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Greece battles major wildfires amid persistent heatwave

Greece battles major wildfires amid persistent heatwave

July 27, 2025
Greek emergency services are working to control wildfires across the country during a severe heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit). Fires are most active in the Peloponnese, near Athens, and on the islands of Evia and Kythera. Authorities have issued evacuation orders and warned of an extreme fire risk due to hot, dry, and windy conditions.

Key Facts:

  • Wildfires are ongoing in several areas, including the Peloponnese, Evia, and Kythera.
  • A heatwave has caused temperatures to rise above 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit).
  • Officials have evacuated the village of Drosopigi near Athens due to nearby fires.
  • The risk of wildfires is at the highest level on the national scale, known as Category 5.
  • About 100 firefighters are working on the fire near Drosopigi, using vehicles and aircraft.
  • Strong winds are worsening the fires, making them spread quickly.
  • Greece has asked for help from the European Union to manage the situation.
  • Two firefighters were hospitalized with minor injuries, and two fire engines were destroyed.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
'Hell on Earth': Venezuelans deported to El Salvador mega-prison tell of brutal abuse

'Hell on Earth': Venezuelans deported to El Salvador mega-prison tell of brutal abuse

July 27, 2025
Venezuelan migrants, including Carlos Daniel Terán, were transferred to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador after the U.S. accused them of being part of a Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua. The detainees reported harsh conditions and abuse during their imprisonment before being released as part of a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Venezuela.

Key Facts:

  • Venezuelan migrants were sent to El Salvador’s maximum-security prison, CECOT, after being accused by the U.S. of gang affiliation.
  • Carlos Daniel Terán, one of the detainees, recalls harsh words from a prison warden and harsh prison conditions.
  • Under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, the migrants were deported without evidence of their alleged membership in the gang.
  • Terán and others spent months without being able to contact their families or lawyers.
  • Over 250 Venezuelan detainees were released during a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Venezuela.
  • Detainees described facing violence, sexual abuse, and poor living conditions such as inadequate food and no air conditioning.
  • Carlos Terán, who entered the U.S. legally, did not have a criminal record in the U.S. and denied any gang affiliation.
  • Prisoners endured unsanitary conditions with limited access to bathing facilities and slept on metal planks without bedding.

Source Information

NPR Home
Plans for pubs to get greater protection from noise complaints

Plans for pubs to get greater protection from noise complaints

July 27, 2025
Proposed changes in planning and licensing rules in England and Wales aim to protect pubs and music venues from noise complaints. The changes suggest developers soundproof new buildings near existing venues and speed up permissions for outdoor dining and new businesses. The government wants to make it easier to open new bars and support the pub industry.

Key Facts:

  • New rules propose that developers soundproof buildings near existing pubs and music venues.
  • The government plans to speed up permissions for outdoor dining and new businesses.
  • The goal is to support pubs and promote new bar openings, especially in empty shops.
  • The British Beer and Pub Association reported a steady decrease in the number of pubs since 2000.
  • Noise complaints have threatened pubs, leading to campaigns and legal battles.
  • Recently, the pub chain Brewdog announced the closure of 10 bars due to economic pressures.
  • A government consultation has been launched to discuss these rule changes.

Source Information

BBC Business
More air fryers to be handed out to pensioners

More air fryers to be handed out to pensioners

July 27, 2025
North Lincolnshire Council is giving more air fryers to pensioners to help them save on household costs. Last winter, they distributed 8,000 appliances as part of a government-funded program.

Key Facts:

  • North Lincolnshire Council will distribute air fryers to pensioners.
  • Last winter, the council gave out 8,000 appliances, including 6,000 air fryers.
  • The program was funded by a £2.3 million grant from the Household Support Fund.
  • The council spent over £650,000 on these energy-saving appliances.
  • Eligible pensioners can also apply for slow-cookers and one-cup kettles.
  • Pensioners can register online or at community centres for these devices.
  • Distribution of the devices will begin in September.

Source Information

BBC Business
This was the week that comedy pushed back

This was the week that comedy pushed back

July 27, 2025
This week, comedian Jon Stewart and the creators of "South Park" responded strongly to CBS's upcoming cancellation of "The Late Show" with Stephen Colbert, which is set for May 2026. Their shows, both airing on Paramount's networks, criticized the decision, suggesting it might have been influenced by Paramount's recent $8 billion merger with Skydance and political pressures.

Key Facts:

  • Paramount-owned CBS announced the cancellation of "The Late Show" with Stephen Colbert, effective in May 2026.
  • The announcement happened shortly after federal regulators approved Paramount's $8 billion merger with Skydance.
  • Jon Stewart criticized the decision on "The Daily Show," suggesting political pressures may have played a role.
  • "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone released a new episode mocking political and cultural issues, including the cancellation.
  • The "South Park" episode was part of a new deal with Paramount for $1.5 billion over five years.
  • The episode featured satire of political figures, including depictions of President Trump.
  • At Comic-Con, Parker and Stone humorously addressed potential backlash from the White House.

