Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has urged the UK government and Prime Minister Andy Burnham to strengthen climate action and reduce dependence on oil and gas amid extreme weather events like heatwaves and wildfires. There is concern that the government may support new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, despite the Labour party’s previous pledge to stop new licences.
Key Facts
Sadiq Khan called for renewed climate efforts and cutting reliance on fossil fuels during a summer of drought and heatwaves in the UK.
Andy Burnham, the new prime minister, has not clearly stated his position on new oil and gas drilling but described his approach as “pragmatic.”
The Labour party’s manifesto promises to stop new oil and gas licences, but decisions on projects like Jackdaw gasfield and Rosebank oilfield are still pending.
These projects were previously allowed under the Conservative government but halted after legal challenges from environmental groups.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh will decide on these drilling projects soon, following consultations on their emissions.
Some Labour MPs worry support for drilling could upset voters facing extreme weather worsened by fossil fuel use.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch supports new North Sea drilling as a solution to the UK’s energy crisis, but some economists disagree and warn it could harm economic growth and climate goals.
Sadiq Khan described the current climate as an “era of extremes” and warned of political divisions on climate issues in the UK.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Teenagers from countries with long-standing conflicts, including Israel and Palestine, meet at a summer camp in Devon, UK, called Seeds of Peace. They spend time sharing personal stories and trying to understand each other to promote peace.
Key Facts
Seeds of Peace is a summer camp for teenagers aged 14 to 17 from eight countries, including the UK, Israel, Palestine, India, and Pakistan.
The camp usually happens in the US but was held in the UK this year for safety and visa reasons.
Participants spend about 32 hours in dialogue sessions over three weeks, focusing on personal experiences instead of textbooks or maps.
The camp has been running for 30 years and was founded in 1993 by American journalist John Wallach.
Teenagers at the camp are called “seeds” and come from different sides of historical conflicts.
Some participants found the experience challenging but meaningful, as it helped them see others as individuals rather than enemies.
The camp aims to build understanding and peace by encouraging open conversation between youth from opposing communities.
Organizers say it is difficult to find a neutral and safe location acceptable to all participants for hosting the camp.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iran uses large state-supported posters and murals in Tehran as part of its conflict with the United States. These visual messages, some shared internationally, show strong anti-US and anti-Israel themes and aim to communicate Iran’s official views both to its people and other countries.
Key Facts
Large murals and billboards in Tehran display anti-US and anti-Israel messages.
One notable image shows President Donald Trump with his mouth sewn shut, symbolizing silencing Washington.
The murals reference important locations like the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.
Iran restricts public internet access and carefully controls what journalists can report, especially during conflict periods.
Some propaganda posters are officially released and spread by Iranian news agencies and international media.
Images include religious and political leaders, showing a link between Iran’s leadership and the ongoing war.
These visuals aim to influence both Iranian citizens and foreign audiences.
The use of murals continues a long history of visual propaganda in Iran dating back to the Islamic Revolution.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The US embassy in London is offering up to $500,000 in grants for public education programs about shared values between the US and UK. Some people have criticized this as interference in British politics, especially because the grants focus on ideas like free speech and limited government, which align with President Trump’s political views.
Key Facts
The US embassy is providing grants up to $500,000 for programs about US-UK shared civilizational values.
The funding aims to promote topics like freedom of speech, limited government, and the rule of law.
Critics say this grant scheme interferes with British domestic politics.
The grant scheme is separate from a $12 million US State Department fund supporting UK groups linked to Conservative politicians Jacob Rees-Mogg and Toby Young.
The grant program is called “Liberty Under Law: The Shared Anglo-American Tradition.”
The initiative seeks to educate people on common law traditions and commemorate the 70th anniversary of the American Bar Association’s Magna Carta memorial.
Some experts and politicians accuse the US government of pushing a narrow “America First” narrative aligned with President Trump’s agenda.
US embassy officials say the grants are meant to strengthen US-UK ties and improve understanding of constitutional principles without supporting political lobbying.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A small mountain village in Spain called Somosierra is preparing for a total solar eclipse on August 12, which will be visible in northern and eastern Spain. The village expects thousands of visitors eager to see the rare event, which has not happened there for over 120 years, and is making plans to handle the large crowd.
