-
Middle East tensions and Russian ban push diesel prices to decade highs
Diesel prices in the UK and US surged to their highest levels in years after an intensification of Middle East hostilities compounded an already tight fuel market caused by Russia’s extended ban on diesel exports. Farmers were among the hardest hit, with red diesel used for agricultural machinery rising by roughly 10% in under a…
-
Kemi Badenoch’s defence-spending plan, Wales school stabbing and Sánchez protests dominate
The Tories unveil a plan to raise defence spending to 3% by 2030 funded by welfare cuts, a Pembrokeshire teacher is stabbed by a pupil, and thousands protest against Sánchez in Spain; plus food-stockpiling warnings, Premier League’s return and Gloria Steinem’s final interview.
-
Europe targeted by spiralling campaign of sabotage and Russia is the chief suspect
Europe has experienced a marked escalation in suspected Russian sabotage operations against military and defence-related sites since early August, coinciding with intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine. Germany’s interior minister has now formally blamed Russia for a drone incident at Leipzig airport in early August, while a string of suspicious fires and arson attempts have hit…
-
Manchester City failed to land Spain pair in scramble for Miedema cover
Manchester City failed to sign either of two targeted Spanish midfielders on Women’s Super League deadline day, leaving them without the attacking reinforcements they had sought after learning that playmaker Vivianne Miedema could be sidelined for the rest of 2026 with a knee injury. Atlético Madrid rejected a City bid of more than £500,000 for…
-
‘Astronomical’ fuel price surge hits farmers in UK and US
Farmers in the UK and US are facing sharp rises in fuel costs after renewed fighting between the US and Iran pushed up crude oil prices, compounded by Russia’s extended ban on diesel exports. Alex Harrison of the farmer-owned co-operative Fram Farmers described the increase as “astronomical”, noting it comes at a time when growers…
-
Fears Putin has targeted Germany AGAIN after two more suspected attacks on electricity grid overnight
Germany has reported two further suspected sabotage attempts on its electricity grid overnight, adding to a string of incidents this week as the country remains on high alert following a drone attack it has now blamed on Russia. Police say an attempt was made to short-circuit a power grid installation in Dormagen, with a letter…
-
Norway seizes Russian ship, sparking fury from Kremlin over ‘piracy’
Norwegian authorities have seized a Russian ship in Barentsburg, a coal-mining settlement Russia operates on the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, at the request of Ukrainian energy firm Naftogaz, prompting Moscow to accuse Norway of “piracy” and lodge a formal protest. The move is part of Naftogaz’s long-running effort to enforce compensation owed by Russia for…
-
Ukrainian quits college team over Russian signing
Ukrainian basketball player Kate Koval has left Louisiana State University’s team after it signed a Russian player, saying she could not reconcile the move with the impact of Russia’s invasion on her family and homeland. The 20-year-old, who had been expected to start at centre for LSU this season, said the decision followed the arrival…
-
‘Jupiter’ Director Alexandre Smia on Making a Nuclear Thriller That Suddenly Feels Terrifyingly Real: ‘We’ve Entered the Third Nuclear Age’
French director Alexandre Smia’s feature debut “Jupiter” imagines a newly elected French president forced to confront the threat of nuclear war with Russia, and its Venice Film Festival premiere arrives at a moment when the scenario feels disturbingly plausible rather than dystopian. Smia says he began writing the film while Joe Biden was still US…