Source Information

NPR Home
Greece battles wildfires, evacuating residents near Athens

Greece battles wildfires, evacuating residents near Athens

July 27, 2025
Greece is dealing with five large wildfires that have forced people to leave their homes, especially near Athens. The fires are fueled by high winds and a heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 44°C. Greece has asked for help from the European Union to control the fires.

Key Facts:

  • Five large wildfires are burning across Greece, affecting areas north of Athens.
  • Residents have been evacuated, and emergency services are fighting the fires with helicopters and water-bombing planes.
  • A heatwave, with temperatures up to 44°C, and strong winds are making the fires worse.
  • Greece has asked the European Union for more firefighting aircraft.
  • In the Attica region, fires spread quickly due to high winds, damaging forests and properties.
  • On the island of Evia, fires destroyed power lines, leaving villages without electricity.
  • In Kythira, several people were evacuated from a beach due to the fire.
  • Additional wildfires are burning in areas like Messinia and Crete, forcing more evacuations.

Source Information

BBC World
Eleven injured in stabbing at Michigan Walmart, authorities say

Eleven injured in stabbing at Michigan Walmart, authorities say

July 27, 2025
At least 11 people were hurt in a stabbing at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan. Police have arrested a suspect, and local hospitals are treating the injured. The suspect used a folding knife, and the attack is believed to be random.

Key Facts:

  • 11 people were injured in a stabbing at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan.
  • The suspect was arrested by police.
  • Local hospitals reported treating 11 victims from the stabbing.
  • Some victims needed surgery due to their injuries.
  • The Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case.
  • The suspect used a folding knife in the attack.
  • Authorities described the attack as random.
  • The FBI is helping local police with the investigation.

Source Information

BBC US

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A man accused of stabbing 11 people at a Walmart is in Michigan authorities' custody

A man accused of stabbing 11 people at a Walmart is in Michigan authorities' custody

July 27, 2025
A 42-year-old man stabbed 11 people at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan. Six of the victims are in critical condition, and the suspect is in police custody. Authorities are investigating the incident, described as a random act of violence.

Key Facts:

  • 11 people were stabbed at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan.
  • The stabbing occurred around 4:45 p.m. on Saturday.
  • The suspect is a 42-year-old man who used a folding knife.
  • Six victims are in critical condition, and five are in serious condition.
  • A sheriff's deputy and store patrons helped to apprehend the suspect.
  • The police have custody of the suspect, who is believed to be a Michigan resident.
  • Authorities and first responders are investigating at the scene.
  • Walmart is cooperating with law enforcement for the investigation.

Source Information

NPR National
De Ridder beats Whittaker in middleweight fight at UFC Abu Dhabi

De Ridder beats Whittaker in middleweight fight at UFC Abu Dhabi

July 27, 2025
Reinier de Ridder won a close fight against Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi by split decision. De Ridder landed more strikes during the fight, helping him win the judges' votes. After his win, de Ridder asked for a title shot against the future middleweight champion.

Key Facts:

  • Reinier de Ridder defeated Robert Whittaker by split decision at UFC Abu Dhabi.
  • Two judges scored the fight 48-47 for de Ridder, and one scored it 48-47 for Whittaker.
  • De Ridder landed 169 total strikes, while Whittaker landed 100.
  • De Ridder's record is now 21 wins and 2 losses.
  • Robert Whittaker has lost two fights in a row and three of his last five fights.
  • De Ridder aims for a middleweight title shot against the winner of Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev.
  • In the same event, Petr Yan won against Marcus McGhee by unanimous decision.
  • Shara Magomedov won against Marc-Andre Barriault by unanimous decision after his first professional loss.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Nigeria beat Morocco to claim WAFCON title and complete Mission X

Nigeria beat Morocco to claim WAFCON title and complete Mission X

July 26, 2025
Nigeria won the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Morocco 3-2 with a late goal by Jennifer Echegini. This victory marked Nigeria's 10th win in 13 editions of the tournament. In a separate match, Ghana secured third place by beating South Africa in a penalty shootout.

Key Facts:

  • Nigeria beat Morocco 3-2 to win the Women's Africa Cup of Nations final.
  • Jennifer Echegini scored the winning goal in the 88th minute.
  • This win is Nigeria's 10th title in the tournament’s history.
  • Morocco initially led 2-0 but conceded three goals in the second half.
  • Esther Okoronkwo scored and assisted two goals for Nigeria.
  • Ghana defeated South Africa to finish third after a penalty shootout.
  • The next Women's Africa Cup of Nations will be in March 2026 in Morocco.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Pubs and venues to be protected from noise complaints

Pubs and venues to be protected from noise complaints

July 26, 2025
Changes in licensing rules are planned to protect pubs and music venues from noise complaints. Developers will need to add soundproofing when building near these venues, and there will be faster approvals for new businesses and outdoor areas. The government aims for these changes to help open new bars and promote activities like outdoor drinking and live performances.

