US diesel and gasoline prices hit records amid Iran war and Strait of Hormuz volatility
Diesel prices in the United States have reached a record national average of $5.85 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association, as the war with Iran continues to unsettle energy markets. Gasoline prices also climbed to $4.14 per gallon, setting a Labor Day weekend record ahead of the holiday travel period. The price moves come as traders and consumers continue to watch the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.The diesel record was reported on Friday and surpassed the previous high set in June 2022 after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Diesel is widely used to power... [Continue Reading]
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AfD surges toward breakthrough in Saxony-Anhalt election
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany is on course for a major breakthrough in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, where it is expected to win a state election for the first time. The result would mark a significant shift in German regional politics and could put the party in position to lead a state government for the first time since World War II. The vote is being watched closely as a test of the country's political establishment and the strength of support for hardline anti-immigration politics.The party's leading candidate in Saxony-Anhalt is Ulrich Siegmund, who has been described by one magazine... [Continue Reading]
US-Iran conflict enters election-sensitive phase as sanctions and strikes continue
The conflict between the United States and Iran is now being shaped as much by domestic politics in Washington as by the fighting itself. According to the supplied material, the two sides have exchanged attacks this week, while senior advisers to President Donald Trump are trying to prevent the war from returning to all-out conflict before the US midterm elections on November 3. The latest phase comes as the administration keeps military pressure on Iran while also leaning more heavily on sanctions and maritime restrictions.The rows say Washington announced its so-called "Economic D-Day" in August, sanctioning 60 entities it says... [Continue Reading]
Meloni's government becomes Italy's longest-serving since World War II
Supporters of Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are marking a political milestone after her government became the country's longest-serving since World War II. Celebrations were reported in Abetone Cutigliano, a mountain resort in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, where local backers of her Brothers of Italy party gathered to note the record. The development comes as analysts continue to caution that longevity in office does not necessarily amount to stability.The government has now overtaken the previous postwar record set by Silvio Berlusconi, reaching 1,412 consecutive days in power. Italy has had 68 governments in eight decades, underscoring the country's long history of... [Continue Reading]
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Breakfast News Recap: Nepal flood toll tops 1,200 as Iran conflict, Europe security fears and market jitters spread
Nepal says it will need billions of dollars to rebuild after the flash floods on the Nepal Tibet border, where the death toll has climbed above 1,200 and rescue teams are still pulling survivors from the wreckage. Two more Australians have been found safe, cutting the number still unaccounted for to 36, and a second worker has been brought out alive from a tunnel nine days after the disaster. ๐ ๐ ๐The confrontation between Iran and the United States widened after Tehran said it had struck US military targets in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates with missiles and drones,... [Continue Reading]
Haiti urges UN to renew anti-gang force mandate before December elections
Haiti's foreign minister has called on the United Nations Security Council to renew the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force before it expires on 30 September. Raina Forbin said the force needs to be fully deployed in Haiti with international support as the country prepares for elections scheduled for December. Her appeal came during a meeting of the Organisation of American States focused on Haiti's continuing gang violence.Forbin said Haiti needs technical, financial, logistical and security support that can meet the scale of the crisis. She said the country must move from solidarity to action, underscoring the urgency of the... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Iran strikes widen Gulf tensions as Nepal flood toll climbs and Europe frets over energy
Iran said it struck United States bases in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, widening a fast moving confrontation after renewed Gulf attacks. The claim came as Tehran also sought an International Criminal Court probe into a US strike it says hit a wedding party in Kuhestak, while President Donald Trump said the US was stockpiling munitions after the Iran operation and signalled shifts in arms supply. ๐ ๐ ๐Pressure in the Gulf also deepened after Saudi Arabia said an attack on a Saudi owned tanker in the Strait of Hormuz killed two Filipino sailors. Separately, analysts said Chinaโs support... [Continue Reading]
