Portugal’s education minister, Fernando Alexandre, faces growing calls to resign after major problems with this year’s national school exams. The government introduced a fully digital system for grading exams, but many students, teachers, and parents say it caused serious errors and confusion, leading to protests and demands to cancel the results.
Key Facts
Portugal tried to modernize and digitize exam grading for over 260,000 students aged 14 to 18.
The digital system caused many problems, including missing or mixed-up exam pages and technical access issues.
Teachers reported difficulties grading because some exams were incomplete or scanned badly.
Thousands of students saw their grades differ greatly from predicted scores, and some grades were missing.
About 19,000 people signed a petition asking to cancel all this year’s exam results.
An education watchdog said 26,000 exams were affected by technical errors, and 18,000 grades were being corrected.
Alexandre blamed staff for causing problems and dismissed complaints as false or minor.
The controversy has led to protests by students and teachers demanding the minister’s resignation.
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President Donald Trump said a deal has been reached for Hamas to disarm and for Israel to withdraw its forces from Gaza, but key issues remain unresolved. Meanwhile, Iran launched drone attacks on U.S. military bases in Kuwait in response to recent U.S. strikes, escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a phased plan for Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Hamas officials agreed in principle but insist disarmament should happen after Israel leaves Gaza.
Israel demands complete disarmament of Hamas before any withdrawal occurs.
Iran’s military launched drone strikes on the Ahmad Al Jaber air base in Kuwait targeting fighter shelters and communications.
The drone strikes were a response to U.S. attacks on Iranian sites, including a strike that killed civilians on Qeshm Island.
The U.S. has conducted heavy strikes against Iranian positions, including on Qeshm Island.
Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing a large military offensive against the Houthi rebels in Yemen to secure oil export routes.
Global oil shipments have been disrupted due to the conflict, with fewer tankers passing through key Middle East straits.
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A British entertainer known as Yung Filly was found guilty of assault by an Australian jury for biting a fan after a music show. He was not found guilty of rape and choking, but some charges remain undecided, and he could face a retrial.
Key Facts
Yung Filly’s real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos.
The assault occurred in Perth, Australia, after a music performance in September 2024.
He was charged with six counts of rape, three of assault causing bodily harm, and one of choking.
The jury convicted him of two assault charges related to biting the woman but acquitted him on other charges.
The victim was 20 years old at the time and cannot be named by law.
Barrientos said the bites were “love bites” and denied causing pain.
The jury could not decide on three rape charges, which may lead to a retrial.
He remains free on bail with a court hearing scheduled for August 21, 2026.
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Australia is considering a national apology to LGBTQ+ military veterans who faced discrimination and were forced out of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) because of their sexuality. The government is reviewing recommendations to recognize and address the harms caused by past policies that banned homosexual members from serving.
Key Facts
David Gibson was discharged from the ADF in 1989 because he was bisexual.
At the time, the ADF prohibited homosexual people from serving and conducted investigations to find gay or bisexual members.
Gibson described harsh interrogations and being isolated before his discharge.
Homosexuality was criminalized in Australia then, but the military often handled cases administratively to avoid bad publicity.
A Senate committee is reviewing a bill to improve mental health care and fairness in military discipline.
The bill would also allow the removal of historical service offences related to sexuality.
The committee recommends going beyond the bill and giving formal recognition and restorative outcomes to LGBTQ+ veterans harmed by past discrimination.
Suggested measures include marking military records to show discrimination was the cause of past punishments.
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President Donald Trump said a deal was made for Hamas to give up weapons and for Israeli forces to leave Gaza, but both sides still disagree on how to make it happen. Attacks on hospitals and healthcare workers in conflict areas like Lebanon and Gaza have increased, with many medics killed or injured despite international laws meant to protect them.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a deal for Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw from Gaza.
There are still disagreements and doubts about the deal's details from both sides.
Attacks on hospitals and healthcare workers continue in conflict zones such as Lebanon and Gaza.
