‘You feel shame’ – the reality of romance scams
Romance scams rose by 64% in the first half of the year, figures show, as fraudsters target victims directly. BBC News – Business
Craig Taylor
Saudi Arabia says military response to Iran is possible
The kingdom maintains that Iran was behind drone attacks on two of its oil installations this month. BBC News – Middle East
Venezuela crisis: US bans top officials from entering country
The measure is the latest effort from the US aimed at forcing President Nicolás Maduro to step down. BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean
Johnson defends language after criticism from MPs
The prime minister says he deplores threats to MPs, adding that “tempers need to come down” in Parliament. BBC News – UK
Jacques Chirac: Former French president dies aged 86
The committed Europhile whose later years were blighted by corruption scandals dies aged 86. BBC News – Europe
White House ‘tried to cover up details of Trump-Ukraine call’
Attempts were made to “lock down” information about the phone call to Ukraine’s leader, report says. BBC News – US & Canada