A petition with over one million signatures wants to stop the early release of the men convicted for killing police officer Andrew Harper in 2019. The government is reviewing ways to keep them in jail despite new rules allowing earlier release to reduce prison overcrowding.
Key Facts
PC Andrew Harper died in 2019 after being dragged by a car during a crime scene escape.
Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter in 2020.
New laws let prisoners like Cole and Bowers be released after serving half their time.
A third convict, Henry Long, received a longer sentence and is not eligible for early release.
The petition was created by the Thames Valley Police Federation chair and has over one million signatures.
Police chiefs and politicians have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham asking to exclude killers of emergency workers from early release.
Burnham said stopping all early releases is impossible without harming the prison system.
He asked the justice secretary to find a fast solution to ease prison overcrowding while addressing this case.
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New York City is experiencing an intense heatwave with extreme humidity, making the weather unusually oppressive for residents. Meanwhile, London is also facing a heatwave, but with very dry, oven-like heat, making it hard to say which city is suffering more.
Key Facts
New York’s heatwave is very hot and humid, unlike previous summers.
London’s heatwave is very hot but dry, resembling desert-like conditions.
New Yorkers rarely complain about weather but are now talking about this unusual heat.
New York’s mayor is considering expanding cooling systems in subway stations.
People in New York use creative ways to cope, like “dog Crocs” to protect pets’ paws from hot pavement.
Frozen yoghurt and a snack called “dot cake” are popular food trends in New York this summer.
The Broadway show Cats: The Jellicle Ball, inspired by 1980s ballroom culture, recently won Tony Awards.
Observers found the recent solar eclipse less impressive than expected in London.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the UK “the Islamic republic of Britain” and said it would be the first Islamic republic to have nuclear weapons. His remarks echoed far-right stereotypes about Britain’s Muslim population and worsened already tense relations between the UK and Israel.
Key Facts
Netanyahu described the UK as “the Islamic republic of Britain” in an interview on Israel’s army radio.
He said the UK would be the first Islamic republic to get a nuclear weapon.
These comments reflect a far-right Islamophobic stereotype about Muslims in Britain.
The UK and Israel have had strained relations recently, partly because of the UK’s tougher stance on Israeli actions in Gaza.
US Vice President JD Vance made a similar claim about the UK during the 2024 US presidential campaign.
Muslim leaders in the UK report increased hate crimes and far-right rhetoric targeting their community.
Netanyahu’s remarks were criticized by Israeli opposition members and reflect tensions in Israel’s government alliances.
Neither the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office nor the UK government immediately responded to requests for comment.
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A study found that men in the United States who eat a lot of ultra-processed foods have a higher chance of getting prostate cancer. These foods include items like soft drinks, packaged snacks, and processed meats, which are common in many American diets.
Key Facts
The study analyzed health and diet data from 17,024 U.S. men between 2003 and 2023.
Men who ate more ultra-processed foods had about a 29% higher risk of prostate cancer.
Ultra-processed foods are industrially made and usually high in fats, sugars, starches, and additives but low in nutrition.
These foods make up about 53% of the daily calorie intake for adults in the U.S.
The increased cancer risk remained even after considering factors like age, race, smoking, and poverty.
Ultra-processed foods are already linked to other health problems like obesity, heart disease, and inflammation.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in U.S. men and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths.
Experts suggest starting by replacing sugary drinks with water and choosing whole foods like fruits and vegetables instead of packaged snacks.
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A ferry sank on Lake Kariba in rural Zimbabwe, causing the deaths of at least 46 people. The boat, which was important for local villagers and fish traders, was reportedly carrying too many passengers when the accident happened.
Key Facts
The ferry disaster occurred on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe.
At least 46 people died in the sinking.
The ferry served as a key transportation link for villagers and fish traders.
The boat was reportedly overloaded at the time of the accident.
Hundreds of people attended a memorial service for the victims.
The incident happened on a Tuesday.
Lake Kariba is a large lake in Zimbabwe used by local communities.
