THE REGISTER

Today's stories

More from today's coverage, told in the same calm voice.

1. Twelve Shot Near Toledo Festival, Two Critical

   A shooting near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio left at least 12 people with gunshot wounds, two of them in critical condition. Victims ranged in age from 14 to 61. Toledo police are investigating the incident. No arrests have been publicly confirmed.

   "The victims ranged in age from 14 to 61."

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2. Scotland faces Bolivia in 2026 World Cup warmup

   Scotland manager Steve Clarke is preparing his squad for a friendly against Bolivia as part of the buildup to the 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The match gives Clarke an opportunity to assess his options ahead of the tournament. Separately, public health experts have raised concerns about disease transmission risks at a World Cup of this scale, noting that large international gatherings create conditions for the spread of infectious illness.

   "Hosting the World Cup makes the US 'really ripe' for diseases, experts worry."

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3. Becerra Gains Ground in California Governor Race

   Xavier Becerra, former California attorney general and US Health Secretary, has seen his prospects in the 2026 Democratic gubernatorial primary improve after rival Eric Swalwell withdrew following sexual misconduct allegations. Becerra has positioned himself as a defender of immigrant communities against federal deportation policy, drawing support from Latino voters. The primary field remains competitive, but the race has shifted meaningfully in his favour.

   "His odds changed when the race was jolted by a slew of sexual misconduct and assault allegations against Swalwell, who withdrew his bid and resigned from Congress."

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4. Pope Leo XIV rejects Iran war as just

   Pope Leo XIV told journalists aboard his papal plane that the ongoing war in Iran does not meet the criteria of a 'just war' under Catholic teaching. The statement came during his six-day visit to Spain, where he is also expected to address migration and youth issues amid growing political and religious polarisation. The remarks carry weight given the Catholic Church's longstanding framework for evaluating the moral legitimacy of armed conflict.

   "The war in Iran does not qualify as a just war according to Catholic teaching."

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5. Peru heads to polls amid decade of instability

   Peru holds a presidential runoff in 2026 against a backdrop of chronic political churn: eight presidents, 24 justice ministers, and 32 interior ministers in ten years. Candidates Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez are competing for voters worn down by rising crime, including 239 drivers killed in 2024 and 30,000 extortion incidents reported in 2025. Security and governmental stability are the dominant concerns shaping the vote.

   "We've had eight presidents in 10 years, 24 justice ministers, 32 interior ministers — that's high volatility."

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6. Israel reportedly uses white phosphorus near Lebanese towns

   Israeli forces have reportedly deployed white phosphorus munitions in areas near Lebanese cities and towns. The substance is not prohibited under international law, but human rights groups note it causes severe burns and poses particular risks to civilians in populated areas. Its use in or near urban zones draws scrutiny under rules requiring distinction between military targets and civilian populations.

   "White phosphorus can create cruel injuries and indiscriminate harm in civilian areas."

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7. Seven-month-old Palestinian infant killed in Hebron shooting

   Israeli soldiers opened fire on a car in Tel Rumeida, Hebron, killing a seven-month-old infant and wounding both parents. The father says he had stopped the vehicle and raised his hands before shots were fired. The Israeli Defense Forces have not provided a public account explaining why soldiers discharged their weapons at a stationary civilian car. The incident occurred in the occupied West Bank.

   "I brought the car to a complete halt and raised my hands on the steering wheel. Immediately afterwards, they opened fire on the vehicle."

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8. Ukrainian drones reach St Petersburg naval base

   Ukrainian forces launched a long-range drone strike on military installations near St Petersburg, which Russian officials described as unprecedented in scale and reach. The attack targeted a naval base in the region. Ukraine did not formally claim responsibility but a Ukrainian source told reporters that drones now operate over Russian territory with little resistance, suggesting a shift in the operational range and confidence of Ukrainian strike capability.

   "We fly in Russia like it's our own territory — almost no resistance, not hard to reach a target."

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9. US and Iran Trade Strikes Amid Ceasefire Dispute

   Iran has accused the United States of violating a ceasefire agreement after both sides exchanged missile and drone strikes. Peace talks remain at a stalemate, with each party holding the other responsible for the breakdown. Civilians and military personnel in the region face continued risk as the situation remains unresolved. President Trump described the overall situation as going 'quite well.'

   "Iran accuses the US of violating the ceasefire after both sides exchange strikes as stalemate continues in peace talks."

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10. US Treasury to redirect Iranian assets to Gulf allies

    The US Treasury Department plans to make frozen Iranian assets available to Gulf ally states seeking compensation for damage caused by Iranian military attacks. The move would allow affected countries to draw on those funds as a form of reparation without requiring direct US appropriations. Details of the mechanism and the scale of assets involved have not been publicly confirmed.

    "The US intends to make Iranian assets available to Gulf allies to repair damage caused by Iran."

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