Greek firefighters have been fighting deadly wildfires on the island of Crete for a second day. The fires are part of a larger wave of wildfires spreading across Europe, including Spain and France, with three firefighters killed and two injured in Greece.
Key Facts
Wildfires are burning on Crete and other parts of Greece.
Firefighters are working to control the fires amid strong winds.
Three Greek firefighters died while fighting the fires on Wednesday.
Two additional firefighters were lightly injured during the fire battles.
Similar wildfires have affected other European countries like Spain and France.
The situation is part of a larger pattern of wildfires spreading across Europe.
Evacuations have been happening in some areas due to the fires.
Efforts to contain the wildfires continue despite difficult weather conditions.
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At least 11 police officers were killed and dozens injured in an attack on a police checkpoint in northwest Pakistan near the Afghan border. The attackers used explosive drones and guns, and security forces fought back, killing 15 attackers. No group has claimed responsibility for this attack, but nearby violence has involved the Pakistan Taliban.
Key Facts
The attack happened in Hangu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, near the Afghan border.
Attackers used quadcopters (small drones) loaded with explosives before ambushing the police post.
11 police officers were killed, and 28 were injured and hospitalized.
Deputy Superintendent Diyar Khan, a police leader, was among those killed.
Security forces killed 15 attackers after an hours-long gun battle.
Attackers set three police cars on fire and stole another vehicle.
The Pakistan Taliban (TTP) claimed a recent nearby suicide bombing but have not claimed this attack.
Tensions and attacks along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border have increased recently, raising concerns of renewed conflict between the countries.
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Israeli airstrikes targeted several areas in Gaza overnight, hitting places where displaced families were living and a residential apartment in Gaza City. Many Palestinians were injured in these attacks, with most of the victims being children.
Key Facts
Israeli strikes affected multiple areas in Gaza during the night.
Tents sheltering displaced families in al-Mawasi, Khan Younis, were hit.
A residential apartment in Gaza City was attacked.
Eyewitnesses reported many injured Palestinians.
Most of the injured victims were children.
The strikes caused casualties among civilians in Gaza.
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French officials have allowed 84,000 people who had evacuated because of large wildfires to return to their homes in southwest France. Firefighters have made progress in controlling the fire that burned an area four times the size of Paris.
Key Facts
Around 84,000 evacuees were forced to leave their homes due to a large wildfire in southwest France.
Authorities have now given permission for these people to return home.
The wildfire area burned is about four times larger than the city of Paris.
Firefighters have made significant progress in fighting the flames.
Cooler weather and possible rain helped slow the fire’s spread.
This update was reported on July 30, 2026.
The situation is still being monitored to prevent further danger.
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The UK experienced nearly 3,000 heat-related deaths during heatwaves in May and June, according to the UK Health Security Agency. These heatwaves broke temperature records and increased health risks, especially for vulnerable people, while parts of England also face drought conditions.
Key Facts
An estimated 2,877 people died due to heat-related causes during May and June heatwaves in the UK.
The May heatwave (24-27 May) was linked to around 753 deaths; the June heatwave (21-28 June) to approximately 2,124 deaths.
The highest UK temperature recorded was 38.0°C (100.4°F) at Lingwood, Norfolk, on 26 June.
The UK may see the highest number of heat-related deaths on record in 2026, surpassing 2022’s record of 2,985 deaths.
Older adults and people with health conditions are especially at risk from extreme heat.
More than half of England is in drought due to prolonged dry and hot weather, putting pressure on water supplies.
Health officials emphasize the need for preparation as hotter weather becomes more frequent due to climate change.
Western Europe has also experienced severe heatwaves and wildfires that forced evacuations.
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Saudi Arabia is creating an international coalition to protect the Red Sea from attacks on shipping by Iran-supported Houthi forces in Yemen. The coalition aims to secure this critical waterway, which is key for global trade and oil shipments, especially after recent disruptions and threats from the Houthis.
Key Facts
Saudi Arabia wants to form a coalition to protect ships in the Red Sea from attacks by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.
Dozens of countries, including the US, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and several European nations, have been invited to join.
The coalition’s headquarters will be in Riyadh, and the alliance may be announced soon.
The Houthis have imposed a blockade on Saudi maritime routes and threatened to charge tolls on ships passing through Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The Red Sea is a major global shipping route, handling about 30% of world traffic and connecting to the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean through the narrow Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance to discuss the coalition and regional tensions.
The US and Saudi Arabia recently conducted joint attacks against Iran-backed groups in retaliation for drone strikes on Saudi territory.
Iran denies direct responsibility for some attacks and has warned against blaming it incorrectly.
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Polish officials reported a large crater about 10 meters wide caused by an explosion in eastern Poland. This happened while Russia launched new missile attacks on Ukraine near Poland’s border.
Key Facts
A 10-meter (33 feet) wide crater appeared in eastern Poland due to an explosion.
The exact cause of the crater has not been confirmed by Polish authorities.
The explosion coincided with a major missile attack by Russia on the Lviv region in western Ukraine.