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Europe is experiencing its fifth heatwave this summer, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in parts of France. The heat is also causing ocean temperatures worldwide to rise, with average sea temperatures hitting a record 21 degrees Celsius last month.
Key Facts
Europe is currently under its fifth heatwave of the summer season.
Temperatures in some areas of France have reached 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
The high temperatures are causing stress on the environment, including rivers and oceans.
Last month, the average global sea temperature reached a record high of 21 degrees Celsius (69.8 degrees Fahrenheit).
The heatwaves are linked to climate patterns affecting Europe and the world.
Emma Howard Boyd, chair of the National Heat Risk Commission at the Grantham Research Institute, provides expert insights on the situation.
Countries affected include France, Spain, and Italy.
Heatwaves and rising ocean temperatures can cause problems for ecosystems and people.
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Israeli settlers have been attacking the Palestinian village of Qusra in the West Bank, cutting off electricity and water supplies to force families out of their homes. Residents say these attacks have increased since October 2023 but have been happening for years.
Key Facts
Qusra is a Palestinian village in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli settlers are reportedly using violence and intimidation against Qusra residents.
Families in Qusra have had their electricity and water cut off.
Villagers claim these actions aim to push them from their homes.
Violence from settlers increased after a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Residents reported attacks prevented them from accessing their land and harvesting olives.
The situation has made daily life very difficult for villagers.
This information was reported by France 24's Catherine Norris Trent, who also covered the story in 2023.
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Disability and terminal illness campaigners have asked Prime Minister Andy Burnham to improve social and palliative care before passing a law on assisted dying in England and Wales. The proposed bill would allow adults expected to die within six months to seek help to end their lives, but some worry it may put disabled people at risk if care services remain inadequate.
Key Facts
The campaign group Assist Us To Live wrote to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging care reforms before assisted dying laws are passed.
The proposed Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would let adults with less than six months to live request help to end their lives.
Having a disability alone would not qualify someone for assisted dying under the bill.
Prime Minister Burnham supports fixing funding for palliative and social care before considering assisted dying legislation.
The bill is sponsored by Labour MP Lauren Edwards and will be debated in Parliament on 11 September.
Previous similar legislation passed the House of Commons but was delayed and not approved by the House of Lords.
Disability groups and the Equality and Human Rights Commission warn the bill could pressure disabled and older people to end their lives earlier because of poor support.
The campaign calls for better medical and social care so no one feels forced to choose death due to lack of help.
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The Senate is considering the War Powers Resolution, which could help stop ongoing military conflict related to Cuba. Lawmakers hope this measure will prevent further escalation.
Key Facts
The War Powers Resolution is pending in the Senate.
It is designed to limit the president’s ability to engage in military action without Congress’s approval.
The conflict related to Cuba is ongoing and described as a slow-moving crisis.
Lawmakers see this resolution as a way to halt further military involvement.
The resolution aims to increase congressional oversight of military decisions.
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The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, called Israeli settlers who are blocking three Palestinian families in the West Bank “terrorists,” a strong statement against settler violence. The families in the village of Qusra have been cut off from basic supplies during the siege, while Israeli military and police have tried to remove the settlers at the US request.
Key Facts
Mike Huckabee is the US ambassador to Israel.
Huckabee labeled Israeli settlers who besieged Palestinian families in Qusra as “terrorists.”
The siege has cut off water, electricity, and supplies to three Palestinian families, totaling 15 people including children.
The village of Qusra is in the West Bank near Nablus, a contested area under Israeli occupation.
The US embassy worked with Israeli military and police to remove some settlers from the siege.
Settler violence against Palestinians is common in the area and is often linked to attempts to take land.
The United Nations and Palestinian authorities condemned the siege and warned families may be forced to leave their homes.
Residents do not trust that Israeli soldiers will protect them from settlers who take over homes after pushing people out.
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U.S. special forces are prepared to increase military training exercises with the Philippines and other Asian countries to strengthen security partnerships and prevent major conflicts. Admiral Frank Bradley, head of U.S. Special Operations Command, recently visited the Philippines and plans to meet with military officials in Japan after a trip to South Korea.
