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- Qatari Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74
- Toronto police search for three suspects after fatal shooting in North York
- Senator Lindsey Graham dies following brief and sudden illness
- Waterloo East and Charing Cross stations to close for £20 million upgrades
- Trump declares ceasefire with Iran is over while agreeing to continue peace talks
- Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum to close early amid heatwave in France
- ICE Responds to Outcry Over Fatal Shooting of Mexican Man in Houston
- Tornado warning lifted for parts of Manitoba following severe thunderstorm
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Qatari Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74
11:00 am
Get you up to speed: Photos: Qatari Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
Qatari Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at the age of 74, as confirmed by the Amiri Diwan. He passed away in the morning, with the emir’s office expressing deep mourning for the loss.
The funeral arrangements for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani will be announced by the Amiri Diwan in the coming days. Sheikh Hamad served as Qatar’s ruler from 1995 until his abdication in 2013, during which time the country’s economy diversified significantly, primarily through investments in the energy sector.
The Amiri Diwan announced the death of Qatari Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, aged 74, calling it a “great loss to the nation.” Memorial services and a period of national mourning are anticipated, with official ceremonies expected to be scheduled in the coming days to honour his contributions to Qatar.
What remains unclear — The cause of Sheikh Hamad’s death has not been disclosed.
Qatari Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74
Published On 12 Jul 202612 Jul 2026
Qatari Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at the age of 74, the Amiri Diwan has announced.
“With hearts steadfast in faith in God’s decree and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the great loss to the nation of the late – may God have mercy on him – His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning,” the emir’s office said in a statement on Sunday.
Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, was a key architect of the energy-rich Gulf state’s rapid development.
During his reign, Qatar underwent significant economic, social and cultural changes that strengthened its standing in the international community.
Sheikh Hamad oversaw major economic investments and forged wide-ranging international partnerships as Qatar became the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas.
In 2013, he handed power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who was then 33, in a rare abdication by a hereditary Gulf Arab ruler.
Sheikh Hamad addresses the first meeting of his cabinet in Doha, Qatar, on October 30, 1996. [Reuters]
Sheikh Hamad meets with US President George W Bush at the White House in Washington, DC, on May 8, 2003, seven weeks after the Iraq War began. [Stephen J Boitano/LightRocket via Getty Images]
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono drives Sheikh Hamad and his wife Sheikha Moza bint Nasser during a visit to Jakarta on May 19, 2009. [Adek Berry/AFP]![Former emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani [Handout/The Amiri Diwan]](https://wtxnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AFP__20100120__Mvd1137059__v3__HighRes__CorrectionBrazilQatarLulaKhalifa-1783841907.jpg "Qatari Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74 WTX News")
Sheikh Hamad meets Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during a meeting on January 20, 2010, at Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia. [Handout via AFP]
Sheikh Hamad, accompanied by Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, just right of the emir, tours reconstruction efforts partially funded by Qatar on July 31, 2010, in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil, which witnessed some of the fiercest fighting in the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. [Mahmud Zayat/AFP]
Sheikh Hamad and Queen Elizabeth II make their way to Windsor Castle on October 26, 2010, in Windsor, England. [Dan Kitwood/WPA Pool via Getty Images]
Sheikh Hamad addresses the Millennium Development Goals Summit at UN headquarters in New York on September 20, 2010, to support the UN’s drive to reduce poverty, hunger and disease and improve education and equality. [Emmanuel Dunand/AFP]
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, centre, escorts Sheikh Hamad and Sheikha Moza during a visit to Berlin on September 29, 2010. [Johannes Eisele/AFP]
Sheikh Hamad raises the World Cup trophy with Sheikha Moza after the announcement on December 2, 2010, at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, that Qatar would host the 2022 World Cup. [Philippe Desmazes/AFP]
Sheikh Hamad and Sheikha Moza wave from a balcony of the Campidoglio, Rome’s city hall, with Rome Mayor Gianni Alemanno and his wife, Isabella Rauti, during a visit on April 17, 2012. [Alberto Pizzoli/AFP]
Sheikh Hamad meets French President Francois Hollande to discuss the situation in Syria during the second year of what would be a 14-year war on August 22, 2012, at the Elysee Palace in Paris. [John van Hasselt/Corbis via Getty Images]
Sheikh Hamad meets UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during the UN General Assembly on September 25, 2012, at UN headquarters in New York. [Stan Honda/AFP]
Sheikh Hamad greets Palestinians as he arrives for a cornerstone-laying ceremony of a Qatari-funded rehabilitation centre on October 23, 2012, in Gaza City, Gaza. [Hatem Moussa-Pool/Getty Images]
Sheikh Hamad meets US President Barack Obama in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 23, 2013. [Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP]
Sheikh Hamad walks with a security team as he arrives to attend National Day celebrations in Doha, Qatar, on December 18, 2012. [Fadi Al-Assaad/Reuters]![Former emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani [Handout/The Amiri Diwan]](https://wtxnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/HH_The_Father_Amir-1-1783842841.jpg "Qatari Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74 WTX News")
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar for 18 years, overseeing tremendous economic growth and Qatar’s increasing international importance. [Handout/Amiri Diwan]
Toronto police search for three suspects after fatal shooting in North York
9:00 am
Get you up to speed: Toronto police seek 3 suspects after fatal North York shooting
A 22-year-old man has died and two others have been injured following a targeted shooting in North York. Police reported that three masked suspects fled the scene in a stolen car.
