More than 300,000 pupils estimated absent from school after England World Cup win

• Political scientist Robert Pape has issued a warning regarding a potential "August energy shock" that could cause global oil prices to skyrocket. • The prediction was intensified on Monday following recent escalations involving the Houthis, a Yemeni military organization.

• The United States has halted military strikes on Iran for a second consecutive night as diplomatic discussions show positive momentum. • Oman and Iran are currently engaged in talks focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resolving disputes over territorial waterways.

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting Washington to navigate critical diplomatic challenges, including the ongoing conflict with Iran and tensions with Donald Trump. • The visit focuses on Gaza ceasefire negotiations, the release of hostages, and the delivery of humanitarian aid, as the military campaign shifts toward a political challenge.

• The U.S. and Iran have entered a temporary pause in fighting as of Monday, following a weekend of difficult negotiations regarding a lasting peace agreement. • Despite the ceasefire, oil prices dropped sharply, which initially triggered a surge in stock markets before gains leveled off later in the day.

• The U.S. and Iran have paused military attacks on coastal areas and infrastructure to create "space" for diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. • U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz confirmed the pause on "Face the Nation," though the Trump administration maintains that a military buildup is still ongoing.

• President Donald Trump has signaled a readiness to take "strong military action" against Iran if upcoming diplomatic negotiations fail to produce results. • Trump emphasized a strict timeline for these talks, stating that he will not grant "much time" and that the process must either "go fast or not at all."

• Asian nations, including Japan, South Korea, and Australia, are increasing their own defense spending and military capabilities to shoulder more of their own security burdens. • Key developments include Japan deploying longer-range missiles, Australia investing in nuclear-powered submarines, and South Korea debating the development of its own nuclear weapons.

Green party leader shared picture of man wearing T-shirt with words ‘we’re only making plans for Nigel’ alongside a guillotinePolice are “conducting inquiries” into an image shared by Green party leader Zack Polanski on Instagram after Reform UK reported it for “inciting murder”.The image showed a man wearing a black T-shirt with the words “we’re only making plans for Nigel”, alongside a photograph of a guillotine. Continue reading...

In his memoir, the former Qantas chief executive denies using the lounge as a tool to influence politiciansFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastJudges, politicians, newspaper editors and big spenders: Alan Joyce, the former Qantas chief executive, has revealed how the airline admits members to its private chairman’s lounge.In his memoir, released on Tuesday, Joyce denies using the lounge as a tool to influence politicians and claims famous Australians “begged” to be granted access to “arguably the most exclusive club in the country”. Continue reading...

Bryan Kohberger, convicted of killing four college students in 2022, claims he pleaded guilty due to bad legal adviceA man convicted last year of killing four college students in Idaho has filed to withdraw his guilty plea and seek a new trial, claiming he pleaded guilty due to bad legal advice.Bryan Kohberger was convicted of breaking into a six-bedroom house in 2022 and killing four University of Idaho students in their early 20s. The victims – Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin – were found dead with dozens of knife wounds. Goncalves also showed evidence of asphyxiation and blunt force trauma. Continue reading...

Prime minister pays tribute to secretary and president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions after surprise announcement. Follow updates liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIn a statement, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, described Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil as personal friends and “giants of the labour movement”.He said:Working families are in a stronger financial position today than they would otherwise be because of the tireless advocacy and strong leadership of Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil.Sally and Michele secured incredible successes for working people in their eight years together leading Australia’s union movement – the first all-female leadership team in the Australian Council of Trade Unions’ 99-year history.Union membership is growing, and workers have over 47 new workplace rights. But of course, there are still big challenges with cost-of-living pressures, AI, and billionaires who have too much wealth and power. Continue reading...

Former education secretary will take up influential role that puts her at vanguard of Labour’s battle to win next general electionBridget Phillipson has been appointed Labour party chair, putting her at the vanguard of Labour’s battle to win the next general election.The former education secretary and architect of a landmark overhaul in special education needs (Send) provision in England will follow in the footsteps of other Labour big beasts who have held the position, including Harriet Harman, Angela Rayner and Tom Watson. Continue reading...