St Wilfrid’s Church in Melling, Lancashire, was facing closure due to lacking £750,000 for urgent repairs. The church was saved when nine rare gold coins worth nearly £30,000 were found hidden under the altar, donated anonymously in 2022.
Key Facts
St Wilfrid’s Church has been part of Melling for over 700 years.
The church needed £750,000 to fix the roof, stained glass windows, and other parts.
Nine gold Britannia coins from 1999, worth about £30,000, were found in a plastic bag under the altar.
The coins came with a note dated July 16, 2022, from a donor named “James, servant of the living God.”
Officials have not identified the anonymous donor.
Similar gold coin gifts were left at two other churches in Lancashire in 2022.
The discovery came as the church had only five regular attendees and was close to closing.
The money will help start fundraising and grant applications for the church's repairs.
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A study in Uganda found that lotion made from catnip oil repels mosquitoes as well as the widely used chemical repellent Deet. The lotion could be produced locally and sold at low cost, offering a new tool to help fight malaria in Africa.
Key Facts
Catnip oil contains nepetalactone, a chemical known to repel insects and cause euphoria in cats.
Researchers tested lotions with 2% and 6% catnip oil against 15% Deet lotion in Uganda.
The 6% catnip lotion was as effective as Deet in reducing mosquito bites; 2% was slightly less effective.
Malaria infects about 282 million people annually and caused 610,000 deaths in 2024, mostly young children in Africa.
Commercial Deet repellents are too expensive for many rural Ugandans.
Local production of catnip lotion could create jobs and keep costs low.
The study was presented at the Society for Experimental Biology conference in Florence.
Experts say repellents need regular use to work well, so they complement other malaria control methods.
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John Lewis plans to close its in-store gift wrapping and foreign exchange service desks, risking 200 jobs. The company says customers prefer to buy foreign currency online and these changes will happen this autumn, but no final decision has been made yet.
Key Facts
John Lewis may cut 200 jobs by closing gift wrapping and foreign exchange desks in many stores.
The foreign exchange desks operate in 30 stores; gift wrapping desks are in 25 stores.
Customers can still buy foreign currency online and get it delivered or pick it up in stores.
Most customer questions are already handled by shop floor staff, who will continue after closures.
The company is consulting with affected workers and aims to support them during the process.
John Lewis is changing to meet customer preferences for online and modern services.
Last year, the parent company cut 3,300 jobs and has been reducing costs by closing stores and cutting some projects.
In March, the company paid bonuses to employees for the first time in four years after a profit increase.
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The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed Texas to enforce a law that requires app stores and app developers to check the age of users and get parental permission before children under 18 can download apps. The court refused to pause this law while legal challenges continue.
Key Facts
The Texas law is called the Texas App Store Accountability Act.
It requires app stores and developers to confirm users’ ages.
Children under 18 need parental consent to download apps.
The Supreme Court issued a one-sentence order refusing to block the law.
The decision means the law can be enforced while court cases about it proceed.
The focus is on protecting minors from inappropriate app content or purchases.
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Hamas announced it will give up control of Gaza’s government to a group of Palestinian experts. This change aims to support a peace plan backed by US President Donald Trump and reduce Israeli control over Gaza. However, Israel doubts Hamas’s move, and the situation remains complicated.
Key Facts
Hamas has governed Gaza since 2007 and now says it is stepping back from running the territory.
Control will shift to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a group of Palestinian technocrats.
The NCAG was created under a UN mandate and is supervised by a peace board linked to President Trump’s peace plan.
Israel calls Hamas’s announcement a “stunt” and wants to control most of Gaza.
Egypt is leading talks about the transition, but Israel currently blocks the NCAG from entering Gaza.
Hamas’s workers will remain the same even if governing bodies change.
The removal of Hamas from administration does not mean it will give up its weapons.
The peace plan includes dividing Gaza into zones controlled by Israel and Palestinians, but Israeli troops must withdraw for progress.
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Xbox announced layoffs of 4,800 employees and plans to restructure its game studios to focus on bigger projects and major game franchises. Four smaller studios will be sold to new owners, while popular games like Minecraft and Candy Crush will receive more investment.
