Sam Rose, the acting director for the United Nations agency, UNRWA, in Gaza, mentioned that if Israel permits, the agency can deliver aid successfully, as it did in the past during a ceasefire.
Key Facts:
Sam Rose is the acting director for UNRWA in Gaza.
UNRWA is a United Nations agency that helps Palestinian refugees.
The agency has experience in delivering aid during ceasefires.
Sam Rose believes they can successfully deliver aid again if Israel allows it.
Israel's permission is needed for UNRWA to carry out aid delivery.
A new scam, called 'cyber kidnapping,' is affecting Chinese students globally, making them pretend they have been kidnapped to get ransom money. In separate incidents, students went missing in the United States and Australia but were later found safe.
Key Facts:
'Cyber kidnapping' scams target Chinese students worldwide.
Scammers pressure students into faking kidnappings to get ransom.
A 17-year-old student in the U.S. went missing in December 2023; his family received ransom demands.
He was later found hiding in the mountains of Utah.
A 22-year-old female student in Australia was reported missing; her family got distressing photos.
She was found unharmed within 24 hours.
The scams use advanced tricks to force students to participate.
Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina allegedly ordered security forces to use lethal force against student protesters, according to phone recordings accessed by Al Jazeera. Hasina resigned and fled to India after protests resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,400 people and injuries to over 20,000. The International Criminal Tribunal has charged Hasina and others with crimes against humanity, and a trial is set to begin.
Key Facts:
Secret phone recordings reportedly show Sheikh Hasina ordered police to use deadly force on student protesters.
The protests began over an unpopular job quota system that students felt was unfair.
Nearly 1,400 people died, and over 20,000 were injured during these protests.
Sheikh Hasina resigned and left Bangladesh for India amid the unrest.
The International Criminal Tribunal has indicted Hasina and others on charges of crimes against humanity.
The recordings were verified by audio experts to ensure they were not manipulated.
Hasina reportedly knew her calls were being recorded, as suggested by interactions in the recordings.
The protests intensified after the police shooting of a student protester in the city of Rangpur.
This article describes the experiences of a person whose life was dramatically changed by the outbreak of war in Gaza starting on October 7, 2023. The individual, who was preparing for graduation as an eye care professional, faced the destruction of their university and the need to flee their home. They later volunteered at a health center to help treat eye injuries and infections among people affected by the conflict.
Key Facts:
A war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, disrupting many lives, including the narrator's.
The narrator's university in Gaza was destroyed, affecting their education and plans for graduation.
Intense bombing forced the narrator and their family to flee their home for a humanitarian zone in Rafah.
Despite these challenges, the narrator used their knowledge of eye care to help others by volunteering at Al-Razi Health Center.
The center was overwhelmed with patients from across Gaza needing eye care.
Cases included severe injuries such as corneal burns, shrapnel wounds, and facial fractures, often requiring complex treatments.
The narrator highlighted a lack of resources and the inability to provide complete care due to the war and border closures.
British car and van production has reached its lowest level since 1953 for the first half of the year, partly due to the closure of Vauxhall's Luton plant and trade uncertainties. The UK signed a new trade deal with the US reducing tariffs, which raised hopes for recovery, but confusion remains over new electric vehicle grants, and production levels are not expected to reach previous highs soon.
Key Facts:
Car and van production in the UK is at its lowest since 1953, excluding the Covid shutdown.
Car production decreased by 7.3% in the first half of the year, while van production fell by 45%.
The closure of Vauxhall's Luton plant contributed significantly to the decline in van production.
A new UK-US tariff deal, reducing tariffs from 27.5% to 10%, became effective on June 30.
Production of electric and hybrid vehicles increased slightly, making up more than 40% of total vehicle output.
The UK government reintroduced electric vehicle grants worth up to £3,750 but did not clearly define eligibility criteria.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) does not expect production to return to 2021 levels by the end of the decade.