Key Facts
U.S. special forces want to boost joint combat training with the Philippines and other Asian allies.
Admiral Frank Bradley commands about 80,000 troops involved in sensitive operations worldwide.
Bradley visited the Philippines following a trip to South Korea and will visit Japan next.
The U.S. aims to support the Philippines as it modernizes its military and expands security alliances.
China and several countries, including the Philippines, are involved in long-standing disputes over the South China Sea.
The U.S. has a treaty to defend the Philippines if it comes under attack.
Military exercises are seen as a way to show potential adversaries that starting a conflict would be unsuccessful.
The U.S. remains committed to Asia despite focusing on the war in Iran.
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Multiple fires broke out in the West Midlands, including a large blaze in Stourbridge that destroyed several houses. The fire is believed to have started in nearby grassland and spread to the residential area.
Key Facts
Fire crews continue to fight fires across the West Midlands region.
In Stourbridge, several houses were destroyed by fire.
Officials believe the fire began in grassland near the houses.
The fire then spread from the grassland to the residential area.
The article includes video coverage from the scene.
The incident took place on a Thursday.
The report comes from BBC journalist Alison Freeman.
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The United States has said it can keep a naval blockade on Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz going for an unlimited time to pressure Iran during stalled peace talks. Meanwhile, there are serious concerns about the mental health and conditions of sailors on the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been at sea for nearly seven months without a break.
Key Facts
The US plans to maintain a naval blockade of Iranian ports "indefinitely," rotating ships to keep up pressure.
New economic sanctions against Iran are expected to be announced soon, aiming to isolate the country more than ever before.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for oil shipping, remains blocked until its demands are met.
President Donald Trump has claimed the US has "full control" of the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran disputes this.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been at sea for almost seven months, a record length without stopping at a port.
Family members of sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln report worsening mental health, including burnout and attempts to jump overboard.
US lawmakers have raised concerns about supply shortages, water contamination, safety incidents, and mail delays on the ship.
The blockade and sanctions come amid ongoing deadlock in ceasefire talks between the US and Iran.
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Ukraine announced it regained 745 square kilometers of land in the Dnipropetrovsk region from Russian forces this year. Despite this success, Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian cities have increased, causing casualties and damage.
Key Facts
Ukraine recaptured 745 sq km (287 sq miles) in Dnipropetrovsk this year.
Nearly 10,000 Russian soldiers were reportedly killed during this campaign.
Ukraine regained almost all territory Russia took in Dnipropetrovsk since June 2025.
Russian missile and drone strikes hit Kyiv, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia in early August, killing at least nine people.
Ukraine liberated 26 settlements in the Dnipropetrovsk operation.
Russia suffered heavy losses in June and July 2026, with about 82,000 casualties.
Ukraine increased the use of short-range drones, causing over 70% of Russian casualties in June-July.
Ukraine has run out of Patriot missile interceptors, receiving fewer replacements this year compared to 2025.
Russia is focusing on launching more ballistic and hypersonic missiles, which Ukraine struggles to intercept.
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An air conditioning worker in rural Australia found about 20 shed snake skins in the attic while checking a home air conditioner on a macadamia nut farm near Byron Bay, New South Wales. The worker did not see any live snakes and said such discoveries are common in the area since carpet pythons often live in roof spaces.
Key Facts
Matt Sellen, an AC worker, found around 20 snake skins in a home's attic.
The property is a macadamia nut farm near Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia.
Carpet pythons, a type of large, nonvenomous snake, are common in the area and often live in roofs.
Snake skins are the outer layers snakes shed as they grow or heal.
No live snakes were seen during the inspection.
Carpet pythons help control pests like rats and possums.
The property owners likely do not mind the snakes because of their pest control role.
The worker had previous experience removing snakes by hand.
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Costa Rica sent two top drug traffickers, Gilbert Bell Fernandez and Gabriel Lozano Bonilla, to the United States to face trial for cocaine trafficking. Both are linked to a Colombian cartel and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and were extradited under tight security.