Key Facts
Xbox is laying off 4,800 employees, including 1,600 from its Xbox division immediately.
Four game studios—Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs—are being sold to new owners.
Candy Crush creator King and Minecraft developer Mojang will report directly to Xbox head Asha Sharma.
Xbox’s gaming revenue dropped 7% year-over-year, and Xbox hardware sales fell 33%.
The company wants to focus on larger, high-growth game projects and its biggest franchises.
Existing games in development, like Ninja Theory’s Senua and Undead Labs’ State of Decay 3, will still be completed.
Xbox’s business margins are lower than similar companies, prompting the restructuring.
The changes reflect a move towards fewer studios and a focus on games with the largest audiences.
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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has lifted the suspension on Russia's Olympic Committee and may allow Russian athletes to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if they follow anti-doping rules. No final decision has been made about whether Russia can use its flag, colors, or anthem at the Games.
Key Facts
The IOC suspended Russia's Olympic Committee in 2023 due to the war in Ukraine.
The suspension is now considered "no longer applicable," so Russian athletes can compete again if they pass doping tests.
The IOC has not decided if Russia can display its national symbols like the flag and anthem at the Olympics.
The IOC will not hold events in Russia or invite Russian government officials to its events.
Some Russian athletes competed as neutrals at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics and 2023 Milan Winter Olympics.
Only 32 Russian and Belarusian athletes competed as neutrals at the 2024 Paris Games, winning five medals; Russia had over 300 athletes and 71 medals at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Russia's sports minister said the decision shows the Olympic movement should stay free from politics and Russia plans to take part in qualifiers for 2028.
The IOC still condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine but believes athletes should not be punished for their government's actions.
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A musical about Dolly Parton's life will open on Broadway this winter. The show will feature her famous songs and new music, telling her story in her own words.
Key Facts
The musical is called Dolly: A True Original Musical.
It will start previews on December 7 at New York’s St James Theatre and officially open on January 19, Dolly Parton’s birthday.
The musical includes Parton’s well-known songs like "I Will Always Love You," "Jolene," and "9 to 5."
Dolly Parton helped create the show to share her full life story honestly and personally.
The show first premiered in Nashville last summer with sold-out performances.
The director is Bartlett Sher, who says the musical reveals Dolly’s true story beyond her public image.
Tickets go on sale to the public on July 10, with early access for fans.
Dolly Parton will turn 81 the day the show officially opens.
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A lawsuit filed by the Iranian American Legal Defense Fund claims that the Trump administration shared private information about Iranian asylum seekers with Iran’s government. The suit says this puts these asylum seekers and their families at risk of persecution and harm.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was filed in Washington, D.C., by the Iranian American Legal Defense Fund (IALDF).
Many Iranian asylum seekers in the U.S. are pro-democracy activists, religious minorities, or LGBTQ individuals fleeing danger in Iran.
The suit alleges the U.S. government shared confidential immigration and asylum information with the Iranian government.
More than 100 Iranian people have been deported to Iran under President Trump’s administration.
Federal rules say asylum seeker information should be kept private and not shared with the sending country.
The lawsuit claims the U.S. held monthly meetings with Iran to share immigration details while in ICE custody.
Iranian officials reportedly visited detainees at ICE facilities, sometimes without the detainees’ consent.
The Department of Homeland Security and State Department had not responded to requests for comment.
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French prosecutors have started an investigation into racist comments made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla against French football player Kylian Mbappé after a World Cup match. The senator’s social media posts insulted Mbappé based on his race, and France’s Football Federation filed a complaint that led to the inquiry.
Key Facts
The investigation was opened by Paris prosecutors following a complaint from the French Football Federation.
Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla posted racist insults about Mbappé, calling him a “colonised Cameroonian” and a “brute.”
Mbappé responded by condemning Amarilla’s remarks and saying she did not represent Paraguay.
The Paris prosecutor’s office said the racist comments could result in up to one year in prison and a fine of 45,000 euros.
Amarilla later posted an open letter blaming Mbappé for her anger and demanded he apologize to her.
