Patti Smith, a famous rock singer, met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican and was visibly excited. They shared a long conversation, reflecting their shared backgrounds and interests in music, art, and hopes for the future.
Key Facts
Patti Smith met Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.
Smith is not Catholic but admires Pope Francis for his kindness and humanity.
Smith has a friendship with Rev. Antonio Spadaro, a Vatican culture official, who was with her at the meeting.
The meeting felt like an old friendship, with discussions about memories, music, and dreams.
Smith performed at a Vatican event earlier this year marking Pope Leo’s election anniversary.
Smith previously met Pope Francis in 2013 and sang for him in 2014.
Pope Leo XIV also recently attended a concert by tenor Andrea Bocelli.
The meeting took place in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, Italy.
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An international group called the Board of Peace, created under President Donald Trump’s plan, will oversee the ceasefire and the disarmament of Hamas in Gaza. The deal aims to end the war that began in October 2023 between Israel and Hamas and includes Israel’s military withdrawal and rebuilding efforts in Gaza.
Key Facts
The Israel-Hamas war started on October 7, 2023, after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel.
Over 1,200 Israelis were killed, and 251 were taken hostage by Hamas.
Israel’s response has resulted in more than 73,000 Palestinian deaths.
The Board of Peace was created by Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan to manage disarmament and reconstruction.
More than 24 countries, including Israel and some regional powers, are founding members of the Board.
Some countries, like Germany and the UK, are observers but have not joined the Board.
Palestinians criticized not being invited to the Board despite Gaza's large population.
The Board pledged $7 billion for Gaza’s aid, much less than the $70 billion estimated needed for rebuilding.
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Indonesian police arrested a Malaysia Airlines pilot at Jakarta’s airport for smuggling more than 26 kilograms of ecstasy and methamphetamine. The pilot tested positive for drugs and said he had transported drugs before, and he faces serious charges under Indonesian law.
Key Facts
The pilot, a 39-year-old Malaysian identified only as MS, was caught at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta.
Customs found 14 packages containing about 26 kg (57 pounds) of ecstasy pills plus a package of methamphetamine in his luggage.
The pilot was on duty and under the influence of narcotics during the flight.
He admitted to previous drug smuggling trips, including transporting methamphetamine to Sabah, Malaysia, and Jakarta.
MS said he was paid around 50,000 Malaysian ringgit (~$11,700) to carry the drugs and was awaiting further instructions after arrival.
Indonesian law carries harsh penalties for drug trafficking, possibly including the death penalty.
Malaysia Airlines is cooperating with authorities and is reviewing the incident internally.
Police are investigating further to find others involved in the drug smuggling network.
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Firefighters in southwestern France are working to control the last parts of a huge wildfire that burned an area four times larger than Paris. Although the fire has not spread for several days and officials feel cautiously hopeful, more than 230 firefighters have been injured and the risk remains high.
Key Facts
The wildfire occurred in the Gironde region near Bordeaux, France.
The fire burned 42,000 hectares (about 104,000 acres) of pine forest and tourist areas.
The affected area is four times bigger than the city of Paris.
Thousands of people were forced to leave their homes because of the fire.
The fire has not spread for several days, suggesting progress in control efforts.
More than 230 firefighters have been hurt while fighting the fire.
Officials warn that the danger for firefighters is still significant despite progress.
Firefighters continue working on hot spots, the last burning areas, to fully control the blaze.
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Around 60,000 migrants entered the Spanish territory of Ceuta from Morocco within 24 hours. At least 34 people died trying to cross, and over 37,500 migrants have returned to Morocco. Spanish authorities are considering declaring a national emergency, and the cause of the influx is still unclear.
Key Facts
About 60,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta from Morocco in one day.
At least 34 people died during the attempt to enter Ceuta.
More than 37,500 migrants have returned to Morocco since the arrival.
Spanish officials may declare a national emergency due to the situation.
