The United States is expected to plant the smallest amount of wheat since 1877, due to drought, high costs, and uncertain markets. The USDA estimates that in 2026, the total wheat planting area will drop by 6 percent compared to last year, affecting major wheat-producing states like Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma.
Key Facts
The USDA predicts 42.7 million acres of wheat planted in 2026, down 6% from 2025 and 1 million acres below earlier forecasts.
Winter wheat acreage is expected to be 31.5 million acres, the lowest in about 150 years.
Severe drought and heat from May 2025 to April 2026, the warmest 12-month period on record, have damaged crops.
Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma face the largest decreases in wheat acreage, with Texas losing 3.9 million acres.
Farmers are planting less wheat due to high input costs like fuel and fertilizer, worsened by the Iran conflict closing the Strait of Hormuz.
Spring wheat and durum wheat planting areas are both declining, by 6% and 16% respectively.
Wheat provides about 20% of both calories and protein for many poor people worldwide.
Experts expect wheat planting to remain low or decrease further in 2027 due to ongoing challenges.
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The UK’s culture and media department, led by Lisa Nandy, has stopped using the social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, because it promotes harmful content like abuse and misinformation. This decision follows similar moves by other UK government offices concerned about the platform’s role in encouraging violence and spreading false information.
Key Facts
Lisa Nandy announced she and her department will no longer use X due to its promotion of abuse and misinformation.
The UK culture department is the second government office to quit X in recent weeks.
The attorney general for England and Wales also instructed his office to stop posting on X after violent events linked to the platform.
X has been criticized for highlighting far-right and racist content and encouraging division and violence.
Elon Musk has previously linked his political views to calls for violent action in the UK.
Violent incidents in Southampton and Belfast were partly fueled by messages and protests organized through X.
The UK’s media regulator, Ofcom, is currently responsible for enforcing rules on online content, including on X.
There are ongoing concerns in the UK government about how X handles harmful content and the platform’s impact on democracy.
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A veterinary expert explains that many dog owners make mistakes when handling their pets during fireworks celebrations. He advises preparing in advance, watching for early signs of anxiety, and not assuming a dog’s reaction will remain the same every year.
Key Facts
Dogs have more sensitive hearing than humans, making fireworks very stressful.
July 5 is the busiest day for dog intake at U.S. animal shelters, often due to fireworks stress.
Waiting until fireworks start to plan for a dog’s comfort is a common mistake.
Owners should create a calm space and consult vets before fireworks begin.
Early signs of stress in dogs include panting, pacing, clinginess, and avoiding treats.
Ignoring these early signs can lead to panic and risky escape attempts.
Dogs’ reactions to fireworks can change over time; past calmness doesn’t guarantee future calm.
Preparing ahead can reduce a dog's fear and improve their safety during celebrations.
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A large study of over 700,000 families in Hong Kong found no link between taking paracetamol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy and autism or ADHD in children. The study used sibling comparisons to control for family-related factors and concluded that earlier concerns about the drug’s safety during pregnancy were likely caused by other influences.
Key Facts
The study analyzed health records from more than 700,000 mother-child pairs between 2001 and 2023.
Researchers compared siblings where one was exposed to paracetamol in the womb and another was not.
The study found no increased risk of autism or ADHD associated with prenatal paracetamol use.
Earlier claims linking paracetamol to these conditions may have been influenced by genetics and family environment.
Paracetamol is also known as acetaminophen and sold as Tylenol in the U.S.
President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. previously suggested risks linked to paracetamol use during pregnancy.
Medical experts say paracetamol is still a safe option to treat pain and fever in pregnancy.
The sibling-matched study design helps rule out family factors affecting both drug use and child diagnosis.
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Opening an $18,000 long-term certificate of deposit (CD) account in July can earn a savers thousands of dollars in interest. Long-term CDs have fixed interest rates above 4%, which are higher than typical savings accounts and provide protection for the deposited money over time.
Key Facts
Long-term CD interest rates currently sit above 4%.
An $18,000 CD can earn from about $1,145 (18 months) up to $9,423 (10 years) in interest by maturity.
Interest rates for these CDs range roughly from 4.15% to 4.30%.
