Six years after the big explosion at Beirut’s port, families of the victims are still waiting for justice. They want the truth about what happened and for those responsible to be held accountable.
Key Facts
The Beirut port blast happened six years ago.
Many people died and were affected by the explosion.
Families of the victims have been asking for justice.
There have been promises that an official charge (indictment) will happen soon.
Despite promises, no final justice or blame has been clearly established yet.
The families feel their grief has not been resolved because justice has been delayed.
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The United States and Iran, through Oman’s mediation, are close to reaching an agreement to reopen and ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route. Talks have been described as positive, with hopes of finalizing a deal soon, while broader diplomatic efforts continue in the region to reduce tensions.
Key Facts
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said progress has been made in talks involving Oman and Iran about the Strait of Hormuz.
The US Treasury Secretary said a deal could be reached very soon, possibly within a day or two.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson described the talks as positive but noted some differences remain.
The discussions focus on creating safe shipping lanes for boats passing through the strategic waterway.
Oman is acting as the mediator; the US is involved but Iran negotiates directly with Oman, not the US.
Other regional diplomacy is ongoing, including talks between US President Donald Trump and Qatar’s Emir, as well as potential talks involving Pakistan and Iran.
Security issues remain, highlighted by an Indian cargo ship sinking near Yemen and ongoing conflicts involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis.
Separate US-mediated negotiations are underway between Israel and Lebanon concerning border security and disarmament.
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A common type of plastic called polyethylene, used in many food packages, may contribute to fatty liver disease according to new research. The study found that polyethylene alone increased signs of the disease in mice and worsened it when combined with a high-fat, high-sugar diet.
Key Facts
Polyethylene is one of the most widely used plastics worldwide, often found in food packaging.
Researchers at Texas A&M University studied its effects on fatty liver disease.
Fatty liver disease happens when too much fat builds up in liver cells.
Exposure to polyethylene increased disease markers in mice.
The disease worsened more when mice ate a diet similar to a typical Western diet (high in fat and sugar).
Scientists used a technique called spatial transcriptomics to see how genes behaved in the liver tissue.
They found proteins and genes related to fat production and tissue repair were involved in the response to polyethylene.
Experts say the results are important but caution that more research is needed to know if the same effects happen in humans.
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Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, former FIFA vice president and head of the Jordanian football federation, accused FIFA, led by President Gianni Infantino, of withholding prize money owed to Jordan for reaching the final of the FIFA Arab Cup. Prince Ali called this withholding of funds a form of blackmail linked to political pressure for endorsement during the World Cup.
Key Facts
Prince Ali says Jordan has not received $4.2 million prize money for being runners-up in the 2023 FIFA Arab Cup.
He claims FIFA leadership, under President Infantino, used the unpaid money as leverage to seek political support.
During the World Cup, Prince Ali was told endorsing Infantino would help Jordan’s football association financially.
Prince Ali and Jordan refused to endorse Infantino, citing ethical reasons and rejecting what they call blackmail.
Infantino faces criticism and pressure over a failed plan to sell future World Cup profits to investors.
The controversial plan involved investors led by Joshua Kushner and was rejected by many FIFA members.
UEFA and other soccer groups are seeking alternatives to Infantino’s leadership amid this controversy.
Prince Ali served on FIFA’s executive committee and ran for FIFA president in 2016, finishing third.
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The Trump administration canceled the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to the U.S. in response to Brazil denying visas to two American diplomats and delaying approval of President Trump’s ambassador nominee to Brazil. The U.S. says Brazil’s actions were unfair, but the visa can be reinstated if Brazil agrees to accept Trump’s ambassador choice.
Key Facts
The Trump administration revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti.
Brazil had denied visas to two American diplomats who planned to visit before Brazil’s elections.
Brazil also delayed approving Danny Perez, Trump’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to Brazil.
The U.S. decision was meant to be a reciprocal action, responding to Brazil’s earlier moves.
