Astronomers detect sudden awakening of black hole 1m times mass of sun (www.theguardian.com)
Ecuador struck by power outage leaving 18 million in the dark (www.theguardian.com)
A nationwide electricity outage has struck Ecuador, leaving the nation of about 18 million in the dark, including the capital’s subway system, as authorities worked to repair faulty power lines, a senior official said....
Russia and North Korea sign mutual defence pact (www.theguardian.com)
Washington Post publisher alleged to have advised Boris Johnson to ‘clean up’ phone during Partygate Covid scandal (www.theguardian.com)
Vermont Republican secretly poured water into colleague’s bag over months (www.theguardian.com)
A Vermont lawmaker was compelled to apologize publicly after being caught on video pouring water into her colleague’s work bag multiple times across several months....
Georgia becomes first state to require election law training for police (www.theguardian.com)
The newly required course emphasizes de-escalation and non-threatening conduct for officers...
Ethics committee investigating Matt Gaetz over alleged sexual misconduct (www.theguardian.com)
A bipartisan Capitol Hill committee is investigating Matt Gaetz, the far-right Republican congressman and vocal Donald Trump supporter, over longstanding allegations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use and other alleged ethical breaches, it said on Tuesday....
How North Korea’s lucrative trade in human hair is helping it skirt the impact of sanctions (www.theguardian.com)
Israel-Gaza war live: Israel’s use of heavy bombs raises ‘serious concerns’ under laws of war (www.theguardian.com)
In a report published on Wednesday, the OHCHR provided details on six Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, which it said were emblematic of a concerning pattern, involving the suspected use of up to 2,000-pound bombs on residential buildings, a school, refugee camps and a market....
Former Trump national security adviser urges resumption of nuclear testing (www.theguardian.com)
US surgeon general calls for cigarette-style warnings on social media platforms (www.theguardian.com)
World First: California to welcome cannabis for sale and consumption at State Fair (www.theguardian.com)
Israeli foreign minister says decision on all-out war against Hezbollah is near (www.theguardian.com)
Trial opens of ‘esoteric’ wing of alleged German coup plotters (www.theguardian.com)
GP, celebrity chef and astrologer among defendants in third trial linked to far-right Reichsbürger...
‘We need the world to wake up’: Sudan facing world’s deadliest famine in 40 years (www.theguardian.com)
Millions face disaster as Sudanese army and RSF accused of using food access as a weapon in on-going war...
Millions face record-high temperatures as heat dome intensifies over US (www.theguardian.com)
Cities in midwest and north-east brace for heatwave with some to experience highs of 105F – 25 degrees above normal...
Stanford disappoints critics of fossil fuel donations by hiring PR firm with big oil ties (www.theguardian.com)
University hires Brunswick Group amid anger from campus organizers at its sustainability school’s funding...
Up to ten people including children shot at public splash pad in Michigan (www.theguardian.com)
Landmark California hotel, nearly 100 years old, destroyed by fire (www.theguardian.com)
Megachurch pastor and former Trump spiritual adviser admits sexual abuse (www.theguardian.com)
‘Terrified of losing their rights’: abortion is a leading issue for Arizona’s Latino voters (www.theguardian.com)
Organizers hope those disillusioned by electoral politics will vote with an eye on abortion rights after fall of Roe...
US surgeon general calls for cigarette-style warnings on social media platforms (www.theguardian.com)
Dr Vivek Murthy asks for required labels that state ‘social media is associated with significant mental health harms’...
Key global powers fail to sign up to Ukraine peace summit communique (www.theguardian.com)
US avocado inspectors stop work in Mexican state over ‘security situation’ (www.theguardian.com)
Mango inspections also suspended ‘until further notice’ in state troubled by gang violence, but USDA says produce already in transit not affected...