CDs have fixed interest rates, so earnings are guaranteed if the account is held to maturity.
Early withdrawal from a CD may result in penalties, reducing earnings.
Online banks often offer higher CD interest rates than traditional brick-and-mortar banks.
Using online marketplaces helps compare multiple banks, rates, and terms easily.
CDs protect the original deposited amount (principal) for the duration of the term.
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An explosive device went off in a café in the Al-Hijaz area of Damascus, killing at least six people and injuring 22 others. Emergency responders and security forces arrived at the scene to help the injured and start an investigation.
Key Facts
The blast happened in a café located in Damascus, Syria.
Six people died due to the explosion.
Twenty-two people were injured.
Emergency crews and civil defense teams were called to the scene.
Security forces set up a cordon to secure the area.
An investigation into the cause and details of the explosion has begun.
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Students and supporters held a rally in Luxembourg for Fatima Kurtic, a teacher who was fired in October because of a social media post seen as anti-Israel. She spoke about why she supports Palestine and the challenges she faced because of her activism.
Key Facts
Fatima Kurtic is a teacher from Luxembourg.
She was fired in October due to a social media post considered anti-Israel.
Supporters and students organized a demonstration this week in her support.
Kurtic shared her reasons for supporting Palestine with the media outlet Al Jazeera.
She discussed the personal costs she experienced because of her activism.
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At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, African teams are experiencing less automatic support from other Africans due to political issues in some countries. South Africa’s anti-immigrant policies have caused criticism from fellow African nations, showing that fans now judge teams based on their countries' politics, not just their sports.
Key Facts
South Africa’s football team faced criticism from other Africans because of its country's anti-immigrant actions.
South Africa’s captain urged players to focus on football and leave politics to politicians.
African fans have traditionally supported African teams as a show of continental unity during World Cups.
The 2026 World Cup includes a record 10 African nations participating, with many advancing past the group stage.
Political problems in some countries have caused other African fans to criticize or distance themselves from their teams.
South Africa has a history of pride related to ending apartheid and hosting the 2010 World Cup but struggles with xenophobic violence.
Nigeria has been repatriating some of its nationals from South Africa due to anti-immigrant policies.
Morocco’s 2022 World Cup success and political stances have improved its support across Africa.
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Gulf countries are working to build new security partnerships after a US-Israel war with Iran caused attacks on their soil. They want to rely less on the US alone and are developing ties with other countries like Pakistan, Turkey, China, and Europe to boost their own defense and regional independence.
Key Facts
The US and Israel fought a war with Iran, which led to Iranian attacks on military and civilian sites in Gulf countries.
Gulf Cooperation Council nations want to diversify their security alliances beyond the US.
Saudi Arabia has a defense pact with Pakistan and may add other countries to it.
Gulf states buy defense systems from European countries and maintain friendly ties with Russia and China.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) carried out missile and drone attacks in Bahrain and Kuwait after a ceasefire agreement.
Gulf countries see threats not only from Iran but also from Israel’s military actions in the region.
Some experts say Gulf states want more autonomy and regional power balance without replacing the US but adding partners.
US military bases in the Gulf were targeted by Iran, raising questions about the effectiveness of the US as a security protector.
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Actor Matt Smith shared a funny reaction after learning that Keanu Reeves watched the movie "Morbius" on a plane. Smith praised Reeves as a great actor but joked about why Reeves would choose to watch that particular movie during a flight.
Key Facts
Matt Smith is a well-known actor, famous for shows like "House of the Dragon" and "Doctor Who."
Keanu Reeves watched the 2022 superhero movie "Morbius" on a plane’s entertainment system.
Smith called Reeves a "movie star" and compared him to a "guardian angel."
"Morbius" starred Jared Leto and featured Smith as the villain Milo.
The film was a box office failure and received very low critic ratings (15% on Rotten Tomatoes).
Despite poor reviews, the movie has a 71% audience rating and has become popular on streaming platforms like Disney+.
Smith joked that Reeves must have spent a long time picking "Morbius" to watch.
"Morbius" is considered a cult hit after its release.