Brazil’s ambassador is not being forced to leave the U.S. and may continue her duties if Brazil approves Perez.
Brazil’s election will be held on October 4, with President Lula da Silva running for reelection against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.
The Trump administration has other tensions with Brazil, including labeling major Brazilian drug gangs as terrorist groups.
Recently, the U.S. raised tariffs on many Brazilian exports, citing concerns about unfair competition and forced labor, claims Brazil denies.
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Russia and Ukraine accused each other of drone attacks that killed five people in their own countries. The conflict has involved strikes on civilians and infrastructure, raising concerns about humanitarian law and global food security.
Key Facts
Both Russia and Ukraine reported five civilian deaths from drone attacks on the same day.
Ukraine has used long-range drones to strike inside Russia, targeting oil and storage facilities.
More than 16,000 civilians have died in Ukraine since the war started, mostly in Ukrainian-controlled areas.
The United Nations and UNICEF have called for protection of children amid rising civilian casualties.
A Russian drone reportedly attacked a street vendor in Kherson, Ukraine, injuring him.
Drone attacks have killed 967 people and injured nearly 7,000 in Ukraine, including children.
A drone strike in the Russian Black Sea resort Arkhipo-Osipovka killed seven people, including four children.
Ukrainian drones caused fires and damage near Moscow and St. Petersburg, including attacks on warehouses.
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Wildfires are currently affecting many parts of Europe, including Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. High temperatures and long dry periods are making these fires spread quickly and burn strongly, challenging firefighters as they try to control the flames.
Key Facts
Wildfires are burning in multiple European countries at the same time.
Firefighters are working nonstop to stop the fires.
Hotter weather and extended droughts help fires spread faster.
Scientists warn these extreme weather events may become more common.
Experts believe these fires show the difficulties Europe will face with climate change.
The article included views from forest protection and climate experts from Europe and Australia.
The Copernicus Climate Change Service is monitoring the situation and related climate changes.
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Thousands of people in Gaza City held a mass funeral for 112 family members whose bodies were found under rubble almost three years after an Israeli air strike. The attack, which happened in 2023, killed many Palestinians and left families waiting for years to recover their loved ones’ remains.
Key Facts
The funeral took place in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood.
The recovered bodies belonged mainly to the Abu Shreia and al-Hassaina families.
112 bodies were found out of 153 people who had been missing after the 2023 air strike.
Lara Abu Shreia lost 14 family members, including her mother and eight siblings, in the strike.
Gaza’s Civil Defence estimates over 8,000 bodies remain under rubble in the region.
The mass funeral is described as the largest ever held in Gaza for such a tragedy.
Recovery teams worked for months to find and retrieve the remains.
The 2023 conflict has caused more than 73,370 Palestinian deaths overall.
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Kosovo authorities have found a third possible mass grave from the 1998-99 war. So far, remains of 11 people have been uncovered, and searches continue as the investigation into war crimes goes on.
Key Facts
A third potential mass grave site has been identified in Kosovo.
The remains of 11 people have been found so far.
The Kosovo war in 1998-99 led to over 10,000 deaths and more than one million displaced people.
Around 1,600 people are still missing according to Kosovo officials.
DNA testing is underway to identify the remains, but it could take months.
Kosovo police have arrested three local men suspected of war crimes.
Officials say the newly discovered remains may belong to 23 ethnic Albanians abducted and killed in 1999.
Kosovo’s acting President said Serbia is obstructing justice by hiding the truth and intimidating witnesses.
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A 13-year-old boy went missing while swimming off the coast of East Yorkshire near Hornsea. Emergency teams have launched a large search operation to find him.
Key Facts
The boy reportedly got into trouble while swimming near Hornsea, East Yorkshire.
Emergency services were alerted around 6:00 pm BST.
Rescue teams include Hornsea Inshore Rescue, HM Coastguard, and Humberside Police.
The RNLI’s Bridlington all-weather lifeboat joined the search.
Police have sent specialist search advisors, a Marine Unit, and drone pilots.
