Protests in Kut, Iraq, increased as people called for more electricity during very hot weather. Security forces used tear gas to control the crowd outside a government building.
Key Facts
The protests took place in Kut, a city in Iraq.
People were protesting because of power shortages.
High temperatures made the lack of electricity more difficult.
Demonstrators gathered outside the Wasit Governorate Council building.
Security forces responded by using tear gas to manage the protests.
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Israel confirmed that a Palestinian detainee named Ihab Mohammed Abdel Qader Diab died in custody nearly two years after his detention. Palestinian officials say this case is part of a pattern where Israel hides information about detainees held since the conflict in Gaza began.
Key Facts
Ihab Diab, aged 36, was detained on December 12, 2023, and died around September 18, 2024, after about nine months in custody.
The Israeli Prison Service notified the Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs of Diab’s death on Sunday.
Palestinian officials accuse Israel of torturing detainees and concealing their fate.
Israeli authorities claim Diab had a health problem; his family says he was healthy before detention.
Since 1967, 328 Palestinian detainees have died in Israeli custody; 91 have died since October 7, 2023.
Gaza’s Prisoners’ Ministry demands an international investigation and accountability for Diab’s death.
Thousands of Palestinians are held by Israel without trial or charge, including about 3,198 in administrative detention based on secret evidence.
Israel classifies some Gaza detainees separately as “unlawful combatants.”
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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is currently having medical checks and a procedure and will be observed for two days. No details about the procedure have been shared, and it is unclear if it is related to his past health issues.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is undergoing medical examinations and a procedure.
He is expected to stay in observation for two days.
The procedure follows advice from a team of medical specialists.
No specific information about the procedure was made public.
The announcement was made on Anwar’s 79th birthday.
Anwar has been prime minister since November 2022.
He had a routine medical check in January that showed he was in good health.
In 2018, he had treatment and surgery for back and shoulder problems.
It is unknown if the current procedure relates to earlier health issues.
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Taylor Farms is recalling over a dozen grocery store products that contain jalapeños because of a salmonella outbreak affecting 345 people in 27 states. The recalled items include dips, salsas, and guacamole sold at major stores like Walmart and Whole Foods.
Key Facts
Taylor Farms recalled more than 20 jalapeño-containing products from grocery stores across 26 states.
The salmonella outbreak has made 345 people sick in 27 states.
Products recalled include dips, salsas, and guacamole sold at stores such as Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Kroger.
The jalapeños came from Coast Citrus Distributors, sourced from Sinaloa, Mexico.
Taylor Farms stated it is no longer sourcing jalapeños from that supplier and is using alternative suppliers instead.
The recalled products have “Best If Used By” dates up to August 16, 2026.
Taylor Farms produces a large portion of salad kits sold in the U.S. and distributes millions of servings of fresh vegetables weekly.
The USDA, FDA, and retailers are taking action to remove contaminated products from stores and restaurants.
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Western Europe experienced record-high temperatures during the summer of 2026, breaking previous heat records for June and July. The heat waves caused wildfires, drought, and low river levels across the region. Scientists say human-caused global warming and a strong El Niño event are behind the extreme heat.
Key Facts
Western Europe set a new average temperature record for June-July at 21.62°C (70.92°F).
The heat waves began in May 2026 and caused wildfires and drought conditions.
Rivers like the Danube and Rhine reached very low water levels due to dry weather.
July 2026 had the highest average sea surface temperature recorded outside polar regions.
El Niño, a Pacific Ocean warming event, helped increase global temperatures.
2026 is currently the third-hottest year on record worldwide, with a chance to become the hottest.
Drier soils reduce natural cooling, making heat waves worse in Europe.
The European climate agency Copernicus provided the data and analysis on the heat records.
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Scientists report that July 2026 saw the hottest sea temperatures ever recorded worldwide, especially in the Atlantic and western Mediterranean regions. Western Europe experienced extreme heat and drought, leading to wildfires, power plant shutdowns, crop losses, and many deaths.
Key Facts
July 2026 had the highest average sea surface temperature outside polar areas for that month on record.
The Atlantic coast and western Mediterranean experienced record-high sea surface temperatures.
Western Europe had its hottest June-July on record, causing wildfires and drought.
Extreme heatwaves broke temperature records in countries like Austria and Slovakia.
