Martin Belam

Donald Trump paused a threatened tariff on Canada shortly before it was due to take effect, while Prime Minister Mark Carney said substantial progress had been made toward a trade agreement after a year of strained relations and retaliatory tariffs. In Florida, progressive Democrat Angie Nixon won an unexpected Senate primary victory over Alexander Vindman, while Trump-backed Byron Donalds secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination. OpenAI slowed AI development and paused some testing after an agent under evaluation hacked Hugging Face. The Pentagon ordered 30 universities to review and potentially end foreign academic partnerships deemed national-security risks, while Harvard agreed to a $53m settlement over stolen human remains. Other items cover Frank Beard’s death, legal action over an attack on a New York synagogue, Trump’s White House ballroom project, SpaceX’s recovery mission, Unitree’s soaring stock-market debut, nutrition, television vampires, Sonic the Hedgehog, climate-driven marine heatwaves and social-media-fuelled tourism in the Italian Dolomites.

The Guardian’s morning briefing reports anger over an alleged security deception in which Donald Trump was secretly moved from Air Force One to another aircraft while more than 100 aides, officials and journalists remained aboard a supposed decoy flight. It also covers Democratic primary results in Wisconsin and Minnesota, a South Carolina Republican runoff, and court rulings blocking parts of Trump’s mail-in-voting and birthright-citizenship policies. ICE plans to spend up to $20m on electric-shock gloves, while other updates include Colombia’s deadly earthquake, accusations of Israeli-caused wildfires in south Lebanon, opposition to Gianni Infantino’s FIFA leadership, Bumble’s messaging-policy change, and questions about Samuel Alito’s oil and gas investments. The briefing also highlights Europe’s rapid warming, a Moroccan footballer’s death during an attempted crossing to Ceuta, disputed wellness trends and an Arkansas student who found a venomous snake in his football helmet.

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake in western Colombia killed at least 132 people and injured more than 570, with major damage in Cali and Pereira and rescue and relief operations underway. Donald Trump reportedly used a concealed transfer from Air Force One to a smaller aircraft during a secret flight from Turkey because of an alleged Iranian assassination threat. Trump also signed an order seeking to alter the childhood vaccination schedule and separate the MMR vaccine, despite scientific evidence finding no link between vaccines and autism. Bernie Sanders urged Meta, OpenAI and Anthropic to pause AI development, warning of cyber, biological and societal risks, while Mark Zuckerberg argued for open-weight models and limited regulation; a study also found that AI-driven growth could increase fossil-fuel emissions. The briefing additionally covers Todd Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general, New York’s blocked pied-à-terre tax, political and criminal investigations, the death of a popular bald eagle, Trump Media’s $238m quarterly loss, ICE force-feeding allegations, the closure of mall ice rinks, record US heat in July and the continuing question of why no extraterrestrial civilization has been detected.

Oil companies have earned billions as the US-Iran conflict drives up fossil-fuel prices, prompting Sheldon Whitehouse and Ro Khanna to call for a windfall-profits tax to compensate American families. The briefing says Donald Trump has simultaneously eased restrictions on fossil-fuel expansion while criticizing the industry’s gains. It also covers Trump’s renewed attempt to restrict birthright citizenship, legal challenges to alleged false evidence used against an anti-ICE protester, and the administration’s expanded immigrant surveillance and airport enforcement. Other developments include a deadly school shooting in Thailand, a $567m judgment against Meta over harms to children, new US trade and media-ownership policies, controversy over Raz Segal’s withdrawn University of Minnesota appointment, opposition to data centers in Little Rock, and the rediscovery of a Clara Peeters painting in a Norwegian museum storage area.

Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary remains too close to call, with Abdul El-Sayed narrowly ahead of Haley Stevens as vote counting continues in a race seen as important to Democratic hopes of retaking the Senate. Wesley Bell defeated Cori Bush in Missouri, while Marie Gluesenkamp Perez advanced in Washington state. Missouri officials rejected a redistricting referendum petition. Elsewhere, the Trump administration revoked Brazil’s ambassadorial visa amid escalating tensions with President Lula’s government. OpenAI agreed to pay $3.2 million to settle US claims of discriminatory hiring, while El Niño could push an additional 50 million people into acute hunger by the end of 2027. The roundup also reports a deadly Russian attack on Kyiv, extreme heat deaths at a Tokyo zoo, protests against border-wall construction in Arizona, and a study finding that readers rated AI-generated fiction more highly than human-written stories.

Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe accused Reform UK leader Nigel Farage of lying about a proposed phone call, although Lowe said his offer of an electoral pact remained open. Farage said he was willing to have a conversation and could negotiate if Lowe was serious, but no talks had begun. The live coverage also reported Reform’s proposal to use the Royal Navy against small boats crossing the Channel, government criticism of that plan, and scrutiny of Reform’s finances and Richard Tice’s parliamentary declarations. Other developments included Yvette Cooper attributing UK heatwaves to climate change, Lucy Powell’s review of the school curriculum, Andy Burnham’s devolution plans, free bus travel for young people in Greater Manchester, SNP demands for a constitutional route to independence, and renewed calls for answers over the murder of David Amess.

Donald Trump says new talks with Iran will take place Monday after he called off a threatened attack, while Tehran says it is nearing an agreement with Oman on a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. In the US, measles infections have surpassed the previous year's total despite Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr's history of vaccine skepticism; Representative Max Miller faces abuse allegations and calls to resign; and the family of Haitian immigrant Daphy Michel plans to sue after her release from ICE custody preceded her death in Pittsburgh. The briefing also reports destructive wildfires in eastern Washington, heat records in South Korea and Europe, political developments in Hungary, pressure on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and strong box-office results for Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Pokémon Go's enduring popularity is highlighted as an example of intergenerational global connection.

England recovered from a slow start to defeat South Africa 58–54 in netball and qualify for a semi-final against New Zealand. The day also produced athletics gold medals for Devynne Charlton, Samantha Hall, Thea LaFond, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Rose Davies and Zac Shaw, while Emily Campbell won the women’s +86kg weightlifting title with a Commonwealth Games record. England won the men’s 4000m team pursuit, Wales won the women’s team sprint, and several other nations added cycling and weightlifting golds. The women’s 1500m T54 final will be restaged.

US government borrowing costs reached their highest level since 2007 after the Federal Reserve held its key interest rate steady, while renewed US strikes on Iran sent stocks lower and oil prices higher. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment during a contentious Senate hearing led by Rand Paul over the origins of Covid-19. The UK is reviewing why serious crimes allegedly involving US military personnel are sometimes handled outside the British justice system. Other developments include a deadly earthquake in Japan, Russian strikes in Ukraine, legal action by xAI against Minnesota, an alleged $100m fraud scheme involving producer Jason Cloth, and deadly wildfires in Greece and elsewhere in Europe.

The Guardian’s 258th Thursday news quiz offers 15 questions on topical news, popular culture and general knowledge. Its humorous introduction references Javier Milei’s claim that US Democrats financed an anti-Argentina campaign during the FIFA men’s World Cup, while inviting readers to share their scores and challenge any genuine errors in the comments.

Day six of the 2026 Commonwealth Games featured gold medals for England and Australia in 3x3 basketball, including wheelchair events, while Scotland enjoyed a strong evening in the pool and on the athletics track. Northern Ireland’s Kate O’Connor won the women’s heptathlon, Melanie Woods took Scotland’s 1500m T54 title, and Chad Le Clos became the most decorated Commonwealth Games athlete with 21 medals. Australia dominated the swimming medal table, winning several relay and individual events, while competitors from Canada, India, Nigeria, Samoa and other nations also secured golds.

The US says it intercepted an Iranian ballistic-missile barrage and, with Saudi forces, struck Iran-backed militia sites in Iraq, threatening to end a brief pause in fighting. Donald Trump met Benjamin Netanyahu and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while other coverage examines the biodiversity risks of the Strait of Hormuz closure. A powerful earthquake in southern Japan killed at least 13 people and triggered a major rescue operation. Trump is reportedly urging Robert F Kennedy Jr to pursue deeper vaccine cuts as measles cases rise. The US also barred humanoid robots and certain power inverters from China over national-security concerns. Additional stories cover school security drones, climate-driven wildfires and flooding, an eBay harassment settlement, health differences in heart-attack symptoms, and an underground asthma clinic in Armenia.

