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Jun 4, 2026 - World

Bosses believe having single booking process will drive up ticket sales for all festivals to offset funding squeezeThe Edinburgh festivals hope to launch a single box office for all the city’s 11 festivals to make it simpler to buy tickets and profit from the “lake” of customer data they hold.Festival directors hope a universal box office will allow them to increase ticket sales and attract a wealthy corporate sponsor, such as Mastercard, to offset deep cuts in public funding they expect to see in coming years. Continue reading...

Jun 4, 2026 - World

Sultanate says talks with Tehran are limited to lawful management of waterway, but Washington has doubts about neutralityOman is resisting US pressure to break its links with Iran, and insists it has only been negotiating with Tehran on a future management system for the strait of Hormuz that would be compliant with international law. The aim would be to implement any regime after consulting the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO).Traditionally Oman, a longtime US ally that shares stewardship of the strait, has adopted the role of a back-channel mediator allowing it to remain neutral in disputes that have led to fissures in other parts of the Gulf. Continue reading...

Jun 4, 2026 - World

This blog is now closed. See our full report on the latest Middle East newsThe Kuwaiti defence ministry said it intercepted 13 ballistic missiles and 17 drones launched by Iran today.A drone and missile attack on Kuwait’s international airport killed one person, which Kuwaiti authorities identified as an Indian national. It is the first reported death in a Gulf state since the US and Iran agreed to a ceasefire in April. Continue reading...

Jun 4, 2026 - World

This live blog is now closed.Sign up for the Breaking News US emailIowa voters cast their ballots in yesterday’s heated primaries, setting up for months of fervent campaigning ahead of the November midterms in contests that could determine the balance of power in Congress.A red state that the GOP has dominated for the past decade, Democrats believe they can be competitive in three of its four House races, its Senate election, and the contest to replace Kim Reynolds, the retiring Republican governor. Continue reading...

Jun 4, 2026 - World

Incumbent leads in primary, but with less than 50% of votes must face either Spencer Pratt or Nithya RamanLos Angeles’s high-profile mayoral contest remained unsettled Wednesday evening as the city waited to learn who will join incumbent Karen Bass in November’s general election.Bass came out ahead in Tuesday’s heated primary but, after securing less than 50% of the vote, she’ll have to defend her seat against either Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star, or progressive city council member Nithya Raman. As of Wednesday evening, with more than 60% of votes counted, Pratt had secured just under 30% of the vote, while Raman had won nearly 23%. Continue reading...