The Paraguayan government stated that Amarilla’s comments did not represent the country’s views.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña publicly condemned the racist remarks.
France’s assistant coach described the senator’s attack as “disgraceful, vile, outrageous.”
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Four infants in the U.S. have become sick with botulism after consuming Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula, which was recalled last month. The FDA warns parents to stop using the formula and seek medical help if symptoms appear.
Key Facts
Four infants from California, Pennsylvania, and Washington contracted botulism after using Nara Organics infant formula.
The formula was recalled last month after three infants were hospitalized.
The product was sold nationwide at Target stores and online.
The FDA is testing unopened cans from the recalled batches, with results due soon.
Infant botulism is a rare illness caused by bacteria producing toxins in babies’ immature digestive systems.
Symptoms include constipation, weak muscles, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, and breathing problems.
The FDA advises parents to keep opened cans labeled “DO NOT USE” and out of reach for at least one month.
If symptoms do not appear after a month, leftover formula should be discarded.
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Several blocks in Midtown Manhattan were evacuated after workers found structural beams buckling on the 21st floor of a building being converted from offices into apartments. Authorities closed some streets and evacuated nearby buildings as inspectors and engineers checked the site for safety. No injuries were reported.
Key Facts
The incident happened at 235 East 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan near the United Nations.
Workers noticed cracks and structural beams weakening on the 21st floor of a 37-story building.
The building is being renovated to turn it from commercial offices into residential apartments.
Floors 21 through 26 showed signs of caving due to structural stress.
Nearby buildings, including a Hampton Inn and a school with 400 students, were evacuated.
New York City Fire Department and Department of Buildings teams responded quickly.
Several streets were closed as a safety precaution during inspections.
No injuries occurred and all construction workers were safely evacuated.
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A recent poll reveals that more Democrats think the U.S. supports Israel too much and does not give enough help to Palestinians in Gaza. The percentage of Democrats holding this view has grown since the last survey.
Key Facts
The poll was done by Associated Press-NORC and published on Tuesday.
58% of Democrats now say the U.S. supports Israel too much.
This is up from 45% in an earlier poll.
Many Democrats feel that Palestinians in Gaza do not get enough aid from the U.S.
The article focuses on opinions within the Democratic Party about U.S. foreign aid and policy toward Israel and Gaza.
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President Donald Trump said the U.S. will remove sanctions on Turkey that were put in place after Turkey bought a Russian missile defense system. He also mentioned that the U.S. is considering selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
Key Facts
The U.S. sanctions on Turkey were because Turkey purchased a Russian missile defense system.
These sanctions caused Turkey to be removed from the F-35 fighter jet program.
President Trump announced plans to lift these sanctions.
Lifting sanctions would make it easier for Turkey to rejoin the F-35 program.
Selling F-35 jets to Turkey is under consideration by the U.S. government.
The sanctions were part of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
President Trump made these statements during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.
Cabinet officials are working on the process to remove the sanctions.
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Prince Harry recently lost a lawsuit against British newspaper publishers Associated Newspapers. Over the years, he has been involved in multiple legal cases alleging phone hacking and illegal information gathering by the U.K. media, with some cases settled and others dismissed by courts.
Key Facts
Prince Harry sued Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, accusing them of phone tapping and impersonation between 1993 and 2011.
The U.K. High Court dismissed these claims on July 7, ruling they could not be proven.
Harry sued News Group Newspapers (publisher of The Sun) in 2019 for voicemail hacking; this case was settled in January 2025 with an apology and damages paid to Harry.
Harry also sued Mirror Group Newspapers for hacking and illegal info gathering; this case settled in February 2024 with damages paid and legal costs covered.
Harry’s court testimony in the Mirror Group case marked the first time a senior British royal testified in court since the 19th century.
A judge found only some of the Mirror Group articles were based on illegal hacking, awarding Harry a modest sum.
Harry dropped a separate libel lawsuit against Associated Newspapers over an article about his security dispute with the U.K. government.
Many of the alleged illegal activities date back decades, involving various methods like voicemail interception and deceptive investigation.