Police are investigating the incident and are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information. The shooting occurred in a residential area, raising concerns about safety in the community.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting in North York to come forward as they continue their investigation. Police have increased patrols in the area as a precautionary measure while searches for the suspects are ongoing.
What remains unclear — Police have not identified the motive behind the targeted shooting.
Toronto police search for three suspects after fatal shooting in North York
A 22-year-old man is dead and two others are injured after a targeted shooting in North York. Police say three masked suspects fled in a stolen car.
Senator Lindsey Graham dies following brief and sudden illness
7:00 am
Get you up to speed: Senator Lindsey Graham dies after “brief and sudden illness”
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham died on Saturday evening due to a “brief and sudden illness,” as confirmed by his office. He had been in Ukraine on Friday, where he met with President Zelensky.
The family of Senator Lindsey Graham has requested privacy following his passing, but no details regarding funeral arrangements have been disclosed. As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his sudden illness remains ongoing, authorities have yet to announce a specific timeline for further updates.
Senator Lindsey Graham’s office confirmed his passing due to a “brief and sudden illness,” and his family requested privacy during this difficult time. As tributes are anticipated from political figures, further updates will be provided as they become available.
What remains unclear — The specific nature of Senator Lindsey Graham’s illness leading to his sudden death has not been disclosed.
Senator Lindsey Graham dies following brief and sudden illness
Senator Lindsey Graham has died on Saturday evening following a “brief and sudden illness.”
“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness,” his office said in a statement. “Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”
The prominent senator had been on a visit to Ukraine on Friday, where he met with President Zelensky.
Graham was born in Central, South Carolina, on July 9, 1955. He attended University of South Carolina for his undergraduate degree and stayed on for a law degree. After a stint in the military and a few years of private law practice, he served one term in the South Carolina House of Representatives. Two years later, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing South Carolina’s Third District.
In 2002, he ran for the Senate seat once occupied by Strom Thurmond, and twice won reelection in 2008 and 2014 by robust margins. And even in 2014 when outside conservative groups threatened him with a primary challenge for his role in the 2013 immigration debate, no serious challenger emerged on the Republican stage.
He ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 but dropped out before the primaries.
Graham was always an outspoken hawk on foreign policy matters, including on Iran, and earlier this month he came out strongly against the initial contours of the memorandum of understanding President Trump signed with the country.
Graham, initially a critic of Mr. Trump and the ascendant, conservative Tea Party movement, became a close ally and defender of the president.
“Let’s try a diplomatic solution. I think it’s going to fail. What happens next?” he said on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” just three weeks ago, a couple days after spending four and a half hours with the president. “To all the people listening, if this diplomatic effort fails, President Trump is going to take the Strait of Hormuz. We’re going to run it.”
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
Waterloo East and Charing Cross stations to close for £20 million upgrades
6:00 am
Get you up to speed: Major London station to close within weeks for major £20,000,000 upgrade | News UK
London train stations Waterloo East and Charing Cross will be closed for major upgrade works from July 26 to August 16, 2026, as part of a £20 million investment by Southeastern Railway. During this three-week closure, no trains will serve either station, with services diverted to London Victoria, Cannon Street, Blackfriars, and London Bridge.
London Waterloo East and Charing Cross will undergo major upgrades from Sunday, July 26 to Sunday, August 16, with additional weekend closures on July 18, 19, August 22, 23, and October 10, 11. The £20 million project aims to replace tracks and strengthen structures, ultimately ensuring safer and more reliable travel for millions of passengers annually.
Network Rail has announced that London Waterloo East and Charing Cross stations will undergo major upgrades from July 26 to August 16, causing significant travel disruption for passengers. Scott Brightwell from Southeastern Railway stated, “By consolidating the work into a 22-day closure… we can complete the work more quickly and with less disruption overall.”
What remains unclear — It is not specified how services will be adjusted during the alternative closures surrounding the main 22-day closure.
Waterloo East and Charing Cross stations to close for £20 million upgrades
London train stations Waterloo East and Charing Cross are set to close within weeks for major upgrade works, threatening to cause travel disruption for a large part of the summer.