The reason for the sudden large number of arrivals is not confirmed.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez blamed criminal networks for the crisis.
Ceuta is a Spanish exclave located on the African continent, bordering Morocco.
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Scientists report that climate change is warming the Mediterranean Sea, causing hundreds of new and invasive fish species to enter the region. This change is harming native fish and threatens the way coastal communities have traditionally lived and made money.
Key Facts
Climate change is warming the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
The warming is mainly due to burning oil, coal, and gas.
Hundreds of invasive fish species are moving into the Mediterranean.
These invasive species harm native fish populations.
Loss of biodiversity affects the balance of sea life in the region.
Coastal communities may face economic difficulties because of these changes.
Traditional fishing and ways of life are at risk due to these ecological shifts.
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Tunisia experienced a severe heatwave that caused electricity demand to rise and forced the government to impose rolling blackouts. The heatwave led to 150-200 deaths and hurt businesses as goods spoiled. Power supply is expected to improve as temperatures fall this week.
Key Facts
Tunisia faced extended power cuts due to a heatwave increasing electricity use.
Between 150 and 200 people died during the heatwave, according to young doctors in Tunisia.
Businesses suffered losses because perishable goods spoiled without power.
The government announced power would return to normal as temperatures decrease.
The crisis exposed Tunisia’s weak energy system and growing challenges from climate change.
The heatwave showed that higher temperatures are happening more often because of climate change.
Authorities used rolling blackouts, which means cutting power in different areas at different times to save electricity.
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Iran and Russia do not have official alliances but still support each other and other partners. Even though they face big economic problems, they continue to give military help to those who need it.
Key Facts
Iran and Russia do not have formal, official alliances.
Both countries maintain support networks with various partners.
Despite major economic difficulties, they continue providing military aid.
Their informal partnerships appear to be effective.
These actions contrast with formal alliances led by other countries.
Economic damage has not stopped their military support activities.
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Andy Burnham, the prime minister of England and Wales, has expressed concerns about a government plan to reduce the number of jury trials. He wants to carefully review the proposal, which aims to speed up court cases by replacing some jury trials with a single judge, before confirming any final decisions.
Key Facts
The plan was introduced by former justice secretary David Lammy under Sir Keir Starmer's government.
The proposal would replace jury trials with a single judge for cases where the punishment is up to three years in prison.
The goal is to reduce a large backlog of 80,000 court cases in England and Wales.
Many lawyers and some Labour MPs oppose the plan, fearing it will weaken the justice system.
Burnham has paused an early prisoner release scheme connected to these issues.
He is also starting talks to bring back MP Karl Turner into the Labour Party, who criticized the jury trial changes.
Critics say there is little evidence that removing jury trials will help and warn it may remove important protections for citizens.
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Hundreds of people in central Greece had to be evacuated by boat after wildfires surrounded their coastal town. Wildfires are also affecting other parts of Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Turkey due to dry conditions caused by heatwaves and climate change.
Key Facts
Around 500 people, mostly tourists, were trapped near Agios Vasileios in central Greece and evacuated by sea.
Multiple wildfires are burning in Greece, including a large one on the island of Crete that has led to the evacuation of 8,000 people.
Fires have also started on the Greek islands of Paros, Andros, and Kalymnos.
Portugal and Spain continue battling large wildfires, with Spain experiencing its largest recorded wildfire in history.
Over 200,000 hectares have burned in Spain so far this year, which is about five times more than usual.
Turkey has had more than 200 wildfires recently, including near the tourist city of Antalya.
Dry weather from recent heatwaves, plus last winter’s vegetation growth, created ideal conditions for the fires.
Most wildfires are caused by human activity, but climate change is making fires more frequent and intense.
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England and Wales are experiencing their driest July in over 190 years, with rain levels far below average. This drought has caused water shortages, fire risks, and heat-related health problems in the UK.