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Economists say Australia is unlikely to enter a recession despite global oil shocks and a conflict in the Middle East. However, they warn the country will face slow economic growth this year, with weak consumer confidence and rising living costs affecting many households.
Key Facts
Australia avoided a recession despite a major global oil supply shock caused by Middle East tensions.
Global oil prices dropped from $120 to around $72 per barrel and are expected to fall to $60 by year-end.
Inflation is falling but remains around 4%, lower than earlier forecasts.
Unemployment rose slightly to 4.4% over the last three months.
GDP per person is expected to decline for two quarters, indicating a “per capita recession” and a drop in living standards.
Consumer confidence is near a 50-year low due to high prices and inflation.
Interest rates have increased three times early in 2026, raising mortgage repayments by about $350 per month for average households.
Economic growth may improve in 2027, helped by possible interest rate cuts and growth in data center construction.
Artificial intelligence and government investment in defense are seen as potential future economic drivers starting around 2028.
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Marks & Spencer is updating its refrigeration equipment to handle very high temperatures up to 45°C, responding to more frequent heatwaves in the UK caused by climate change. The company is also investing in security to reduce retail crime and adjusting its fashion lines to attract a wider range of customers.
Key Facts
M&S is buying new fridges designed to work in heat as high as 45°C.
The UK recently had its hottest June day ever, reaching about 37.7°C.
Other retailers, like Sainsbury’s, are also upgrading their cooling equipment due to heatwaves.
M&S saw a big increase in ice cream sales during the heat, causing some items to run out.
The UK faces more extreme heat because of climate change, requiring businesses to prepare.
M&S is increasing spending on security guards and systems to reduce shoplifting and minor thefts.
The company is updating clothing styles to appeal to both older and younger shoppers.
These changes were shared by M&S CEO Stuart Machin at the annual shareholder meeting.
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Washington DC experienced the worst air quality of any major city in the world for a short time after a large Fourth of July fireworks show. The event included over 850,000 fireworks and caused harmful air pollution levels that lasted several hours, prompting health warnings from city officials.
Key Facts
The Fourth of July fireworks in Washington DC lasted 40 minutes and launched more than 850,000 fireworks from 10 sites.
Air pollution from the fireworks caused particulate matter to rise 6.7 times above normal levels.
All 26 air sensors in the city recorded air quality levels considered "unhealthy for sensitive groups" by the EPA.
Pollution peaked about five hours after the show ended and stayed high for around five more hours.
The south-west part of DC had the highest pollution levels, near one of the fireworks launch areas.
The poor air quality likely spread to nearby Arlington, Virginia, though there were no sensors there to confirm.
Thunderstorms on Sunday evening helped clear the polluted air, preventing an even worse situation.
The fireworks were organized by Freedom 250, a non-profit supported by President Donald Trump, to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Australia for the first time in three years, attending events in Melbourne with large crowds expected. Ahead of the visit, there are protests planned by human rights groups, and calls for the Australian government to discuss India’s human rights record during talks with Modi.
Key Facts
Modi’s visit to Australia begins on Wednesday evening and lasts for three days.
Melbourne will host a major event called “Melbourne Meets Modi,” expecting 25,000 to 30,000 attendees.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet Modi during the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit.
Amnesty International urges Australia to raise concerns about human rights and the safety of journalists in India.
The Alliance Against Islamophobia plans protests against Modi’s visit, highlighting issues like anti-Muslim hate and caste discrimination.
Australian Federal Police warned an individual over an alleged threat made online against Modi but say there is no current risk to the public.
Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party promotes Hindu ethno-nationalism, and some of Modi’s policies face criticism for discrimination against Muslims.
Melbourne is home to the largest Indian-born community in Australia.
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Sending money to family members in other countries, called remittances, helps reduce poverty effectively. These money transfers are managed by individuals, not governments, and support families in need.
Key Facts
Remittances are money sent by immigrants to their families in their home countries.
These transfers help reduce poverty by providing financial support directly to families.
Remittances are considered very efficient at fighting poverty.
Governments do not control or organize remittance programs.
Immigrants use their own resources to send money abroad.
Any new taxes or punishments on these transfers could harm the families relying on them.
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