A Pentagon review found that U.S. airstrikes against Iranian-supported Houthi rebels in Yemen killed 153 civilians and injured 243 in 2025. The strikes targeted Houthi forces in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and the Ras Isa oil port, a key site hit hardest in the attacks.
Key Facts
The airstrikes happened in April 2025 during U.S. operations against the Houthis.
The Houthis had been attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea, a major trade route.
The Ras Isa port strike killed 80 civilians and injured 171, causing large fires.
The Pentagon report said civilian harm was “more likely than not” caused by the strikes.
This information was shared in an unclassified report sent to the U.S. Congress.
The U.S. Central Command said the strikes aimed to stop fuel supplies and illegal revenue for the Houthis.
Civilian deaths in U.S. military actions have raised concerns among lawmakers.
The Pentagon is submitting this report amid ongoing Houthi attacks and questions about civilian safety efforts.
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The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has changed the rules for hosting the Eurovision song contest. Broadcasters from countries involved in armed conflicts or sensitive political situations will not be allowed to host the event starting in 2027 to ensure safety and fairness.
Key Facts
Eurovision hosts are usually the previous year’s winning country, with Bulgaria set to host in 2027.
The new rule bans hosts from countries involved in armed conflicts or sensitive geopolitical issues.
An independent security body will assess if a winning country can safely host the contest.
If a country is ineligible, the EBU will pick an alternative host broadcaster.
The minimum age for participating artists has increased from 16 to 18 years.
Several countries boycotted the 2026 contest over Israel’s participation related to conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank.
The 2026 Eurovision final was watched by around 130 million people worldwide, down from 160 million in 2025.
Canada will join Eurovision for the first time in 2027; the contest is open to European Broadcasting Union members, not just European countries.
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Lebanese families held a rally in Beirut to ask for information about their relatives detained by Israel. They say they have not been given enough details about the detainees, and human rights groups claim Israel is not allowing fair legal treatment or visits by the Red Cross.
Key Facts
The rally took place in Beirut, Lebanon.
Families want information about relatives held by Israel.
They report little to no updates on the detainees’ conditions.
Rights organizations say Israel denies due process, meaning fair treatment under the law.
The Red Cross has not been allowed access to the detained individuals.
The issue involves people detained by Israel from Lebanon.
The families are seeking transparency and proper legal procedures for their loved ones.
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Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano in Italy, erupted and caused disruption at Catania airport. About 700 flights were cancelled, leaving many travelers stranded.
Key Facts
Mount Etna is located in Italy and is the largest volcano in Europe.
It is also the most active volcano on the continent.
An eruption of Mount Etna just happened recently.
The eruption caused about 700 flights to be cancelled at Catania airport.
Many passengers were unable to travel and got stuck at the airport.
The disruption affected holiday travelers using Catania airport.
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Kyaw Zwar Minn, Myanmar’s former ambassador to the UK, is on trial in London for trespassing after refusing to leave the diplomatic residence since 2021. He was locked out of the embassy for supporting Myanmar’s ousted civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and argues that the military-led government asking him to leave is not legitimate.
Key Facts
Kyaw Zwar Minn was removed from the embassy in London after declaring loyalty to deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
He faces charges of trespassing for living in the ambassador’s residence from May 2021 to November 2024.
Minn claims Myanmar’s military government, led by Min Aung Hlaing, is illegitimate and cannot demand his removal.
Min Aung Hlaing’s military party won contested elections and he is wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against the Rohingya minority.
The UK Foreign Office ordered Minn to leave the residence, but he did not comply.
Prosecutors say staying in the residence after removal from his ambassador role counts as unlawful trespassing.
Minn experienced being locked out and fears for his safety and that of his friends in Myanmar due to his stance.
The conflict in Myanmar has lasted over six years, with over 100,000 deaths and more than 5 million displaced.
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Greenland’s government has delayed drilling permits for a US oil company linked to President Trump. The company had planned to start drilling soon but now must wait until at least winter 2027 to get approval due to environmental and social concerns.
