Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has asked countries around the world to unite to stop a possible invasion of Cuba by the United States. This appeal was made during his last official trip abroad before ending his term.
Key Facts
Gustavo Petro is the outgoing president of Colombia.
He made this call for international support to prevent a US invasion of Cuba.
The statement was made during Petro’s final official trip outside Colombia.
Petro warned about the possibility of the United States invading Cuba.
He asked the global community to show solidarity and help stop this.
This appeal focuses on preventing conflict involving the US and Cuba.
The timing is near the end of Petro’s presidency in Colombia.
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The Queensland government has shared new ideas for a park area around the 2032 Olympic stadium at Brisbane’s Victoria Park. While the government promises to keep most green space, critics say the plans lack important details about parking, roads, and transport needed for big crowds.
Key Facts
The stadium will have 63,000 seats and be oval-shaped.
Two-thirds of Victoria Park’s green space will be preserved after construction.
A new national aquatic center is planned nearby.
The plan includes two pedestrian bridges over a busy road that splits the park from the city.
Part of the park’s football fields will be flooded to expand a wetland called York’s Hollow.
A public amphitheater will be built near the stadium.
Some local groups and First Nations people are concerned about losing parkland and harming a culturally important area.
Critics say the concept images do not show how things like parking, roads, and public transport connections will work.
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Anton Honchanka was one of many children evacuated from Belarus after the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. In 1999, at age 11, he came to Wales as part of the Chernobyl Children's Lifeline program, where he lived with host families who supported him during his stay.
Key Facts
The Chernobyl disaster happened in 1986 in Ukraine, releasing radioactive material across Europe.
Children like Anton from Belarus were evacuated to improve their health due to radiation exposure.
The Chernobyl Children's Lifeline program brought over 56,000 children to the UK for medical and humanitarian aid.
Anton arrived in Wales in 1999, living first with one host family and then with Peter and Linda Amoss in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Despite language differences, Anton and his hosts formed close bonds through shared activities like playing and shopping.
Anton returned to Belarus after a month but remained grateful and remembers Wales and its people fondly.
His story reflects ongoing challenges in Belarus during a time of political control and economic difficulties.
2026 marked 40 years since the Chernobyl disaster, a reminder of its lasting effects across Europe.
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An investigation is underway following the death of a man connected to the Oscar-winning actor and his fashion designer girlfriend. The news report explores whether the death involved foul play.
Key Facts
The deceased is the son of an Oscar-winning actor.
The deceased was in a relationship with a fashion designer.
The death occurred at Soho House, a known private club and hotel.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances around the death.
It is not yet clear if the death was due to murder.
The report is part of a "48 Hours" news investigation.
The investigation includes interviews and evidence review.
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A homemade bomb exploded at an Italian restaurant in Moscow, killing three people and injuring 21 others. The attacker, a woman trying to bring the bomb into the restaurant, died in the blast along with a security guard and a customer. Authorities are still investigating the incident.
Key Facts
The explosion happened at a restaurant in Kudrinskaya Square, Moscow.
Three people died: the woman carrying the bomb, a security guard, and a restaurant patron.
Twenty-one people were injured in the blast.
The bomb was homemade.
The woman attempted to bring the explosive device into the restaurant but was stopped by security.
The security guard refused to allow her entry before the device exploded.
Russia’s national anti-terrorism committee confirmed it was a bombing.
The Moscow Investigative Committee is investigating the attack.
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A shooting happened at an In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Saturday afternoon. At least three people died and several others were hurt. The suspect fired shots into a vehicle before being killed.
Key Facts
The shooting took place at an In-N-Out Burger restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho.
It happened on a Saturday afternoon.
At least three people were killed in the incident.
Several other people were injured.
Video showed the suspect firing multiple shots into a vehicle.
The suspect was killed by police or another party at the scene.
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President Donald Trump announced that the United States and Israel will pause new military strikes on Iran if a quick deal is made to end the ongoing conflict. The deal would require Iran to fully open the Strait of Hormuz and stop its nuclear threat. Iran has not responded publicly to this announcement.
Key Facts
President Trump said the US and Israel agreed to hold off on new strikes against Iran.
The pause depends on reaching a rapid deal to end months of conflict.
The deal calls for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz completely.
The deal also requires Iran to stop its nuclear threat.
Israel supports working with the US to finalize this agreement.
No immediate public response came from Iran regarding the announcement.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial waterway for global oil shipments.
The announcement was shared by President Trump on social media on August 2, 2026.
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Three siblings from Gaza, Sama, Abdullah, and Nada Musa, passed their high school Tawjihi exams with high scores despite the ongoing war and destruction in Gaza. Their success reflects strong family support, dedicated teachers, and the determination of students facing harsh conditions caused by the conflict.
Key Facts
Sama scored 97.5%, Abdullah 94.6%, and Nada 94.4% on their Tawjihi exams.
Abdullah and Nada have physical disabilities and received private teachers at home.
