Law enforcement agencies in the U.S., Canada, and Europe charged 37 members of Indian crime groups, including their leader, for crimes like kidnapping, drug trafficking, and murder. The charges are connected to the assassination of a Sikh activist in Canada in 2023, which caused tensions between Canada and India.
Key Facts
Thirty-seven people linked to three India-based crime groups were charged with serious crimes.
The charges include involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh activist in Canada.
Nijjar was shot outside a temple where he was president in 2023.
The killing made Canada and India’s diplomatic relationship worse.
Lawrence Bishnoi and Satinderjeet Singh allegedly planned the assassination; Bishnoi is arrested, Singh is still wanted.
These criminal groups are involved in violence, drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion.
Nijjar supported the Khalistan movement, seeking a separate Sikh homeland.
Canada has the largest Sikh population outside India, causing ongoing political tension between the countries.
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A recent national poll shows that the public's opinion of several conservative Supreme Court justices, including Clarence Thomas, Amy Coney Barrett, and Brett Kavanaugh, has become more negative over the past year. The overall approval rating for the Supreme Court is low, with more people disapproving than approving, and opinions are divided heavily along political party lines.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court's approval rating is 36%, while 50% disapprove of it overall.
44% of respondents say the court is "too conservative," and 9% say it is "too liberal."
Justices Barrett, Thomas, and Kavanaugh all saw drops in their net favorability compared to last year, with Barrett's rating declining the most.
Chief Justice John Roberts, also conservative, has a net approval rating of -11%, slightly down from last year.
Justice Neil Gorsuch is the only conservative justice with a small improvement in net favorability this year.
Among the liberal justices, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor have positive net favorability ratings that improved compared to last year.
45% of people said recent Supreme Court rulings have given the president too much power, while 29% said about the right amount.
The poll surveyed 1,603 U.S. adults from July 3 to July 6 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3%.
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A judge ruled that Chrome Holding, which controls DNA testing company 23andMe, must pay $46.75 million to people affected by a 2023 data breach. The payment will be managed by a company called Kroll, which will give the money to the victims.
Key Facts
In 2023, hackers accessed data from as many as 6.9 million 23andMe users.
Chrome Holding took control of 23andMe after it filed for bankruptcy in early 2025.
Chrome Holding is run by Anne Wojcicki, 23andMe’s co-founder.
The $46.75 million payout will be given to victims through Kroll Restructuring, a company appointed to handle the funds.
The breach exposed sensitive genetic information, including health and family history details.
Hackers accessed not only the targeted accounts but also the profiles of the users’ relatives, increasing the total impacted.
The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office fined 23andMe £2.31 million for poor data security before the breach.
The California Attorney General sued 23andMe for failing to protect user data and misleading consumers about the breach’s severity.
Despite bankruptcy, 23andMe continues to sell DNA testing kits online.
23andMe was once valued at $6 billion and went public in 2021 but has never made a profit.
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Parts of the UK are expected to face an extreme marine heatwave this week, with sea temperatures rising 4-5°C above normal in some areas. This heatwave is linked to recent high air temperatures and long-term ocean warming caused by climate change, which threatens marine plants and animals.
Key Facts
The marine heatwave is strongest off eastern and southern England.
Sea temperatures could be 4-5°C higher than average in affected areas.
Warm seas stress marine habitats like seagrasses and kelp forests, causing damage or death.
Cool-water species like cod are moving north, while warm-water species like octopus are increasing around the UK’s south-west coast.
Increased octopus populations can harm shellfish like crabs, lobsters, and scallops since octopuses eat them.
The heatwave is fueled by "heat domes" that previously caused record air temperatures in May and June.
Marine heatwaves have become more frequent and severe due to human-caused climate change and warmer oceans.
Experts warn marine heatwaves may become normal by the middle to end of this century if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced.
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An 18-month-old toddler in Arizona was declared dead after a near-drowning but was later found alive in a hospital morgue room. The child was revived and survived after being flown to another hospital, while police are investigating possible negligence by the parents.
Key Facts
The toddler nearly drowned in a backyard pool on February 8.
First responders tried to save the child and took him to Mercy Gilbert medical center.
The hospital declared the toddler dead about an hour after arrival.
Hours later, police found the toddler breathing in the hospital’s "cold room" (a morgue area).
The child was flown to another hospital, survived, and was released.
Police noted a strong smell of marijuana and open doors at the home, suggesting lack of supervision.
Gilbert police may charge the parents with negligence.