The £20,000,000 worth of upgrades will be carried out at both stations, which includes work on railway tracks, forcing the stations to close for a total of 22 days.
During the three-week closure, trains will not serve either station, and services will be diverted to other stations across London.
Want to find out when the stations will be closed and how they’ll affect your travel plans? Keep on reading!
When are the stations closed?
The two stations will face a main closure over the summer holidays, which was planned in an effort to minimise disruption.
The main closure period for both London Waterloo East and Charing Cross will be between Sunday, July 26 and Sunday, August 16.
However, the stations will also shut on several weekends on either side of the 22-day closure, including:
- Saturday, July 18
- Sunday, July 19
- Saturday, August 22
- Sunday, August 23
- Saturday, October 10
- Sunday, October 11
Network Rail has warned that the alternative service plans for the station closures on the above weekends may be different from the main 22-day closure, and it has urged everyone to check before travelling.
Why are the stations closing?
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The station closures are part of a £20million railway upgrade being carried out by Southeastern Railway.
As part of the upgrade, engineers will install around 1.2 miles of new tracks as well as 16 sets of switches and crossings on the heavily used 36-year-old line, which can only be done when trains are not running.
According to Network Rail, the current tracks, which were last replaced in the early 1990s, are ‘increasingly unreliable’ and if untreated, would result in more faults and delays for commuters.
The country end of the platforms at Charing Cross, whose concrete surfaces are deteriorating, will be rebuilt with new foundations and surfaces to ‘keep them safe’ and open for passengers. Meanwhile, track drainage will be upgraded at Waterloo East.
Network Rail has also confirmed that structural repairs will be carried out on the Hungerford Bridge, which takes trains over the Thames. Work will also be carried out on the pedestrian link between Waterloo East and London Waterloo stations.
How busy are Charing Cross and Waterloo East?
London Charing Cross recorded around 19.7 million journeys through its barriers in 2024/25, up from 17.7 million passengers the previous year.
The much smaller Waterloo East saw 6.8 million entries and exits in 2024/25.
They both pale in comparison to the UK’s busiest station, London Liverpool Street, which had 98 million journeys, followed by Waterloo with 70.4 million according to the latest figures.
Where are trains diverted to?
As a result of the station closures, no trains will call at London Charing Cross or Waterloo East.
Instead, Southeastern services will be diverted to London Victoria, Cannon Street, Blackfriars, and London Bridge.
Southeastern has warned passengers to expect diversions, amended timings, and cancellations, but there will be additional trains running on some lines during peak periods.
Passengers can use their tickets on alternative routes, including the London Underground and buses, at no extra cost.
Network Rail has also encouraged those who are able to cycle or walk to complete shorter journeys to do so.
Scott Brightwell, the train services director on the Southeastern Railway, said: ‘The £20 million investment we are delivering will see 1990s track and platforms upgraded to make journeys safer and more reliable, and Victorian-era structures strengthened to remain fit for the future.
‘By consolidating the work into a 22‑day closure, supported by preparation and follow‑up weekends, we can complete the work more quickly and with less disruption overall than the alternative options of 60 weekend closures or four to five 9-day closures.’
He added: ‘We have planned the closure for the summer, when passenger numbers are around 20 per cent lower and schools are closed, to help manage the impact on customers.’
Trump declares ceasefire with Iran is over while agreeing to continue peace talks
5:00 am
Get you up to speed: Trump says ceasefire with Iran is over – while agreeing to continue peace talks | News World
Renewed hostilities erupted in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, 2026, following Iranian attacks on three tankers. The clashes have disrupted maritime traffic and have been linked to ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, which commenced with US and Israeli military actions on February 28.
The US military has facilitated the passage of over 800 commercial vessels and 380 million barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz since early May. The initial agreement between the US and Iran allows safe passage for 60 days, contingent on the resolution of Tehran’s nuclear programme discussions.
Donald Trump announced that the US would continue discussions with Iran amidst escalating tensions, stating that the ceasefire is “over.” Concurrently, US Central Command refuted claims by Iranian state media regarding control over the Strait of Hormuz, emphasising that US forces have facilitated the transit of over 800 commercial vessels since early May.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how the recent ceasefire developments will affect the safety of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz beyond the initial 60-day agreement.