Key Facts
Greenland officials stopped a US oil company connected to President Trump from starting drilling on schedule.
The company brought equipment to Greenland in July without permission, prompting a strong warning from the government.
The government said it needs more time to evaluate the environmental and social impacts before giving approval.
The oil drilling area includes protected wetlands with rare birds and muskoxen important to local hunters.
Drilling could not start before winter 2027, much later than the US envoy’s earlier claim it could begin within 10 months.
The US envoy, Jeff Landry, aimed to make Greenland part of the US and promote fast oil production.
Greenland Energy, the oil company, says it is committed to following all regulations and working with local communities.
The stock price for Greenland Energy fell by over a third after the announcement of the drilling delay.
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A study found that parents who run while pushing a stroller have fewer running injuries than those who run without one. Researchers believe stroller running changes how the body moves and reduces stress on joints.
Key Facts
Parents who ran with a stroller were 58% less likely to have overuse injuries than those who ran without one.
Stroller runners experienced 55% fewer injuries per 1,000 miles run.
The study included 255 runners with children aged 0 to 3 years.
Running with a stroller changes posture by increasing forward lean and distributing force through the hands and feet.
Pushing stroller handlebars helps transfer some impact force away from the legs, potentially reducing stress on joints.
Parents who stroller-run logged 34% more miles while their child was 6 to 12 months old compared to non-stroller runners.
Plantar fasciitis, a foot injury, was the most common injury in both stroller and non-stroller groups.
Researchers recommend lightweight jogging strollers with adjustable handles and three wheels for safety and comfort.
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Brian Kilmeade from Fox News said he expects a direct military conflict, which he called a "kinetic war," between the U.S. and Iran to happen before Labor Day. He said President Trump will first try to increase economic pressure on Iran, but that military action will eventually be needed.
Key Facts
Brian Kilmeade predicted a military conflict between the U.S. and Iran before Labor Day.
Kilmeade used the term "kinetic war," meaning active combat involving weapons.
He said President Trump will start by applying economic pressure on Iran.
Kilmeade believes that economic actions alone will not be enough.
He thinks that military force will become necessary eventually.
The prediction was made a few months before the U.S. midterm elections.
Labor Day is in early September, setting a timeline for this forecast.
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A wildfire has been burning in the New Forest since August 9 after a van caught fire on a nearby road. Firefighters are working to control the blaze but face challenges from changing winds and rising temperatures. Repairs to the damaged road will begin after the fire is fully under control.
Key Facts
The wildfire started on August 9 when a van caught fire on the A31, causing 23 drivers to abandon their vehicles.
Firefighters have established fire breaks and maintain a good hold around the fire perimeter.
Changing wind conditions and rising temperatures are making firefighting difficult.
A heavy water pump is being used to supply water from Hightown Lake to fight the fire.
The A31 road has significant damage and repairs will start only once safe access is confirmed, possibly after August 14.
The fire has affected 1.6 square kilometers (400 acres) of protected heathland with rare species.
There have been more wildfires in England and Wales so far this year than in all of last year.
Fire services face challenges with firefighter recruitment and fewer available engines, but the government is investing nearly £2 billion to support fire services.
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Morocco has increased security at its borders with the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla after social media messages encouraged migrants to try to cross into Spain again. Spanish officials have said the borders will remain closed and warned against any attempts to enter illegally. Last month, about 72,000 migrants tried to cross into Ceuta, leading to deaths and political issues.
Key Facts
Morocco raised security at the borders of Ceuta and Melilla due to calls for new mass crossings on social media.
Spain’s Civil Guard said the border will stay closed, and the Defense Minister warned against mass entry attempts.
In late July, around 72,000 migrants tried to enter Ceuta, many returning to Morocco afterward.
Official reports say at least 80 people died trying to cross, with human rights groups suggesting more deaths.
Messages on social media have also encouraged migrants to cross into Melilla, the other Spanish city in Africa.
Morocco’s Interior Ministry said it has taken all necessary steps to stop illegal crossings.
Videos show large numbers of police and riot equipment deployed by Morocco near the border.