Key Facts
England had only 5.6mm of rain in July so far, which is just 8% of the usual amount.
Wales received 7.9mm of rain, also 8% of its long-term average for July.
This is the driest July recorded in England and Wales since 1836.
More than half of England and all of Wales are officially in drought.
The drought has caused low river levels, early crop harvests, and over 20 million people face hosepipe bans.
Dry conditions have increased wildfire risks, including a large wildfire in Suffolk and a two-week fire in the Scottish Cairngorms.
Temperatures have broken heat records with several days over 35°C, contributing to an estimated 2,877 heat-related deaths in May and June.
Scotland monitors water scarcity but does not declare drought; some eastern areas are in extreme water shortage categories. Northern Ireland is not in drought.
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A U.N. human rights expert visited Cambodia and raised concerns about people forced to leave their homes due to fighting with Thailand, human trafficking linked to online scams, and the imprisonment of those speaking out. He met with Cambodian leaders and others, praised the country's economic growth, and urged cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand to help displaced people return home.
Key Facts
Tom Andrews is the U.N. Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia.
About 20,000 people remain displaced because of last year's conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.
Many displaced people cannot return to territory now controlled by the Thai military.
Andrews met freely with opposition politicians, journalists, activists, and diplomats in Cambodia.
Cambodia is working to fight international criminal networks involved in online scams.
There are concerns about senior officials possibly involved in these scam operations.
People freed from scam sites often cannot return to their own countries.
Andrews called on Cambodia and Thailand to work together to ensure displaced people can go back home.
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A Sri Lankan court sentenced former Police Chief Pujith Jayasundara to death for negligence related to the 2019 Easter bombings that killed more than 260 people. The bombings targeted hotels and churches and were inspired by the Islamic State. In Sri Lanka, a death sentence usually means life in prison because executions have not been carried out since 1976.
Key Facts
Pujith Jayasundara was found guilty of criminal negligence for failing to prevent the 2019 bombings.
The bombings happened on Easter Sunday and killed over 260 people, including 42 foreigners.
The attacks targeted three tourist hotels and three churches (two Catholic, one Protestant).
Police and intelligence agencies had received warnings but did not act on them.
Sri Lanka has had an informal pause on executions since 1976, so death sentences are typically served as life imprisonment.
The current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake supports the continuation of the execution moratorium.
Another government official, Hemasiri Fernando, faces a similar court ruling for the same charge.
Two Islamic militant groups based in Sri Lanka were blamed for the bombings, and many involved have died.
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Wildfires have severely damaged the Les Landes forest in southwest France, an area previously hit by large fires in 2022 and 1949. Experts say the current forest's design, with rows of pine trees planted for timber, increases the fire risk, especially as climate change causes hotter and drier conditions.
Key Facts
Les Landes forest is the largest man-made forest in Western Europe, covering 10,000 square kilometers.
The forest was originally planted in the 19th century mainly with maritime pine trees for timber and resin.
The pine tree plantation is a monoculture, meaning it consists mostly of one species, which dries out easily and helps fire spread quickly.
Fires in this forest have burned an area four times the size of Paris recently.
Climate change is making conditions hotter and drier, increasing the risk of wildfires.
Mixed forests with different types of trees hold more moisture and resist fire better than single-species pine forests.
Soil under the pine trees has become dry and loses its natural water-rich layer, making fires worse.
French President Emmanuel Macron said replanting with different types of trees is needed to adapt to climate change and protect the forest.
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Russia and Ukraine have continued attacking each other, causing casualties on both sides. Ukrainian forces targeted Russian infrastructure, while Russian forces reported taking control of some areas in Ukraine. These ongoing attacks also threaten global grain exports, which could raise food prices in developing countries.
Key Facts
Two people were killed and three injured in a Russian attack on the Nikopol district in Ukraine.
A Ukrainian drone attack in Russia’s Volgograd region killed one person and injured eight others.
