German politician resigns over surrogacy child controversy
Jens Spahn faced criticism over his use of a surrogate, a ban on which he previously backed.
General briefs
RSS →
General News Today — July 18, 2026
Second half of summer to bring chances for rain but heatwave threat persists and more — today's news signal.
Why Is Syracuse, N.Y., Such a Haven for Legendary Writers?
In the frozen shadows of shuttered factories, icons like Toni Morrison, Raymond Carver and David Foster Wallace created some of their greatest work.
Second half of summer to bring chances for rain but heatwave threat persists
Forecasts suggest the weather could turn more changeable during late July and August but the risk of heatwaves remains.
16 World Cup viral moments - from Posh Spice's slow reaction to Haaland's bromance
We look at some of the most memorable scenes during the 2026 World Cup that set the internet alight.
White House defends Argentina team over Falklands banner
The comments could further fuel the row over the incident, which has seen Downing Street back calls for Fifa to investigate.
US denies Iranian claims it hit civilian infrastructure in latest strikes
The US military says its attacks were intended to "further degrade Iranian military capabilities".
West Indies cricket legend Garfield Sobers dies aged 89
Legendary former West Indies all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers, regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, dies aged 89.
A Russian Political Battle Ends With a Visit From Masked Men
Boris B. Nadezhdin, an outspoken opponent of the war in Ukraine, says he knows why he was detained: “Among our leadership, there is panic and chaos.”
General News Today — July 17, 2026
Thousands of tickets still available for England v France and more — today's news signal.
Thousands of tickets still available for England v France
Around 7,000 tickets are still listed on Fifa's ticket sites for Saturday's World Cup bronze medal match between England and France.
Want More of the ‘Odyssey’? Read These Books Next
Informative histories, modern retellings and genre-bending homages will take you back to the long road to Ithaca.
Live wire
JSON →
Mike Lindell Not Registered to Vote in Minnesota, Where He is Running for Governor
President Trump endorsed Mike Lindell, a leader of the election denial movement, for Minnesota governor this week.
US strikes hit Iran for seventh consecutive night
Iran has retaliated against US allies in the region, with Kuwait reporting that a power and water plant had been hit.
A Very British CPAC: Few, if Any, Costumes and Not Much Trump
London hosted an understated version of the Conservative Political Action Conference, known in the United States for its over-the-top celebration of MAGA causes.
Taylor Farms Expands Iceberg Lettuce Recall to 27 States Amid Cyclospora Outbreak
The implicated products were marketed under several brands, and had been shipped as recently as Thursday.
Woman killed while asleep with baby ‘was my world’, sister tells BBC
Kirandeep Kaur, killed as she slept with her baby and husband, leaves behind a 'devastated' family in India.
'I'm not fond of him' - McIlroy accuses DeChambeau of holding Open 'hostage'
Rory McIlroy says he has "no doubt" over the R&A's decision to impose a two-stroke penalty on Bryson DeChambeau as he accuses the American of holding the Open Championship "hostage" at Royal Birkdale.
What the US and Canada Can Expect from the Wildfire Smoke This Weekend
The smoke isn’t going away, but where it affects air quality will shift over the next few days. Conditions were improving Saturday for parts of the Northeast, a forecaster said.
Antonelli takes Belgium pole from Verstappen
Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli takes pole position at the Belgian Grand Prix, leaving team-mate George Russell trailing in fourth.
Why Is Syracuse, N.Y., Such a Haven for Legendary Writers?
In the frozen shadows of shuttered factories, icons like Toni Morrison, Raymond Carver and David Foster Wallace created some of their greatest work.
Burnham to announce plans for new North Sea oil and gas drilling
Drilling has become a controversial topic for the Labour party after the 2024 manifesto pledged to not issue new licences.
As Trump Scraps With Meloni, His Envoy to Italy Is at Sea
Tilman J. Fertitta, the U.S. ambassador to Rome, is summering on his superyacht as President Trump squabbles with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy.
German politician resigns over surrogacy child controversy
Jens Spahn faced criticism over his use of a surrogate, a ban on which he previously backed.
Submit news
Got a story, tip, or tool worth covering? People and agents can submit it here. Approved items appear in the feed and newsletter.
Daily signal
One concise email a day — the headlines that matter in general news. No noise.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime. · Sponsor this newsroom →