Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire to stop recent border fights. Thailand claims Cambodia broke the ceasefire soon after it began, but Cambodia disagrees. The conflict is over a long-standing border dispute that goes back over a century.
Key Facts
Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire on Monday after recent border conflicts.
Thai authorities accuse Cambodia of breaking the ceasefire early, but Cambodia says there were no fights after it started.
The ceasefire agreement includes pulling back troops and allowing independent monitoring.
Tensions grew in May when a Cambodian soldier died, escalating further with injuries to Thai soldiers from a landmine.
Thailand responded by closing some border crossings and expelling Cambodia's ambassador.
Recent fights led to civilian deaths and thousands being displaced on both sides.
The conflict originates from a century-old border disagreement, involving historical disputes over land.
Thailand and Cambodia agreed to stop fighting after days of clashes at their border. However, Thailand claims Cambodia broke the ceasefire agreement by attacking, leading to ongoing skirmishes despite the truce.
Key Facts
Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire that was to start at midnight on a Monday.
The fighting occurred over disputed border areas, killing at least 38 people and displacing around 300,000.
Thailand's army accused Cambodia of violating the ceasefire hours after it began.
Thailand says its troops acted in self-defense against the alleged attacks.
Both countries held peace talks in Malaysia and planned further discussions to reduce tensions.
Initial reports from journalists indicated a reduction in violence following the ceasefire agreement.
The recent border clashes have been the most severe since conflicts between 2008 and 2011.
A gunman opened fire outside the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, killing three people and injuring several others. Police arrested the suspect after a shootout, and they are investigating the motive behind the attack.
Key Facts
The shooting happened outside the Grand Sierra Resort casino in Reno, Nevada.
Three people died, and three others were injured in the attack.
Police shot and arrested the suspect, who remains in critical condition.
The suspect did not appear to know the victims.
The shooting began in the casino's valet parking area around 7:30 a.m.
Police acted quickly and arrived at the scene within three minutes.
One of the victims shot was a driver in the parking lot.
Additional minor injuries were reported, including a bullet graze and anxiety.
The United States has increased tariffs on goods from various countries under President Trump, affecting many businesses. Most imports now face taxes between 10% and 50%, leading to higher costs for companies and potentially increasing prices for consumers.
Key Facts
The US introduced new tariffs, or import taxes, affecting goods from many countries, starting with China.
Most goods entering the US now have a tariff of at least 10%.
These new tariffs began in April and are expected to increase after August 1.
Trump claims these tariffs help US manufacturing and generate revenue for the government.
The US has already collected over $100 billion in tariff revenue this fiscal year.
Some businesses, like General Motors and Tesla, report increased costs due to the tariffs.
Small businesses, like Village Lighting Company, report struggles due to increased costs from tariffs.
Trump has also used tariffs to address non-trade issues with other countries.
A new policy by the Trump administration requires immigrants in the U.S. illegally, who are arrested by ICE, to stay in detention during their deportation process instead of being released on bail. A class action lawsuit has been filed to challenge this policy, arguing that it misinterprets the law and harms noncitizens and their families.
Key Facts
The new policy by the Trump administration stops immigrants arrested by ICE from getting bail while waiting for their court cases.
This changes a long-standing practice of releasing people on bail if they are not a flight risk or a public safety threat.
The policy was communicated to ICE staff on July 8 and is said to close "loopholes" that allowed many illegal immigrants into communities.
A class action lawsuit has been filed against this policy in a federal court in California.
Critics say the policy wrongly interprets the law and violates immigrants' rights to due process.
The lawsuit is against top officials, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Named plaintiffs in the lawsuit include individuals with strong community ties and no criminal past.
These individuals, like Ana Franco Galdamez, face serious personal and family issues due to prolonged detention.
Some companies are switching from plastic to aluminium packaging for products like toiletries and household items. Aluminium is highly recyclable, but making it uses a lot of energy. The packaging industry is exploring aluminium’s benefits as new recycling rules are coming in the EU.
Key Facts
Meadow is a start-up developing aluminium cans for non-drink products like shampoo and ketchup.
Aluminium cans have a higher recycling rate (81%) compared to plastic (52%).
Aluminium is lighter than glass, making it easier and cheaper to transport.
New EU regulations in 2030 require all packaging to be at least 70% recyclable, increasing to 80% by 2038.
Producing aluminium requires almost twice as much energy as making glass.
Aluminium packaging is currently more costly, being four times more expensive than glass.
Consumers might need to adjust to the new look and feel of aluminium packaging.
Google has introduced a new tool in the UK that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to generate search results in a conversational style. This optional feature, known as "AI Mode," won't replace the current search system but offers a different way to get answers. The tool is part of a larger trend where more AI capabilities are being added to search engines.
Key Facts
Google launched an AI-based search feature in the UK, called "AI Mode."
AI Mode presents search results in a conversational way with fewer links to other sites.
This tool does not replace Google's existing search platform.
AI Mode is already available in the US and India.
Users will see AI Mode as an optional tab or within the search box.
The tool uses Google's Gemini AI platform to generate answers.
Businesses are concerned about fewer web traffic referrals due to fewer direct links.