Lebanon is the second-highest country with healthcare workers killed since 2021, after Palestine.
About 135 Lebanese healthcare workers were killed after fighting escalated in March 2024.
Israel has repeatedly targeted healthcare workers, including using “double-tap” strikes, where an initial attack is followed by a second strike after medical help arrives.
International laws protecting medical workers are not being effectively enforced in these conflicts.
These attacks have a severe psychological impact on medical workers and their families.
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Mali faces a serious security crisis as al-Qaida-linked militants and separatist rebels have joined forces to increase attacks on the military. This new partnership has led to more deadly attacks and a rise in deaths in the country, which is part of a violent region known as the Sahel.
Key Facts
The JNIM jihadi rebels and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) separatists have teamed up to attack Mali’s military.
In April 2026, the rebels launched massive, coordinated attacks across Mali for the first time in a decade.
There was a 35% increase in deaths from militant attacks in the first seven months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2024.
The two groups share a common enemy: the Malian armed forces and Russia’s Africa Corps paramilitary group supporting the military.
The conflict began in 2012 with the Tuareg rebellion in northern Mali and expanded due to jihadist involvement.
Mali’s military took control of the government in 2020, citing the ongoing security issues.
The Sahel region, which includes Mali, is the deadliest area worldwide for terror-related deaths.
The FLA aims to secure independence for northern Mali and decide local laws, including versions of sharia law, after control is gained.
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Ten climbers, led by Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, are missing after an avalanche on Broad Peak in northern Pakistan. Rescue efforts are underway, but the team has been out of contact since the incident.
Key Facts
The avalanche happened on Broad Peak, the 12th highest mountain in the world, located in the Karakoram range of Pakistan.
The climbing team includes 10 people from Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, China, the United States, and another foreign climber.
Nirmal Purja, also called Nims Dai, leads the team and is a well-known mountaineer who has set several climbing records.
The group has not communicated since the avalanche occurred.
Rescue operations involve helicopters and other resources, but are dependent on weather and safety conditions.
Purja completed all 14 highest peaks over 8,000 meters in just over six months in 2019, a record at that time.
In 2021, he was part of the first team to climb K2 in winter.
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Satellite images reveal that the UK has experienced significant damage to plants and crops due to this summer’s heatwaves and drought. These dry conditions harm farming, threaten food supplies, and increase the risk of water shortages and flash flooding in the future.
Key Facts
The UK has had prolonged hot weather and very little rain this summer.
Satellite data shows large areas of vegetation turning brown, indicating stress in places like Conwy, Flintshire, Denbighshire, and Merseyside.
Some areas, especially uplands in Scotland and Wales, have remained greener and less affected.
Plants may recover after rain returns if their roots remain healthy, but long dry periods lower groundwater levels affecting deep-rooted plants.
Dry, hard ground can cause more flooding when rain finally falls because water runs off instead of soaking in.
The drought started quickly after a wet early spring and has increased water demand for farms, industry, and homes.
Experts warn that crop yields may drop, raising food prices and reducing British produce in supermarkets.
The drought also puts wildlife at risk, as many UK plants and animals are not used to long dry spells.
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A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan, causing deaths and forcing many people to leave their homes. At least 34 people died, and about 9,000 people moved to evacuation centers, while some had to sleep in their cars.
Key Facts
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit southwestern Japan on Tuesday.
At least 34 people lost their lives because of the earthquake.
Around 9,000 people were moved to evacuation centers for safety.
Some residents could not find shelter and slept inside their cars.
The earthquake caused damage that made homes unsafe to stay in.
Emergency services continue to respond to the situation.
The event disrupted daily life in the affected areas.
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British YouTuber and musician Yung Filly was found not guilty on three sexual penetration charges but guilty of two assault charges related to biting a fan during a sexual encounter in a Perth hotel. The jury could not reach a verdict on three other sexual penetration charges, so a retrial may be scheduled.
Key Facts
Yung Filly’s real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, a 30-year-old Colombian-born South London artist.
