Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has started his campaign for a fourth term in the upcoming October election. His campaign focuses on Brazil's sovereignty, highlighting issues like new tariffs from the United States, while he faces challenges due to voter fatigue after many years in politics.
Key Facts
President Lula is running for his fourth term in Brazil's October 2026 election.
Recent polls show Lula leading over far-right candidate Flavio Bolsonaro.
Lula's campaign message centers on Brazil's sovereignty and independence.
The campaign responds to new tariffs imposed by the U.S. government.
Lula has been involved in Brazilian politics for several decades.
Voter fatigue is a concern because of his long political career.
The election is expected to be closely contested.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russian planes dropped eight glide bombs on the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, killing one person and injuring dozens. The attack damaged 22 apartment buildings, and Ukraine’s regional chief warned that the country lacks effective defenses against these bombs.
Key Facts
Russian planes attacked Zaporizhzhia with eight glide bombs over 90 minutes.
One 71-year-old woman was killed, and 31 people, including a teenager, were wounded.
The bombs damaged 22 apartment buildings in four city districts.
Glide bombs are Soviet-era weapons updated with modern guidance and carry large explosives.
Ukraine urgently asks for more U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems to stop ballistic missiles.
President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on allowing Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles.
Russian forces launched 181 long-range drones; Ukrainian defenses intercepted most but some caused damage.
Russia reported attacking cargo ships carrying supplies to Ukrainian forces in the Black Sea.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Wildfires have destroyed at least 600 buildings in Washington state, including in the city of Spokane. The fires are fueled by dry and hot weather, causing large areas of land to burn.
Key Facts
At least 600 buildings have burned down in Washington state wildfires.
One of the fires affected Spokane, the state's second-largest city.
There are 15 active wildfires currently burning in the state.
Over 1,000 square kilometers of land have been burned this fire season.
Hot and dry weather conditions have made this summer’s fires worse.
Wildfires are spreading quickly and causing significant damage.
Firefighters and emergency services are working to control the fires.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s detained former leader, has met with a representative from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The meeting comes after years of uncertainty about her health and location following the military coup in 2021.
Key Facts
Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained since the military coup ousted her government in February 2021.
The military government has claimed she is in good health, but independent verification was lacking.
The ICRC visited Aung San Suu Kyi in Naypyidaw and confirmed the meeting followed its standard procedures.
The visit allowed Aung San Suu Kyi to communicate privately with the ICRC representative.
Photographs were released showing her during the visit, dressed in traditional Burmese clothes.
The military-backed government moved her to house arrest after a disputed election in April 2023.
Regional groups like ASEAN have requested access to verify her condition, but the military was initially reluctant.
The National Unity Government, opposing the military regime, demands her unconditional release.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Large wildfires have been burning in parts of France and Spain, causing people to evacuate and filling the sky with smoke. Firefighters from different European countries are working to control the fires, while experts warn that hotter weather increases the chance of more wildfires.
Key Facts
Wildfires have affected the Gironde region and the Var department in southwest France.
France is dealing with its largest wildfire since 1949, which is now under control but not fully out.
Central Spain has seen large fires near Madrid, but the situation is improving and some evacuees have returned home.
New fire outbreaks continue in other Spanish provinces such as Leon and Caceres.
Firefighters from across Europe are helping to fight the fires.
Europe is the fastest-warming continent, making the region hotter and drier.
Rising temperatures, drought, and strong winds increase the risk of wildfires in southern Europe.
The number of days with dangerous conditions for fires in summer has more than doubled since the early 1980s.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Nearly 700,000 euros in cash were found washed up on a beach in Sicily, Italy. Two men were arrested in connection with the money, and a third person is still being sought by authorities.
Key Facts
The money was found in bags containing small denomination banknotes.
The total amount discovered was nearly 700,000 euros.
The cash washed ashore on a beach in Sicily.
Two men have been arrested related to the incident.
A third suspect remains at large.
Italian authorities have seized the money.
The incident surprised holidaymakers who found the cash on the beach.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A strong earthquake hit Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Japan on July 28, causing 38 deaths and widespread damage. Cleanup and recovery efforts are underway amid extreme heat and water shortages, with thousands of people staying in temporary shelters or outside.
Key Facts
The earthquake measured magnitude 7.1 and struck Kumamoto on Japan’s main island of Kyushu.
38 people have died, including one person from heat stroke while sheltering in a car.
Over 46,000 households remain without water, and many face fuel shortages.
High temperatures near 40°C (104°F) have made recovery more difficult.
More than 8,500 people are living in crowded shelters often without air conditioning.
Temporary housing construction began in affected towns like Uki and Hikawa.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited the disaster area for the first time since the quake.
An explosion in a collapsed shopping mall killed two employees who were told to return inside to secure money, leading to company apologies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Paparo, warned that China and others are using pressure and false legal claims to disrupt stability in the Indo-Pacific region. He said the U.S. will not allow any country to control this area and supports freedom of navigation and peaceful dispute resolution.
