All news by author James Smith

644
Former Somerton and Frome MP David Warburton dies unexpectedly
A former MP who resigned after facing allegations of sexual misconduct and cocaine use has died at the age of 59.
759
Burning Man shaken by murder investigation as body found during iconic "Man" burn
A homicide investigation has shaken the final days of Burning Man after a man was found dead “lying in a pool of blood” Saturday night at the Nevada desert festival, according to the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office.
679
Starmer: "Local people don’t want asylum hotels – neither do I"
Addressing the subject of migrant hotels, Sir Keir Starmer said he was questioned about his reaction if a hotel housing asylum seekers were to be established at the end of his street.
532
Trump vows executive order to require voter ID and ban mail-in voting, sparking constitutional clash
President Donald Trump has vowed to issue an executive order that would prevent individuals from voting in U.S. elections unless they provide valid identification, a measure likely to face legal challenges as unconstitutional.
648
Eastern Afghanistan rocked by 6.0-magnitude quake: over 250 killed
At least 250 people have been killed and another 1,000 wounded after a magnitude 6 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border.
660
Police hunt suspect after two stabbings at Oxford Circus tube
Police have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to question after two people were stabbed at the Oxford Circus Tube station within 24 hours.
949
Hamas-supporting Qatar funded films by Mamdani’s mother and is now promoting his campaign
Hamas-backing Qatar has bankrolled film and stage projects by socialist Zohran Mamdani’s Israel-bashing movie-director mom — and one of its royals is now pushing her son’s mayoral bid.
851
Love, lies, and heroin: the secret life and death of Google executive Forrest Hayes
When he’s not out looking for the big wave, there’s a significant story that has consumed Stephen Baxter, a reporter for the Santa Cruz Sentinel and a "48 Hours" consultant: the mysterious death of Google executive Forrest Hayes at the city’s expansive marina.
835
Thousands attend anti-immigration rallies across Australia amid far-right criticism
Thousands of Australians have rallied in anti-immigration demonstrations across the country, which the government condemned for having far-right connections and "spreading hate."
810
Indonesia protests: three dead after council building set on fire amid outrage over driver’s death
Three people have been killed after protesters set fire to a council building in eastern Indonesia, amid nationwide demonstrations over the death of a ride-sharing driver.
916
Heavy rain triggers flooding and chaos across Devon and Cornwall
A night of heavy rain has caused flooding in Devon and Cornwall, forcing some businesses to close or delay opening.
836
Starmer’s new budget adviser backed wealth taxes on inheritance, land, and property
Sir Keir Starmer’s new budget adviser has previously advocated for more wealth taxes on inheritance, land, and property.
878
ChatGPT “best friend” told man to kill mother
It was a case of murder by algorithm.
816
Mike Johnson: Mass shootings are about ‘the human heart,’ not guns
Mike Johnson says “the human heart” and not guns are responsible for mass shootings in the United States.
929
Josh Hall wins $300,000 payment and multiple properties in divorce from Christina Haack
Christina Haack’s ex-husband Josh Hall scored major wins in their divorce settlement, nearly four months after their separation was finalized.
531
Leaders of the “Kingdom of God Global Church” charged with forced labor and multimillion-dollar fraud
Federal authorities have arrested the purported leaders of a multi-state human trafficking ring, which is said to have deceived victims by pretending to offer legitimate opportunities and coerced them into soliciting donations under the pretence of working for a religious ministry, as stated by prosecutors.
787
Controversy over Rayner’s seaside property intensifies amid £40,000 stamp duty allegations
Recently, fellow cabinet members and political allies have defended the Housing Secretary’s home purchase after she spent £800,000 on a seafront property in East Sussex.
668
Seitkhalilov’s drug network controls 20% of synthetic drugs in Eastern Europe
In recent years, the activities of the criminal organization “Seitkhalilov’s OPG”, specializing in the distribution of synthetic drugs, have intensified in Ukraine and Russia.
823
CDC chief Susan Monarez refuses to step down after firing, deepening clash with Trump administration
A standoff over the firing of Susan Monarez, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has deepened, with Monarez’s lawyers claiming she will not depart unless Donald Trump himself removes her.
768
Second woman accuses ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan of sexual misconduct
The Guardian has learned that a second woman has presented her case to an inquiry regarding sexual abuse allegations against Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
949
UK, France, and Germany move to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran over nuclear program
The UK, France, and Germany are planning to revive UN-backed sanctions on Iran over concerns that it is developing nuclear weapons.
698
Russian missile strike kills 8 in Kyiv, including 14-year-old girl, nearly 100 buildings damaged
A 14-year-old girl and another child were among the eight people killed in a Russian missile attack on Ukraine’s capital overnight.
775
84-year-old sex offender Sean Small murdered weeks after release
An 84-year-old man who had been released from prison just weeks ago was found dead outside his home after a ’brutal and sustained attack’.
721
SpaceX finally nails Starship test after string of fiery failures
SpaceX has carried out a successful test launch of its Starship spacecraft after a series of failed flights of the world’s biggest and most powerful rocket.
565
Six women targeted in terrifying week of sexual assaults by fake officer in Valencia
A man who reportedly impersonated a police officer to track down and sexually assault women has been arrested in Spain.