There is uncertainty about which vehicles will qualify for the new electric vehicle grants, impacting manufacturers.
Russian rescue teams have found the wreckage of a plane carrying 49 people that went missing in the Amur region, 10 miles from Tynda airport. The plane was an Angara airlines An-24 aircraft on its final approach when it disappeared from radar.
Key Facts:
The plane had 43 passengers and 6 crew members on board.
It disappeared 16 kilometers (10 miles) from its destination at Tynda airport.
The flight had taken off from Blagoveshchensk, near the Chinese border.
Five children were among the people on the plane.
The plane's wreckage was found burning on a hillside by a Russian civil aviation helicopter.
Rescuers are on their way to the site where the wreckage was found.
The An-24 was on the last part of a journey from Khabarovsk, located in Russia's far southeast.
Aparna Nancherla, a comedian, uses her personal experience with anxiety as part of her comedy routine. She appears in a new documentary called "Anxiety Club," which focuses on how anxiety affects many comedians, and it will be released on August 15.
Key Facts:
Aparna Nancherla is a stand-up comedian.
She incorporates her anxiety into her comedy performances.
A new documentary, "Anxiety Club," includes her experiences with anxiety.
"Anxiety Club" explores the common struggles comedians face with anxiety.
The documentary is scheduled for release on August 15.
Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, filed a lawsuit against Candace Owens, a US podcaster, for making false claims about them. They allege that Owens spread lies about Brigitte’s gender and their relationship, and they hope the lawsuit will stop the false statements.
Key Facts:
Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron have sued Candace Owens for defamation.
The lawsuit was filed in Delaware Superior Court and calls for a jury trial.
Candace Owens has a large following on X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.
The Macrons claim Owens made false statements in an eight-part YouTube and podcast series called "Becoming Brigitte."
The allegations include false claims that Brigitte Macron was born a man and that the Macrons are blood relatives.
The Macrons' lawyer's statement says they repeatedly asked Owens to retract her statements, but she refused.
Owens claimed the lawsuit is part of a strategy to damage her reputation.
Defamation cases in the US require proof that the defendant knew the claims were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
A charity called Little Village in London has run out of nappies and baby wipes for newborns across its hubs in Camden, Tooting, and Brent. They are asking for donations as they have been giving out more nappies this year due to rising demand.
Key Facts:
Little Village is a charity that supports babies and young children in London.
The charity has run out of nappies and baby wipes for newborn babies.
Their hubs in Camden, Tooting, Brent, and a warehouse in Wandsworth are all affected.
They supported 7,325 babies and children last year.
They supplied 64% more packs of nappies in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
On average, a newborn uses about 10 nappies a day, equating to around three packs a week.
Little Village is asking for donations of newborn nappies, size one nappies, and baby wipes.
Kanye West's former assistant, Lauren Pisciotta, has accused him of sexual harassment, assault, and other serious offenses. West denies all allegations, calling them "fantasy fiction." Pisciotta's lawyer states she is in hiding due to fear and distress as the case moves forward in court.
Key Facts:
Lauren Pisciotta worked for Kanye West starting in 2021.
She filed a lawsuit against West in June 2024 for sexual harassment and other claims.
Pisciotta's new claims include allegations of sex trafficking, stalking, assault, and rape.
West denies these allegations, referring to them as "fantasy fiction."
Pisciotta is currently in hiding and has removed much of her online presence.
The civil case is set to return to court in the United States next month.
Pisciotta alleges incidents of "swatting," where false reports led to police raids at her home.
She claims West exposed his employees to racist and antisemitic behavior and remarks.
Two former traders, Tom Hayes and Carlo Palombo, had their convictions for manipulating the Libor interest rates overturned after years of legal battles. This decision might lead other convicted traders to appeal, and there are calls for a public inquiry into the handling of these cases.
Key Facts:
Tom Hayes and Carlo Palombo were originally convicted for manipulating Libor, which is an interest rate used between banks.
