Deal or no deal? The inside story of the battle for Warner Bros
As Paramount, with close ties to the Trump administration, entered the bidding, experts predict any merger will ‘raise red flags’ among regulatorsOver the first 10 months of his second presidency, Donald Trump has not hidden his desire to control the US media industry – from encouraging TV networks to fire journalists, comedians and critics he dislikes to pushing regulators to revoke broadcast licences. Now he seems determined to set the terms for one of the biggest media deals in history.It’s a deal that could have repercussions not just in the US, but across the world, with not just the future of Hollywood at stake but also the landscape of news. Continue reading...
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‘Who’s it going to be next time?’: ECHR rethink is ‘moral retreat’, say rights experts
As 27 European countries urge changes to laws forged after second world war, human rights chief says politicians are playing into hands of populistsThe battle had been brewing for months. But this week it came to a head in a flurry of meetings, calls and one heady statement. Twenty-seven European countries urged a rethink of the human rights laws forged after the second world war, describing them as an impediment when it came to addressing migration.Amnesty International has called it “a moral retreat”. Europe’s most senior human rights official said the approach risked creating a “hierarchy of people” where some are seen as more deserving of protection than others. Continue reading...
Venezuela oil exports fall steeply after US forces seize tanker off coast
Oil tanker movements in and out of Venezuelan waters come to near standstill after US seizes vessel and fuel cargo.
Kim Jong-un admits North Korean troops clearing landmines for Russia
Leader praises his soldiers for turning ‘danger zone into a safe one’ during ceremony in Pyongyang welcoming them back from Ukraine warNorth Korea sent troops to clear mines in Russia’s Kursk region earlier this year, leader Kim Jong-un said in a speech carried on Saturday by state media, a rare acknowledgement by Pyongyang of the deadly tasks assigned to its deployed soldiers.According to South Korean and western intelligence agencies, North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia’s nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine. Continue reading...
Witkoff to meet Zelensky for latest Ukraine war talks
Donald Trump's envoy will meet the Ukrainian president and European leaders in Berlin to discuss the latest peace plan.
Will other countries follow Australia’s social media ban for under-16s?
Several European nations are already planning similar moves while Britain has said ‘nothing is off the table’Australia is taking on powerful tech companies with its under-16 social media ban, but will the rest of the world follow? The country’s enactment of the policy is being watched closely by politicians, safety campaigners and parents. A number of other countries are not far behind, with Europe in particular hoping to replicate Australia, while the UK is keeping more of a watchful interest. Continue reading...
Venezuela oil exports reportedly fall sharply after US seizure of tanker
The seizure of the Skipper on Wednesday marked the first US capture of Venezuelan oil cargo since sanctions were imposed in 2019Venezuelan oil exports have reportedly fallen sharply since the US seized a tanker this week and imposed fresh sanctions on shipping companies and vessels doing business with Caracas, according to shipping data, documents and maritime sources.The US seizure of the Skipper tanker off Venezuela’s coast on Wednesday was the first US capture of Venezuelan oil cargo since sanctions were imposed in 2019 and marked a sharp escalation in rising tensions between the Trump administration and the government of Nicolás Maduro. Continue reading...
Russia damages Turkish-owned vessels in attack on Ukrainian ports
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Russian attacks 'had no ... military purpose whatsoever'.
Thailand-Cambodia fighting continues after Trump says countries agree to ceasefire
Thai PM says he told US president a ceasefire is only possible after Cambodia had withdrawn all its forces.
House Republicans release last-minute healthcare plan; TSA defends sharing traveler names with ICE - as it happened
This live blog is now closed.Trump news at a glance: More Epstein estate photos released as White House decries ‘Democrat hoax’The admiral in charge of US military forces in Latin America will retire two years early, AP reports, amid rising tensions with Venezuela that include Wednesday’s seizure of an oil tanker and more than 20 deadly strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats.Three US officials and two people familiar with the matter told Reuters that Admiral Alvin Holsey was pushed out by defense secretary Pete Hegseth. Two officials said Hegseth had grown frustrated with Southern Command as he sought to flex US military operations and planning in the region. Continue reading...