Key Facts:

  • New rules will protect pubs and venues from noise complaints.
  • Developers must soundproof new buildings near music venues.
  • Approvals for new venues and outdoor spaces will be faster.
  • These changes aim to help open new bars in unused shops.
  • The government hopes this will support outdoor dining and live shows.
  • The pub industry has been shrinking, with many closures each year.
  • A reported 378 pubs are expected to close in the UK in 2025.
  • A major pub chain, Brewdog, is closing 10 bars due to rising costs and regulations.

Source Information

BBC Business
EE says latest outage fixed after 'technical fault'

EE says latest outage fixed after 'technical fault'

July 26, 2025
EE, a mobile service provider, fixed a technical problem that had stopped some customers from making or receiving calls. Although maintenance work was done, some users still reported issues with their phone service. BT, the owner of EE, has apologized and is monitoring the situation closely.

Key Facts:

  • EE fixed a technical issue that affected customers' ability to make or receive calls.
  • The problem affected both mobile and landline phones.
  • The network conducted maintenance work overnight to address the issue.
  • Despite the fix, some users continued to experience difficulties.
  • The issue affected a wide range of customers, including elderly users relying on daily calls.
  • BT, which owns EE, apologized for the outage and is monitoring the situation to prevent future problems.
  • Earlier issues prevented customers from making calls, including to emergency services (999).

Source Information

BBC Tech
Insurance giant says most US customer data stolen in cyber-attack

Insurance giant says most US customer data stolen in cyber-attack

July 26, 2025
Hackers stole personal information from most of Allianz Life's 1.4 million North American customers through a cyber-attack. The company said the hackers accessed a cloud-based system using a method called social engineering, where people are tricked into giving away sensitive data.

Key Facts:

  • Hackers accessed personal data of Allianz Life's North American customers.
  • The breach involved a third-party cloud-based system, not Allianz's internal systems.
  • Allianz reported the breach to the FBI and took steps to control it.
  • Allianz stated their internal network, including the policy system, was not accessed.
  • The company is contacting affected individuals to help them.
  • Allianz Life has 1.4 million customers, part of over 125 million global customers.
  • Social engineering involves tricking people to reveal confidential information by posing as trustworthy entities.

Source Information

BBC World
Bowen: Air dropping aid is an act of desperation that won't end hunger in Gaza

Bowen: Air dropping aid is an act of desperation that won't end hunger in Gaza

July 26, 2025
Israel has proposed air-dropping aid in Gaza, which some countries and organizations criticize as insufficient to address the crisis. Allies like Britain, France, and Germany urge Israel to allow more aid into the region, asserting that current restrictions are contributing to severe shortages.

Key Facts:

  • Israel has offered to allow air drops of aid into Gaza.
  • Countries like Britain, France, and Germany are urging Israel to lift restrictions on aid entry to Gaza.
  • Israel states there are no restrictions on aid trucks entering Gaza, but this is disputed by allies and the UN.
  • Air dropping aid typically happens when no other delivery methods are possible, but it is less effective compared to ground deliveries.
  • Previous air drops in other conflicts have had limited success and sometimes led to dangerous situations.
  • A significant portion of Gaza's population is experiencing severe food shortages, according to the UN.
  • Gaza is heavily populated, making precise air drops challenging and potentially dangerous.

Source Information

BBC World
Southwest aircraft takes a dive to avoid midair collision

Southwest aircraft takes a dive to avoid midair collision

July 26, 2025
A Southwest Airlines flight from Hollywood Burbank Airport to Las Vegas dropped nearly 500 feet shortly after takeoff to avoid a potential midair collision. The plane was responding to alerts about another aircraft in the same airspace. No passengers were injured, but a flight attendant received minor injuries, and the flight continued to Las Vegas without further issues.

Key Facts:

  • A Southwest Airlines flight had a near-miss with another aircraft on its way to Las Vegas.
  • The incident occurred after taking off from Hollywood Burbank Airport.
  • The plane had to drop almost 500 feet to avoid a collision.
  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident.
  • Flight tracking data showed the plane was at 14,100 feet and dropped to 13,600 feet.
  • No passengers were injured, but one flight attendant had minor injuries.
  • The flight landed safely in Las Vegas.

Source Information

NPR Home
Gaza aid site offered a 'women only' day. It didn't stop the killing

Gaza aid site offered a 'women only' day. It didn't stop the killing

July 26, 2025
A food aid distribution event in Gaza, designated for women only, ended in violence. Two women were killed, including Mary Sheikh al-Eid, when chaos erupted at the aid site, causing Israeli troops and security to use force on the gathering crowd.