Key Facts
Somosierra is a village located 1,440 meters above sea level near Madrid.
On August 12, there will be a total solar eclipse lasting 1 minute and 29 seconds visible from Somosierra.
This eclipse is the first in over 120 years to be seen in the area.
The village has 93 residents but expects around 2,000 visitors for the event.
Official registration for the event was set at 400 people, but more may arrive unexpectedly.
Local authorities are working with police and civil protection to manage the crowd and safety risks.
Volunteers are being trained by astrotourism experts to assist during the eclipse day.
The village is concerned about practical needs like parking, water supply, and food for visitors.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 14-year-old student in Thailand killed five school staff and more than 20 others were injured in a shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School near Bangkok. Earlier the same day, the boy also killed his two grandparents and then took his own life at the school.
Key Facts
The shooting happened around 10 a.m. at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi province.
Five teachers and school staff died at the school.
The shooter was 14 years old and killed himself at the school.
The boy killed his two grandparents at their home before coming to school.
More than 20 people were injured, with 10 in critical condition.
The gun used was small, compact, and legally registered to the boy’s grandfather.
Thailand has one of the highest civilian gun ownership rates in Asia, with about 15 guns per 100 people.
Witnesses described students hiding and fleeing as gunshots rang out at the school.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Richard Tice and Nigel Farage are suing the National Crime Agency (NCA) for allegedly leaking their private financial information. They claim the NCA leaked bank details and other sensitive data, and they want an apology and compensation. The NCA is investigating the complaint.
Key Facts
Richard Tice and Nigel Farage are leaders of Reform UK and are suing the NCA.
They accuse the NCA of leaking confidential financial information to the media.
The leaked information reportedly includes bank statements and details of conversations with bank managers.
The issue arose after payments linked to George Cottrell’s mother were reported to the NCA’s suspicious activity reports (SARs) program.
SARs are alerts for potential money laundering but are not accusations of a crime.
The NCA is conducting an internal investigation into the leaks.
Cottrell’s connections to Reform UK and financial support to Farage have been under public scrutiny.
Reform UK says Farage did not break rules because support received was personal, not political.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Val Ripley, who is 101 years old, helped create a dolls' house and toy museum in Newport, Pembrokeshire using her childhood toys. The toys were stored away during World War II and rediscovered more than 30 years later, leading her and her late sister to open the museum 26 years ago.
Key Facts
Val Ripley received her first dolls' house in 1932 when she was eight years old.
During World War II, the Ripley family's possessions, including the dolls' house, were put into storage.
The toys were forgotten for decades until Val and her sister found them again after their mother died in 1977.
Val and her sister opened the Ty Twt Dolls House and Toy Museum in Newport, Pembrokeshire, 26 years ago.
The museum showcases a collection of vintage dolls' houses and toys that reflect social history and changes in home life.
The oldest dolls' house in the collection dates back to 1840 and represents a wealthy Victorian family home.
Industrial Revolution made dolls' houses more affordable and sturdy for children to play with.
Val continues to add new pieces to the collection and welcomes visitors and school groups to the museum.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russian missile strikes killed three people near Kyiv, including a child, on Saturday. This attack happened the same day Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an important visit to Serbia, a country with strong ties to Russia.
Key Facts
Three people died in Russian strikes near Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital region.
One of the victims was a child.
The attack took place on Saturday.
President Zelensky visited Belgrade, Serbia, on the same day.
Serbia has close political and historical ties with Russia.
The visit by Zelensky to Serbia was described as significant or landmark.
Russian forces are active near several key locations in Ukraine.
Previous Russian attacks have caused multiple casualties in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. government announced it will give $1 billion in security aid to Colombia as the country’s new president, Abelardo De La Espriella, took office. President De La Espriella, supported by President Donald Trump, promised to fight drug traffickers and armed groups in his first speech.
Key Facts
The U.S. State Department revealed the $1 billion security assistance plan on August 7, 2026.
Abelardo De La Espriella, a right-wing leader endorsed by President Trump, became Colombia’s president on August 7, 2026.
De La Espriella calls himself "The Tiger."
His first speech focused on defeating narco-terrorists, which means armed groups involved in drug trafficking.
