Headlines in the West of England focused on human remains found in suitcases on Clifton Suspension Bridge and Ollie Watkins’ last-minute goal securing England’s Euro 2024 final spot. Police seek a man who fled the scene of the remains. Additionally, Sir James Dyson announced plans to cut 1,000 UK jobs in a global restructuring effort. Penelope Kingsley 13/07/2024 8:30 pm
Iran’s newly elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian, pledged to create balanced international relations based on national interests and peace, while asserting that Iran will not yield to U.S. pressure. Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and longtime lawmaker, emphasized strengthening ties with neighbors and supporting diplomatic efforts for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. He praised Iran’s relations with Russia and China and expressed support for peace initiatives in the Russia-Ukraine war. Ava Sinclair 13/07/2024 7:00 pm
A New York Times investigation reveals Hamas’ guerrilla warfare tactics in Gaza, embedding itself among civilians and using extensive tunnel networks. The report, based on battle videos and interviews, shows Hamas exploiting civilian infrastructure, hiding fighters and weapons in residential buildings, medical facilities, and mosques. Hamas fighters wear civilian clothes and use booby-trapped houses to target IDF soldiers. Civilians, including children, are used as lookouts. These tactics contribute to ongoing destruction and displacement, violating international law prohibiting the use of civilian infrastructure for military purposes. Ava Sinclair 13/07/2024 5:30 pm
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, will make a rare public appearance at the Wimbledon men’s final on Sunday after her cancer diagnosis, Kensington Palace confirmed. She will be in the Royal Box to watch Carlos Alcaraz play Novak Djokovic and will hand out the winner’s trophy. However, she will not attend Saturday’s women’s final, where Deborah Jevans will present the trophy. Kate, patron of the All England Club since 2016, has made only one public appearance since her diagnosis in March, attending King Charles III’s birthday parade. She expressed gratitude for the support received during her treatment. Gabriel Whitaker 13/07/2024 5:30 pm
Police in Bristol are searching for a man seen behaving suspiciously on the Clifton Suspension Bridge before two suitcases containing human remains were found. Officers arrived shortly after midnight but the man, who had arrived by taxi, had already left. Acting Bristol Commander Vicks Hayward-Melen acknowledged community concerns and emphasized the priority of locating the man, identifying the deceased, and informing next of kin. Police released an image of the suspect and advised the public not to approach him but to call 999 with any information. Gabriel Whitaker 13/07/2024 4:00 pm
European NATO allies are increasing military spending and purchasing U.S. weapons, aligning with Donald Trump’s previous demands. They cite shared concerns, like China, and emphasize job creation in the U.S. Through actions and arms deals, NATO leaders are framing their efforts in ways that might appeal to Trump, even if not directly influenced by him. Trump’s stance on U.S. participation in NATO remains uncertain if he is elected. Noah Prescott 13/07/2024 4:00 pm
Iran’s President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian aims to improve ties with Europe despite accusing it of failing to alleviate US sanctions’ impact. He seeks constructive dialogue based on mutual respect and equal footing. Pezeshkian criticized Europe for not fulfilling commitments made to mitigate US sanctions after the US exited the JCPOA in 2018. He highlighted areas for cooperation if Europe abandons its “moral supremacy” and “manufactured crises.” Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and lawmaker, won the presidential election against hardliner Saeed Jalili amid heightened tensions. Noah Prescott 13/07/2024 2:30 pm
A Buddhist DJ, Yoon Seong-ho, also known as NewJeansNim, aims to attract followers to Buddhism in South Korea by blending traditional faith with modern electronic dance music. At the annual Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul, he performed in Buddhist robes, integrating Buddhist sutras and puns into his set. This innovative approach addresses challenges like demographic decline, secularism, and the rise of Christianity, appealing especially to the younger generation. Ava Sinclair 13/07/2024 2:30 pm
Five people have been jailed for the assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, who was killed by gunmen on motorcycles last year. Two instigators received 34 years and eight months in prison, while three accomplices were jailed for 12 years each. Prosecutors linked at least two defendants to the Los Lobos crime gang. One instigator, Carlos Angulo, coordinated the murder from prison via videoconference, while Laura Castillo provided logistical support. The accomplices alerted the killers of Villavicencio’s movements. The prosecutor’s office sought the maximum sentence for all five. Penelope Kingsley 13/07/2024 10:00 am
Mohammad Deif, leader of Hamas’s military wing, was targeted in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza. His status remains unknown. No hostages were reportedly at the strike scene. Rafa Salama, commander of Hamas’s Khan Yunis Brigade, was also targeted. Deif and Salama were hiding near displaced persons’ tents. Heavy IDF assaults on southern Gaza terrorists began Saturday morning, with significant bombings and ground maneuvers reported. Palestinian reports indicate dozens of casualties in the Al-Mawasi area. Noah Prescott 13/07/2024 10:00 am