Google has not decided how advertising in AI Mode will work yet.
A Texas man named Michael Lewis was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for sending threatening messages to basketball player Caitlin Clark. Lewis sent numerous inappropriate messages, causing Clark to change her public appearance out of concern for her safety. The court order also prevents Lewis from contacting Clark or attending her games, and he cannot use the internet during his prison term.
Key Facts
Michael Lewis, aged 55, sent threatening and sexual messages online to Caitlin Clark.
Lewis was arrested in January in Indianapolis, close to where Clark's team plays.
Clark reported the messages, leading to Lewis's arrest and sentencing.
Lewis claimed he had an imaginary relationship with Clark and did not intend to threaten her.
The court warned Lewis that his statements during the hearing could break his plea agreement.
Lewis faced up to six years in prison but received a 2.5-year sentence.
He is banned from contacting Clark or attending Indiana Fever games.
Caitlin Clark is a well-known athlete in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
ISIL (ISIS) claimed responsibility for an attack on a church in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where at least 43 people were killed during a night service. The attack was carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group linked to ISIL, using guns and machetes. The United Nations and the Congolese government condemned the violence, which adds to the ongoing conflict in the region.
Key Facts
ISIL (ISIS) said they were behind the attack on a church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
At least 43 people died, including women and children, according to the UN mission MONUSCO.
The attack took place in Ituri province’s Komanda city, using guns and machetes.
The ADF, linked to ISIL, carried out the attack and took captives.
The UN and Congolese government condemned the violence and called it a "massacre."
Another rebel group, M23, criticized the government's handling of security.
The ADF has a history of attacks in the region and has pledged allegiance to ISIL.
The attack increases the humanitarian crisis in the area, which is already unstable due to various armed groups.
Doctors in Gaza say that children there are suffering from severe hunger and even if they get food aid now, the damage might already be long-term. In another report, Venezuelans deported from the U.S. to El Salvador report abuse and isolation in a well-known mega prison.
Key Facts
Doctors are concerned about the long-lasting effects of malnutrition on Gaza's children.
Immediate food help may not reverse the damage already done to these children.
Venezuela deportees to El Salvador reported experiencing beatings.
They also faced sexual abuse.
The deportees described being kept in near-total isolation.
The issues occurred at the CECOT mega prison in El Salvador.
Hulk Hogan, a famous wrestler, won a legal case against Gawker Media in 2016 after the company published a private video of him. This case highlighted the balance between free speech and privacy rights in the internet era. It showed that even if something is true, publishing explicit content could invade someone's privacy.
Key Facts
Hulk Hogan's real name is Terry Bollea.
He sued Gawker Media after it published a video without his knowledge.
The video showed a private encounter and was accompanied by a detailed article.
A Florida jury awarded Hogan $140 million in the lawsuit.
Billionaire Peter Thiel supported Hogan's legal case.
The case led to Gawker Media's downfall and raised questions about privacy in the digital age.
Experts say the case did not change the law but influenced how media approaches privacy.
Before the internet, mainstream media had ethics that prevented them from publishing private matters.
Gunmen attacked a bar in El Empalme, Ecuador, killing 17 people, including a 12-year-old boy, and injuring 14 others. The attackers used pickup vehicles to fire weapons on the crowd and then targeted another group as they left. This incident is part of ongoing drug-related violence in the region.
Key Facts
17 people were killed, and 14 were injured in the shooting at La Clínica bar in El Empalme, Ecuador.
Among those killed was a 12-year-old boy, who ran over a kilometer before dying from gunshot wounds.
Police reported that the gunmen used pistols and rifles, in two pickup vehicles, to carry out the attack.
At least 40 pieces of ballistic, or bullet-related, evidence were found at the crime scene.
Witnesses heard the attackers mention "active wolves," possibly referring to a local gang involved in drug trafficking.
The shooting took place in the Guayas region, known for violence between drug gangs.
A similar incident occurred a week prior, with nine people killed in a bar in the same region.
Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has declared a fight against organized crime, with the nation's homicide rate rising to 38 per 100,000 people in 2024.
In the first five months of 2025, there were 4,051 homicides in Ecuador.
Nearly 75% of the world's cocaine passes through Ecuador, according to official statistics.
Two tropical storms, Hurricane Iona and Tropical Storm Keli, are moving southeast of Hawaii but are not expected to directly impact the islands. While the storms may cause some dry and windy conditions, they are likely to weaken and not pose a significant threat.
Key Facts
Hurricane Iona and Tropical Storm Keli are located southeast of Hawaii.
Hurricane Iona became a Category 1 hurricane quickly, with sustained winds of about 75 mph (120 kph).
Iona is moving west but is not expected to impact Hawaii directly.
Tropical Storm Keli has winds of 40 mph (65 kph) and is also moving west.
Both storms may strengthen slightly before weakening midweek.
No coastal watches or warnings are in effect for Hawaii.
The storms may cause dry and breezy conditions in Hawaii, but nothing severe is expected.
A separate large wave swell, coming from east of New Zealand, is expected to reach Hawaii soon.