The search is ongoing and considered a high priority.
Public may see increased rescue activity in the area.
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Palestinian shop owners in Aaba village, located in the occupied West Bank, are taking apart their businesses after Israeli officials ordered their demolition. Local people say nearby Israeli settlement outposts have grown quickly near the village’s commercial area in recent months.
Key Facts
Palestinian shop owners in Aaba village are dismantling cafés, shops, and other businesses.
The dismantling follows demolition orders from Israeli authorities.
Aaba village is in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli settlement outposts have expanded rapidly near the village’s commercial center.
Residents reported this expansion happening over the past few months.
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Maritime pilots in Argentina have gone on strike to protest a new government rule that changes how river navigation is managed. The strike has stopped ships from moving through key grain ports, disrupting exports of products like soybeans, corn, and wheat, which are important to global food markets.
Key Facts
Argentina is a top exporter of soybeans, corn, and wheat, mainly shipping these through ports on the Paraná River.
Maritime pilots, who navigate ships through Argentina’s rivers and ports, started a strike after a decree was issued to deregulate river navigation services.
The decree was signed by Argentinian President Javier Milei to modernize and simplify rules around pilotage services.
The pilots’ union is concerned the decree could reduce demand for their services and threaten their jobs.
At least 45 ships were stuck due to the strike, with more expected to be affected if it continues.
Argentina’s coastguard ordered the pilots to return to work and warned of possible penalties.
The disruption affects a large part of the world’s grain supply.
Argentina recently ratified an EU-Mercosur trade deal that removes tariffs on most goods traded between the EU and South America.
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Iran is using the ongoing conflict with the United States to strengthen its role in the Middle East. It aims to gain permanent control over the Strait of Hormuz, an important passage for global oil and gas trade, and to be recognized as a major regional power.
Key Facts
Iran denies wanting nuclear weapons and focuses on political and military influence instead.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for oil and gas shipments that Iran wants to control.
Iran and Oman may soon create a system to collect fees from traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s goal is to make its control of the Strait a permanent, acknowledged fact in the region.
Iran’s alliances, called the Axis of Resistance, include groups in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq.
These allied groups have engaged in attacks against U.S. and Israeli interests.
Iran now treats attacks on its allies as attacks on itself and promises strong responses.
Iran seeks formal security guarantees and regional power status amid ongoing Middle East conflicts.
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Ghana's parliament has passed a law to punish people who sell or change land used for growing cocoa, the country's main crop, with up to 20 years in jail. This law aims to protect cocoa farming land and support the country's cocoa industry.
Key Facts
Ghana's parliament introduced strict penalties for selling or repurposing cocoa farmland.
People who misuse cocoa land could face up to 20 years in prison.
Cocoa is Ghana’s most important crop and a key part of the economy.
The law is meant to prevent farmers and landowners from losing cocoa-producing land.
The new rules reflect the government's effort to support and protect cocoa farming.
The announcement was part of a broader news program covering African current events.
Similar news included DR Congo opening a large Ebola treatment center and a new Rwandan film boosting the country's cinema.
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Guatemala’s Fuego volcano erupted on Monday, causing the government to issue an orange alert and evacuate two nearby villages. Residents were moved to temporary shelters as a precaution due to the volcano’s past deadly eruption in 2018.
Key Facts
The Fuego volcano in Guatemala erupted on Monday.
Authorities issued an orange alert, which signals a high level of danger.
Two villages close to the volcano were evacuated as a safety measure.
Residents from these villages were taken to temporary shelters.
The volcano is highly active and had a deadly eruption in 2018.
Preventive actions were taken because of the volcano’s history.
The eruption led to nationwide alerts and safety efforts.
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The Red Cross warns that Sudan’s humanitarian crisis is worsening due to ongoing fighting between the military and a paramilitary group. Millions of people need help, but aid funding is too low, and many have been forced to leave their homes. The UN and other groups are trying to restart peace talks to end the conflict.