Putin rejects reports of new Russian military mobilization ahead of Duma elections
Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied that Moscow is planning a new military mobilization for the war in Ukraine. He described reports of a possible fresh call-up of reservists as disinformation. The comments come as Ukraine continues to warn that Russia may be preparing additional force generation measures.Putin said on Thursday that Russia has no plan for a new mobilization or reservist draft. He also suggested the claims were being used to influence elections to the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, due to take place from 18 to 20 September. The denial followed remarks earlier in August by... [Continue Reading]
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Noontime News Recap: Iran widens Gulf conflict as Europe faces Russia tensions and EU deadlock
Iran said its military had bombarded United States bases in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, signalling a fresh round of retaliatory strikes in the Gulf. ๐Tehran also sought an International Criminal Court probe after the Iranian Red Crescent said a US missile strike hit a wedding party in Kuhestak in southern Iran, adding to the legal and diplomatic fallout from the conflict. ๐In Europe, Denmark's counterintelligence chief said Russia was actively preparing sabotage operations against the country, with the defence industry singled out as a target, sharpening concerns over security threats inside the EU and NATO. ๐EU foreign ministers... [Continue Reading]
Nicaragua votes to bar opposition parties and extend terms in first approval of constitutional reform
Nicaragua's National Assembly has voted to bar opposition parties from future elections and extend the terms of the president and other elected officials, in a move that deepens concern over the country's political direction. The vote took place during a special outdoor legislative session on Tuesday and was described by the United States as a further step away from democratic norms. The reform still needs a second approval before it can take effect, with the next vote scheduled for January 18.The measure would formally exclude from office any opposition figures deemed to have taken part in planning or carrying out... [Continue Reading]
US House rejects amendment to cap Supreme Court at nine justices
The United States House of Representatives has failed to advance a Republican-backed constitutional amendment that would have permanently limited the Supreme Court to nine justices. The vote took place on Wednesday in Washington and fell short of the two-thirds majority needed for constitutional changes. Lawmakers voted 212-206 against the measure, according to the supplied report.The proposal was championed by Republicans and was described as a joint resolution aimed at fixing the court at its current size. Representative Don Davis of North Carolina was the only Democrat to vote in favour, while independent Representative Kevin Kiley of California, who caucuses with... [Continue Reading]
Republican Senator Thom Tillis Urges Trump to Fire Defence Secretary Hegseth Amid War With Iran
United States Senator Thom Tillis has publicly called on President Donald Trump to remove Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of creating a leadership void at the Pentagon. The criticism comes as the US military is under strain from the ongoing war with Iran. Tillis made the appeal in a social media post on Wednesday, marking a sharp public break with a senior member of his own party.In his post, Tillis said he had seen "inept management" of service members and argued that Hegseth was "intimidated by competence". He said the defence secretary was retreating into culture-war politics instead of... [Continue Reading]
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US boat strike campaign faces fresh scrutiny as families search for missing fishermen
A new report has renewed scrutiny of the Trump administration's boat strike campaign in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, as families in Saint Lucia say they fear missing fishermen may be among the dead. The report says the United States military has carried out dozens of strikes since 2 September 2025, killing more than 220 people it labels as narcoterrorists. It also says the campaign has unfolded with little public identification of those killed.One case highlighted in the report centres on Joseph "Nathy" William, a fisherman from Saint Lucia who disappeared in February after going out to sea with Ricky... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Middle East conflict widens as drone fears, sabotage probes and market nerves deepen
The biggest escalation came in the Middle East, where Iran accused the United States of a war crime after saying a strike hit a wedding celebration in Kuhestak, near the Strait of Hormuz, killing at least four people. Donald Trump said the US was striking Iranian targets near the strait and threatened even larger retaliation, while Iran said its Kheibar Shekan missile had become central to the latest exchange of strikes across the region. ๐ ๐ ๐Pressure on Iran also came from the nuclear front, with the International Atomic Energy Agency saying it urgently needs access to Iranian nuclear sites... [Continue Reading]
Germany investigates second power-grid sabotage attempt amid hybrid-war fears