Key Facts:

  • The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) organized a women-only food aid distribution in Gaza.
  • The event was shared on social media, encouraging only women to attend for safety reasons.
  • Mary Sheikh al-Eid went to the aid site to get food for her family after her husband was killed in the war.
  • The aid distribution site became chaotic, leading security to use pepper spray and stun grenades.
  • During the chaos, Mary Sheikh al-Eid was shot and later died from her injuries.
  • Over 1,000 Palestinians have died since May near GHF distribution sites and other aid convoys.
  • Israel says its forces use "warning shots" and blames Hamas for creating chaos at aid sites.
  • A former US soldier witnessed what he described as excessive force used against civilians at these sites.

Source Information

BBC World
5 things to know about Gaza’s worsening food crisis

5 things to know about Gaza’s worsening food crisis

July 26, 2025
In Gaza, hunger is worsening as nearly two million people struggle due to a lack of aid. Many deaths have been linked to malnutrition and attempts to obtain food in dangerous conditions. International groups call for Israel to allow more aid, but delivery remains limited and closely monitored.

Key Facts:

  • Nearly two million people in Gaza face severe hunger due to being cut off from aid.
  • Hundreds of deaths are attributed to malnutrition or attempts to get food.
  • The current aid operations are primarily conducted by one U.S. group under Israel's supervision.
  • The U.N. and local health officials report the worst humanitarian situation since the conflict began in October 2023.
  • Israeli authorities have argued aid is misused by Hamas, affecting aid delivery.
  • Misinformation and limitations on media coverage complicate understanding the exact situation in Gaza.
  • Hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed, with many staff fainting from hunger.
  • The U.N. reports over 1,000 deaths linked to food access issues and starvation risks for one million children in Gaza.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
UK to airdrop aid in Gaza, evacuate children needing medical care

UK to airdrop aid in Gaza, evacuate children needing medical care

July 26, 2025
The UK is planning with Jordan to send aid by air and help evacuate children needing medical care in Gaza. This comes as reports of starvation-related deaths, including many children, are increasing due to the ongoing conflict. Criticism of the UK government is growing over its actions regarding the situation in Gaza, with public protests and debates over arms sales adding pressure.

Key Facts:

  • The UK is working with Jordan to plan airdrops of aid into Gaza and evacuate children who need medical help.
  • Two infants recently died from malnutrition in Gaza, with the total number of starvation deaths now at 127, including 85 children.
  • UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed plans for a ceasefire and lasting peace in a call with France and Germany.
  • Public protests in the UK have been ongoing, with many criticizing the government's response to the crisis in Gaza.
  • More than 200 UK parliamentarians have urged the Prime Minister to recognize a Palestinian state.
  • Reports suggest the UK may still be exporting military items to Israel despite claims of halting these sales.
  • The UN’s refugee agency head, Philippe Lazzarini, criticized aid airdrops as costly and potentially harmful, advocating instead for ending the blockade on Gaza.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Hackers steal images from women's dating safety app that vets men

Hackers steal images from women's dating safety app that vets men

July 26, 2025
Hackers accessed private data from a dating safety app called Tea, which is used by women to check men's backgrounds and share safety tips. The breach exposed thousands of images, some of which were meant to be deleted for security purposes. The company is taking steps to address the breach with cybersecurity experts.

Key Facts:

  • Hackers accessed 72,000 images from the Tea app, which is designed to help women vet potential partners.
  • Some of the images included photos with identification used for verifying users' identities.
  • The breach affected app users who joined before February 2024.
  • Tea's app lets women check if men are married or sex offenders and share experiences to avoid risky situations.
  • 59,000 additional images showing posts, comments, and messages from over two years ago were also accessed.
  • The company is working with cybersecurity experts to secure the app.
  • Tea was created in November 2022 by Sean Cook, inspired by his mother's online dating experiences.
  • The app faced criticism for potentially risking men's privacy and defamation.

Source Information

BBC World
“Every single person in Gaza is starving”

“Every single person in Gaza is starving”

July 26, 2025
The Israeli blockade has resulted in a severe hunger crisis in Gaza. Palestinian journalists are working to highlight this situation, despite the risks to their own safety.

Key Facts:

  • Gaza is facing a hunger crisis due to an Israeli blockade.
  • This blockade limits the flow of aid, leading to food shortages.
  • Palestinian journalists report on this situation, risking their lives.
  • Some believe starvation is being used deliberately to harm people.
  • Contributors to the discussion include a human rights lawyer and a health advisor.
  • The article also mentions nationalism in Iran following a war with Israel.
  • In Ghana, journalists covering illegal gold mining face dangerous challenges.

Source Information

Al Jazeera