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West Nile virus cases in the U.S. have reached the highest point in 22 years. Certain areas of the country are experiencing more activity of this virus than others.
Key Facts
West Nile virus is spreading more now than in over two decades.
Cases have increased significantly compared to previous years.
The virus is most active in specific regions within the United States.
West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes.
People infected can experience fever, headache, or more severe symptoms.
Health officials are monitoring the situation closely to control the spread.
Preventive measures like using insect repellent and avoiding mosquito bites are advised.
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The US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) does not include any rules about Iran’s ballistic missiles. These missiles are a key part of Iran’s military defense strategy. By leaving them out, the agreement may allow Iran to keep or strengthen its missile capabilities, which could raise concerns in the region.
Key Facts
The MOU between the US and Iran excludes ballistic missiles from its terms.
Ballistic missiles are central to Iran’s military strategy for defense and deterrence.
The exclusion means Iran can continue developing and using these missiles without restrictions from the US.
This situation might increase security worries among countries near Iran.
The MOU validates Iran’s current defense approach by not limiting missile use.
Ballistic missiles can travel long distances and carry weapons, making them significant in military power.
The agreement focuses on other areas but leaves out the missile issue entirely.
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The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new rule to allow commercial supersonic flights over US land if the planes are quiet enough. This could end a 53-year ban by requiring that the sonic booms are much quieter than before, based on new technology from companies like Boom Supersonic.
Key Facts
The FAA’s ban on overland supersonic commercial flights started in 1973 due to loud sonic booms causing disturbances.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order in 2025 to repeal the ban to encourage supersonic travel.
The proposed rule sets a noise limit for sonic booms at 0.11 pounds per square foot to reduce disruption on the ground.
Boom Supersonic demonstrated a quieter supersonic flight with its XB-1 aircraft using special flight techniques.
Concorde’s sonic boom had a noise level of 1.94 pounds per square foot, much louder than the new proposed limit.
Some experts criticize the new standard, saying it measures pressure but not how loud or annoying the boom sounds to people.
NASA is testing the X-59 Quesst, designed to produce a soft "sonic thump" like a car door closing, which could influence future rules.
The FAA aims to finalize the new rule by mid-2027 and may introduce further regulations later this year.
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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have donated $26 million to 20 different charities across the United States. This donation comes shortly before their rumored wedding, which is expected to take place at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Key Facts
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donated $26 million to 20 charities.
The charities are located in cities important to the couple, including Nashville, Kansas City, and New York City.
The donation list includes food banks, music education programs, and animal welfare groups.
Their wedding is rumored to happen at Madison Square Garden in New York this weekend.
A permit was approved for a special event at Madison Square Garden, allowing 100 guests for a pre-party and a main event lasting from Friday evening into early Saturday.
Streets will be closed overnight around the arena for the event, with tents set up for entry and parking.
The number 26 million may have symbolic meaning related to Taylor Swift’s lucky number, 13.
The permit for such a large event could cost up to $66,000 per day.
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The FBI is increasing its investigation into the 2020 election results in Fulton County, Georgia. They have asked field offices across the country to send analysts to Atlanta to review thousands of records related to the probe, which is described as a top priority.
Key Facts
The FBI director Kash Patel has made the election investigation in Fulton County a priority.
FBI field offices nationwide must send a total of 260 analysts to Atlanta.
Large offices must send 8 analysts each; smaller offices send 3 to 5 each.
Each analyst must review about 700 records by July 17.
Analysts help with tasks like checking license plates, analyzing phones, and reviewing subpoenas.
Fulton County was important to Joe Biden’s narrow 2020 win in Georgia.
FBI seized 2020 ballots and related materials from Fulton County earlier this year.
The investigation was referred to the FBI by Kurt Olsen, a DOJ lawyer who previously worked to challenge 2020 results.
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The British prime minister officially apologized for the UK government's role in forced adoptions between 1949 and 1976. Many affected individuals, including mothers and adult adoptees, welcomed the apology but stressed the need for mental health support and access to their personal records.
Key Facts
Forced adoptions took place in the UK from 1949 to 1976, involving mothers being forced to give up their babies.
