A by-election is taking place in eastern England where Nigel Farage, a well-known right-wing political leader, is running against Count Binface, a candidate known for humorous campaigns. Major political parties are not participating in this election.
Key Facts
The election is a by-election held in eastern England.
Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, is a main candidate.
Count Binface is a perennial joke candidate known in the UK.
Main political parties chose not to take part in this election.
The election is being closely watched, with some seeing Count Binface's performance as a measure of Farage’s popularity.
Nigel Farage has been considered a potential future British prime minister.
The election began on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
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Iran and the United States are in a dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil supplies. Iran has blocked ships without its permission from passing through the strait, while the US claims it controls the area. Talks involving Iran and Oman aim to find a peaceful way to reopen the strait for shipping.
Key Facts
Iran denies US claims that the US controls the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for about 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments.
Iran has blocked ships that do not have its approval from passing through the strait.
The US has responded by targeting ships headed for Iranian ports and maintaining a naval blockade on those ports.
Iran is not directly negotiating with the US about the strait but is talking with Oman about managing it together.
A memorandum signed on June 17 promised to keep the strait open for 60 days, but disagreements led to renewed conflict.
Qatar has said talks between Iran and Oman about reopening the strait have reached an advanced stage.
Both Iran and Oman want to address security concerns and allow commercial shipping to resume safely.
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Rescuers in Colombia are trying to find survivors after a strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the country. The earthquake has killed 265 people, injured nearly 3,500, and left many others missing as rescue teams work urgently to save lives within the critical first 72 hours.
Key Facts
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Colombia, the strongest in the country this century.
The quake has killed 265 people and injured almost 3,500.
Nearly 500 people are officially missing, but civilian groups report over 4,100 missing.
About 26,000 families have been affected by the disaster.
Rescuers are working through rubble in cities like Cali and Pereira, using dogs and cranes.
The government declared a three-day national mourning and called the situation an economic emergency.
Over 11,000 homes have been destroyed, leaving thousands homeless.
Rescue efforts are entering the final phase as the 72-hour window to find survivors comes to an end.
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A U.S. foreign aid agency called USAID was closed in 2025, which caused 280,000 aid workers worldwide to lose their jobs. In Nepal, some of these former workers, including transgender people who fought against HIV, started working as sex workers to survive.
Key Facts
USAID was shut down in 2025 after President Donald Trump said it was a waste of money.
About 280,000 aid workers worldwide lost their jobs because of the closure.
Most of the affected workers lived outside the U.S., often in poor or conflict areas.
In Nepal, some former aid workers turned to sex work after losing employment.
Transgender former aid workers who worked on HIV prevention were among those affected.
The U.S. State Department said the Trump administration redirected aid efforts to be more efficient.
The agency had helped millions before closing, but little attention has been given to the helpers’ situations.
The story was reported by an Associated Press journalist who wanted to highlight the aid workers’ struggles.
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Ukrainian drones attacked a large Russian oil refinery located about 800 miles inside Russia, causing a fire and damaging the facility. These attacks are part of Ukraine’s ongoing effort to disrupt Russia’s oil industry during the conflict between the two countries.
Key Facts
Ukrainian forces struck the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat oil refining complex in Bashkortostan, Russia.
The refinery is about 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) from the Ukraine-Russia border.
The facility processes up to 74 million barrels of oil per year, producing gasoline, diesel, and petrochemicals.
The attack caused a fire and wounded two civilians in the Salavat industrial zone.
Another refinery in Orsk was hit earlier this week, leading to suspension of operations with repairs possibly taking six months.
The attacks have reduced Russia’s refining capacity and caused fuel shortages at gas stations.
Ukrainian strikes also targeted Russian naval bases and warehouses recently.
Russia reported deaths of four explosive experts and a security guard in Sevastopol, Crimea, due to an explosion after a Ukrainian attack.
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A team of volunteers recovered the body of Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi nearly two weeks after an avalanche on Broad Peak killed 10 mountaineers. The climbers were part of an international expedition, and the tragedy is one of Pakistan’s deadliest recent mountaineering accidents.
Key Facts
Sohail Sakhi’s body was missing since July 30 after an avalanche on Broad Peak.
The avalanche killed a total of 10 climbers from different countries.
The expedition was led by famous climber Nirmal Purja.
Eight bodies, including Sakhi’s, have now been recovered.
Volunteers found Sakhi’s body and rescuers helped bring it to base camp.
Authorities plan to transport the body by helicopter if the weather allows.
A candlelight vigil was held in Islamabad to honor the climbers.
Broad Peak is the 12th-highest mountain in the world, located near K2 in Pakistan.
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A strong earthquake hit Colombia, and three days later, people are surprised that the Colombian government did not accept help from rescue teams from other countries. Rescue efforts are ongoing as officials search for survivors.
Key Facts
An earthquake occurred in Colombia.
The earthquake happened more than 72 hours ago from the report time.
The Colombian government did not accept assistance from foreign rescue teams.
People and journalists have expressed surprise at the refusal of international help.
Rescue teams are working to find survivors.
The situation remains critical as time passes since the quake.