Trump declares ceasefire with Iran is over while agreeing to continue peace talks
Israel Media/Persian Language TV Stations Outside Iran/Strictly No Access BBC Persian/VOA Persian/Manoto TV/Iran International TV????) (—-EDITORIAL USE ONLY – MANDATORY CREDIT – ‘IRANIAN LEADER PRESS OFFICE / HANDOUT’ – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS—-)An aerial view shows millions of Iranians, carrying flags and posters, gather from the early hours of the morning to attend farewell ceremony for the country’s former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the U.S.-Israeli attacks, in Qom, Iran, on July 07, 2026. (Photo by Iran Leader Press Office/Anadolu via Getty Images)” decoding=”sync”/>
This week, Iranians said goodbye to Ali Khamenei (Picture: Getty)
Donald Trump has said the US has agreed to continue talks with Iran after recent clashes, but said the ceasefire was ‘over’.
The US president gave the update in a post on his Truth Social platform, having earlier in the week branded the Tehran leadership ‘scum’ and said it was ‘a waste of time’ dealing with the regime.
It follows recent exchanges of fire between the two sides over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which had tested the fragile truce.
But no one has claimed responsibility for the airstrikes that hit Iran after the US said it had finished its attacks.
Trump said: ‘The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue ‘talks’.
‘We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!’
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The US released footage of strikes (Picture: Reuters)
The renewed hostilities broke out on Tuesday after Iran targeted three tankers in the strait, which has remained a flashpoint.
The trading of strikes has again caused severe disruption to maritime traffic in the critical sea route, casting doubt on securing a permanent end to the conflict, launched by the US and Israel on February 28.
The US military on Thursday moved to counter claims by Iranian state media ‘that transit through the Strait of Hormuz is only permitted through routes designated by Iran’.
US Central Command claimed to fact-check this, writing on X: ‘Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz.
‘Since early May, US forces have helped facilitate the successful transit of more than 800 commercial vessels and 380 million barrels of crude oil through the vital international trade corridor.’
However, this represents only a fraction of the traffic before the war, when on average nearly 140 ships a day made the crossing.
Ending Tehran’s stranglehold on the strait, which disrupted global oil and gas supplies and drove up fuel and food prices, had been a key demand in previous negotiations.
However, the initial deal reached between the US and Iran only provides for safe, toll-free passage of the waterway for 60 days, pending the outcome of a final agreement on Tehran’s disputed nuclear plans.
In the meantime, Iran has continued to try to exert leverage over the channel, including demanding ships seek permission to transit and raising the spectre of future charges.
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Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum to close early amid heatwave in France
4:00 am
Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum to close early amid heatwave in France
Early Closures
Paris‘ Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum will close at 4 pm this weekend due to forecasted high temperatures of 35°C to 39°C.
Paris‘ Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum will close at 4 pm this weekend due to forecasted high temperatures of 35°C to 39°C.
Human Impact
Over 22 million people are affected by a red heat alert across 24 departments in northwestern France, necessitating significant public health and safety measures.
Over 22 million people are affected by a red heat alert across 24 departments in northwestern France, necessitating significant public health and safety measures.
Paris Response
“We are extending heatwave measures with parks, swimming pools, and drinking water stations available to support our vulnerable residents,” stated Emmanuel Grégoire, the mayor of Paris.
“We are extending heatwave measures with parks, swimming pools, and drinking water stations available to support our vulnerable residents,” stated Emmanuel Grégoire, the mayor of Paris.
Eiffel Tower and other Paris landmarks to close early as another heatwave sweeps France
Published on •Updated
Paris’ Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum will close early this weekend as yet another heatwave grips western Europe.
The Eiffel Tower said it would “exceptionally close” at 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday due to high temperatures forecast in the French capital, while the Louvre will shutter at the same time through to Monday.
The Musée d’Orsay art gallery also announced that it would be closing from 5 pm from Saturday through to Wednesday.
24 departments across northwestern France are under a red heat alert on Saturday, according to Météo-France, affecting more than 22 million people.
Temperatures of around 35°C to 38°C are expected across most regions, with highs of up to 39°C forecast from Burgundy to Pays de la Loire.
Much of the rest of the country is also under an orange alert as residents prepare for the annual Bastille Day celebrations on 14 July.
It is the third heatwave to hit France since May.
Emmanuel Grégoire, the mayor of Paris, called a crisis meeting on Friday to help prepare for the hot spell.
Grégoire said the city would be extending heatwave measures, with parks and swimming pools open longer, drinking water stations available, and additional support for vulnerable residents.
In Spain, improving weather helped firefighters as they battled one of the country’s deadliest-ever wildfires on Saturday.
At least 12 people died and more than 1,400 were evacuated in the southeastern province of Almería after a fire ravaged the region this week. Authorities believe the blaze could have been caused by a fallen power line.
Spain’s national weather agency AEMET said high temperatures were expected across much of the Iberian Peninsula on Saturday afternoon, with highs of up to 36°C to 38°C.
Water reserves are being hit hard in northern Italy, threatening farming, as the River Po, the nation’s longest river, is facing a drought amid the sweltering conditions. The Po River District Basin Authority has called the situation “critical”.
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