Key Facts
Fighting in Sudan began in April 2023 between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
At least 59,000 people have died, though the actual number may be much higher.
About 35 million people need humanitarian aid in Sudan.
More than 9 million people are displaced inside Sudan, and 4.5 million have fled the country.
Many areas, including Khartoum, face shortages of electricity, clean water, and healthcare.
The Sudanese army is pushing to defeat the RSF by the end of the year.
The UN and international groups are working with Sudanese political leaders to restart peace efforts.
The UN Envoy is in talks with RSF leadership to reduce fighting and promote peace.
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Egyptian authorities arrested several people involved in a scam where fake judges tricked people out of money. The suspects pretended to be judges, staged fake court scenes, and claimed they could provide government housing.
Key Facts
Egyptian police detained an unemployed man and a student as main suspects in the scam.
The suspects formed a criminal gang to take money by pretending to be judges.
They faked court scenes and used social media to pose as judges.
Police seized a firearm, a judicial sash, and fake judge ID cards from the main suspect.
The suspects admitted to filming inside a courthouse to appear more convincing.
Several court employees were also questioned for possibly helping in the scam.
The case was referred to a fast criminal trial by Egyptian authorities.
The scam was uncovered after a victim reported being defrauded by a fake judge.
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The Danube River in Europe has dropped to record low levels due to drought and extreme heat, revealing sunken World War II German warships and ancient woolly mammoth bones. These low water levels have caused problems for power plants and shipping along the river, which flows through ten countries.
Key Facts
The Danube River is the second longest river in Europe.
Low water levels have exposed Nazi German warships sunk in 1944 to slow the Soviet advance.
Around 20 shipwrecks are now visible near the Serbian port of Prahovo.
Some ships still contain explosives, making removal difficult.
The low water levels have nearly stopped large ship traffic on the river.
Drought and heat linked to global warming are causing these record lows.
Ancient woolly mammoth bones were discovered near Ruse, Bulgaria, as the river dried up.
The mammoth remains include a jawbone, tusk fragments, and leg bones from a young animal.
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A 10-year-old boy named Nathaniel Rai was rescued from strong waves at a California beach by a 16-year-old lifeguard named Ryder Williams. Nathaniel does not remember the rescue but is grateful to the lifeguard who saved his life during a rough surf incident at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz.
Key Facts
Nathaniel Rai was on vacation with his mother at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California, on July 25, 2026.
A large wave knocked Nathaniel off his feet in ankle-deep water, and he lost consciousness during the incident.
Lifeguard Ryder Williams held tightly to Nathaniel as they were hit by multiple waves before a second lifeguard helped bring them safely to shore.
Nathaniel does not remember the rescue and only recalls lifeguards grabbing him after he was unconscious.
Nathaniel watched the rescue video and is amazed by the strength of the waves and the bravery of the lifeguards.
Nathaniel had minor injuries like a bruise and a sore back, and had difficulty breathing for a few days but is now recovering well.
Nathaniel’s father said Nathaniel was very close to being swept far out to sea, which could have prevented rescue.
Nathaniel and his father met the lifeguard and discovered they share several common interests.
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A large oil spill is growing near Oman, caused by a grounded tanker that is under U.K. sanctions. Satellite images show the spill has expanded quickly, affecting the coast and marine wildlife in the area.
Key Facts
The tanker Caroline Bezengi is grounded near Qibliyah Island off the coast of Oman.
The spill has grown from about 20 square kilometers to around 150 square kilometers in one week.
The tanker is sanctioned by the U.K., EU, Canada, and Switzerland because it is linked to Russian oil exports.
The spill is reaching shorelines and spreading far into the Arabian Sea, a protected marine area.
Wildlife possibly affected includes endangered petrels and the rare Arabian Sea humpback whale.
The tanker has been grounded since June after an explosion was reported on board.
The oil spill poses ongoing environmental risks and highlights concerns about Russia’s "shadow fleet."
Experts estimate the tanker carried over 800,000 barrels of crude oil.
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