Key Facts
Admiral Samuel Paparo spoke at a security conference in Malaysia about challenges to peace in the Indo-Pacific.
He criticized some nations for using law as a tool for power rather than fairness.
Tensions remain high in the South China Sea, where China’s claims conflict with several Southeast Asian countries, especially the Philippines.
The Philippines has accused China of aggressive actions like blocking supplies and water cannon attacks; China denies these claims.
The U.S. supports freedom of navigation and the rights of all countries to operate legally in the region.
Admiral Paparo emphasized that the U.S. deters China by showing strength, not by seeking confrontation.
The Philippine Defense Secretary expressed concern about China’s growing military actions, including missile tests.
Talks between ASEAN and China to finalize a code of conduct for the South China Sea have made good progress and are expected to finish this year.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A drone strike by the Sudanese army hit a civil court building in Darfur, Sudan, killing at least 35 people, according to a human rights group. The strike targeted a civilian facility, which could violate international law, and the conflict in Sudan has caused tens of thousands of deaths since April 2023.
Key Facts
The drone attack targeted the civil court headquarters in Al-Zawiya Gara village, North Darfur.
At least 35 people died in the strike, according to Emergency Lawyers, a rights group.
The civil court serves an important social and judicial role in the region.
Attacking civilian sites is considered a serious violation of international law.
Sudan’s conflict began in April 2023 between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese military.
The conflict has caused at least 59,000 deaths, with some estimates much higher.
Drone attacks are common and are now the main cause of civilian deaths in Sudan.
The Sudanese army has not responded to requests for comment on the strike.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said the US and Israel agreed to pause further military strikes on Iran if a quick deal to end the conflict is reached. Iran denied that such an agreement was made, creating uncertainty about whether peace talks are closer.
Key Facts
The US and Israel have agreed to stop additional attacks on Iran temporarily.
This pause depends on reaching a fast agreement to end the conflict.
President Trump announced the pause after weeks of increasing violence.
Recently, Trump had warned Iran it would face strong military action.
Iran denied there is any pause agreement with the US and Israel.
This denial raises doubts about progress in diplomatic efforts.
The situation follows a period of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The developments relate to ongoing conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the US.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Summers in Europe are becoming hotter and more dangerous with frequent heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires. These changes are harming water supply, agriculture, forests, and people’s daily lives across many countries.
Key Facts
Temperatures in places like Prague have reached nearly 40°C (104°F), which is now more common.
Heatwaves in May and June raised temperatures by over 10°C (18°F) above normal in parts of France, the UK, and Spain.
Wildfires in southern Europe start earlier, last longer, and have burned nearly 1 million hectares of land, about twice the usual amount.
Wildfires can create their own weather, such as strong winds and lightning, which spread fires further.
Hotter temperatures increase evaporation, causing lower river levels and less water for drinking, farming, and energy.
Rivers like the Rhine, Po, and Danube have had unusually low water levels, affecting shipping and power plants.
Climate change is expected to increase farm losses by up to 66% by 2050 in Europe.
Some regions have already started limiting water use during droughts to cope with shortages.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Mass deaths of native birds suspected to be caused by deadly H5 bird flu have been found in two Australian states, South Australia and Victoria. Officials warn this is likely the start of a long and difficult period for wildlife affected by the rapidly spreading disease.
Key Facts
Mass bird deaths were first confirmed at Baudin Rocks off South Australia’s coast.
Aerial surveillance in Victoria found clusters of dead and sick greater crested terns in the Glenelg River estuary and Lawrence Rocks.
Samples from both states tested positive for the H5 bird flu virus.
The disease affects wild birds, which can fly and move freely, making it hard to control.
The South Australian government confirmed 18 new bird flu cases in multiple locations.
Important habitats like internationally significant wetlands and breeding colonies are threatened.
Officials focus on building resilience in native bird and mammal populations to cope with the outbreak.
The spread of the virus in wild birds signals a growing impact on Australia’s wildlife.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article reports on the rise of online gangs that drug women to sexually assault them and share videos of these crimes on encrypted platforms like Telegram. These networks involve multiple perpetrators and victims across different countries, and authorities have identified hundreds of members involved in such organized abuse. Survivors and campaigners are working to raise awareness and fight against this form of sexual violence.
Key Facts
A woman from England was drugged by her husband who took photos and videos of her while she was unconscious; he was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Some online pornography depicts people appearing unconscious, sometimes due to drugs, appealing to a sexual interest called somnophilia.
Groups of men in Germany and elsewhere have drugged, raped, and shared footage of victims in encrypted chat groups like "Driving School" on Telegram.
Britain’s National Crime Agency has identified 270 members of an international network involved in drug-facilitated sexual assault.
Europol’s Project Medusa has identified 156 perpetrators and victims in another similar network.
A 2024 case in France involved a man encouraging dozens of others to rape his sedated wife over many years.