Ukraine targeted Russian logistics centers, a maritime terminal, and an oil refinery as part of strikes on Russian infrastructure.
Russian forces claim to have pushed Ukrainian forces out of settlements in Donetsk and Kharkiv regions.
Ukraine’s strikes have caused fuel shortages and blackouts in parts of Russia and occupied Crimea.
A movement is growing internationally to boycott the World Cup after FIFA's president, Gianni Infantino, revealed plans to sell the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors. Among these investors is Josh Kushner, who is related to President Donald Trump’s family.
Key Facts
FIFA is planning to sell the World Cup and other soccer events to private equity investors.
Private equity means investment firms that buy companies to make profits.
Josh Kushner, a private equity investor and brother of Jared Kushner, is involved.
Jared Kushner is President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
The announcement was made by FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino.
Many people are calling for a boycott of the World Cup in response.
The boycott aims to protest FIFA’s plan to involve private equity in handling the events.
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Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has been away in Switzerland since early June, which has caused people to talk about the government not doing enough. Biya often travels to Geneva, and there are ongoing rumors about his health.
Key Facts
President Paul Biya has been absent from Cameroon since early June 2026.
He is currently in Switzerland, reportedly for health reasons.
Biya has frequently traveled to Geneva over the years.
His long absence has raised concerns about government inaction in Cameroon.
Many people in Cameroon want changes in their government.
There are ongoing rumors and speculation about Biya’s health.
The absence has triggered public debate and discussion within the country.
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Iran's military said it attacked two oil tankers escorted by the US Navy in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route. President Donald Trump met with his cabinet to discuss the ongoing conflict with Iran and rising energy prices ahead of the US midterm elections.
Key Facts
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) struck two oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz under US aerial escort.
Four other tankers quickly changed course after the attacks.
The Strait of Hormuz has been nearly closed to traffic for two weeks due to US-Iran clashes.
Oil prices have risen over $90 a barrel following US strikes on Iran after Iranian attacks on US bases in Jordan.
Kuwait shot down Iranian drones targeting key military facilities without casualties.
Israel conducted a large explosion near Lebanon’s Beaufort Castle targeting Hezbollah tunnels, which Lebanon called a ceasefire violation.
President Trump held a cabinet meeting at Camp David to plan the next steps in the conflict, which has lasted five months.
US Senate narrowly voted against a resolution to end the war, while energy companies report record profits amid rising fuel prices.
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Thousands of migrants from Morocco have entered the small Spanish territory of Ceuta in North Africa, leading to at least 18 deaths. Spain sent its military to control the border as many migrants, including families, moved through the area near the Morocco border.
Key Facts
Ceuta is a small Spanish territory located in North Africa, next to Morocco.
Thousands of migrants have arrived there from Morocco recently.
At least 18 migrants died while trying to enter Ceuta.
Most migrants appeared to be young men, but some families with women and children were also present.
Videos show large groups of migrants near the border and on local roads in Ceuta.
Spain deployed its military to manage and restore order at the border crossing with Morocco.
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Ahmet Davutoglu, a former Prime Minister of Turkiye and critic of President Erdogan, has announced he is leaving politics and closing his Future Party. He cited corruption and weakening democratic rules as reasons for stepping back.
Key Facts
Davutoglu led Turkiye's Future Party, which he is now dissolving as he quits politics.
He criticized the political environment in Turkiye as corrupt and lacking accountability.
He said the 2018 shift to a presidential system removed important checks on power.
Born in 1959, Davutoglu was an academic before entering politics, teaching political science and international relations.
He joined the ruling AKP party after 2002 and served as foreign minister (2009–2014) and then prime minister.
Davutoglu helped create Turkiye's foreign policy focused on improving relations with neighbors.
He supported backing Syrian rebels after 2011 but was criticized for pursuing regional influence.
His relationship with President Erdogan worsened over disagreements on EU talks and governance.
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