The hospital reviewed the case and aims to improve care procedures after this incident.
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Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice has asked the National Crime Agency (NCA) to investigate whether it leaked his private financial information to the media. The financial details were flagged to the NCA under its Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) program, which monitors possible money laundering but keeps information confidential.
Key Facts
Richard Tice requested the NCA investigate a possible leak of his private financial data.
The NCA does not confirm or deny receiving Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) or comment on their use.
SARs are confidential, and revealing them without permission is against the law under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Tice’s company received an £80,000 loan from George Cottrell, an ally of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
A think tank owned by Tice got a £1 million donation from Cottrell's mother.
Britain Means Business, the think tank, donated £500,000 to Reform UK in June 2024.
The NCA flagged these payments in its SARs program, which reported over 866,000 cases in 2024/25 related to potential money laundering.
George Cottrell is involved in a political controversy over support given to Nigel Farage before Farage became an MP, with debates over whether declared gifts followed parliamentary rules.
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This winter, a strong El Niño weather pattern is expected to bring more storms and heavy rain to the southern United States. Travelers who head south to avoid cold weather might face risks like flooding and severe thunderstorms, especially in states like Florida, Texas, and California.
Key Facts
El Niño is a climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean that affects weather around the world.
This El Niño is developing rapidly and could become very strong during winter 2026-27.
Strong El Niño usually shifts storm paths to the southern U.S., causing more rain and storms there.
The storm path may stretch from California to the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, increasing rain and flooding risks.
Areas like Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas could see more flooding, flash floods, and travel delays.
Southern California might get heavier rain, which can help drought but also cause floods and landslides.
More people, including retirees and remote workers, travel south in winter, a practice called "snowbirding."
Increased storms could disrupt these winter travelers more than usual this year.
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Family package holidays to Dubai and Egypt are cheaper this summer than last year because tour operators lowered prices. However, prices for holidays in popular European destinations like Spain, Portugal, and Greece have increased slightly. Concerns about the war near Iran have made some travelers avoid Middle Eastern countries.
Key Facts
Holiday prices to the UAE have dropped by about 25% this August compared to last year.
Egypt holiday prices are about 8% cheaper this summer than last.
Prices for holidays to Spain, Portugal, and Greece have gone up by 3-5%.
The UK Foreign Office recently removed its travel warning for Dubai but still advises caution due to ongoing regional risks.
Holiday packages to Morocco, Tunisia, and Turkey are slightly cheaper than last summer.
Some families changed their travel plans from Dubai to destinations like Mexico due to the Iran conflict.
Car hire prices have fallen this year because of more supply and competition among rental companies.
Data is based on TravelSupermarket searches for all-inclusive family holidays in August 2025 and 2026.
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US Senator Mitch McConnell, a leading Republican, has been in the hospital since June 14 without detailed information about his condition. Some Republicans say they have spoken to him recently and report he is improving, while unproven rumors about serious health problems have circulated.
Key Facts
Mitch McConnell, 84, was admitted to the hospital on June 14.
His staff has not shared the specific reason for his hospital stay.
On July 2, his team said he is receiving good care and continuing to get better.
Some Republicans claim they have spoken to McConnell by phone and say he is alert and engaged.
Unverified rumors circulated that he was in a vegetative state or brain dead, which McConnell’s colleagues deny.
His wife, Elaine Chao, made a planned trip to China during his hospital stay.
McConnell has had several health issues recently, including falls and a concussion in 2023.
McConnell plans to retire when his current Senate term ends in January 2027.
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El-Obeid, a city in central Sudan, has been hit by increasing drone strikes amid the ongoing conflict between Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The attacks have caused many injuries and deaths, with concerns about worsening violence and human rights abuses.
Key Facts
El-Obeid is a city of about 500,000 people and is strategically important in Sudan’s war.
The city is controlled by the Sudanese army but has faced 27 drone strikes in June, the highest number since the war started.
At least 45 people were killed and 41 injured in 15 drone strikes during June, according to the UN.
The city has been under siege conditions for 18 months, with reports of executions, abductions, torture, and sexual violence along escape routes.
Medical staff in El-Obeid are overwhelmed with casualties, including severe injuries to children.
Human rights groups warn the violence could become as severe as past massacres in other Sudanese cities, but the RSF denies planning large-scale ethnic attacks in El-Obeid.
Control of El-Obeid is key because it lies on the road to Sudan’s capital, Khartoum.
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A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot and killed a man in Houston during a law enforcement operation. The man, identified as Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, ignored commands to stop and tried to drive his car into the officer, who fired in self-defense.
