals system as 14 Labour MPs oppose measuresAndy Burnham has backed the government’s controversial asylum changes, voting for legislation that has divided Labour MPs over plans to tighten the immigration system and reshape the appeals process.The prime minister-in-waiting and Labour MP for Makerfield supported the immigration and asylum bill at its second reading in the House of Commons on Monday evening, despite a rebellion by 14 Labour MPs. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US launches third night of strikes on Iran as Trump announces Hormuz blockade 14. July 2026 (00:43) American president says ships will be charged for safe passage through strait in apparent policy reversalMiddle East crisis live – latest updatesThe US has launched its third consecutive night of strikes on Iran hours after Donald Trump said Washington would reinstate a maritime blockade on the country and, in an apparently policy reversal, charge ships for safe passage.“These strikes will continue imposing a heavy cost on Iranian forces and degrade their ability to attack innocent civilians and commercial shipping in the strait of Hormuz,” the US military’s Central Command said. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Police hope new photos will jog memories in investigation of murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio 14. July 2026 (00:23) Northern Territory police reopen evidence boxes in bid to close investigation of horrific crimeFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastNorthern Territory police have reopened evidence boxes to uncover several previously unseen photographs from the investigation into the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio and attempted abduction of his girlfriend Joanne Lees.Tuesday is the 25th anniversary of the outback disappearance, which still resonates as one of Australia’s most horrific and culturally defining crimes. It also carries unanswered questions for Falconio’s family. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Mexico to file criminal complaints over migrants killed by ICE in US 14. July 2026 (00:06) Claudia Sheinbaum says Mexicans ‘outraged’ over killing last week of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by agents in HoustonClaudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday that Mexico would be filing criminal complaints in the US for the deaths of more than a dozen Mexican migrants in immigration detention and those killed in anti-migrant operations.The deaths include last week’s killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, whom Sheinbaum said was “practically murdered”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Australia news live: NT police still seek answers over 25 year-old murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio 13. July 2026 (23:49) Bradley John Murdoch was convicted of 28-year-old’s murder but remains were never foundGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast‘It can happen very quickly’: eSafety commissioner says organised crime groups use AI for sextortionJulie Inman Grant, the eSafety commissioner, is detailing the findings in that report, saying the perpetrators of sextortion are generally organised criminal group overseas. She spoke to ABC News this morning, saying:They do a lot of research. They know who your followers are, who your parents and families might be. They’re increasingly using generative AI to create avatars or personas that are not real people or voice cloning. It can happen very quickly. …Once you take your clothes off, they capture that and immediately start sextorting you.Sometimes they feel like their life is over. One of the key tips we give them is to disclose, disclose, disclose. You won’t be surprised that it’s an underreported crime. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
