NewsIsrael carries out air strikes on Lebanon, state media says, as Iran claims deal with US nearThe strikes come as Iran's foreign minister says a deal to end fighting with the US is close.1 hr agoMiddle EastSwitzerland to vote on plan to cap population at 10 millionThe right-wing Swiss People's Party calls the plan a "sustainability initiative", but opponents say it is a recipe for chaos.39 mins agoEuropeUS kills leader of Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang in airstrike, Trump saysNiño Guerrero was killed in a "swift and lethal kinetic strike," the US President wrote in a social media post.8 hrs agoWorldAnthropic suspends new AI tools over US government security concernsAnthropic's Claude Fable 5, released publicly this week, sparked concerns about cybersecurity and hacking.9 hrs agoMarried at First Sight Australia stars not told partners had drug and violence convictionsStars of the hit TV show say they did not know their on-screen husbands had previous convictions.7 hrs agoCultureElon Musk's stratospheric rise to trillionaire status - in chartsThe BBC breaks down how the tech mogul's fortune has grown.13 hrs agoWatch: Why is Trump not at the World Cup?All three leaders of the North America host nations have missed the tournament opening matches.12 hrs agoUSA start World Cup in style - but will they finally join the elite?If there were any doubts the USA were ready to live up to the pressure of being a World Cup host, they were dispelled in a 4-1 win over Paraguay.8 hrs agoUSALIVERoyal Family watch Red Arrows flypast on Buckingham Palace balconyFormer minister wanted UK to join global defence bank, BBC toldThe college scam that promised students fleeing war a new life in FinlandFrench town buries murdered child as questions mount over police failingsLinkin Park to make history at UK's biggest rock festivalWorld CupNiagara Falls: Is there a better spot to watch a World Cup game?Football fans gathered at a FIFA World Cup watch party at Niagara Falls for the Canadian and USA teams' opening matches.Katy Perry, Future and Tyla perform at US opening ceremonyEarlier, Canada hosted its own opening ceremony in Toronto, featuring singers Alanis Morrisette and Michael Bublé. Co-hosts Canada begin campaign with draw against BosniaCo-hosts Canada face Bosnia-Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium.Staying up to watch the match? Here's how to survive an all-nighterForget blocks and tackles, this is the tactical plan you need for the football.The costs and challenges facing the 2026 editionThe World Cup officially kicked off this week - but alongside the football, there are questions around heat, cost, the environmental impact and travel restrictions.More to exploreWhy is Trump hosting a cage fight at the White House?Critics have questioned whether seven bouts in a 92-ft structure called The Claw is a suitable celebration of US independence.Ed Sheeran found this record in a second-hand store - now it's finally getting attentionAllan Taylor is receiving overdue recognition after Ed Sheeran found his 1978 LP in a second-hand shop.13 hrs agoCultureThe night people in Belfast fled their homes because of racist violenceReporter Richard Morgan recalls the chaotic scenes he witnessed when reporting on days of disorder in Northern Ireland.13 hrs agoNorthern IrelandDavid Hockney depicted a 'peaceful, gay paradise' when homosexuality was a crimeThe painter broke social taboos by celebrating same-sex relationships in his art.11 hrs agoCultureHarry Styles revisits X Factor as he kicks off Wembley residencyThe pop star reminisces about his X Factor audition, which took place near Wembley Stadium in 2010.10 hrs agoCultureMost watched1Watch: Why is Trump not at the World Cup?2How much did these fans pay for their World Cup tickets?3The costs and challenges facing the 2026 World Cup4Niagara Falls: Is there a better spot to watch a World Cup game?5Did Australia's under-16s social media ban work?Also in newsWarner Bros $111bn sale to Paramount approved by US justice departmentThe approval marks a key development in the merger that will reshape media, allowing the continue of the takeover of the Hollywood studio, which owns CNN and HBO. 9 hrs agoUS & CanadaKing Charles leads tributes to 'giant of the art world' David HockneyThe artist, who has died at the age of 88, "was one of life's true originals", King Charles says.17 hrs agoCulturePopular US movie critic Gene Shalit dies aged 100The moustachioed reviewer was a popular fixture in American households from the 1970s through to his retirement in 2010.12 hrs agoCultureI have a duty to stay on, says UK PM as he justifies defence spending decisionsSir Keir Starmer argues he has made "hard-edged" decisions, one day after his defence secretary quit in a row over money.15 hrs agoPoliticsWatch: David Beckham receives star on the Hollywood Walk of FameThe former footballer was joined by his wife Victoria Beckham and their children, as well as actor Tom Cruise.16 hrs agoMost read1Switzerland to vote on plan to cap population at 10 million2Married at First Sight Australia stars not told partners had drug and violence convictions3Israel carries out air strikes on Lebanon, state media says, as Iran claims deal with US near4US kills leader of Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang in airstrike, Trump says5Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney begins two-day visit to Ireland6Elon Musk's stratospheric rise to trillionaire status - in charts7'We planted some trees upside down for a joke'8Anthropic suspends new AI tools over US government security concerns9World Cup kicks off in the US with performances from Katy Perry, Future and Tyla 10Ed Sheeran found this record in a second-hand store - now it's finally getting attentionSportLIVEScotland's first World Cup game since 1998 approachesAll the latest from Boston as Scotland prepare to face Haiti in their first World Cup game for almost three decades.'Gang leaders are soccer lovers' - Haiti play with hope for peaceHaiti's first appearance at a men's World Cup for 52 years is as much about hope as it is goals for the conflict-torn nation.57 mins agoWorld CupLIVEWomen's T20 World Cup: Scotland dominate against dismal IrelandFollow live text, BBC Radio 5 Live Sport commentary and in-play video highlights as Scotland face Ireland in the Women's T20 World Cup at Old Trafford.Russell heads Piastri in Barcelona final practiceMercedes' George Russell is fastest in Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix final practice - follow qualifying build-up from 14:30 BST.West Ham shareholders address Sullivan allegations and agree ownership dealCo-chairs Daniel Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold have backed the women who have come forward to speak out in BBC investigation into David Sullivan and agreed deal that will see the Czech billionaire become the largest shareholder33 mins agoWest HamUSA start World Cup in style - but will they finally join the elite?If there were any doubts the USA were ready to live up to the pressure of being a World Cup host, they were dispelled in a 4-1 win over Paraguay.8 hrs agoUSAScotland return to centre stage at last in must-win World Cup openerBBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English sets the scene from Boston as Scotland prepare for their first World Cup match in 28 years.5 hrs agoScotland Men