Drought reduced river flows, affecting water supply, farming, and power plants in Europe.
Coal power plants in Poland and Hungary’s nuclear plant shut down due to lack of cooling water.
Early estimates suggest that heat cost grain farmers about €2 billion in crop losses this summer.
Long-term drought effects can cause sustained economic damage, costing Europe hundreds of billions of euros.
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Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has decided to freeze her eggs and shared details about the process on social media. She also said she has not ruled out running for president in 2028 but is currently focused on winning the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is 36 years old and a Democratic congresswoman from New York.
She posted videos showing her taking an injection as part of egg freezing.
She wants to make talking about egg freezing more normal, especially in today’s political climate.
Ocasio-Cortez criticized the current administration for limiting reproductive healthcare.
She said she is focused on the 2024 midterm elections but did not rule out a presidential run in 2028.
She acknowledged the strong support she has as a potential candidate for president.
When asked about running against Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, she said anything is possible.
Midterm elections will be held in November 2024, involving all House seats and one-third of Senate seats.
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Daniel Kinahan, a suspected Irish crime boss, has been brought from Dubai to Dublin and appeared in court. He faces charges of directing a criminal organization.
Key Facts
Daniel Kinahan is suspected to be involved in organized crime.
He is considered one of the most wanted men globally.
Kinahan was extradited from Dubai to Dublin.
He appeared in a Dublin court following his extradition.
The charge against him is directing a criminal organization.
Kinahan is 49 years old.
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England and Wales will have a short break from very hot weather on Monday, but then temperatures will rise again, leading to the fifth heatwave of the year. Many areas face drought conditions due to very little rain, and officials will decide if more regions should be officially declared in drought.
Key Facts
A fifth heatwave will bring temperatures up to 36°C (97°F) in southeast England by Thursday.
Half of England and all of Wales are already officially in drought.
Some parts of southern England could go nearly two months without meaningful rain.
23 million people are under hosepipe bans to conserve water.
River and reservoir levels are very low, with some reservoirs at exceptionally low levels.
The National Drought Group, made up of government and water officials, will meet to discuss declaring more drought areas.
The heatwave is expected to produce very warm overnight temperatures, possibly above 20°C in some places.
A small cool period on Monday will give brief relief before the heat returns.
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Iran-backed Houthi forces have started new missile and drone attacks on Yemen’s al-Makha port, located by the Red Sea. These attacks targeted Saudi weapons storage areas and caused the deaths of at least seven people, according to Yemen’s military.
Key Facts
The Houthis are supported by Iran.
They targeted al-Makha port in Yemen, which is on the Red Sea coast.
The attacks involved both ballistic missiles and drones.
Saudi weapons depots at the port were hit.
At least seven people were killed according to Yemen’s military.
This is a resumption of attacks after a pause.
The conflict involves multiple countries connected to Yemen’s war.
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Hong Kong recorded its highest temperature ever at 36.9°C as Typhoon Dolphin brought warm air to the city. The typhoon caused heatwaves, flight cancellations, and evacuations along China’s east coast before making landfall in Zhejiang province.
Key Facts
Hong Kong’s temperature reached 36.9°C, the highest since records began in 1884.
A location in Hong Kong’s north recorded 39.8°C, the highest since automatic weather stations started in the 1980s.
The previous highest official temperature was 36.6°C in August 2017 before Typhoon Hato.
Typhoon Dolphin caused extreme heat across the region and led to a “very hot weather warning” in Hong Kong.
The typhoon made landfall near Yuhuan in Zhejiang province with winds of 94 mph, similar to a category 1 hurricane.
The storm caused mass flight cancellations and evacuations on China’s east coast.
Meteorologists say human-caused climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such extreme heat events.
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President Donald Trump said there was a mistake made by a contractor during the renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He also accused a former Olympic canoeist of damaging the pool, although charges against the athlete were dropped.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation on a Sunday.
He said a “contractor error” happened during the renovation work.
There was damage reported to the Reflecting Pool.
President Trump accused a former Olympic canoeist of vandalism at the site.
The charges against the athlete were dropped, meaning they were cleared of wrongdoing.
No video evidence of the vandalism was found or shared publicly.
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Taiwan is holding military drills that will last 10 days to prepare in case China tries to invade. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has said it might use force to take control. Taiwan is also unsure about the level of support it will get from President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Taiwan began a 10-day military exercise focused on defense.