CNN exposed a "rape academy" where members shared tactics, arranged assaults, and traded drugs and videos on platforms such as Telegram and Motherless.
Telegram’s privacy features, including end-to-end encryption and weak content moderation, make it a common tool for such criminal networks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Myanmar’s military government showed the first pictures of Aung San Suu Kyi since they took control in 2021. The photos show her meeting with a representative from the Red Cross.
Key Facts
The military took control of Myanmar and detained Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021.
This is the first time pictures of her have been shared since then.
Aung San Suu Kyi is a Nobel Peace Prize winner.
She was seen meeting with a Red Cross representative.
The Red Cross often helps with humanitarian issues and visits people in custody.
The release of these images may be a rare public sighting of Aung San Suu Kyi since the coup.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Australia has reported its first mass death of seabirds caused by the H5N1 bird flu, with about 50 greater crested terns found dead near Adelaide. Officials warn the virus is likely to spread further among wildlife, but there is no sign it has reached poultry farms yet.
Key Facts
About 50 greater crested terns were found dead, and 35 were sick near Cape Jaffa, south of Adelaide.
Tests confirmed these birds were infected with H5N1 bird flu.
This is the first mass mortality event from H5N1 in Australian seabirds.
Australian farms have increased biosecurity and locked down to protect poultry since June.
Officials expect more wildlife infections and mass deaths as the virus spreads.
Wild birds and animals move freely, making it hard to stop the virus from spreading.
Australia and New Zealand have prepared for H5N1 with bird testing and response plans.
H5N1 can infect humans who contact sick animals, but human cases are rare and risk is low.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Phil Collins, the 75-year-old musician, revealed that he suffered from severe alcoholism that nearly killed him. He was hospitalized for seven months in 2023 with damage to his pancreas and kidneys but has not drunk alcohol since then.
Key Facts
Phil Collins struggled with serious alcoholism in recent years.
His drinking started again after he stopped taking Antabuse, a drug that makes people sick if they drink alcohol.
In November 2023, Collins was hospitalized for seven months with damage to his pancreas and kidneys.
Doctors and friends feared he might die, and some came to say goodbye.
He has been sober since leaving the hospital.
Collins has had other health problems, including neck and spine issues, and can no longer play drums.
He was diagnosed with diabetes in 2016.
Collins is a famous British musician known for his work with the band Genesis and a successful solo career.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Conservative Party in the UK is calling for police to use facial recognition technology more often to help solve crimes. They want officers to check images of suspects against a large database and follow up on stolen devices that show their locations. The government plans to add 10,000 new police officers and invest in technology like facial recognition to reduce crime.
Key Facts
Conservatives want police to use facial recognition software whenever suspects appear on cameras.
They propose police must act when stolen devices like phones or laptops are tracked to a specific address.
The Conservative plan includes hiring 10,000 extra police officers, funded by £800 million per year.
The current facial recognition database contains about 10 million images and uses AI technology.
Police would be required to investigate stolen goods advertised online and try to recover them.
Conservatives want to return powers to the Home Secretary to direct police chiefs, reversing a 2014 change.
The UK government claims homicide and theft crimes are at their lowest in almost 50 years, with more charges being made.
A new National Police Service is planned to focus on serious crimes while local forces concentrate on community safety.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A nine-year-old girl was found seriously injured at an industrial estate in Arbroath and later died in hospital. A 35-year-old man was arrested in connection with her death, which police are investigating as suspicious.
Key Facts
The girl was found injured at Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath shortly after midnight.
She was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee for treatment.
The girl died at the hospital due to her injuries.
Police arrested a 35-year-old man related to the case.
The death is being treated as suspicious by the police.
Specialist officers are supporting the girl’s family.
Police Scotland is continuing to investigate the circumstances.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced that new talks with Iran will start on Monday after he canceled a planned large military attack. An analyst notes a pattern where hopeful news about negotiations often appears just before financial markets open during the week.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump canceled a planned major attack on Iran.
New talks between the US and Iran are set to begin on Monday.
Analyst Negar Mortazavi observed a pattern of announcements just before weekday markets open.
These timing patterns often suggest attempts to influence financial markets.
The news reflects ongoing tensions and negotiations between the US and Iran.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Nauru, a small Pacific Island country, has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero to better reflect its traditional language and heritage. The government also changed the country’s international code and the name used for its people, aiming to revive national pride and move away from colonial history.
Key Facts
Nauru is now officially called the Republic of Naoero.
The country’s international code changed from NRU to NRO.
People from Naoero will be called dei-Naoero instead of Nauruan.
The new name matches the local pronunciation, which is Now-ero.
The change was proposed by President David Adeang and approved by the parliament.
Naoero has about 12,000 residents, making it the third-smallest country by population.
The name change reflects a desire to honor the country’s heritage and national identity.
The government decided not to hold a public vote, stating the name was already embraced by the people and constitutionally allowed.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