The ceremony took place at a military base in the city of Cali, Colombia.
This aid is meant to help Colombia fight drug trafficking and armed violence.
The announcement was made shortly after the presidential inauguration.
The security aid is part of ongoing U.S. support for Colombia’s fight against drugs and violence.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russian missile strikes hit near Kyiv, killing three people including a child, and injuring others. The attacks happened as Ukrainian President Zelensky visited Serbia, a country with close ties to Russia.
Key Facts
The missile strikes took place in the Brovary district, northeast of Kyiv.
Three people, including one child, were killed by the strikes.
Three others were wounded in the attacks.
The strikes damaged houses, vehicles, and caused fires in buildings.
Kyiv was under an air raid alert due to threats of ballistic missile attacks.
Ukrainian President Zelensky visited Belgrade, Serbia, on his first official visit to discuss security and economic ties.
Serbia maintains close relations with Russia and has not imposed sanctions on Moscow.
Serbia has supplied non-military aid to Ukraine, but its president avoided signing formal support declarations for Ukraine in the conflict.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russian attacks on Ukraine’s capital region killed three people, including a child, and injured others. The strikes involved ballistic missiles and caused fires and damage to homes and vehicles northeast of Kyiv.
Key Facts
Three people died, including one child, in the Brovary district northeast of Kyiv.
Three other people were injured in the same attacks.
The attacks used ballistic missiles, which are hard to intercept.
Falling debris from the strikes caused fires and damaged houses, cars, and a warehouse.
An air raid alert was declared in Kyiv, instructing residents to take shelter.
Ukraine’s military reported multiple explosions and injuries from the overnight attacks.
The strikes are part of increased Russian missile attacks on the Ukrainian capital in recent months.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A violent stabbing in Belfast on June 8 triggered widespread racial violence across the city. Far-right groups encouraged protests and attacks, leading to damage of homes and businesses owned by foreign families and driving many to leave their neighborhoods.
Key Facts
A stabbing happened on Kinnaird Avenue in Belfast just after 10:30 pm on June 8, involving a black assailant and a white victim.
Initial reports mistakenly identified the attacker as a Somali refugee; he was later identified as Sudanese.
By the next morning, messages spread calling for protests and confrontations against foreign residents, specifically targeting men aged 18 and over.
Far-right figures, including Elon Musk and Tommy Robinson, helped spread calls for gatherings and protests.
Organizers instructed participants to avoid using mobile phones or cameras during the violence to avoid evidence.
Businesses owned by foreigners closed early and residents, including families from Romania, Ukraine, Poland, and Sudan, left their homes due to threats.
The unrest was part of ongoing tensions, marking the third consecutive summer of racial disturbances in Northern Ireland.
The violence included attacks on homes, cars set on fire, and disruption of public transport and schools in Belfast.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
About 300 people, including families and children, have been living on the street near Rome’s Termini station after being evacuated from a squatted building called Spin Time. The building was declared unsafe after a small fire, and residents now receive food and supplies from volunteers while they protest for housing rights in very hot weather.
Key Facts
Spin Time is a seven-story former office building occupied by about 140 families from over 20 countries since 2013.
A small fire led to the police evacuating the residents on July 29, and the building was declared unfit to live in.
Residents are allowed back inside only briefly to collect essential items, escorted by police.
Around 300 people are now camping on the pavement nearby in temperatures above 40°C (104°F).
Volunteers provide food, water, clothes, and mattresses to the people living outside.
The community includes vulnerable individuals, such as children, a blind resident who uses a wheelchair, and many who have lived there for years.
Spin Time was a cultural hub hosting concerts, plays, and a free workspace, and had received help from the Catholic Church in the past.
Local politicians, artists, and Nobel laureate Giorgio Parisi have shown support for the residents’ cause.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Bristol Airport closed its runway due to a defect, causing flight suspensions and stranding hundreds of passengers for a second day. The airport delayed reopening from early Saturday morning until 8:00 AM, citing safety as the priority, but has not shared details about the runway problem.
Key Facts
The runway at Bristol Airport was closed after a defect was found.
Flights were suspended starting Friday evening around 6:00 PM.
The suspension was initially until 6:00 AM Saturday but was extended to 8:00 AM.
