Cuba spoke at the United Nations to criticize the United States' long-lasting embargo, calling it harsh and harmful to its people. Support for Cuba was shown by many countries, although some, including the US, disagreed, and no progress has been made in talks between the two nations.
Key Facts
Cuba’s Foreign Minister described the US embargo as "ruthless" and lasting nearly 70 years.
The embargo caused an $8 billion loss in Cuba from March 2025 to February 2026, a 7% increase from the previous year.
The US imposed a fuel blockade on Cuba in February that worsened the country’s energy crisis.
Many countries, especially from Africa and the Caribbean, support Cuba and condemn the US embargo at the UN.
The UN General Assembly usually votes to call for lifting the embargo, but support has weakened recently.
The US ambassador denies the existence of an embargo and blames Cuba’s government for its problems.
Cuba and the US have had diplomatic talks with no progress, partly because of how the US treats Cuba.
The embargo has caused shortages of electricity, food, water, and medicine in Cuba, leading to humanitarian concerns.
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Children in Gaza are spending their summer holidays doing survival tasks like fetching water and gathering firewood, instead of playing or going to summer camps. The war that started in October 2023 has caused huge destruction, killing many people and leaving families struggling to meet basic needs. There are few resources or programs to support children’s development or mental health during this time.
Key Facts
Since the war began in October 2023, summer holidays in Gaza have been very different from before.
More than 73,000 people, including thousands of children, have died due to the conflict.
Most buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, and many people have been displaced.
Children spend their days doing chores like collecting water, getting food, and gathering firewood.
There are no summer camps, toys, art supplies, or activities available for children in Gaza.
Many children have lost family members, and their mental health support is almost non-existent.
UNICEF reports that children in Gaza lack safe places to play and learn, which harms their growth and well-being.
UNICEF says play is essential for children to recover from the trauma of war.
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The Girly Gig Army is a women-only music group that started in Eastbourne, East Sussex, and now has more than 700 members across nearby towns. The group helps women enjoy music events together, make friends, and build confidence, especially if they might otherwise go alone.
Key Facts
The Girly Gig Army began as a WhatsApp group started by Lucy Havard.
It was created so women would not have to attend music events by themselves.
The group has grown from Eastbourne to include Brighton and Hastings.
Members meet at live music events and also during the day to get to know each other.
Wearing t-shirts and badges helps members recognize and approach one another.
Helen Foster, a member, said the group helped her after losing her husband.
More than 700 women have joined since it started.
The group aims to build a welcoming community and reduce feelings of awkwardness when going out alone.
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Illegal drug gangs are smuggling large amounts of cannabis, often called "Cali weed," into northern England from countries like Thailand. The cannabis is grown cheaply overseas but sold in the UK as high-quality marijuana popular in the United States. Authorities seized record amounts of cannabis last year, worth billions of pounds, highlighting an ongoing problem with drug trafficking and public health concerns.
Key Facts
Gangs are smuggling cannabis grown in countries such as Thailand into northern England.
The cannabis is marketed to look like high-quality "Cali weed" from California.
Border Force seized over 167,000 kg of cannabis in the UK last year, worth more than £2 billion.
About 800 drug couriers (“mules”) were arrested for carrying cannabis in suitcases.
Cannabis is grown legally in some countries but then illegally shipped to the UK for profit.
Dealers use social media and encrypted apps to sell to young users under brand names like "Gelato" and "Runtz."
Health experts warn that high levels of THC in this cannabis may increase mental health problems such as psychosis.
The northwest of England is a major distribution center for imported and local cannabis.
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During French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Damascus, explosions occurred that injured 18 people, highlighting ongoing violence in Syria. The government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took power after Bashar al-Assad was removed in 2024, faces many challenges including attacks possibly linked to the ISIS group and control issues with various armed factions.
Key Facts
Explosions happened in Damascus while French President Macron was visiting, causing 18 injuries.
A bomb exploded last week in a Damascus cafe, killing at least nine people.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government took control of Syria after ousting Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
The country remains divided with high unemployment and weak legal authority.
ISIS (also called ISIL) is suspected to be involved in recent bombings and still has 1,500 to 3,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq.
Different armed groups, including militias loyal to the former Assad regime and foreign-backed fighters, remain active.
Rivalries with neighboring countries and groups like Iran, Hezbollah, and Israel affect Syria’s stability.
Government control is strongest in western and central Syria and weakest near southern borders and in Druze regions.
