WORLD

A large blast in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, has caused widespread damage, injuring hundreds of people, the Lebanese Red Cross says. It is not yet clear what caused the explosion in the city’s port region. Video posted online showed a large mushroom cloud and destroyed buildings. Hospitals are said to …

Pope Francis, the global head of the Catholic church, has “cancelled the Bible and proposes to create a new book”, claim several messages shared on Facebook and WhatsApp. The claim dates back to at least April 2018. In July 2020, a Kenyan website published an article headlined: “End Time: Is this Why Pope Francis has …

The number of deaths from coronavirus in Iran is nearly triple what Iran’s government claims, a BBC Persian service investigation has found. The government’s own records appear to show almost 42,000 people died with Covid-19 symptoms up to 20 July, versus 14,405 reported by its health ministry. The number of …

Two American astronauts have splashed down, as the first commercial crewed mission to the International Space Station returned to Earth. The SpaceX Dragon Capsule carrying Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken came down in the Gulf of Mexico just south of Pensacola on Florida’s Gulf coast. A recovery vessel moved in …

President Donald Trump has revealed plans to ban TikTok app in the United States through executive authority today. “As far as TikTok is concerned, we’re banning them from the United States,” Trump told reporters while flying home from Florida on Friday evening, July 31. The president said he would sign …

The Hong Kong government has postponed September’s parliamentary elections by a year, saying it is necessary amid a rise in coronavirus infections. Hong Kong is currently experiencing a spike in Covid-19 infections and reported 121 new cases on Friday. However, the opposition has accused the government of using the pandemic …

Grime artist Solo 45 has been jailed for 24 years for raping four women and holding them against their will. The 33-year-old, whose real name is Andy Anokye, was found guilty at Bristol Crown Court of 30 charges relating to a two-year period. These were 21 rapes, five counts of false imprisonment, two counts of …

Donald Trump has called for November’s presidential election to be postponed, saying increased postal voting could lead to fraud and inaccurate results. He suggested a delay until people can “properly, securely and safely” vote. There is little evidence to support Mr Trump’s claims but he has long railed against mail-in …

President Donald Trump’s national security adviser, Robert O’Brien, has tested positive for coronavirus, the White House has confirmed. Mr O’Brien, 54, has been self-isolating and working from home. The aide has mild symptoms and there was no risk of exposure to Mr Trump or Vice-President Mike Pence, a statement said. …

American diplomatic staff have left their consulate in the Chinese city of Chengdu, after a 72-hour deadline expired. China ordered the closure in response to the US closing the Chinese consulate in Houston, Texas, last week. Before Monday’s deadline, staff were seen leaving the building, a plaque was removed, and a US …