Year: 2026

The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favour of Terry Pitchford, a Black death row inmate from Mississippi, concerning racial discrimination during jury selection. The court found that the trial court did not adequately address the defence’s objections to peremptory strikes against Black jurors. Pitchford’s conviction is now invalidated, allowing for retrial.

A school bus collision with a train in Buggenhout, Belgium, has resulted in four fatalities, including two teenagers, as several others sustain injuries.

Jannik Sinner received medical attention after leaving the court during his match due to health issues. Although minerals were added to his drink upon his return, he was ultimately unable to continue, marking an abrupt end to his performance.

The US Treasury has issued a stark warning to Oman regarding potential sanctions if the nation aids Iran in establishing a toll system in the Strait of Hormuz. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasised that all countries must reject Iranian attempts to disrupt maritime commerce, asserting Washington’s commitment to free passage in the vital waterway.

The U.S. is establishing a quarantine facility in Kenya for Americans exposed to Ebola, confirmed by CDC officials. This site aims to provide immediate, high-quality care without the extended transport time back to the U.S., while officials work to contain the outbreak.

Emergency services retrieved the body of a 14-year-old boy from the River Thames near Donnington Bridge, Oxford, on Wednesday. His death, treated as ‘unexplained but not suspicious’ by Thames Valley Police, marks the 11th water-related fatality during the UK’s recent heatwave.

Russia instructs financial institutions to shoot down Ukrainian drones amid increased airstrikes in Moscow, indicating a response to escalating threats.

Portugal’s Judicial Police conducted extensive raids targeting a corruption network within the Socialist Party’s local government. Five arrests were made, with 37 suspects identified. The operation investigates malfeasance in municipal contracts, highlighting violations that allegedly cost the public treasury over €800,000 from 2016 to 2022.

Six people were killed in Remal on Eid night, leading to heightened tensions in Gaza. Despite the violence, markets reopened shortly after, as residents sought to maintain traditions amid the ongoing conflict. The duality of celebration and mourning marked the holiday for many.

Michele Spagnuolo, a Google software engineer, faces federal charges for allegedly profiting over $1.2 million by wagering on confidential company data using Polymarket. The charges include commodities fraud and wire fraud, and he has been released on a $2.25 million bond after an arrest in New York.