German police are investigating a second suspected sabotage attempt against the country's power grid in less than 24 hours, in a case that has intensified concern over possible hybrid threats to critical infrastructure. The inquiry centres on technical infrastructure at a substation near Bergheim in western Germany. Officials said the electricity supply in the area was not interrupted.Police described the incident as premeditated vandalism and said it took place on Tuesday afternoon. A police spokesperson did not specify the damage caused, but confirmed that the grid remained stable throughout the episode. Amprion, which operates part of Germany's electricity network and... [Continue Reading]
Guinea-Bissau backs stronger presidential powers as referendum result is confirmed
Guinea-Bissau's electoral commission has confirmed that voters approved a new constitution that significantly expands presidential powers. Provisional results showed about 70% support, with turnout reported at more than 55%, after voting in the referendum held on Sunday. The changes were put forward by the transitional authorities that took power after last November's disputed election.Under the approved text, the president will be able to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, create or abolish ministries, and dissolve parliament in the event of a grave political crisis. The constitution also reduces the number of parliamentary seats from 102 to 65 and... [Continue Reading]
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Breakfast News Recap: Middle East escalation deepens as Iran, Israel and the US trade strikes and warnings
Iran said US strikes killed 11 people in two separate attacks, while Donald Trump said the United States was striking Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz and threatened even larger retaliation, underscoring a rapid escalation across the region. Peru also broke diplomatic relations with Iran, citing Tehran's role in the Middle East crisis and restrictions on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. ๐ ๐ ๐The International Atomic Energy Agency said it urgently needs access to Iranian nuclear sites and information on nuclear material, warning that its verification work is being hampered. Separately, an Iranian fisherwoman on Hengam Island said... [Continue Reading]
Joshua Wong pleads guilty in Hong Kong foreign-collusion case as sentencing looms
Joshua Wong has pleaded guilty in Hong Kong to a foreign-collusion charge under the city's national security law, in a second case that could carry a life sentence. The 29-year-old pro-democracy activist entered the plea at the High Court in Admiralty on Wednesday, according to court reporting from the hearing. Prosecutors allege he asked foreign countries, individuals or institutions to impose sanctions, blockades or other hostile measures against Hong Kong and China in 2020.The court heard that Wong is accused of supporting efforts to draw international pressure on Hong Kong and China after the national security law took effect in... [Continue Reading]
Israel minister deletes AI video celebrating hunger of Palestinian prisoners amid backlash
Israel's national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has deleted an AI-generated video that appeared to celebrate hunger among Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The clip was posted on his social media accounts and removed hours later after drawing strong criticism. It showed a line of Palestinian prisoners entering a prison on a conveyor belt and emerging thinner, with the slogan: "We promised and we delivered." The video was linked to Ben-Gvir's campaign for the Knesset ahead of Israel's general election in October, according to the supporting material.Ben-Gvir is one of the most hardline figures in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and... [Continue Reading]
US Postal Service whistleblower warns new ballot system could disrupt midterm voting
A whistleblower at the US Postal Service has warned that a new ballot-processing system ordered by President Donald Trump could prevent millions of Americans from receiving mail ballots before November's midterm elections. The system is due to launch on Tuesday, according to the disclosure released by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal. The allegation centres on a federal portal that would handle state voter lists and ballot barcodes before mail ballots are accepted for delivery.The anonymous federal official, represented by Whistleblower Aid, described the project as secretive, rushed, chaotic and fundamentally flawed. The whistleblower said the agency continued developing the system despite... [Continue Reading]
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Canada and US trade tensions escalate as Carney warns Washington to take talks seriously
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said trade talks with the United States can only move forward if Washington takes the dispute more seriously. Speaking in Ottawa, he said US officials should stop what he described as mocking and dismissive behaviour and focus on substantive negotiations. His comments came as the two countries remain locked in a tariff dispute that has widened into a broader political confrontation.The latest escalation followed the collapse of negotiations on 22 August, when the United States imposed 50% tariffs on roughly $20bn worth of Canadian goods. Canada has said it will respond with retaliatory tariffs... [Continue Reading]