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California has not yet released the contract it made with Baby2Baby, a nonprofit chosen to provide free diapers to new parents through a state program. Despite state laws that require public access to such contracts, the release has been delayed, while lawmakers consider a bill that could allow state agencies more time to respond to public records requests.
Key Facts
Governor Gavin Newsom announced a multimillion-dollar diaper contract with Baby2Baby more than two months ago.
Baby2Baby is a nonprofit that already has ties to the Newsom administration and the First Partner.
California has not released the contract or the competitive bidding records despite repeated requests and legal requirements.
The Newsom administration took 24 days to decide if the records would be released and said it may take an additional 42 days to provide them.
Assembly Bill 1821 is being considered in California to extend the time state agencies have to answer public records requests.
The original version of AB 1821 also included proposals to allow agencies to sue over "malicious" requests and charge fees for records, but these were removed due to public opposition.
Lawmakers argue that public agencies are facing an increase in broad records requests, which burdens their resources.
Critics and transparency advocates oppose delaying public access to government information.
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Russia is currently facing fuel shortages and long lines at gas stations, even in Moscow, despite being a major oil producer. Ukrainian drone and missile strikes on Russian oil refineries have contributed to the problem, causing disruptions in fuel supply and increasing prices.
Key Facts
Many petrol stations in Moscow have long queues or are closed due to lack of fuel.
Fuel shortages are affecting ordinary Russians and leading to frustrations about fuel availability and rising prices.
Ukrainian attacks have targeted Russian oil refineries, including those near Moscow and St Petersburg.
Russia is struggling to refine enough fuel to meet domestic demand amid the ongoing war.
Authorities have introduced rationing measures and sometimes restricted the use of fuel containers.
The situation is causing disruptions in some public services and concerns about the upcoming harvest.
Despite these problems, public criticism of President Putin or the Kremlin is rare due to restrictions on free speech.
Some people hope for peace talks, but there is little sign of progress from European leaders.
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Local councils in England have started to share data with Airbnb to identify illegal subletting of social homes on short-term rental sites. Nearly 6,000 social homes are suspected to be rented out illegally, and authorities have found about 470 cases so far, with penalties including eviction and fines.
Key Facts
Councils and Airbnb are working together to find illegal short-term rentals of social housing.
The Cabinet Office’s fraud team coordinates the data-sharing scheme.
About 6,000 social homes in England might be illegally sublet on platforms like Airbnb.
So far, 470 cases of social housing fraud have been identified.
Penalties for illegal subletting include eviction, fines, and up to two years in prison.
Illegal rentals cause costs averaging £78,300 per case to taxpayers, including temporary housing and legal fees.
Campaign groups say fighting illegal subletting may not significantly help the housing crisis.
Residents report frequent strangers, damage to common areas, and suspicious lockboxes in buildings with illegal sublets.
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British actor Tom Holland stars as Telemachus in the new film The Odyssey directed by Christopher Nolan. The movie tells the story of Telemachus searching for his father Odysseus and protecting his mother from unwelcome suitors. The film also features actor Matt Damon as Odysseus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope.
Key Facts
Tom Holland plays Telemachus, son of Odysseus, in The Odyssey.
The movie is directed by Christopher Nolan.
Telemachus is a boy looking for his father and protecting his mother.
Matt Damon plays Odysseus, who spends 20 years at war and trying to return home.
Anne Hathaway plays Penelope, the wife of Odysseus and mother of Telemachus.
Zendaya, Holland’s wife, plays the goddess Athena in the film.
Holland did sword fighting for his role.
The film explores themes of family, protection, and different types of masculinity.
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Nigel Farage is expected to win a by-election in Clacton, a constituency that strongly supports his Reform party. However, his credibility is being questioned due to a controversy about a £5 million gift he received from a crypto billionaire and ongoing scrutiny of his finances and actions.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage took over 45% of the vote in Clacton in 2024 and is likely to win the upcoming by-election.
Other political parties have mostly stood aside in the by-election, making Farage’s win more certain.
Farage received an undeclared £5 million gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne.
Questions have been raised about how Farage has used this money and whether he declared it properly.
Farage has limited his public appearances since the gift became known, switching to scripted video statements.
Authorities in Parliament are investigating if Farage broke rules by not declaring the gift and other help from an associate, George Cottrell.
If found guilty, Farage could face suspension and a recall petition that might force another election.
Farage resigned as an MP to trigger this by-election, aiming to regain control of his political story and show support from voters.