Key Facts
Gilbert Bell Fernandez, called "Macho Coca," is considered one of Costa Rica’s biggest drug traffickers.
Gabriel Lozano Bonilla, called "Compadre," is a Colombian linked to liquid cocaine shipments to Europe and Asia.
Both men are connected to the Gulf Clan, a Colombian cartel labeled a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S.
Costa Rica extradited them from Juan Santa Maria International Airport to New York for federal trial.
Bell Fernandez said he had been mistreated in prison and thanked the U.S. for his extradition.
Costa Rica’s President Laura Fernandez supports strong action against drug trafficking.
Since 2025, constitutional changes in Costa Rica have allowed extraditions of suspected criminals to the U.S.
Costa Rica has become a key transit point for drug trafficking in Central America, increasing local violence.
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Italian police found three paintings by Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse that were stolen earlier this year from a museum near Parma. The paintings are worth millions of euros, and the police are still investigating the case.
Key Facts
Three paintings were recovered: “Fish” by Renoir, “Still Life with Cherries” by Cézanne, and “Odalisque on the Terrace” by Matisse.
The Cézanne painting is valued at 6 million euros (about $7 million).
The Renoir painting is valued at 3 million euros (about $3.5 million).
The Matisse painting is valued at 20,000 euros (about $23,000).
The theft happened on the night of March 22-23 at the Magnani Rocca Foundation museum near Parma.
Thieves forced open the entrance door and took the paintings in less than three minutes.
The museum’s collection includes works by famous artists like Dürer, Rubens, Van Dyck, Goya, and Monet.
Police believe a well-organized gang was behind the theft, and the investigation is ongoing.
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Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano in Sicily, has been erupting continuously, producing ash that forced the closure of Catania airport for five days during Italy's busiest holiday week. The ash poses dangers to aircraft engines, leading to many flight cancellations and diversions, while local transportation and services face heavy strain.
Key Facts
Mount Etna's eruption has been ongoing, releasing large amounts of volcanic ash for several days.
Catania airport, Sicily’s largest, has been closed since August 6 and will reopen early August 15.
The closure occurred during Ferragosto, the peak of the Italian summer holiday season.
Volcanic ash can damage airplane engines, causing stalls, so flights are canceled or diverted for safety.
About 36% of nearly 2,000 scheduled flights to Catania between August 6 and 12 were canceled.
Over 600 flights were redirected to other airports in Sicily and nearby Calabria.
Taxi and car rental prices increased due to the airport shutdown, prompting complaints and an official inquiry.
Trenitalia increased train services between Palermo, Messina, and Catania to help travelers.
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Record-breaking rain in Japan’s Chiba prefecture caused severe flooding, killing at least four people and leaving one person missing. Over 400,000 people were told to evacuate because flood risks stayed high even though the rain lessened.
Key Facts
The rain in Chiba prefecture near Tokyo reached record levels.
Flooding caused by the rain resulted in at least four deaths.
One person is still missing after the flooding.
More than 400,000 people were ordered to evacuate their homes.
Flood risks remained high even after the rainfall decreased.
The area affected is close to Japan’s capital city, Tokyo.
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Tropical Storm Lala is moving toward Hawaii and is expected to become a hurricane by Saturday. The Big Island has a hurricane watch, and other nearby islands have tropical storm watches due to expected heavy rain, strong winds, and high surf.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Lala is currently about 455 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii.
It is moving west-northwest at 10 mph with winds of 60 mph.
A hurricane watch is in effect for the Big Island of Hawaii.
Tropical storm watches cover Maui County, including Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe.
Lala may bring 8 to 12 inches of rain to Maui and the Big Island, with up to 25 inches in some high areas.
Heavy rain could cause dangerous mudslides and landslides, especially in steep areas.
Strong winds and large waves are expected, with possible coastal flooding and beach erosion.
The storm is forecast to strengthen gradually through Friday and Saturday as it nears Hawaii.
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