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A person in Norway's Svalbard islands was fined $5,255 for waking a sleeping polar bear using a ship's foghorn. Disturbing polar bears is against local rules because they are protected animals in the area.
Key Facts
The incident happened in northeastern Svalbard, about 620 miles from the North Pole.
A person on a boat used the foghorn to wake a polar bear that was sleeping on land.
The governor's office fined the person $5,255, and the fine will be paid.
It is illegal in Svalbard to disturb, attract, or chase polar bears without good reason.
Polar bears have been protected in Svalbard since 1972.
About 260 polar bears live in the archipelago according to a 2015 count.
Scientists say polar bears in Svalbard are doing well despite climate change and melting ice.
Research showed polar bears are adapting to smaller ice areas and may be hunting seals more easily.
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A magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit western Colombia shortly after President Abelardo de La Espriella took office, killing over 260 people and injuring thousands. The new government is working to provide aid and support while managing challenges from a difficult transition between administrations.
Key Facts
The earthquake struck three days after President de La Espriella was sworn in.
More than 260 people died, and thousands were injured.
The president declared an “economic emergency” and three days of national mourning.
Firefighters and emergency teams responded quickly, with aid being flown to affected areas.
Heavy machinery was used in big cities, but smaller towns still cleared rubble by hand and lacked power.
The government announced temporary help like rent subsidies and postponed utility bills for some affected families.
A poor handover between the old and new government slowed disaster response coordination.
Infrastructure, including airports and roads, was damaged; hospitals lost parts of their buildings.
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More than 135 million people in Europe, especially in France, Italy, Spain, and the UK, will face temperatures above 35°C (95°F) during a heatwave. Around 340 million Europeans could experience temperatures over 30°C (86°F) on Thursday, accompanied by drought and strain on water and health services.
Key Facts
Over 135 million people in Europe will face temperatures above 35°C (95°F).
About 340 million Europeans are expected to have temperatures above 30°C (86°F) on Thursday.
The heatwave is affecting countries including France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Central and southeast England may reach up to 38°C (100°F), possibly the hottest day this year.
France could see temperatures as high as 40°C (104°F).
The UK’s nursing staff report dangerous working conditions due to extreme heat, with some lacking cooling systems.
Both France and the UK are experiencing drought, affecting crops, water supplies, and the environment.
Governments are seeking short- and long-term solutions to address the effects of climate change linked to this heatwave.
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Israel is removing and crushing large amounts of rubble from the Gaza Strip as part of its military actions. Human rights groups say this could be an attempt to erase evidence of war crimes and change the area's physical and demographic landscape.
Key Facts
At least 73,387 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have died since the war in Gaza began in October 2023.
Around 68 million tonnes of rubble exist in Gaza due to Israel’s military operations, with about 10 million tonnes already removed or crushed.
Nearly 100 Israeli trucks transport debris daily out of Gaza to locations in Israel and the occupied West Bank.
Human rights groups say the rubble removal may be destroying evidence of crimes and is part of deliberate efforts to hinder investigations.
The International Court of Justice is reviewing a genocide case against Israel related to the conflict.
Removing rubble alters land boundaries, house foundations, and streets, which may support plans to resettle Israelis in Gaza.
Experts describe the demolition as a form of collective punishment against the Palestinian population.
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The Taliban in Afghanistan have detained six workers from a women’s and children’s rights group after summoning them to retrieve confiscated devices. This follows the Taliban’s detention of two Afghan staff from the United Nations mission in the country, with no clear information provided on charges or locations.
Key Facts
Six employees of the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation were detained on July 18 in Kabul.
They were called to their office to collect laptops and phones before being detained.
Their families have not been told where they are or if they face any charges.
Two Afghan staff members of the U.N. mission were also detained by the Taliban in Herat city recently.
The U.N. mission has not been informed about charges or allowed to visit the detained Afghan staff.
Human Rights Watch demands the Taliban allow visits to the detainees and release them unless formally charged.
The Taliban have restricted women’s rights since returning to power in August 2021, limiting education, work, and public participation.
The detentions occur amid escalating tensions between Taliban forces and Pakistan and ongoing humanitarian challenges in Afghanistan.
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The United Nations reported that civilian deaths in Ukraine in July reached their highest since early 2022, with at least 437 killed and 2,610 injured. Russia continues attacks across Ukraine, including a deadly drone strike on a passenger train, while Ukraine has increased long-range strikes inside Russia.
Key Facts
At least 437 civilians were killed and 2,610 injured in Ukraine in July, a 30% rise from June.
The UN has verified 16,874 civilian deaths since Russia’s invasion began in 2022, likely an underestimate.
Kyiv was heavily affected, with at least 54 civilians killed in July; Russia reported 79 civilian deaths.
A Russian military official was killed in an explosion in Crimea, according to Russian agencies.
A Russian drone struck a passenger train in Ukraine’s Odesa region, killing two crew members and injuring none of the 340 passengers.
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy condemned the train attack as targeting civilians and highlighted ongoing Russian drone strikes on multiple Ukrainian regions.
Russia’s military claimed control of a village in eastern Donetsk and continues missile and drone attacks on Ukraine.