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A government review led by Disability Minister Stephen Timms found that the current system for disability benefits in England and Wales is not working well. The points-based assessment does not fit many conditions, especially mental health issues that change over time, and the process is difficult for disabled people. The review recommends a major overhaul of the welfare system to better support disabled individuals.
Key Facts
The review was led by Stephen Timms and involved disabled people and charities.
It found that the points-based system is outdated and cannot handle fluctuating conditions like mental health problems.
The current system scores disabilities based on how they affect daily activities and mobility.
Many people gave negative feedback about the assessment process, which they found dehumanizing.
The review will be released in two parts: an interim report soon and full recommendations this fall.
About 4 million adults receive the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which helps cover disability costs.
PIP is not means-tested, and roughly one in six recipients are working.
The government aims to replace the work capability assessment with a single system for disability and universal credit claims.
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A report finds that the gap in household income between rich and poor areas in the UK has not improved much in the last 30 years. Despite government promises, incomes in wealthier places like London remain much higher than in poorer regions. The report says big investment in transport, housing, and regeneration is needed to reduce these regional income differences.
Key Facts
From 1997 to 2023, London’s average household income was about 60% higher than Northern Ireland’s.
The richest local area (Kensington and Chelsea) has incomes over four times higher than the poorest area (Leicester), a gap stable for nearly 30 years.
More than half of the poorest local authorities in 1997 are still among the poorest in 2023; 82% of the richest places remained wealthy.
Some cities like Manchester have seen income growth of 40% since 1997 but still lag behind London and other major northern cities.
Employment has grown most in low-employment areas, and pay gaps narrowed partly due to the rising minimum wage.
Andy Burnham, the likely next prime minister, plans to focus on local growth and economic rebalancing through investment and devolution.
Britain’s investment in regional economic rebalancing is much lower than countries like Germany, which spent roughly £70 billion yearly on similar efforts.
The report states that serious, sustained funding is necessary for reducing deep economic divides across UK regions.
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The UK government runs a “one in, one out” immigration scheme where one asylum seeker arriving illegally is sent back to France in exchange for another being brought to the UK legally. An asylum seeker who came to the UK legally under this scheme said it feels unfair that others were deported for him to enter and that he is waiting with limited activities while his claim is processed.
Key Facts
The “one in, one out” scheme returns one asylum seeker arriving on small boats to France for each one allowed legally into the UK.
Over 900 people have arrived legally under this scheme since July last year, with a similar number removed after arriving irregularly.
The interviewed asylum seeker traveled safely by plane from Paris and is currently waiting for his asylum interview.
He cannot work or study while waiting, which limits his daily activities and opportunities.
The charity Safe Passage criticizes the scheme as not providing a real route to protection.
Most people brought under the scheme so far are single men aged 20-39.
Channel crossings have decreased by over a third compared to last year’s figures.
The UK Home Office says many families have also successfully applied under this agreement, and applications are carefully processed.
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A former NHS surgeon, Salil Korambayil, was convicted of rape and is serving a 14-year prison sentence. His ex-partner, Angharad, shares her experience of being misled and emotionally abused during their relationship while she was pregnant and a new mother.
Key Facts
Salil Korambayil was a trainee surgeon who worked at Royal Cornwall Hospital and was convicted of rape.
He was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his crimes.
Angharad, his ex-partner and mother of his child, met him in 2016 and described him as charming at first.
Korambayil lived a double life, acting caring at home while abusing others.
In August 2020, a rape accusation against Korambayil was made but not initially investigated due to lack of support.
Angharad was pregnant when these events unfolded and gave birth in November 2020.
Korambayil was suspended and arrested in April 2021, leading Angharad to leave their home for safety.
Angharad now recognizes she was emotionally abused and manipulated during the relationship.
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The coffin of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei arrived in Najaf, a holy city for Shia Muslims in Iraq, ahead of his burial. Iran’s president attended the arrival ceremony but ended his visit early due to recent US attacks on Iran.
Key Facts
Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has died.
His coffin was taken to Najaf, a key religious city in Iraq for Shia Muslims.
Iran’s president was present for the coffin’s arrival ceremony.
The burial is scheduled for Thursday.
The president cut his visit short because of new US strikes against Iran.
The strikes happened during the ceremony period.
Najaf is important to Shia Islam.
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A court in England is set to hear the last appeal in a long legal fight over laws that make gay sex illegal in Trinidad and Tobago. The case challenges old laws from colonial times and could lead to decriminalizing gay sex in the country and influence other Caribbean nations with similar laws.