Over 89,000 students took the Tawjihi exams this year in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza.
About 1,100 students expected to take the exams this year were killed in the conflict.
More than 97% of schools in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed during the past two years of war.
Around 92% of Gaza's education facilities need major repairs or rebuilding to function properly.
Thousands of homes and schools have been destroyed, and access to educational supplies is blocked.
Teachers continue working under difficult conditions to help students prepare for exams.
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Ukraine has started using drones to attack targets in Russian-occupied areas, including Crimea. These drone strikes aim to damage power infrastructure and disrupt Russian control, marking a new phase in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Key Facts
Ukrainian forces use drones to strike Russian targets, especially in Crimea and occupied parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson provinces.
The drones can carry 50-100 kg of explosives and fly long distances, some capable of reaching deep into Russian territory.
On July 21, Ukrainian drone strikes hit 14 electricity stations, aiming to cut power and disrupt supply lines in occupied territories.
The Ukrainian drone attacks happen regularly as part of a campaign called the Crimean “switch off.”
Russia has been conducting nightly missile attacks on Ukrainian cities since 2022, including the use of Iranian-made drones and missiles.
Ukraine has developed its own drone manufacturing industry, building many of the drones used in these strikes inside the country.
The Ukrainian drone unit involved is called the 414th Separate Unmanned Strike Aviation Brigade, also known as Magyar’s Birds.
The ongoing drone warfare shows a shift from traditional ground battles to technology-driven conflict.
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Dry and hot summers in Europe are causing serious problems for Dutch dikes and river traffic in Germany. The drought is making the dikes weaker and slowing cargo ships on the Rhine River, while farmers worry about smaller crop yields and higher prices.
Key Facts
Hot, dry weather is drying out Dutch dikes, which help keep low-lying land safe from flooding.
The dikes are made of peat, which weakens when it dries out, increasing the risk of leaks or water flowing through.
Volunteers regularly check about 100 kilometers of dikes near The Hague for damage.
So far, no major damage has been found, but monitoring continues into the fall.
The drought has lowered water levels in major European rivers like the Rhine and Danube.
Cargo ships on the Rhine must carry less freight or risk getting stuck in shallow water.
Farmers are facing restrictions on watering their crops and expect smaller harvests and rising food prices.
Some houseboats are left sitting on dry riverbeds because of the low water levels.
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The ballot paper for the Clacton parliamentary by-election in Essex is the longest in British history, measuring 90 cm (3 feet). This is because a record number of 34 candidates, including 20 independents, are running, which has caused challenges for election officials in printing and handling the ballots.
Key Facts
The Clacton by-election ballot paper is 90 cm long, nearly a meter.
It costs four times more to print than normal ballot papers.
Nigel Farage resigned as MP for Clacton but is standing for re-election.
There are 34 candidates in total, the highest number ever for a UK parliamentary election.
Among the candidates, 20 are independents, also a record.
Election officials face logistical issues, such as fitting the large ballots into envelopes and using larger or double tables at polling stations.
The by-election date is 13 August.
Major political parties decided not to stand candidates in this election.
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In the town of Epping, Essex, protests erupted in 2025 after an asylum seeker living at a local hotel was arrested for sexual assault. The situation led to clashes, arrests, and ongoing community tension about housing asylum seekers in hotels.
Key Facts
The protests began after Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian migrant staying at The Bell Hotel, was arrested for sexually assaulting two women.
Most protests were peaceful, but some turned violent, leading to six people being jailed for violent disorder.
The local council considered evacuating nearby houses due to the unrest.
Residents reported increased racial tensions and changes in community life, with some choosing to leave Epping.
Epping is a historic market town with wealthy residents and proximity to a large ancient forest.
Some protest organizers said migrants were abusing local hospitality and causing problems like shoplifting.
People from ethnic minorities in the town felt targeted and unsafe following the protests.
The episode sparked a wider debate on the policy of housing asylum seekers in hotels within local communities.
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President Donald Trump said the US will delay new strikes on Iran if a quick deal to end the conflict is reached. This decision followed calls from Saudi Arabia expressing concern and warnings from Iran about retaliating if attacked.
Key Facts
President Trump said the US is ready to strike Iran but will hold off if a fast deal is made.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called Trump to ask him to avoid new strikes.
Iran threatened strong retaliation against neighbors if the US attacks.
Kuwait was hit by drones launched by Iran, causing damage but no injuries.
Two ships near Oman’s Strait of Hormuz were attacked, with one tanker damaged.
Saudi Arabia has struck Iranian-backed militia sites in Iraq but wants negotiations with Iran.
US and Israel were considering joint strikes on Iranian oil and power targets.
Iran warned that attacks on its energy sites would lead to strikes on oil and gas fields in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Israel.
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A bomb exploded outside a restaurant in central Moscow, killing three people and injuring more than 20. Russian officials say a woman carrying the bomb was stopped by a security guard before it detonated.