Key Facts
The shooting happened in Houston on July 7, 2026, during an ICE operation.
The man shot was Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican national living in the U.S. without legal permission.
Araujo attempted to avoid arrest by trying to hit an ICE agent with his vehicle.
The shooting occurred after Araujo’s car struck an ICE vehicle.
Araujo was taken to a hospital where he died.
The FBI Houston office is investigating the incident as a possible assault on a federal officer.
Representatives from the FBI’s evidence response team helped process the shooting scene.
U.S. Representative Sylvia Garcia called for a full and impartial investigation, including review of all footage and communications.
This shooting is part of a series of deadly encounters involving federal immigration officers during increased enforcement efforts since President Trump took office.
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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, allowing Russian athletes to compete under their flag and anthem at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This decision comes despite protests from Ukraine, which is currently at war with Russia, and varies by individual sports organizations.
Key Facts
The IOC provisionally ended the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee on August 7, 2026.
Russian athletes no longer have to be vetted before competing and can represent Russia fully at the 2028 Olympics.
The decision follows a similar move allowing Belarusian athletes, who are Russia’s allies, back under their national identities.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said athletes should not be punished for their government’s actions.
Ukraine’s sports minister strongly opposed the decision, citing ongoing conflict and recent attacks by Russia.
The IOC continues to support Ukraine financially and expresses solidarity with Ukrainian athletes.
Some sports groups, like World Athletics and FIFA, continue to ban Russian athletes from their competitions.
Russia’s Olympic Committee was suspended in 2023 for including sports groups from occupied parts of Ukraine, but the IOC says Russia pledged not to operate in those areas.
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The UK government plans to end leasehold ownership for new flats and replace it with commonhold, where residents collectively own and manage their buildings. Leaseholders often face rising fees and little control over their homes, but commonhold has been rare since its introduction in 2004 and its wider adoption may bring new challenges.
Key Facts
About five million people in England and Wales own leasehold properties.
Leaseholders face rising costs for service charges and ground rents, causing stress.
The government’s Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill aims to stop new leasehold flats and promote commonhold ownership.
Commonhold means residents share ownership and control of their building, managing shared spaces and costs together.
The leasehold system comes from medieval land practices where land is rented for a fixed period.
Commonhold was introduced in 2004 but has been rarely used, with only 18 developments registered in England.
Experts believe commonhold could give flat owners more control but are unsure if it will avoid new problems.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook supports commonhold, saying residents should control their buildings, not outside landlords.
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Weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro have become popular in the UK, with over two million users. Studies show these medications reduce hunger, which changes how people buy groceries and eat out, often leading to spending less on food but more on items that counteract side effects.
Key Facts
Wegovy and Mounjaro work by copying a natural hormone that controls hunger, helping users eat less.
UK households with someone using these drugs spent about £418 less on groceries annually compared to non-users.
This drop in spending represents an estimated £780 million cut in grocery sales across the UK.
Users tend to buy less chocolate, pastries, snacks, cheese, butter, and soft drinks, and more fruit, protein, and yoghurt.
They also purchase more chewing gum, mouthwash, and hair dye to manage side effects like bad breath and thinning hair.
Around two-thirds of users try to reduce eating out, with fast-food and coffee shop spending dropping by 8% in the US.
Most UK users pay privately for these drugs, which can cost over £300 per month, causing some to stop using them due to price.
Wealthier areas in the UK have higher prescription rates for these drugs, despite having lower obesity levels.
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The UK is experiencing amber and yellow heat-health alerts due to a heatwave expected to last several days, with temperatures reaching up to 36°C (97°F) in southern England. The heatwave could be one of the longest since 1976, affecting health services and causing increased risks, especially for older people and those with health problems.
Key Facts
Amber heat-health alerts cover the Midlands, eastern, and southern England until 9 p.m. on July 12.
Yellow alerts are in place for northern England during the same period.
Temperatures will vary from mid-20s Celsius in the north to mid-30s in the south, peaking at 36°C.
Parts of southern and eastern England have already entered a heatwave with three days above threshold temperatures.
The heat will spread to Northern Ireland and Scotland, with temperatures in the high 20s Celsius.
An easterly wind later this week will cool eastern parts of the UK but increase heat in central southern England and South Wales.
The heatwave may last up to 14 consecutive days in some southern areas, making it one of the longest since 1976.
Humidity levels are expected to be lower than the late-June heatwave, making the heat feel less intense.