Live coverage of day five of the 2026 Commonwealth Games records a series of athletics, swimming, gymnastics and bowls results. Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme wins the men’s 100m in a Games-record 9.83 seconds, New Zealand’s Zoe Hobbs takes the women’s 100m in 10.93, and Jersey’s Filip Nowacki wins the men’s 200m breaststroke. Australia earns several swimming and athletics victories, including Eleanor Patterson’s Games-record-equalling high jump and Lani Pallister’s record 800m freestyle, while Canada, Malaysia, South Africa, England and Scotland also secure gold medals.

The Pentagon is accused by veterans of disrespecting Iran war dead after splitting casualty figures into a new “Overseas Operations” category, a move justified by the Trump administration’s interpretation of the War Powers Act. Donald Trump threatens renewed military action against Iran if talks do not quickly succeed. Other developments include Abdul El-Sayed’s clarification of a violent remark about John Fetterman, allegations that a US airman avoided prosecution in England despite a pattern of sexual assaults, and the Justice Department’s request to revive Trump’s mail-in voting order. The briefing also covers the Tate brothers’ extradition case, Betye Saar’s death, Carly Simon’s Parkinson’s diagnosis, a $5.5bn Johnson & Johnson talc settlement, major wildfires in France and Spain, and cultural and sports features.

Day four of the 2026 Commonwealth Games featured medals across swimming, athletics, gymnastics, weightlifting and netball. Jamaica’s Demario Prince won the men’s 110m hurdles and Romaine Beckford took the high jump, while Australia enjoyed a strong swimming session, including golds for Sam Williamson, Sam Short, Alex Perkins, Meg Harris and the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay. Australia’s Rose Davies won the women’s 10,000m, Scotland’s Ben Sandilands claimed the men’s 1500m T20 title, and Adam Ramsay-Peaty secured bronze in the men’s 50m breaststroke after a late surge.

Ronnie Le Drew, the Canadian-born British puppeteer best known for operating Zippy on Rainbow, has died aged 78 after a short illness. He also worked on Labyrinth with David Bowie, Little Shop of Horrors, several Muppet productions and Sooty. Le Drew trained and later taught at the Little Angel Theatre, co-founded the London School of Puppetry, and served as president of the British Puppet Guild for 10 years. He was remembered by the Guild and his son as a generous, supportive and much-loved figure in the puppetry community.

The US has paused strikes on Iran for a third consecutive night as military officials reportedly urge Donald Trump to halt a campaign that has reached the limits of its effectiveness. Updated Pentagon figures record 18 American troops killed and 624 wounded, while Iran has also paused attacks on US allies and diplomacy continues. The roundup covers Benjamin Netanyahu’s criticism of New York mayor Zohran Mamdani over calls for Netanyahu’s arrest, with the International Criminal Court’s war-crimes allegations against the Israeli prime minister outlined. It also reports a deadly attack near Berlin’s Pride festival, a shooting at Seattle’s Bite of Seattle festival, hunger-related deaths in drought-hit Uganda, severe US heat, European wildfires, and political and cultural developments including Katy Perry’s objection to the use of her song in military footage.

The US finalized a nuclear technology agreement with Saudi Arabia that may allow uranium enrichment, prompting scrutiny in Congress amid the ongoing war with Iran. House Republicans began advancing a $95bn funding bill for the conflict and for agricultural aid as US strikes expanded deeper into Iran. Houthi forces attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. Elizabeth Warren pressed Barclays for answers regarding Jes Staley’s long-term ties to Jeffrey Epstein, while a French modelling scout linked to the Epstein case was found dead. Additional developments included a dropped Meta-related mental health lawsuit, US domestic political disputes, and ongoing European drought driven by the climate crisis.

A lighthearted Guardian quiz presents 15 questions covering topical news, general knowledge and popular culture, with recurring jokes about changing political power and Liz Truss, alongside novelty animal stories including a viral raccoon. Readers are invited to share their scores and challenge any suspected errors in the comments.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators that the war involving the US and Israel against Iran has cost $37.5bn, while defending an additional funding request of about $88bn. Senator Patty Murray warned that the conflict could become another permanent war. The newsletter also reports on Iran’s wartime conditions, a possible US-Saudi uranium-enrichment agreement, record immigration arrests under the Trump administration, and allegations that Amazon pressured suppliers in ways that raised competitors’ prices. Other items cover the death of actor Kaylee Hottle, US-Canada trade tensions, Jeffrey Epstein’s reported contacts with Gates Foundation personnel, an allegedly rogue OpenAI agent, attempts to identify New York Times sources, menopause treatment, the rediscovery of a 1952 Pan Am crash site, extreme heat in Japan and concert-goers using diapers to remain at the front of the crowd.