Mothers and adoptees experienced punishment, separation, and long-term trauma.
A formal apology was given by the British prime minister in parliament.
Adult adoptees have faced difficulties getting access to their birth records and medical history.
Many suffer from mental health issues such as complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Mental health support tailored to their trauma is currently inadequate and often unaffordable.
Campaigners have fought for decades to have the government formally recognize its role.
There is a strong demand for the government to provide mental health services along with the apology.
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A judge in Florida has allowed prosecutors to see Tiger Woods’ hospital and prescription records related to his March car crash and DUI arrest. Woods has pleaded not guilty and a protective order will limit who can see the records.
Key Facts
Tiger Woods was involved in a car crash and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence on March 27, 2026.
A Florida judge approved prosecutors’ access to Woods’ hospital records from the Cleveland Clinic Martin South Hospital.
Prosecutors can also access Woods’ prescription records from a Palm Beach pharmacy for early 2026.
A protective order limits viewing of the records to prosecutors, law enforcement, state experts, and Woods’ defense team.
Woods showed signs of impairment and had two pain pills in his pocket but tested negative for alcohol on a Breathalyzer.
Woods refused a urine test after the crash.
Woods was driving over the 30 mph speed limit when his SUV hit a truck’s trailer and rolled on its side, causing about $5,000 in damage.
Woods has traveled abroad for inpatient treatment.
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Douglas DePodesta, the top FBI agent in Chicago, is leaving his position suddenly after being told to retire. His departure is part of changes in the FBI under Director Kash Patel, who is pushing out agents seen as not supporting President Trump’s administration.
Key Facts
Douglas DePodesta has been the special agent in charge of the Chicago FBI office for nearly two years.
He joined the FBI in 2002 and has worked in multiple cities and roles before leading Chicago’s office.
DePodesta announced his last day would be Monday and indicated his leaving followed a conflict.
He said he never backed down from fights to support FBI personnel but that this stance became unpopular.
Director Kash Patel is leading efforts to remove FBI agents and supervisors perceived as not aligned with President Trump.
The FBI’s Chicago office faces challenges, including a review of over 1,000 grand jury cases amid recent prosecutor misconduct.
The FBI’s social media defended the firings, saying agents not supporting the current leadership under President Trump are free to leave.
The FBI declined to comment directly on DePodesta’s departure.
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At least 18 people died in violent clashes linked to a land dispute between two tribes in Niger State, Nigeria. The attacks included shootings and burning of a house, and security forces are working with local leaders to stop the fighting.
Key Facts
The violence happened in the Rafi area of Niger State, north-central Nigeria.
Two people were killed on Monday, followed by 15 people burned in a house on Wednesday, and one more person killed elsewhere.
The conflict is related to an ongoing land dispute between two local tribes.
Police and military forces have started joint patrols to bring peace to the region.
A local government-led reconciliation committee is trying to resolve the crisis.
Land disputes and communal violence are common in parts of Nigeria.
Niger State also faces problems with armed kidnappers who demand ransom and extort farmers.
This incident happened shortly after 36 students were kidnapped in northeast Nigeria.
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A United Nations report found that all sides in the conflict in eastern Congo are breaking peace agreements and committing abuses. The Congolese army, M23 rebel group, and Rwanda have not followed a 2024 peace deal led by President Trump’s administration, and fighting and illegal mineral trade continue in the region.
Key Facts
The peace deal signed in December 2024 aimed to end the conflict in eastern Congo but has not been fully respected by any parties.
The Congolese army still works with the FDLR, a Hutu rebel group linked to the 1994 Rwanda genocide, despite promises to stop.
Rwanda supports the M23 rebels, controls significant territory in eastern Congo, and has not withdrawn its troops as agreed.
M23 seized cities like Goma in 2024 and continues to try to overthrow Congo’s government.
The U.N. describes the conflict as a long-lasting and serious humanitarian crisis.
Congo filed a case against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice, blaming Rwanda for the violence.
M23 smuggles minerals from Congo to Rwanda, building an economy controlled by Rwandan-linked companies.
The U.S. imposed sanctions on a Rwanda-based gold refinery linked to M23 to support peace efforts.
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