Zambia's Hakainde Hichilema sworn in for second term amid disputed election and arrests
President Hakainde Hichilema has been sworn in for a second term in Zambia after winning last month's election, even as his main rival remained in detention on treason charges and opposition figures faced arrests. The inauguration took place at National Heroes Stadium in the capital, Lusaka, on Tuesday. The ceremony came against a backdrop of persistent allegations of vote rigging and a sharp political dispute over the result.Hichilema was re-elected after securing 60% of the vote, according to the figures cited in the supporting material. His challenger, Brian Mundubile, received 38% and has alleged that the election was rigged. Mundubile... [Continue Reading]
Keir Starmer to stand down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras, triggering by-election
Former British prime minister Keir Starmer is to step down as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras, a move that will trigger a by-election in the London seat. He said it was the "right time" to leave Parliament and focus on international affairs. The announcement marks a new stage in his post-premiership role and will end his tenure representing the constituency.In comments to the Camden New Journal, Mr Starmer said he had been honoured to represent what he described as the best constituency in the country. He also paid tribute to Frank Dobson, whom he said had been a... [Continue Reading]
Sara Netanyahu sparks backlash over claim about Yair Golan and October 7
Sara Netanyahu has triggered a political backlash in Israel after sharing a conspiracy claim that opposition figure Yair Golan knew in advance about the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023. The remarks were made in a television interview broadcast on Monday evening and quickly drew condemnation from opposition politicians. The row comes as Israel prepares for parliamentary elections expected on 27 October.In the interview, the wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that Golan was "already dressed and ready" at dawn on 7 October 2023, while others knew nothing, including the prime minister. Golan is a former deputy military chief... [Continue Reading]
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France begins fast-fashion penalties targeting Shein and Temu
France has begun imposing penalties on the most extreme end of fast fashion in a move aimed at curbing sales of cheap clothing sold through e-commerce platforms including Shein and Temu. The new charges are being applied under a law passed in June that is designed to address environmental concerns linked to overproduction and textile waste. The policy marks the first application of the regime and places France at the centre of a wider debate over the environmental cost of ultra-low-price online retail.The penalties range from โฌ0.25 for items such as boxer shorts or socks to โฌ12 for a coat,... [Continue Reading]
Israeli forces demolish West Bank homes as settlers attack Burqa residents
Israeli forces have demolished homes in Birzeit and Nablus in the occupied West Bank, while settlers attacked Palestinians in the village of Burqa, according to the supplied report. The incidents took place on Monday and were described as part of a wider escalation of violence in the territory. The demolitions and attacks occurred in separate locations but formed part of the same day's unrest.In Birzeit, north of Ramallah, soldiers demolished two residential buildings, saying they did not have the required building permits. In Nablus, Israeli forces used a bulldozer to raze a two-storey house and a three-storey building that was... [Continue Reading]
Oil prices rise further as US-Iran tensions flare again over Hormuz fears
Oil prices rose further on Tuesday as renewed military exchanges between the United States and Iran revived fears of a broader escalation and possible disruption to global energy supplies. The latest moves came after weeks of relative calm, but shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remained subdued and traders continued to price in fresh risk. The confrontation is now feeding directly into both market volatility and political pressure over fuel costs.According to the supplied report, Washington struck Iranian rocket launchers on the island of Larak on Sunday, prompting Tehran to target US forces in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.... [Continue Reading]
Top US general says there are no plans to send troops to polling places for November elections
The chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff has said there are no plans to deploy federal military personnel or federalized National Guard members to polling places during the 2026 elections. In a letter addressed to Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, General Dan Caine also said there are no plans to seize ballots, voting machines or other election-related material. The assurance comes amid heightened concern among Democrats about possible military involvement in the election process.Caine's letter, obtained on Monday, said the Joint Force has no plans to send federal military personnel or federalized members of the National... [Continue Reading]