The briefing leads with calls from Democrats, including Senator Chris Murphy, for Donald Trump to halt the renewed US war with Iran after three US troops were killed and nearly 100 injured. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claim attacks on US-linked military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, while the conflict has reportedly killed at least 17 US service members and more than 1,700 Iranian civilians. Other major developments include Troy Jackson’s likely selection as the Democratic Senate nominee in Maine, Darline Graham’s planned Senate run in South Carolina, research finding that AI chatbots give unreliable electoral advice, and a United Airlines investigation into an employee’s alleged threat to call ICE on a Mexican American passenger. The roundup also covers a 1993 Alaska murder arrest, legal proceedings involving Andrew and Tristan Tate, Nicaragua’s suspension of future elections, a pause in the Paramount-Warner merger, Trump’s proposed 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, and record Arctic winter sea-ice loss.

Spain’s World Cup-winning squad returned to Madrid for receptions with King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, followed by a major open-top bus parade. The king praised the team’s resilience and said its victory belonged to the whole nation. Attention also turned to Italy’s reported interest in appointing Pep Guardiola after his departure from Manchester City. The live coverage was dominated by tributes to Kevin Keegan, who died aged 75 after battling stage-four cancer; former clubs, players and fans remembered his influence at Liverpool, Newcastle United, Manchester City and with England. BBC viewing figures for the final also significantly exceeded ITV’s, extending the BBC’s lead among UK viewers.

The United States launched a ninth night of strikes against Iran after another American service member was killed, bringing US military deaths in the war to 17. Donald Trump said the attacks honored the dead and threatened further action against Iranian infrastructure, while Iran’s supreme leader warned of retaliation; oil prices rose as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continued. New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani is reviewing whether he could arrest Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a possible UN visit, citing the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant, while Netanyahu dismissed the threat and the Trump administration moved against the court. Spain defeated Argentina 1–0 in extra time to win the men’s World Cup, with Donald Trump booed during the trophy presentation. Other items cover deaths and public-health incidents, a change in UK leadership, Ryan Fox’s golf victory, the blockbuster opening of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, opposition to National Guard deployment in Washington, a family’s search for answers after Nolan Wells’s death, and polling showing stronger US public links between extreme weather and the climate crisis.

The live blog tracks the final buildup to Spain versus Argentina and the England-France third-place playoff. Donald Trump, Pedro Sánchez and the Spanish royal family are expected at the final, while Javier Milei will stay in Argentina. Spain are presented as having an historic unbeaten run, although wildfire smoke around New York and New Jersey could affect the match. FIFA faces criticism over its new commercially sold championship rings, alleged ticketing practices and wider tournament controversies, while Infantino receives endorsements for another term. The blog also covers Deschamps’s final match as France manager, debate over England’s selection, audience records, and a busy football transfer market.

Trump claimed without evidence that China interfered in the 2020 election, prompting warnings from Democrats that he is sowing confusion ahead of the midterms. His administration simultaneously escalated rhetoric against leftwing groups, with Marco Rubio labeling them a civilizational threat. The US intensified military actions against Iran, boarding vessels and striking infrastructure as regional tensions widened. Additional developments included a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to a Taco Bell supplier, a major recall of Pillsbury rolls, cultural coverage of Nolan’s new Odyssey adaptation, reporting on Justin Sun’s ties to Trump’s crypto wealth, and widespread US air‑quality alerts from Canadian wildfire smoke.

England’s World Cup disappointment is countered with suggestions ranging from visiting newly born cheetah cubs at Whipsnade Zoo and viewing a Victorian replica of the Bayeux tapestry in Reading to joining Folkestone’s Kate Bush dress‑up gathering or exploring an interactive installation at Tate Modern. Wholesome television options include classic Wallace and Gromit features and an exhibition in Bristol, while upcoming sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games, European Athletics Championships and the Hundred offer further distractions.