China claims Taiwan as its own territory and threatens military action.
Taiwan is concerned about possible invasion by China.
The drills aim to prepare Taiwan's forces for a potential conflict.
Taiwan is questioning how much support President Donald Trump will provide.
Chinese threats have increased tensions between Taiwan and China.
The situation highlights ongoing political and military pressure in the region.
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The Powerball lottery prize has grown to an estimated $905 million because no one won in the last drawing. This amount is the largest jackpot for this year. The next drawing will be on Monday.
Key Facts
The Powerball jackpot increased after no winner was found recently.
The estimated prize for the upcoming drawing is $905 million.
This is the biggest Powerball jackpot so far in the current year.
The next drawing is scheduled for Monday.
Powerball is a popular lottery game where players try to match numbers to win large cash prizes.
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Morocco is preparing for parliamentary elections on September 23, with a focus on Fouzi Lekjaa, who is the budget minister and head of Morocco’s football federation. Lekjaa joined the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), highlighting a shift toward valuing managerial skills and national prestige in politics. The next government will be responsible for organizing the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will cohost with Spain and Portugal.
Key Facts
Parliamentary elections in Morocco are scheduled for September 23.
Fouzi Lekjaa is Morocco’s minister delegate for the budget and president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
Lekjaa recently joined the political party PAM, causing debate among politicians and on social media.
He is known for managing public finances and leading Morocco’s football success.
The new government will handle preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, cohosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal.
Morocco’s strong performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup increased national pride and international reputation.
Many young Moroccans are skeptical of political parties, expressing concerns through protests and social media.
The political debate focuses more on Lekjaa’s personal reputation than on PAM’s policies or past government work.
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Gas prices in the United States have increased by more than $1 per gallon since the start of the war with Iran. This rise adds to the overall cost of the conflict, affecting both government spending and daily expenses for drivers.
Key Facts
Gas prices have gone up by over $1 per gallon since the war with Iran began.
The war increases U.S. government spending, including Pentagon costs.
Higher gas prices affect taxpayers by raising fuel costs at the pump.
The ongoing conflict with Iran contributes to economic pressure on Americans.
CBS News reported on the connection between the war and rising gas prices.
The report highlights the growing financial impact of the conflict on the U.S. economy.
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Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until the United States meets certain demands. One key demand is that the U.S. must pay for damages caused by war.
Key Facts
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard is controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments.
They have stated the strait will remain closed to shipping traffic.
The closure will continue until the U.S. fulfills specific demands.
One major demand is for the U.S. to pay for damages from previous conflicts.
The situation is causing concern due to the importance of this route for global trade.
Iran’s statements have been part of a series of mixed messages from its leaders recently.
The United States has not publicly responded to these specific demands.
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New rules starting in September in England will limit school uniforms to a maximum of three branded items plus a tie for secondary students. The government expects this change to save parents money, but some schools and families still face varying costs and policies.
Key Facts
From September, schools in England can only require up to three branded uniform items with the school logo, plus a tie for secondary schools.
About 25% of schools will need to change their uniform policies to meet the new rules.
The government estimates some families could save up to £50 per child on uniforms.
Co-op Academy Belle Vue in Manchester reduced its branded items from seven to three, cutting average uniform costs from about £102 to £54 this year.
The school also changed jumpers to plain ones, so parents won’t have to buy a new jumper each year.
Some parents report significant savings, while others say their schools have not changed policies and expenses remain high.
Uniform requirements and costs vary widely between schools, sometimes forcing parents to buy branded items only available from specific suppliers.
Many primary schools already require very few branded items, helping keep uniform costs lower for younger children.
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Nearly 100 large wildfires are burning across the western United States, putting a heavy strain on firefighting teams. At the same time, British Columbia in Canada is also experiencing many fires due to hot and dry weather.
Key Facts
About 100 large wildfires are active in the western U.S.
Firefighters are having a hard time handling all the fires at once.
British Columbia, Canada, is also facing many wildfires.
The hot and dry weather is making fire conditions worse.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to protect people and property.
The wildfires affect both rural and some populated areas.
Weather forecasts predict continued dry conditions in the region.
Emergency services are working to contain the fires and assist evacuated residents.
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