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Syria and Libya reopen diplomatic ties after Tripoli talks
Syria and Libya have agreed to reopen Syria's embassy in Tripoli after 14 years, in a move that signals a reset in relations between the two countries. The agreement was reached during talks in the Libyan capital between Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani. The two sides also agreed to open a Syrian consulate in Benghazi and reactivate a bilateral coordination committee.According to the Libyan government statement, al-Shaibani arrived in Tripoli on Sunday for meetings with Libyan officials. The talks covered security cooperation, counterterrorism, consular services, and the status of prisoners, detainees and refugees... [Continue Reading]
Libyan rival factions sign deal to hold national elections within 24 months
Rival political factions in Libya have signed a deal in Tripoli aimed at holding legislative and presidential elections within two years. The agreement was signed at the United Nations Support Mission in Libya in the capital on Sunday, following an earlier draft prepared by the UN-backed 4+4 committee in Tunis on 20 August. It sets out a timeline for elections under a single executive authority within a period not exceeding 24 months.Walid Ellafi, the state minister of political affairs and communications in the internationally recognised Government of National Unity, said the deal provides for legislative and presidential polls within that... [Continue Reading]
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Six months on, war with Iran deepens pressure at home and at sea
More than six months into the war on Iran, the pressure on ordinary people is described as worsening, with no short-term relief expected. The supplied material says life for most Iranians has deteriorated and that daily life has become a struggle for much of the country's population of about 90 million. It also says the conflict began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes and has continued to reshape politics, security and the economy inside Iran.The report says Iran's military and political establishment has adapted to the war without making major concessions to its ideological principles. It also describes... [Continue Reading]
Zambian opposition leader charged with treason after post-election raid
Zambian opposition leader Brian Mundubile has been charged with treason following a deadly raid and a period of detention that has deepened tensions after the country's recent presidential election. His lawyer said the charge was announced on Saturday night, after Mundubile had gone into hiding at a United Nations building in the capital, Lusaka. Seventeen other people, including his running mate Makebi Zulu, were also charged.The case comes after a disputed vote in which official results gave incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema 60% of the vote, compared with 38% for Mundubile. Mundubile had challenged the outcome, while the authorities accused his... [Continue Reading]
Speculation grows over Iran's supreme leader as Mojtaba Khamenei remains absent
Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen publicly since he was appointed at the beginning of the Iran war, according to the supplied report. The absence has fuelled speculation inside Iran about the country's leadership and the durability of the succession arrangement. The article says some people in Iran now believe he "doesn't exist at all", reflecting the uncertainty surrounding his role.The report says the younger Khamenei was selected after bombs and missiles struck Iran in February, when the country was already facing war, weak economic growth, water and energy shortages, a weak currency and pressure on most of its regional... [Continue Reading]
One Nation claims historic Secret Harbour by-election win in Western Australia
One Nation is claiming victory in the Secret Harbour by-election in Western Australia, with counting indicating it is on track to secure its first lower house seat in the state. The party says its candidate, Luke Herdegen, has delivered a historic result in a seat long regarded as safe Labor territory. Labor had not conceded at the time of the claim.Rod Caddies, One Nation's Western Australia leader, said the party was claiming victory at 9.30pm local time. The result is based on counting that showed One Nation ahead in the contest, although the final formal outcome was not included in... [Continue Reading]
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US-Venezuela oil talks advance amid backlash over reported stake in major fields
Reports that the United States is in advanced talks to secure a direct stake or long-term access to Venezuelan oilfields have triggered sharp criticism from opposition figures and other detractors. The discussions are said to cover more than a dozen fields, including assets in the Orinoco Belt and Lake Maracaibo, two of the country's most important producing regions. The reported structure would go beyond a routine commercial arrangement and could give American interests a lasting role in one of the world's largest crude reserves.According to the supplied reports, one proposal under discussion is a 100-year lease on several oilfields, while... [Continue Reading]