The incident involved a 20-year-old woman after a concert in Perth in September 2024.
He was acquitted of three sexual penetration charges and not guilty on charges of choking and one assault charge.
He was found guilty of two assaults involving biting the woman’s neck, cheek, and breast.
The jury was hung (could not decide) on three other sexual penetration charges.
The case will return to court to decide if there will be a retrial on the undecided charges.
Yung Filly admitted to biting the woman but described them as "love bites."
The trial affected his entertainment career and large social media following; fans posted illegal courtroom images online, leading to restrictions.
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Firefighters in southwestern France are fighting large wildfires that have lasted for over a week. Authorities say they had the first somewhat hopeful day since the fires started, while about 220,000 people have been evacuated from the area.
Key Facts
Large wildfires have been burning in the Gironde region of southwestern France for more than a week.
Firefighters are actively working to control the fires.
Around 220,000 people have been forced to leave their homes due to the fires.
Officials describe the latest day as “somewhat optimistic” compared to previous days.
The fires have caused widespread damage and disruption in the Gironde area.
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People in the Iranian city of Zanjan held a funeral for three members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran says these members were killed in a strike carried out by the United States.
Key Facts
The funeral took place in Zanjan, a city in northwest Iran.
Three members of the IRGC died.
Iran claims the deaths were caused by a U.S. strike.
The IRGC is a branch of Iran’s military.
The event shows ongoing tension between Iran and the U.S.
Residents attended to honor the dead soldiers.
No details about the strike’s exact location or timing were given.
The U.S. has not officially responded in this article.
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UK rapper and YouTuber Yung Filly was found not guilty of raping a woman in Australia after a nightclub show. The jury cleared him of some charges but could not decide on others, and he was found guilty of two counts of assault.
Key Facts
Yung Filly’s real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos.
He was accused of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old woman in a hotel room in Hillarys, near Perth, Australia.
The jury found him not guilty of three counts of sexual penetration without consent.
The jury could not decide on three other counts of the same charge.
He was also found not guilty of assault causing bodily harm and strangulation.
Barrientos was found guilty of two counts of assault.
Yung Filly is part of the YouTube group Beta Squad and has appeared on UK TV shows including Bake Off and BBC Three.
The legal case relates to events that occurred in 2024 following a nightclub performance.
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Hamas has agreed, for the first time, to a plan that would have it store its heavy weapons under Palestinian supervision in Gaza. This move could be an important step toward ending the nearly three-year war in Gaza and advancing a peace initiative supported by President Trump.
Key Facts
Hamas accepted a peace plan to disarm by inventorying and storing heavy weapons.
The weapons would be kept under Palestinian, not Israeli, supervision.
The decision followed leadership elections that made Khalil al-Hayya the leader of Hamas in Gaza.
Palestinian officials say the decision is driven by the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Hamas negotiators described the talks as long and difficult.
It is unclear if the agreement will be fully implemented or respected by all sides.
Many people in Gaza are skeptical since past agreements have failed to stop the fighting or improve conditions.
The plan is seen as possibly the first credible step toward ending the war and progressing a political process.
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Actor Storm Reid, known for her Emmy-winning acting, is releasing music to show a different, more personal side of herself. She has put out singles like "Shotty" and "Clean Sweep," and plans to create a music project that tells her story while continuing her acting career.
Key Facts
Storm Reid is a 23-year-old actor from Atlanta.
She won an Emmy in 2024 for her role in "The Last of Us."
Reid released her single "Shotty" recently, following her debut "Clean Sweep."
She has recorded over 25 songs and aims to release an EP, a short album.
Reid releases her music independently through her own label, 1720 Music, to keep creative control.
She wants to help other artists by signing songwriters and producers to her label.
Reid is working on acting projects like Netflix’s "Roommates" and Teyana Taylor’s film "Get Lite."
She values music as much as acting and hopes to perform her music live in the future.