Key Facts
The explosion happened outside a restaurant in central Moscow.
Three people died in the attack.
More than 20 people were injured.
A woman carrying the bomb was stopped by a security guard.
The bomb exploded after the woman was stopped.
Authorities have not confirmed who the intended target was.
The incident is being investigated by Russian officials.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has canceled his plan to sell part of the World Cup to private investors after widespread criticism. Despite the controversy, no one has announced a challenge against him for the upcoming FIFA presidency election next year.
Key Facts
Gianni Infantino is the current president of FIFA, the organization that runs world soccer.
Infantino proposed selling a share of the World Cup to private investors.
This plan caused strong global backlash from fans, officials, and organizations.
Because of the public outrage, Infantino dropped the plan.
FIFA will hold its next presidential election next year.
No candidate has yet declared their run against Infantino.
The article suggests reasons why Infantino may be running unopposed.
The World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
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Iran’s leaders agree on continuing the war and showing resilience against the United States and its allies. However, they disagree on whether the goal should be total military victory or using pressure to negotiate a deal with the U.S.
Key Facts
Iran has increased attacks on U.S. bases and allies recently.
Iran’s leadership is divided between ultra-hardliners wanting total victory and moderates seeking negotiation.
The ultra-hardliners are part of the "Paydari" movement, which opposes talks with the U.S.
Moderates include President Masoud Pezeshkian and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who supports negotiation.
The Supreme National Security Council mostly approved a ceasefire deal in April, except one member from the Paydari group.
The new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, remains hidden after reportedly being injured in a strike.
Iran wants control over the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for global oil trade.
The ceasefire has broken down and fighting continues.
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President Donald Trump said he will order U.S. forces to stop new strikes against Iran because Middle East allies have reached terms for a deal to end the five-month war. The deal aims to reopen the Hormuz Strait and end Iran’s nuclear threat, with Israel also joining efforts to complete the agreement.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a halt to new U.S. strikes on Iran based on agreement parameters reached by Middle East allies.
The proposed deal includes reopening the Hormuz Strait, a key waterway for global oil shipments.
The deal aims to end Iran's nuclear threat and bring peace to the region.
Israel has agreed to work with the U.S. to finalize this agreement with Iran.
The U.S. and Israel began attacks on Iran on February 28, targeting its missile capabilities and nuclear ambitions.
Earlier attempts to stop the fighting, including a deal in mid-June, failed after a few weeks.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed concerns to President Trump about potential escalation with Iran before the announcement.
Iran has not publicly responded yet to President Trump’s statement.
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Several West African countries have recently introduced or strengthened laws against LGBTQ+ people, including harsher penalties for same-sex activities. These changes are influenced by local politics, religious groups, and some international campaigns that oppose LGBTQ+ rights.
Key Facts
Senegal increased the prison sentence for gay sex to 10 years and banned promoting homosexuality.
Niger criminalized same-sex sexual relations for the first time in February.
Mali and Burkina Faso also made same-sex relations illegal in the past two years; both are ruled by military governments.
Ghana passed a law criminalizing LGBTQ+ activities, though the president has not yet signed it.
Activists say these laws are supported by religious groups and are used by governments to gain political power.
Burkina Faso’s military government uses anti-LGBTQ+ laws as part of an anti-Western political message.
LGBTQ+ people in these countries face arrests, violence, and police traps, especially online.
International conservative Christian groups help support and fund anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns in Africa.
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Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is taking health measures to protect local people and endangered mountain gorillas from the Ebola outbreak in the region. The park has set up checkpoints with health screenings to help stop the virus from spreading and supports national health efforts.
Key Facts
Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park covers a 300km stretch in eastern DRC, an area affected by Ebola since 2018.
Ebola has caused more than 1,400 deaths in the current outbreak, mainly in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
The park has established six health checkpoints to monitor road travel through the area.
At checkpoints, staff conduct handwashing, temperature checks, and have isolation centers for suspected Ebola cases.
The park deployed 40 paramedics and 80 rangers in a six-month emergency response program.
Virunga previously helped contain the 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak that killed nearly 2,300 people.
Rangers report health data immediately to the Congolese National Institute of Public Health for follow-up.
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President Donald Trump canceled a planned military strike on Iran after agreeing on the basic terms of a deal. The deal aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end Iran’s nuclear threat, with a quick conclusion expected.
Key Facts
President Trump announced the cancellation of a large military attack on Iran.
The decision came after Iran and other Middle Eastern countries asked to delay the strike.
Trump said the “perimeters of a deal” have been agreed upon but the final deal must happen soon.
The deal would lead to the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.
Iran’s Foreign Minister warned any US or Israeli attack would be met with a “proportionate response.”
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged Trump by phone to cancel the strikes and return to talks.
The US State Department issued travel alerts for Americans in 10 Middle Eastern countries because of rising tensions.
President Trump had previously stated the US would hit Iran “very hard” before canceling the attacks.
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