Their convictions have been overturned after a lengthy legal process.
In the UK, people who have their convictions overturned can potentially get compensation, but it is not guaranteed.
Seven other traders convicted for similar activities are expected to appeal their cases.
Mr. Hayes and Mr. Palombo’s successful appeal might make it easier for others to appeal.
There are calls for a public inquiry into how these cases were managed and investigated.
Senior politicians have voiced support for investigating if banks’ senior managers ordered the rate manipulation.
The Serious Fraud Office used evidence from investigations led by the banks themselves.
The convictions of two former traders, Tom Hayes and Carlo Palombo, for manipulating interest rates known as Libor, have been overturned after a long legal struggle. This decision may lead to compensation claims and possibly pave the way for other traders to appeal their convictions related to the same scandal.
Key Facts:
Tom Hayes and Carlo Palombo had their convictions overturned for manipulating Libor interest rates.
Libor is a benchmark rate used for loans between banks.
In the UK, overturned convictions could lead to compensation, but it's not automatic.
Compensation depends on proving the conviction was "unsafe" and innocence beyond a reasonable doubt.
Other traders convicted of similar charges are expected to appeal.
Some senior politicians are calling for a public inquiry into the case.
A US court previously dismissed similar charges against other traders, leading to settlements.
Questions arise about how certain banks investigated themselves for these allegations.
Columbia University has agreed to pay $221 million to resolve claims from the Trump administration that it did not properly address anti-Semitism on campus. Part of the agreement involves Columbia regaining access to millions in federal grants. The university also commits to reforms to prevent future harassment against Jewish students.
Key Facts:
Columbia University will pay $221 million to settle claims of not addressing anti-Semitism well.
This includes a $200 million payment over three years to the federal government and a $21 million payment to settle other claims.
The settlement allows Columbia to access previously frozen federal grants.
Columbia commits to changes such as hiring more safety staff and changing disciplinary processes to avoid harassment against Jews.
Columbia will stick to merit-based admissions and stop programs that aim to achieve race-based outcomes or quotas.
The university disagrees with claims that it violated civil rights laws but acknowledges challenges with anti-Semitism.
The settlement was seen as a win for Trump’s push for more control over campus issues, like support for Palestine.
Nearly 80 Columbia students faced disciplinary action for participating in protests related to these issues.
Thai and Cambodian soldiers had a conflict at a disputed border area on Thursday. Each country accused the other of starting the fight. This incident has increased tensions, with past conflicts and diplomatic actions also heightening the situation.
Key Facts:
Thai and Cambodian troops clashed at their disputed border on Thursday.
The clashes occurred near the Khmer temple Ta Muen Thom.
Thailand claims Cambodian soldiers fired first, while Cambodia says its troops acted in self-defense.
A surveillance drone was sent by Cambodia before deploying heavily armed troops.
At least two Thai soldiers were reported injured in the clash.
Cambodian provinces were reportedly shelled, according to former leader Hun Sen.
Thailand is set to expel Cambodia's ambassador and recalled its own, following a landmine incident.
Recent armed clashes between the two countries have worsened their relations.
A part of the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is experiencing significant coral bleaching due to a "marine heatwave." The BBC's Katy Watson visited the area to explore whether it is possible to reverse the damage.
Key Facts:
Ningaloo Reef is located in Western Australia.
The reef is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Coral bleaching happens when corals lose the algae that give them color, often due to higher water temperatures.
The bleaching at Ningaloo Reef is part of what scientists term a "marine heatwave."
Coral reefs are important because they support a wide range of marine life and help protect shorelines from extreme weather.
The BBC investigated if the damage to the coral can be undone.
New rules in the UK will require pornographic websites to verify users' ages in a more secure way starting Friday. These rules, part of the Online Safety Act, aim to prevent children from accessing harmful content online. Users may need to provide personal ID, but there are concerns about privacy and ways people might bypass these checks using tools like VPNs.
