English

Gavin Blackburn

Europe News

Rubio says US ready to mediate as Moscow steps up Kyiv threats

Russia's weekend barrage, involving dozens of drones and missiles, killed four people and caused widespread damage across the Ukrainian capital.

Saudi Arabia

Muslim pilgrims begin hajj as Iran peace deal hangs in the balance

Despite the uncertainty triggered by the Iran war, Saudi officials noted over the weekend that more pilgrims had travelled from abroad to participate in this year’s hajj than in 2025.

Bangladesh

Truck overturns in central Bangladesh, killing at least 15 people

Road accidents kill thousands every year in the nation of more than 170 million people because of lax oversight of traffic rules, bad road conditions and unskilled driving.

Turkey

Erdoğan scraps move to close liberal Bilgi University after outcry

Founded on 7 June 1996 as Turkey's fourth private foundation university, Bilgi became part of the Laureate International Universities network, a US-based group operating universities across multiple continents, in 2006.

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Iran

Iran says charging fees for 'navigational services' through Hormuz

Iran effectively shuttered the crucial waterway in the early days of the war and in mid-April the US responded by imposing its own blockade on Iranian ports.

Philippines

Four dead, 17 still missing after collapse of hotel in Philippines

Officials said up to 70 people were employed at the construction site, though most had gone home for the weekend.

Japan

Around 20 people injured after spraying incident in Tokyo mall

Roads around the building in the shopping district of Ginza, where the mall is located, were blocked off following the incident, and fire trucks lined the street.

USA

Iran says progress on many issues with US but agreement not imminent

Writing on his social media platform, US President Donald Trump said "constructive" talks were underway but "both sides must take their time and get it right."

Sport

Pep Guardiola to step down after glittering decade at Man City

Guardiola, who had a further year left on his City contract, will take charge of his final game against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.

Taiwan

No notification from US on pause to €12bn arms sale, Taiwan says

Like other countries that maintain formal diplomatic ties with Beijing, the US doesn't recognise Taiwan as a country, but Washington remains the island’s strongest backer and arms supplier.

Europe News

UK police open to probe Mountbatten-Windsor sexual misconduct claim

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faces continued UK police scrutiny over alleged misconduct in public office and claims a woman was taken to Windsor for sex.

Europe News

Air France and Airbus convicted of manslaughter in 2009 plane crash

On 1 June 2009, Air France Flight AF447, travelling from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, was cruising over the Atlantic when the pilots lost control of the aircraft, causing it to plunge into the ocean.

Europe News

Mother arrested after French boys abandoned in Portugal, police say

The boys were reported missing from their hometown of Colmar, in eastern France, by their father around 10 days ago.

Cuba

Rubio says US focused on overthrowing communist system in Cuba

Rubio, a Cuban-American and vociferous opponent of Havana's government, described the island 145 kilometres from the US shore as a "failed state" as it suffers a major economic crisis.

Turkey

Turkish court removes leader of main opposition party CHP

The case concerns allegations of vote buying at the CHP congress in November 2023, with prosecutors alleging that Özgür Özel secured his election as party leader with promises of jobs and other kickbacks.

Europe News

Spain to launch biggest wildfire campaign after record losses in 2025

Spain is one of the southern European countries on the front line of climate change as higher average temperatures stoke heatwaves, droughts and forest fires.

Europe News

EU countries urge sanctions on Israeli minister for activists' video

The video even drew a sharp rebuke from senior politicians within Israel’s government with both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar slamming its publication.

Cuba

Trump calls Castro charges big moment but says no need for escalation

An unsealed indictment accused Castro and others of murder, conspiracy to kill Americans and destruction of aircraft.

Europe News

Radio station sorry after mistakenly announcing death of King Charles

Established in 1964 to challenge the BBC's broadcasting monopoly, Radio Caroline previously operated from ships off the English coast.

Gaza

Board of Peace report accuses Hamas of blocking Gaza progress

Despite an October ceasefire, Gaza remains gripped by daily violence as Israeli strikes continue, with both the military and Hamas accusing one another of violating the truce.

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