An earthquake in Indonesia has left nearly one hundred people dead and many more injured. The magnitude 7 tremor struck just off the edge of Lombok, an island near Bali and has left buildings and infrastructure destroyed in the region, initial tsunami warnings were issued, however, these have since been lifted. This comes just a week after a smaller quake left 16 people dead in the region.
Russia have made US actor Steven Seagal a special envoy to the United States in an attempt to improve relations. The actor has been a vocal supporter of Putin and Russia, defending the nation over reports it medalled in the 2016 US election. Seagal gained Russian citizenship in 2016 and is also one of many high profile stars to be accused of sexual misconduct during the #MeToo movement.
A man has been charged with murder by police investigating the disappearance o midwife Samantha Eastwood. Michael Sterling from Stoke is due to appear at North Staffordshire Magistrates Court later. Ms Eastwood was last seen leaving Stoke University Hospital on the morning of July 27th; her body was discovered two days ago after 8 days of searching.
And in other news,
Farmers are resorting to medieval fortification to protect their property after a rise in rural crime. Global demand for farming equipment has seen a rise in rural crime gangs recently, so farmers have been constructing medieval defences such as earth banks and trenches with aid of local police.
From the Speakerpolitics news desk, you are up to date