The airport apologized and emphasized that safety is their top concern.
No detailed information about the defect has been released.
Passengers reported poor communication and lack of announcements at the airport.
EasyJet staff in the departure lounge were the main source of information.
One passenger said the issue involved a hole in the runway.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Palestinian Christians in Gaza, Jerusalem, and the West Bank are experiencing violence and forced moves from their homes. Attacks on churches and religious leaders are contributing to a decline in the number of Palestinian Christians living in these areas.
Key Facts
Palestinian Christians live in Gaza, Jerusalem, and the occupied West Bank.
They are facing violence that targets both people and religious sites.
Churches and clergy members have been attacked.
This violence is causing many Palestinian Christians to leave their homes.
The population of Palestinian Christians in these regions is getting smaller.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited Colombia to attend the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella and received support from several South American football leaders amid criticism of FIFA’s recent plans. Infantino’s controversial proposal to open the World Cup to private investment was withdrawn, but some critics, especially in Europe, remain unhappy.
Key Facts
Gianni Infantino has led FIFA since 2016 and is seeking a fourth term in the next election.
He attended the inauguration of Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, held in Cali instead of the usual location in Bogota.
South American football organizations, including CONMEBOL and federations from Argentina, Paraguay, Venezuela, and Ecuador, showed support for Infantino.
FIFA had planned to allow private investment in the World Cup through the "FIFA Forward Enterprise" but dropped the idea after criticism.
European football body UEFA has threatened to boycott the World Cup despite the withdrawal of the private investment plan.
Infantino declined to say whether FIFA’s recent problems are fully resolved.
Infantino emphasized football’s positive values, speaking at a children’s football event during his visit.
The Colombian inauguration ceremony was notable for taking place outside the capital, in the city of Cali.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Wildfire smoke from large fires in Canada and Europe is causing serious health problems and thousands of early deaths each year. The smoke contains tiny harmful particles that can damage lungs and spread through the body, affecting people even far from the fires. Climate change is making wildfires worse, which may increase air pollution and health risks.
Key Facts
Wildfire smoke causes about 1.5 million deaths worldwide each year, which is more than deaths caused by floods, flames, storms, or heat.
In 2023, wildfires in Canada caused an estimated 82,000 early deaths, with some of the smoke pollution spreading to the US and Europe.
About 10% of the UK’s fine air pollution (small particles called PM2.5) comes from wildfires burning plants abroad.
Smoke particles are so small they can enter lungs, pass into the bloodstream, and reach many organs in the body.
Air quality in cities like Toronto and Portland got very bad during recent wildfires, with skies turning orange due to heavy smoke.
The direction of the wind plays a big role in who gets affected by smoke; cities near big fires can have good or bad air quality depending on wind patterns.
Scientists are still studying the long-term health effects and how repeated smoke exposure might impact people.
Climate change is increasing fire risk and could lead to longer and more severe smoke pollution episodes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Armenia’s top Apostolic Church leader and six senior clergy members are on trial for allegedly spying for Russia. They could face up to two years in prison, as tensions rise between the church and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government.
Key Facts
The head of Armenia’s Apostolic Church is on trial along with six senior clergy members.
They are accused of spying for Russia.
The trial could lead to prison sentences of up to two years.
The case is happening during a growing conflict between the church and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
Critics say the trial is political and aims to target government opponents.
The situation reflects deeper tensions within Armenia’s political and religious landscape.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is preparing for its first national census in 42 years to count and officially register its population. This census aims to provide accurate data for planning services and to help many people, like Heritier Ramazani, obtain official identity documents for the first time.
Key Facts
The last census in the DRC was done in 1984 when the country was called Zaire.
The DRC has about 112 million people, growing at roughly 3.2 percent per year.
Many Congolese, especially young people, lack official identity documents.
National identity cards have not been widely available for years. Voter registration cards often act as ID.
The census will use digital tools like tablets and smartphones instead of paper forms.
Census teams will first identify all inhabited areas using digital mapping before collecting household data.
The DRC is very large (over 2.3 million square km), with poor roads and some areas controlled by armed groups, making data collection difficult.
Government hopes the census will improve identity records and help plan public services better.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