A recent survey shows that more new CEOs are being hired on a short-term basis. In the first half of 2025, 33% of new CEOs were interim, a big jump from previous years.
Key Facts
33% of new CEOs in early 2025 were hired as interim, meaning temporary.
This is a significant increase from the 5% to 9% in past years.
The data comes from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a firm tracking CEO changes for over 20 years.
This trend is part of a broader move toward short-term executive roles in various company departments.
Many executives are opting for these temporary CEO positions after initially leaving jobs post-pandemic.
The concept of a 'CEO gig economy' suggests executives are choosing flexible, short-term roles.
Lawyers say that people held at an immigration detention center in Florida cannot meet with their lawyers and are being held without charges. They also say that some people have already been deported without hearings.
Key Facts
Lawyers are asking for a temporary order to stop certain actions at the detention center.
The center is in the Florida Everglades and is nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Detainees have reportedly been stopped from meeting their lawyers.
Some people are being held without any charges.
A federal court has canceled some bond hearings, which typically help decide if a detainee can be released while waiting for their case to be resolved.
Lawyers argue that these actions violate the constitutional rights of the detainees.
Around 100 detainees have already been deported from this center.
A 42-year-old man, Bradford James Gille, is facing terrorism and assault charges for allegedly stabbing 11 people at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan. The victims, whose ages range from 21 to 84, are all expected to survive, and the suspect was stopped by civilians and police at the scene.
Key Facts
The suspect's name is Bradford James Gille, and he is 42 years old.
He is charged with terrorism and assault with intent to murder.
The attack happened at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan.
11 people, including a Walmart employee, were stabbed.
The victims are between 21 and 84 years old and are expected to survive.
Civilians, including one armed person, helped stop the suspect in the parking lot.
Police arrested the suspect without any further issues.
The motive for the attack is still unclear, and the investigation is ongoing with the FBI's assistance.
The Jersey government has introduced two grants to assist residents facing financial difficulties. The Community Costs Bonus is designed for general cost-of-living expenses, and the Cold Weather Bonus is aimed at helping pensioners with heating costs. Eligibility depends on meeting certain residency and financial criteria.
Key Facts
Jersey's government has launched two grants for financial help: the Community Costs Bonus and the Cold Weather Bonus.
Eligible individuals can receive £516.50 from the Community Costs Bonus.
The Cold Weather Bonus amount varies based on how cold the temperatures are.
To apply for these bonuses, residents must wait to receive their 2024 tax liability.
The Community Costs Bonus is available to households with a 2024 tax liability of less than £2,735.
Applicants for the Community Costs Bonus must not have had an Income Support Claim open in the last week.
The Cold Weather Bonus requires the household to have someone aged 65 or older who gets an old age pension or has lived in Jersey continuously for 10 years.
Applicants or their spouse/partner must own or be responsible for a home lease to qualify for the Cold Weather Bonus.
The US is preparing a Qatari jumbo jet to be used as Air Force One for President Donald Trump. Qatar is donating the Boeing aircraft, which is worth $400 million, and the US will cover the costs to modify it. The donation has sparked criticism due to legal and ethical concerns regarding gifts from foreign governments.
Key Facts
The jet, a Boeing 747-8, is being donated by Qatar as a gift for use as Air Force One.
The aircraft is valued at $400 million, and the US government will pay for necessary modifications.
Critics from both political parties worry it could be seen as a "bribe" from a foreign country.
The White House states that accepting the plane complies with legal rules.
US law typically only allows officials to accept gifts valued under $480.
Security checks will be done to ensure the plane is free from surveillance devices.
The plan is to donate the plane to Trump's presidential library after he leaves office.
The cost to retrofit the plane is not yet known but expected to be high.
In Kenya, street protests led by the youth are happening as people question the government's actions and leadership. While protests are seen by some in the government as dangerous, they are a form of democratic expression where people come together to show their concerns.
Key Facts
Street protests in Kenya are partly due to dissatisfaction with government actions.
The Kenyan government views these protests as a threat to public order.
Youth, especially Generation Z, have been leading these peaceful protests for the past 16 months.
President William Ruto has expressed concerns about the impact of ongoing protests on the nation.
Some protestors have faced severe consequences, such as being charged with serious crimes.
The protests seek to challenge and change government policies and leadership.
Protestors have organized independently, offering support like legal aid and civic education.
The protests echo past movements from the 1990s that sought political reform in Kenya.
A large study found that making lifestyle changes like improving diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in brain training can boost mental abilities and slow down the aging process in the brain for older adults. The study involved over 2,100 people aged 60 to 79, showing significant improvement in thinking and memory for those who followed an intensive program.
Key Facts
The study included more than 2,100 people in their 60s and 70s.
Participants followed a two-year intensive program focused on diet, exercise, and brain training.
The study showed improved cognitive functions, similar to people 1-2 years younger.
It was conducted by the Alzheimer's Association and reported at an international conference.
A similar smaller study from Finland previously had consistent findings.
The POINTER study focused on people with a higher risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's.
The intensive program included aerobic exercise, a Mediterranean diet, and social activities.
Future plans include applying these lifestyle methods in the community, supported by further investment.