Key Facts:
Websites with adult content in the UK must start checking users' ages more carefully.
These websites could face huge fines if they don't follow the new rules.
Ofcom suggests using credit cards, photo ID, or selfies to verify ages.
VPNs are tools that can help people avoid restrictions based on location, but their use is not encouraged for bypassing age checks.
Parents are advised to block or control VPN use to ensure children get protected under the Online Safety Act.
Experts say age verification methods are effective, though there are concerns about privacy and identity safety.
Some people worry about sharing personal information due to past data breaches.
There is a risk that an adult could help a child bypass the checks, similar to buying age-restricted items in a store.
At least 10 people, including firefighters and rescue workers, died in a wildfire in Turkiye's Eskisehir province. The fire trapped 24 firefighters, and some of them died despite being taken to hospitals. The wildfires in Turkiye are fueled by high temperatures and strong winds.
Key Facts:
A wildfire in Eskisehir province, Turkiye, killed at least 10 firefighters and rescue workers.
Authorities reported that 24 firefighters got trapped by the fire.
Winds changed direction, causing the fire to suddenly engulf the firefighters.
The fire injured 14 others who are still receiving medical care.
High temperatures and strong winds are making wildfires worse in central and western Turkiye.
Two prosecutors will investigate the incident.
Turkiye's President Erdogan expressed condolences to the victims’ families and praised their efforts.
The total number of deaths from wildfires in Turkiye this year is now at 13.
Trade deals between countries involve complex negotiations led by key negotiators from each side. Recent changes in the approach, including pressure from the US under President Trump, have affected the tone and manner in which these discussions are conducted.
Key Facts:
Trade deals are formal agreements between countries to govern trade practices.
Under President Trump, the US has used tariff threats to push countries into signing new trade deals.
Negotiations now often have a more defensive and combative tone compared to the past.
Each side of a negotiation appoints a chief negotiator and teams for specific topics like tariffs and regulations.
Negotiations can take years and involve long work hours to meet deadlines.
Building trust is crucial in negotiations, but each side protects its national interests.
External factors, like political and economic opposition, can influence the success of trade talks.
In the first half of the year, UK car and van production reached its lowest level since 1953, excluding the COVID-19 shutdown. Factors such as the closure of Vauxhall's van plant and uncertainty over US tariffs contributed to the decline. A new US-UK tariff deal and government electric vehicle (EV) grants aim to improve the situation.
Key Facts:
UK car and van production dropped to its lowest since 1953 in the first half of this year.
Car output decreased by 7.3%, and van production fell by 45%.
Uncertainty about US tariffs affected production, but a recent tariff deal may improve confidence.
The US-UK tariff deal, effective from June 30, reduces car tariffs from 27.5% to 10%.
The UK government introduced new electric vehicle grants, up to £3,750, for certain vehicles.
Confusion exists about which vehicles qualify for the new EV grants.
Electrified vehicle production, including battery and hybrid cars, rose by 1.8%.
SMMT reported a small rise in vehicle production in June following the tariff deal.
Tesla plans to introduce more affordable electric cars and aims to get approval for its self-driving software in Europe to boost its struggling business. The company has seen a decline in car deliveries and profits, and is facing challenges such as reduced U.S. government incentives for electric cars and competition from Chinese carmakers. Tesla's financial performance in the first half of the year reflects these challenges, with both revenue and profits declining.
Key Facts:
Tesla plans to launch cheaper car models, starting in June.
The company faces reduced U.S. government support for electric vehicles.
Tesla's profits fell by 16% and car deliveries dropped by 14% in the three months to June.
The company incurred $300 million in costs over the same period due to U.S. tariffs.
Tesla is seeking approval for its self-driving software in Europe, beginning with the Netherlands.
The firm's CEO, Elon Musk, has faced criticism for his political activities.
Tesla's shares have fallen about 30% from their peak last year.