More than 20,000 Moroccan security personnel reportedly work daily along the Ceuta border, costing hundreds of millions of dollars.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a US-backed peace plan for Gaza that required Hamas to gradually give up its weapons in exchange for Israeli withdrawal. The rejection stalled the plan, which aimed to bring peace by linking Hamas disarmament with a phased Israeli retreat from Gaza.
Key Facts
The US peace plan, announced by President Trump in July, called for Hamas to slowly disarm in return for Israel pulling back from Gaza.
Hamas agreed to disarm in principle, but defining what counted as disarmament became a major issue.
Netanyahu refused the plan, saying no Israeli withdrawal would happen without "genuine disarmament" of all Hamas weapons.
The Israeli military controls about 70% of the Gaza Strip, which is 365 square kilometers in size.
The plan proposed the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) to oversee disarmament and govern Gaza temporarily, but Israel has blocked NCAG from entering Gaza.
Critics say both sides mistrust each other's intentions, making a ceasefire fragile and the peace deal unlikely.
Netanyahu’s rejection aligns with his far-right allies who oppose withdrawing from Gaza or compromising with Hamas.
The Israeli rejection has strained relations between Netanyahu and President Trump, despite Trump saying their relationship remains "very good."
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Over 60,000 Canadians have signed a petition asking their government to remove U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra. They accuse him of harming the relationship between Canada and the United States and interfering in Canada’s political matters.
Key Facts
More than 60,000 Canadians support the petition.
The petition demands the removal of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra.
Signers say Hoekstra is damaging Canada-U.S. relations.
The petition accuses Hoekstra of interfering in Canadian politics.
It asks Prime Minister Mark Carney to declare Hoekstra “persona non grata,” which means an unwelcome person.
Pete Hoekstra is the ambassador representing the United States in Canada.
President Donald Trump appointed Hoekstra as ambassador.
The petition is an online effort to show public concern.
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A total solar eclipse moved across Europe on August 12, 2026. This is the first time in more than 20 years that a complete eclipse was visible from Europe.
Key Facts
A total solar eclipse occurred over Europe on August 12, 2026.
People gathered in various locations across Europe to watch the eclipse.
This event is the first total solar eclipse visible from Europe in over two decades.
A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun’s light.
The article included livestreams and images from countries like Spain showing the eclipse.
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Pakistani security forces fought with militants in the southwestern province of Balochistan, killing 10 fighters. A car bomb exploded early, killing three civilians and eight militants who were preparing the bomb.
Key Facts
Fighting happened in Balochistan, a large but sparsely populated province of Pakistan.
Pakistani forces targeted groups called “Fitna Al Hindustan,” linked by Pakistan to Baloch separatists.
Pakistan blames India for supporting these militants; India denies this claim.
The explosion occurred in the district of Surab within Balochistan.
Two Pakistani soldiers were injured during the clashes.
The Baloch Liberation Army, banned in Pakistan, leads a separatist insurgency in the region.
The BLA often attacks security forces and Chinese projects in Balochistan.
The area also faces attacks from the Pakistani Taliban, who are connected to the Afghan Taliban but are a separate group.
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About 100 people, including politicians and broadcasters, attended the funeral service for Ann Widdecombe at Buckfast Abbey in Devon. Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson, died after being attacked at her home on July 8. A private mass was held to honor her life and faith.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe died on July 8 at age 78 after a violent attack at her home in Devon.
Joshua Kerry, 28, was charged with her murder on July 20.
Around 100 mourners attended the funeral at Buckfast Abbey, a Catholic church Widdecombe often visited.
The funeral included a 90-minute requiem mass, prayers for her soul, and a homily by the abbey’s abbot.
Politicians such as Mel Stride and Crispin Blunt, along with broadcaster Iain Dale, were among the attendees.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage did not attend the funeral to avoid distraction but plans to attend a memorial later.
Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in 1987 and later served as a Reform UK spokesperson.
Donations in her memory will support the Leprosy Mission and the Christian Endeavour Hostel projects in India.