Key Facts
The case began in 2017, filed by Jason Jones who says Trinidad and Tobago’s "buggery" laws are unconstitutional.
These laws, dating back to colonial times, can punish gay sex with up to five years in prison.
Trinidad and Tobago’s courts have gone back and forth on the issue, with the High Court ruling the laws unconstitutional in 2018, but the appeals court partly reversing that in 2025.
The final appeal is now before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London.
Groups supporting Jones say criminalizing gay sex creates stigma and fear, affecting education, healthcare, and safety for LGBTQ people.
Trinidad and Tobago, along with Grenada, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, still have laws criminalizing gay sex, unlike some other Caribbean nations that have repealed them.
Jones left Trinidad and Tobago in 1996 due to discrimination and violence related to his sexuality.
The Privy Council judges could give their decision soon, but they do not have a strict deadline.
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On July 8, about 99% of the world's population will experience daylight or twilight at the same time for roughly one minute, due to Earth's tilt and the timing of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. This moment happens each day for about two months around this time of year and includes most of the populated areas on Earth.
Key Facts
Around 8.2 billion people (99% of the world’s population) will be in daylight or twilight around 11:10 GMT on July 8.
About 6.9 billion people (83%) will be in full daylight at that time.
Approximately 581 million people (7%) will experience civil twilight, when it is still bright enough outside without artificial light.
Around 498 million (6%) will be in nautical twilight, when the horizon is visible but the sky is darker.
About 249 million (3%) will be in astronomical twilight, with only a faint glow before total darkness.
Only 83 million people (1%) will be in full night with complete darkness.
This event is related to the Earth’s tilt and the position of the sun after the June solstice, which extends daylight to more populated areas.
The phenomenon is not unique to July 8; it occurs daily for about 60 days from mid-May to mid-July.
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The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards nominations were announced, highlighting strong contenders including HBO Max’s “The Pitt,” Apple TV+’s “Pluribus,” and the final season of “Hacks.” The Emmy ceremony will be held on September 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and hosted by Mariska Hargitay.
Key Facts
“The Pitt” is coming back for its second season and expects multiple Emmy nominations, including for lead actors Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa.
“Pluribus,” a new Apple TV+ series, could break the 32-year-old record for most Emmy nominations for a debut season.
Rhea Seehorn stars in “Pluribus” and is a likely nominee for best actress.
“Hacks” is in its fifth and final season, with Jean Smart expected to be nominated for best comedy actress again.
Actor Harrison Ford may earn his first major Emmy nomination for his role in “Shrinking.”
Other possible comedy nominees from Apple TV+ include “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” and “Widow’s Bay.”
The Emmy Awards will air on NBC, with nominations announced by actors Liza Colón-Zayas and Jeff Hiller.
The Peacock Theater will host the Emmys and is also set to be the new home for the Oscars.
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Former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan will be sentenced for felony obstruction after being convicted of helping a Mexican immigrant avoid federal agents. The case is linked to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and drew national attention as it involved conflicts over immigration law enforcement.
Key Facts
Hannah Dugan, 67, was a Milwaukee County circuit judge for nine years before resigning after her conviction.
She was convicted on December 19, 2024, of felony obstruction for aiding an immigrant to evade federal officers.
The Trump administration prosecuted her as part of a broader immigration crackdown.
Republican lawmakers pushed for her impeachment and called for a harsh sentence after the conviction.
Dugan did not testify at her trial but plans to make remarks during her sentencing hearing.
Prosecutors say she violated her judge’s oath and endangered law enforcement and public safety.
Federal sentencing guidelines suggest 15 to 21 months in prison, but the judge can decide the actual sentence.
Dugan’s lawyers argue she has been punished enough through resignation and threats and plan to appeal any sentence.
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The preliminary hearing continues for Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Robinson’s lawyers are questioning the DNA evidence that connects him to the murder weapon, while prosecutors say the DNA testing is reliable enough to move forward to trial.
Key Facts
Tyler Robinson is accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in September.
A rifle wrapped in a towel was found at the scene and linked to Robinson through DNA evidence.
Robinson’s defense team questioned the FBI DNA analyst’s methods and conclusions during the hearing.
The defense lawyer argued that the analyst could not definitively match Robinson’s DNA to the rifle.
Prosecutors say the reliability of DNA evidence is for the trial to decide, not the preliminary hearing.
Robinson has not entered a plea and has not commented on guilt or innocence.
Defense lawyers have tried but failed to remove the death penalty option in this case.
The hearing includes testimonies from FBI analysts and Utah County prosecutors.
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