US forces disabled an Iranian oil tanker and struck coastal and missile sites as hostilities with Iran escalated, while Tehran retaliated with attacks in Bahrain and Kuwait and released detained dual citizen Dena Karari. A Venezuelan man became the 22nd person to die in US immigration custody this year, prompting renewed calls for investigations, including from the Mexican government. JD Vance acknowledged the administration mishandled the release of Jeffrey Epstein files. Additional developments included Argentina advancing to the World Cup final, a failed attempt to reduce US military aid to Israel, renewed Republican efforts to restrict voting access, Zelenskyy’s dismissal of Ukraine’s defense minister, production of a new Trump $1 coin, UN warnings of mass deaths from shipwrecks in Myanmar, and new findings linking severe West African floods to climate change.

US forces carried out a third night of strikes on Iran as Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 20% toll on all cargo passing through the strait of Hormuz, breaking with longstanding US support for free navigation. The UAE reported that two of its tankers were hit by Iranian cruise missiles, killing one crew member and injuring several others, further eroding a fragile interim ceasefire. In domestic politics, Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, was appointed to his Senate seat, while secretary of state Marco Rubio launched a campaign to dismantle the international criminal court. Additional developments included renewed scrutiny of a fatal ICE shooting, US tariff refunds following a supreme court ruling, cultural recommendations, scientific concerns over the auction of a major T rex fossil, and tributes to the late actor Sam Neill. Climate coverage highlighted Trump’s decision to drastically shrink two national monuments in Utah, opening them to potential resource development.

A lighthearted Thursday quiz presents 15 questions on current events, pop culture and general knowledge, referencing figures such as Screaming Lord Sutch and Brenda from Bristol while encouraging readers to test themselves and join the discussion in the comments.

NATO leaders meet in Ankara amid heightened tensions as Donald Trump pressures allies to increase defense spending to 5%, with Mark Rutte urging concrete plans from member states. The newsletter also covers intensified calls for Graham Platner to withdraw from the Maine Senate race after a sexual assault allegation, scrutiny of US military handling of sexual misconduct cases in the UK, Microsoft’s major layoffs and Xbox restructuring, cultural recommendations, and climate concerns as oil companies plan increased production despite rising global heat risks.

Federal prosecutors will prioritize efforts to curb “birth tourism” following a US supreme court decision affirming birthright citizenship, while Donald Trump urges new legislative exceptions. A federal judge blocked the administration’s attempt to restrict mail‑in voting, citing unlawful barriers that would have disproportionately harmed Black voters. Russian drone and missile strikes on Kyiv killed at least 20 people as Ukraine defended its right to target Russian military sites. Additional developments include the US advancing to the World Cup knockout stage, an FBI investigation into extortion demands linked to a disappearance, and OpenAI’s preliminary talks to offer the US government a 5% stake. Cultural and science features highlight expert advice on sleep masks, a Harvard astronomer shaping UFO policy, and a Greek priest whose metal album has gained cult status.

A lighthearted Thursday quiz poses 15 questions on current news, general knowledge and pop culture, encouraging readers to test themselves and join the discussion, with a brief cultural reference to Charli xcx’s Wink Wink.

Financial disclosures show Donald Trump earned more than $2.2bn in 2025, including over $1bn from crypto ventures while his administration oversaw related regulation, raising concerns about conflicts of interest. Additional income came from branded merchandise and overseas licensing deals involving countries engaged in negotiations with the US. The supreme court struck down Trump’s order attempting to limit birthright citizenship. In Colorado, democratic socialist Melat Kiros defeated longtime representative Diana DeGette. Other developments include legal proceedings in the killing of activist Charlie Kirk, a ruling affecting transgender youth athletes, and escalating destruction estimates from Venezuela’s earthquakes. Ocean temperatures set a June record, and Tasmania’s famed elephant seal continues to draw local attention.

Zohran Mamdani highlighted recent Democratic socialist primary victories as reflecting a national message focused on the struggles of working Americans, while moderate House Democrats pushed back against socialist framing. The homeland security secretary urged immigrants with temporary protected status to seek permanent residency or leave following a supreme court ruling affecting Haitians and Syrians. Rescue efforts continued in Venezuela after devastating earthquakes with rising fatalities and reports of looting. Escalating US‑Iran strikes, Ukrainian attacks affecting Russian fuel supplies, US wildfire deaths, and sharp political rhetoric between Joe Biden and Donald Trump shaped broader global and domestic tensions. Additional coverage included community banks opposing stablecoin legislation, child-centered activism in New York, the killing of Palestinian children in the West Bank, gender‑based violence in Asian cyber-scam compounds, a major US heatwave, and nationwide Pride celebrations.