Year: 2026

Former US Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona has died at the age of 84, following complications from a neurological disease. Kyl, who played a key role in landmark water policy and the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, had been diagnosed with dementia in 2025 and retired from public life shortly thereafter.

A 4,000-year-old Bronze Age burial mound, Fire Beacon Cairn, near Crowcombe in Somerset, has been vandalised. The landowner reported incidents of rocks being removed, prompting alerts to Historic England. Damage assessment and repairs will follow as officials emphasise the site’s historical significance.

Portuguese prosecutors have launched an inquiry into the death of Ukrainian activist Pavlo Sadokha, found dead in the Algarve while on a work trip.

European leaders are responding to rising oil prices as Saudi cargo deliveries face disruptions from Middle Eastern conflicts. The closure of the East-West oil pipeline threatens up to 4% of global supply, prompting urgent measures, including France’s push for alternative routes and Italy’s abolition of car taxes to alleviate costs.

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games face significant accommodation issues as Japan opted not to build an athletes’ village. With over 17,000 participants, alternatives like a cruise ship and temporary cabins have drawn criticism from officials, particularly over inadequate sleeping arrangements for taller athletes.

Several Canadian police forces reported intermittent outages to 911 services on Thursday morning, with some authorities confirming that the service has since been restored. Further updates on the nature and cause of the disruptions have not yet been disclosed.

The House passed a comprehensive Russia sanctions bill with a 262 to 159 vote, despite concerns from some Democrats about expanding President Trump’s tariff powers. The legislation now awaits presidential approval after previously receiving bipartisan support in the Senate.

Media Lens: Amnesty International reports on climate actions: how coverage differs King Charles III makes historic address to the UK.…

Passengers travelling to and from London Euston face significant disruption due to two track defects, one near Tring and another between Euston and Watford Junction. National Rail has implemented speed restrictions, leading to delays of up to 10 minutes and potential cancellations throughout the day.

Mahsa Piraei calls on UK officials, including Andy Burnham, to pursue justice for her mother killed by Iranian security forces during the 2022 protests.