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Ukraine launched a large drone and missile attack on Novorossiysk, a major Russian Black Sea port, hitting grain export terminals and a naval base. The attack caused deaths and injuries, disrupted water supplies, and led Russia to reroute grain shipments to other ports and routes.
Key Facts
Ukraine used drones and missiles to strike Novorossiysk, a key Russian port on the Black Sea.
The attack damaged grain export terminals and Russia’s main naval base in the area.
Three people died, including one child, and 24 others were injured in the attack.
The city experienced water supply cuts after damage to pipelines.
Russia’s agriculture ministry plans to redirect grain shipments to other ports and land routes.
Explosions and air defenses firing were reported throughout the night of the attack.
Russia responded with strikes on Ukrainian cities, killing at least 11 civilians.
Grain exports from Russia, a top worldwide wheat supplier, may drop significantly due to the conflict.
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Low water levels on the Danube River near Prahovo, Serbia, have revealed the sunken remains of many Nazi-era warships. These ships were sunk by German forces in 1944 while retreating from Soviet soldiers.
Key Facts
The Danube River near Prahovo, Serbia, is currently at record-low water levels.
This drop in water is caused by a severe heatwave and historic drought in Europe.
Dozens of warships from the Nazi era have become visible because of the low water.
These vessels were sunk by German forces during their retreat in 1944.
The retreat was from the advancing Soviet army in World War II.
The exposed wrecks provide a rare view of wartime ship remains beneath the river.
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The movie "Don’t Say Good Luck" is about a high school girl named Sophie who wins the lead role in the musical "Waitress" while facing her mother’s cancer returning. The film stars Sunny Sandler and focuses on the excitement and challenges of being a theater kid, mixing family struggles with the spirit of putting on a show.
Key Facts
"Don’t Say Good Luck" stars Sunny Sandler, daughter of Adam Sandler.
The story centers on Sophie Birenbaum, a high school sophomore who gets the lead role in the school production of "Waitress."
Sophie’s mother is battling a cancer recurrence, which affects Sophie’s experience.
The film is directed by Julia Hart.
The script was written by Julia Hart, Laura Hankin, and Jordan Horowitz.
Themes include family relationships, theater life, and coping with loss.
Supporting cast includes Steve Buscemi, Melanie Lynskey, and Bebe Neuwirth.
The movie was released on Netflix and appeals to musical theater fans and young audiences.
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Millions of people in parts of the United States and Europe will see a solar eclipse today. Health experts warn that looking directly at the sun during the eclipse without proper eye protection can cause serious and permanent eye damage.
Key Facts
NASA says looking directly at the sun during any partial eclipse without special glasses is unsafe.
Using binoculars, telescopes, or cameras without correct solar filters can quickly cause severe eye injury.
The sun remains very bright even when mostly covered by the moon during a partial eclipse.
Damage to the eye’s retina from looking at the sun can happen without any pain and may show symptoms hours later.
Symptoms of eye damage include blurred vision, blind spots, and color problems; damage can be permanent.
The UK Health Security Agency also warns that damage can occur within seconds and people might not know it is happening.
The only total solar eclipse in 2026 will be visible along a narrow path through northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and part of Portugal.
Most of Europe, Northwest Africa, Canada, and parts of the northern United States will see a partial eclipse and need to wear certified eclipse glasses.
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Andy Burnham chaired an emergency government meeting called the Cobra committee to address the extreme heat and wildfires in the UK. Firefighters are actively working to control large fires in Hampshire and Scotland as temperatures continue to rise.
Key Facts
The government held an emergency Cobra meeting focused on extreme heat and wildfires.
Firefighters are tackling a wildfire in the New Forest, Hampshire, which started on Sunday.
Another wildfire is still burning in the Cairngorms in Scotland, where it began on July 15.
Temperatures are forecasted to rise again, increasing the risk of more fires.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski argues this situation shows that no new oil and gas extraction should happen in the North Sea.
The meeting is part of the government’s effort to manage natural disasters caused by weather conditions.
The discussion also includes the political implications for local leaders like Andy Burnham.
The news was covered by BBC’s Newscast, a daily political analysis podcast.
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