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JD Vance ‘tells Ukraine to stop targeting oil tankers because it was affecting US companies’
US Vice-President JD Vance privately urged Ukraine to stop striking oil tankers near the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal at Novorossiysk after the attacks began hurting American energy firms, according to Ukrainian officials cited by the Financial Times. Ukraine has been waging a long-range drone campaign against Black Sea shipping to disrupt oil revenues funding…
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Live updates: Progressives notch loss in Wisconsin but big wins in Minnesota, Connecticut; July inflation cools
The surging progressive movement suffered a setback on Tuesday night, as Wisconsin Democrat David Crowley edged out democratic socialist Francesca Hong in the gubernatorial primary, a surprise win given he was down double digits in polls ahead of the election. But progressives surged in other races, as Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan defeated more center-left…
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Proportion of migrant boats blocked from crossing Channel by France falls despite vessels now being much bigger and easier to spot amid rise in ‘mega-dinghies’
The proportion of migrant boats intercepted by French authorities before crossing the Channel has slipped slightly, despite vessels growing much larger and, in theory, easier to detect. Analysis found France stopped 56 per cent of attempted crossings in the year to 2 August 2026, down from 57 per cent the previous year, even though the…
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GB’s Burgin and Pattison through to 800m final
Great Britain’s Max Burgin and Ben Pattison have both reached the 800m final at the European Athletics Championships after winning their respective semi-finals. Their progress gives Britain two contenders in the medal race, while Ireland’s Mark English also advanced in record-breaking fashion. Burgin and Pattison finished first in their semi-final races, securing automatic qualification for…
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Zara Larsson helps Sombr kick off first European festival headline set at Sziget
Zara Larsson joined Sombr at Sziget Festival in Budapest as he began his first European festival headline performance. Larsson had performed earlier on the main stage, and their backstage arrival together helped mark a significant career milestone for the New York musician. Sombr played songs from his 2025 debut album, ‘I Barely Know Her’, including…
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‘Wandering Trees’ Review: Iconoclastic Director Salvatore Mereu Tries a Newly Minted Fairyale, but Only Fitfully Finds Magic
Variety’s review finds that Salvatore Mereu’s three-hour Sardinian fairy tale, “Wandering Trees”, has striking natural imagery and a sincere reverence for the land, but only intermittently achieves the magic it seeks. The critic argues that the film’s blend of fantastical storytelling and social realism creates a tonal mismatch, weakening its drama because key character motivations…
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The Democratic establishment strikes back
In today’s issue: ▪ A major upset in Wisconsin ▪ US attacks ship breaking Hormuz blockade ▪ Former Marine released from Russia ▪ Air Force One security concerns The left’s successful run in Democratic primaries hit a major roadblock in Wisconsin on Tuesday night as democratic socialist Francesca Hong, whom polls showed leading by double…
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Sarajevo Film Festival Director Jovan Marjanovic Talks “Vibrant” Lineup, Uptick In Female Directors & Developing Long-Term, “Meaningful” Relationships With Filmmakers
Sarajevo Film Festival will open its 32nd edition on 14 August with Paweł Pawlikowski’s Fatherland and close on 21 August with a restored version of Danis Tanović’s No Man’s Land. Director Jovan Marjanović said the programme highlights Southeast European cinema while linking established international filmmakers with regional talent, and argued that Fatherland’s historical and family…
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Pylon Bill Discounts and Unmarried Couples Reform Considered
On 12 August, the government identified more than 40 locations expected to fall within its new electricity Bill Discount Scheme, intended to compensate households close to new or substantially upgraded overhead transmission infrastructure, including pylons. Subject to legislation and final project details, eligible homes within 500 metres could receive up to £250 a year for…
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‘Demons’ Explores the Russia-Ukraine Relationship via Borscht, Blood and Graves (Exclusive Trailer)
Writer-director Natalka Vorozhbyt’s new film, Demons, will have its world premiere at the 79th Locarno Film Festival on 13 August. The film uses a developing relationship between a Russian drifter and a Ukrainian woman as a metaphor for Russia and Ukraine, framing political conflict through a surreal rural drama. Slavik, a homeless Russian man with…