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Many families are facing higher food costs during school holidays in Northern Ireland, causing financial stress and worries about providing healthy meals for their children. A new bill in the Northern Ireland Assembly aims to bring back holiday food payments for children who qualify for free school meals, which were cut earlier this year.
Key Facts
During the Covid-19 pandemic, families of 90,000 children received £27 every two weeks to help with food costs during school holidays.
The Department of Education stopped these payments in March 2023 due to budget issues.
A new bill has been introduced to reinstate these holiday food payments, costing about £20 million a year.
Children qualify for free school meals if their household income is below £15,390 a year.
Food prices continue to rise, making it harder for families to buy fresh, healthy foods.
Single mothers and women using support centers report counting every penny to manage food budgets.
Lack of access to nutritious food can affect children’s growth, education, and mental health.
Local women’s centers offer support to families struggling with financial and mental health challenges.
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Republicans are spending $8 million on ads to introduce a new Democratic candidate for Maine’s Senate race, as the current Democratic nominee, Graham Platner, considers withdrawing. Platner has not officially left the race yet, causing uncertainty and affecting spending plans for both parties.
Key Facts
Republicans plan to release $8 million in negative ads targeting the new Democratic nominee in Maine.
Graham Platner, the current Democratic Senate candidate in Maine, is reflecting on his next steps but remains officially in the race.
Republicans see an opportunity to campaign against a new Democratic nominee who will have little time to connect with voters.
The pro-Senator Susan Collins super PAC, Pine Tree Results, raised $10.5 million in the first half of 2026 and has $8 million available now.
Donor Jon Gray, president of Blackstone and a longtime Democratic donor, gave $250,000 to the pro-Collins super PAC before allegations against Platner became public.
Platner is believed to want to influence who replaces him and prefers a progressive candidate, not a "corporate" Democrat.
Democrats have paused spending in Maine to pressure Platner to drop out, reallocating some funds to other states like Ohio, Alaska, and Michigan.
Platner’s situation is causing unease in the Democratic Party and highlighting tensions between progressive activists and party leaders.
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Nigel Farage resigned as the MP for Clacton and announced he will run again in a by-election, describing it as a fight between "people versus the establishment." Major UK political parties including Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and Restore Britain decided not to compete in the by-election.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage resigned as MP for Clacton but plans to win the seat again in a by-election.
Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and Restore Britain will not participate in this by-election.
Farage is under investigation for not declaring a £5 million gift from a billionaire donor before becoming an MP.
Farage insists he did nothing wrong regarding his finances and criticizes the media and the "establishment."
The by-election could happen as early as August and Farage's party has offered to pay for it.
Farage won Clacton in the 2024 general election with a large majority.
Labour called Farage’s move a distraction from the investigation.
Comedian Jon Harvey, known as Count Binface, plans to run in the by-election.
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The Trump administration ended a waiver that allowed Iran to sell oil after Iran attacked three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. The new rules stop any new oil sales immediately but allow a short grace period for transactions already underway, with the money frozen in special accounts.
Key Facts
The original waiver, called "General License X," allowed some Iranian oil sales despite U.S. sanctions.
The waiver was part of a 60-day peace deal between the U.S. and Iran signed on June 18.
Iran attacked three commercial tankers, violating the peace deal’s ceasefire.
The U.S. replaced the original waiver with "General License X1," stopping new Iranian oil sales after the change.
Ongoing transactions are allowed until July 17, with funds held in blocked accounts.
The U.S. military struck targets inside Iran in response to the tanker attacks.
Oil prices rose after the waiver was revoked, with Brent Crude hitting $75 a barrel.
China and India were major buyers of Iranian oil under the original waiver.
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A consumer group called Which? found 150 baby products sold online that could be dangerous to infants. These items, sold on popular websites like Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba, include feeding devices, sleep pillows, and sleeping bags that may cause choking or suffocation.
Key Facts
Which? identified 150 potentially harmful baby products on major online marketplaces.
Dangerous items include self-feeding devices, baby sleep pillows, and hooded sleeping bags without arm holes.
These products can cause choking, suffocation, overheating, or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Almost 25% of these unsafe products were found on Amazon.
Many products ignored official safety warnings issued by the UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
Online sellers have removed some flagged items after being contacted, but unsafe listings reappear.
Which? wants new laws to make online marketplaces legally responsible for unsafe products sold by third parties.
Alibaba, AliExpress, Etsy, and Amazon stated they are working to remove dangerous products and improve safety controls.
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