Ukraine has increased attacks inside Russia, including striking an oil refinery used by the Russian military.
Zelenskyy has called for more advanced air defense systems from allies to protect Ukraine against fast Russian missile attacks.
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The Eurovision Song Contest 2027 will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, from May 12 to 15. This decision follows Bulgarian singer Dara's win in the 2026 contest, marking Bulgaria's first victory. The event will be held at Arena Burgas, a new sports and entertainment venue.
Key Facts
Eurovision 2027 will be held in Burgas, a city on the Black Sea in Bulgaria.
The contest dates are May 12 to May 15, 2027.
Bulgarian singer Dara won Eurovision 2026 with the song "Bangaranga."
This is Bulgaria's first time winning the Eurovision Song Contest.
The venue for Eurovision 2027 is Arena Burgas, opened in 2023.
Burgas was chosen over other Bulgarian cities including Sofia, Varna, and Plovdiv.
Organizers emphasized Burgas's music culture, infrastructure, and capacity to host the event.
Eurovision updated rules now say if a country in armed conflict wins, it cannot host the next contest for security reasons.
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Australia’s foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, criticized Pauline Hanson’s call for a “monocultural” Australia, calling it a harmful idea that would damage national security and social unity. Wong emphasized that Australia’s multiculturalism is a strength and warned that political division could hurt the country’s future.
Key Facts
Penny Wong called Pauline Hanson’s idea of a monoculture a “melancholic fantasy.”
Hanson wants Australia to be a monocultural society, blaming immigration for losing national identity.
Wong said monoculture would isolate Australia from friends, trade partners, and growth opportunities.
Wong warned political leaders should not encourage division among Australians.
One Nation’s political support recently rose to 25% in a poll, surpassing the Coalition’s 22%.
Wong highlighted Australia’s focus on the Indo-Pacific region and working with groups like the Pacific Islands Forum and the EU.
She mentioned challenges like weaponized supply chains, disinformation, foreign interference, and risks from artificial intelligence.
Wong stressed that resilience and cooperation are key tasks for the Australian government.
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Tropical Storm Hernan formed in the Pacific Ocean but is not expected to hit land. A different weather system near Hawaii may bring heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding starting Friday. Tropical Storm Cristobal in the Atlantic has weakened and is no longer a threat.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Hernan formed about 1,460 miles west of Baja California, with winds of 40 mph, moving west.
Hernan is not expected to threaten any land areas.
A different system called Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C is about 775 miles east-southeast of Hawaii.
This system may bring 5 to 10 inches of rain, with up to 20 inches possible, causing flooding and mudslides in Hawaii.
Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C could reach tropical storm strength and hit southern Big Island on Saturday.
Tropical Storm Cristobal in the Atlantic has weakened to a tropical depression.
Cristobal is about 610 miles west of the Azores and is not expected to affect land.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami monitors these storms.
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The Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, in May 2027, marking the first time Bulgaria hosts the event. Bulgarian singer Dara won the 2026 contest, leading to this opportunity for the country to organize the music competition.
Key Facts
The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Burgas, a city on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.
Bulgaria won the contest for the first time in 2026, with singer Dara performing the song “Bangaranga.”
The contest dates are May 11 and 13 for the semifinals, and May 15 for the final.
Bulgaria’s public TV broadcaster BNT and the European Broadcasting Union will organize the event.
Burgas was chosen over Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, to host Eurovision.
New rules prevent countries with armed conflicts or serious security risks from hosting Eurovision.
The minimum age for competitors has been raised from 16 to 18 to better protect young artists.
Eurovision has faced security and participation challenges due to geopolitical tensions in recent years.
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Fighting between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Yemeni government forces has increased, causing deaths and injuries. The conflict is spreading in Yemen and impacting nearby areas, including attacks on ships and oil facilities, while an oil spill in the Strait of Hormuz is raising environmental concerns.
Key Facts
Clashes between Houthi rebels and Yemeni government forces occurred in the Taiz and Marib provinces.
At least one Yemeni government soldier was killed and another was critically wounded.
The Houthis have attacked government areas using drones and missiles and targeted Saudi oil sites and shipping routes.
A commercial ship was hit near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, killing six people from Pakistan and injuring others, including Indonesians.
The Bab el-Mandeb strait is a key shipping route as the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed.
An oil spill near Qeshm Island in Iran, caused by wartime attacks, is affecting coastal waters and the environment.
Iran is cleaning up the oil spill and asks for compensation from parties benefiting from shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
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An explosion in the Crimean city of Sevastopol killed a Russian military member. Russian authorities arrested a woman they say was acting on orders from Ukraine's intelligence services.
Key Facts
The explosion happened in Sevastopol, a city in Crimea and home to Russia's Black Sea Fleet.
A Russian service member died in the blast.
Russian law enforcement detained a woman born in 1994 in connection with the explosion.
Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) says the woman acted under orders from Ukraine's intelligence.
Sevastopol's governor confirmed the attack and expressed concern about the crime.
Sevastopol has been targeted by Ukraine since Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.
In 2023, the Black Sea Fleet's headquarters in Sevastopol was damaged by a Ukrainian missile strike.
The incident is part of ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine over Crimea.
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