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Ariana Grande released her eighth studio album, "Petal," featuring 12 songs with a more restrained and softer vocal style compared to her usual powerful singing. The album includes a mix of moods and production styles, showing a new side of Grande's musical approach.
Key Facts
"Petal" is Ariana Grande’s eighth studio album.
The album has 12 tracks and shows a quieter, more controlled vocal style.
The lead single, "Hate That I Made You Love Me," reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Producers Ilya Salmanzadeh and Max Martin worked on the album.
Songs mix different moods, from soft pop to dreamy and atmospheric sounds.
The album includes standout tracks like "Bad Thing (Bunny Hop)" and "Nowhere, Nobody."
Ariana Grande described the album as a symbol of growth and life through challenges.
Critics noted the album has less of her usual strong vocal runs and more subtle emotions.
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China’s factory activity shrank in July for the first time in five months, signaling slower growth in the country’s economy. The official measure of manufacturing activity dropped below 50, which means production is contracting rather than expanding.
Key Facts
China’s manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) fell to 49.2 in July from 50.3 in June.
A PMI below 50 shows a contraction in factory activity; above 50 means growth.
New orders fell sharply to 48.5, the lowest since 2023.
Production also decreased, with the index dropping to 49.9 from 51.4.
Domestic demand and building activities have weakened, partly due to typhoons hitting China in July.
China’s economy grew by 4.3% in the April-June quarter, the slowest in over three years.
Exports, especially in technology products like semiconductors and electric vehicles, remain strong and help support growth.
Some countries have criticized China for excess industrial capacity and cheap exports, but China disputes these claims.
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Fifa plans to create a new commercial company and allow outside investors to buy minority shares in it. Several football associations in Europe and North and Central America have opposed the plan and threatened to boycott future World Cups. Fifa says no football is being sold and wants to continue consulting with all member associations before making a decision.
Key Facts
Fifa wants to form a commercial subsidiary called Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) to manage its main events like the World Cups.
External investors would be invited to buy small, non-controlling shares in this new company.
The proposal needs approval from a majority of Fifa’s 211 member associations, requiring at least 106 votes.
European football’s 55 member associations have voted to boycott World Cups if the plan goes ahead.
Concacaf, which oversees football in North and Central America, also rejected the plan.
UEFA and Concacaf together represent 96 associations, many expected to vote against the proposal.
Fifa says the consultation process was disrupted by wrong media reports and will continue to hear all members’ views.
Fifa insists the plan will allow associations to share in football’s commercial benefits without harming the sport’s spirit or governance.
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Israeli forces attacked areas near Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, targeting tunnels linked to Hezbollah. The Israeli military said it used 700 tonnes of explosives to damage these tunnels as part of a plan connected to a previous agreement on troop withdrawal and managing Hezbollah disarmament.
Key Facts
Israeli forces conducted strikes near Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon.
The targets were tunnels believed to belong to the group Hezbollah.
Israeli military used around 700 tonnes of explosives in the operation.
The strikes aimed to destroy parts of the Hezbollah tunnel network.
Israel agreed in June to gradually withdraw its troops from Lebanon.
After withdrawal, the Lebanese military is expected to take control of disarming Hezbollah.
The operation relates to this broader plan of reducing Israeli presence and managing Hezbollah.
The strikes are part of ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in the region.
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A strong earthquake in southwestern Japan has caused 34 deaths and injured several people. The quake damaged buildings, cut power to thousands of homes, and halted train services on the island of Kyushu.
Key Facts
The earthquake measured magnitude 7.1 and struck near Uki city in Kumamoto prefecture.
Deaths increased from 25 to 34 as of the latest report.
About 40,000 homes lost power after the quake.
Rail services in the area were stopped temporarily.
Nearly half of the deaths happened at a paper mill and possibly from a gas explosion at a store.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned people to expect aftershocks.
Help efforts are harder because of water shortages and summer heat.
Japan frequently experiences earthquakes, with a major quake in Kumamoto 10 years ago killing 275 people.
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