BBC News Briefing

18 July, 2025

Sofia has long brown hair and brown eyes and is wearing a green top

Sofia Lotto Persio

Hello. Donald Trump has threatened to sue the Wall Street Journal over an article about a note sent to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein that bore the US president's name. My colleagues have the latest. Also, reporter Fan Wang looks at why Chinese internet users are going after the rich and privileged. And finally, we take a look at the massive refurbishment planned for one of London's Victorian-era glasshouses. Check that out before attempting our weekly news quiz.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Trump hits out at WSJ and its owner

Donald Trump sits at the Resolute desk in the Oval Office. He is turned to speak to Rupert Murdoch, who is sat on the left hand side of the room in front of a bookshelf and a flag pole bearing a red flag.

Rupert Murdoch, whose media empire includes Fox News, visited the White House to meet Trump in February. Credit: Reuters

President Trump has threatened legal action against both the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and its owner Rupert Murdoch after the newspaper reported that his name appeared on a "bawdy" birthday note sent to Epstein in 2003, before the late financier was required to register as a sex offender in 2008. The letter has been decried by Trump as "fake". The WSJ article adds to ongoing controversy surrounding the release of documents relating to Epstein's prosecution for sex crimes in 2019. According to a recent YouGov poll, a call for the documents' release finds widespread support among Americans, writes North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher.

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GET UP TO SPEED

A black fire engine with 'LA Police Department' written on it drives past a police officer and a police car.

Deadly explosion at LA police training facility

At least three police officers have died in an explosion at training facility in East Los Angeles, officials said.

What we know >

Three men, one of them a health worker, are pictured from behind as they hug each other in a hospital courtyard, where the bodies of victims are laid. Other men walking past them cover their faces with their tshirts.

Druze residents describe 'bloodbath' in Syrian city

Deadly sectarian clashes in Suweida has left residents feeling abandoned and afraid in their own homes, Lina Sinjab reports.

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A wide shot of water slides at a water park. A man is sliding off a large yellow slide while people watch in a line beside the pool.

North Korea bans foreigners from resort

The seaside resort described in this BBC Verify video has closed its doors to foreign tourists, weeks after welcoming them.

What happened >

US President Donald Trump (L) greets Bahrain's Prime Minister and Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa with a handshake outside the White House. Trump's hand clearly bears a patch of makeup in a shade that does not match his skin.

What to know about Trump's vein condition

Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when leg veins don't allow blood to flow back up to the heart.

More facts >

AT THE SCENE

Kyiv, Ukraine

Is Ukraine's scheme gamifying war?

A drone monitor shows a person in military uniform with their hands up standing amid rubble.

Points earned from confirmed kills can be used to buy equipment. Credit: BBC/Xavier Vanpevenaege

After three and a half years of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine soldiers are exhausted. To keep them motivated, Ukraine's minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov has introduced a new scheme to allow troops to earn points for each Russian soldier killed or piece of equipment destroyed.

Paul Adams has short blond hair and blue eyes

Paul Adams, diplomatic correspondent

Fedorov's office sports a huge video screen with dozens of live feeds from Ukrainian drones flying over the front lines. Together, the feeds provide a vivid glimpse into Ukraine's drone war, in which commanders claim flying robots now account for an estimated 70% of all Russian deaths and injuries.

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Since the early days of Russia's full-scale invasion, social media feeds have been full of drone videos, usually set to soundtracks of thudding heavy metal music. It can make for gruesome viewing. Each video celebrating the death of an opponent. The video going fuzzy as the drone explodes. But beyond a sense of grim satisfaction, hard-pressed front-line units now operate in the knowledge that evidence of their exploits can bring them rewards.

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In eastern Donetsk: At least two people have been killed and a further 27 injured following a Russian air strike on a shopping centre and market in the town of Dobropillia, Ukrainian officials have said.

PICK OF THE WEEK

Chinese internet users take on the rich

Nashi has her black hair up in a chignon. She has brown eyes and is smiling, her lips painted red. She is wearing a shoulderless black gown and photographers can be seen in the background.

Chinese actress Nashi has joined a growing list of people facing intense scrutiny in China over their privilege. Credit: Getty Images

Frustrated with rising unemployment and a slowing economy, young Chinese people are increasingly directing their wrath at those perceived to be rich and privileged. In recent months, viral scandals have e