Lviv is close to the border between Poland and Ukraine.
The incident is part of ongoing military actions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage inside Poland related to the crater.
The attacks continue to affect stability in the area near Poland’s border with Ukraine.
Coverage of the event included international news sources like France 24.
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Poland reported that a Russian missile crossed into its territory, violating NATO airspace during the conflict in Ukraine. People in Poland heard sounds like low-flying planes and then air raid sirens went off.
Key Facts
A Russian missile entered Polish territory.
This event breached NATO airspace.
It happened during Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
Residents heard noises similar to low-flying aircraft.
Air raid sirens were activated in the affected area.
Poland officially reported the incident.
NATO’s airspace includes the area over Poland.
The missile incident increased tensions related to the Ukraine conflict.
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A new documentary tells the story of Flaco, a Eurasian Eagle owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo in New York City. The owl became famous after its escape, and the film pays tribute to Flaco's unique journey.
Key Facts
Flaco is a Eurasian Eagle owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo in New York City.
After escaping, Flaco gained public attention and became somewhat famous.
A documentary has been made to share Flaco’s story.
The documentary focuses on Flaco’s experience outside the zoo.
Flaco's story highlights wildlife in urban settings.
The Central Park Zoo is a well-known zoo located in New York City.
The documentary was reported on by ABC News journalist Danny New.
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A book called "Antiquities of Athens," published in 1858, was returned to a public library in Kiama, Australia, about 150 years late. The book was found bricked inside a sealed fireplace during home renovations and brought back to the library, which cannot trace who borrowed it last.
Key Facts
The book was returned to Kiama Library in Australia after an estimated 150 years.
It was found inside a tea crate sealed in a fireplace during home renovations.
The book "Antiquities of Athens" was published in 1858.
The library opened in 1872 and originally had around 1,000 books.
The overdue fine, if calculated today, would be about 28,000 Australian dollars ($19,500).
The library lost the records that tracked who borrowed books in the 1870s.
Rules in the 1870s included limits on borrowing linked to household literacy and forbidding book lending to intoxicated people.
The returned book will be kept in the library’s local history collection and will not be loaned again.
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Drone footage showed severe damage caused by wildfires in southwestern France, especially near Le Temple. The fires burned 42,000 hectares of mostly pine forest, leading to the evacuation of about 220,000 people. Since then, around 60,000 people have returned home.
Key Facts
Wildfires heavily affected the Landes area west of Bordeaux, France.
The burned area covered 42,000 hectares (about 104,000 acres).
The forest destroyed was mainly made up of pine trees.
About 220,000 holidaymakers and residents were evacuated for safety.
Approximately 60,000 evacuees have been allowed to return home.
The damage includes charred land, burnt trees, and destroyed houses.
Cooler weather and possible rain are arriving in the affected region.
The drone footage was captured on July 29, 2026, showing the extent of the destruction.
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The U.S. military struck multiple targets in Iran overnight, hitting military and missile sites as a response to a recent missile attack on a U.S. base in Jordan. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced plans to retaliate, and suspected Iranian strikes also hit Kuwait and Jordan, causing casualties including the death of a worker in Kuwait.
Key Facts
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) targeted Iranian military command centers, missile and drone facilities, and coastal defense sites.
President Donald Trump said Iran would be “hit very hard” after the IRGC attacked a U.S. base in Jordan.
Explosions were reported in several Iranian locations including Qeshm island, Fars province, Kish island, Bushehr province, Khuzestan province, and Hormozgan province.
A missile strike on a residential building on Qeshm island killed three people, including a couple and their two-year-old child, and injured others.
Iran’s IRGC vowed to retaliate against the United States.
Suspected Iranian missile strikes targeted Kuwait and Jordan, with one fatality at a Chinese company building in Kuwait.
Some areas experienced power outages after the attacks, but key transport services like Kish island’s airport remained operational.
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing in damaged residential areas, with people trapped under rubble.
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The US military carried out a large number of strikes against Iran in response to Iranian missile attacks on American bases in Jordan. President Donald Trump promised a strong reaction after Tehran's assault, increasing tensions in the Middle East and reducing chances for peace talks.
Key Facts
The US launched a heavy wave of military strikes against Iran on July 30, 2026.
These strikes were in retaliation for Iran firing missiles at US bases located in Jordan.
The missile attack on Jordan was Tehran’s first regional strike in several days.
President Donald Trump vowed to respond hard against Iran after the Jordan attack.
The fighting in the Middle East resumed after nearly a week-long pause.
Iran’s allied groups in the region have joined the conflict, escalating tensions.
The recent violence has hurt the possibility of quick peace negotiations between the US and Iran.
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Olivia Dean has been nominated for the 2026 Mercury Prize for her album The Art of Loving, while Lily Allen was not included on the shortlist despite critical success for her album West End Girl. Other nominees include Sir Paul McCartney, Suede, Jade, Raye, Nia Archives, and newcomer Dove Ellis.
Key Facts
Olivia Dean’s album The Art of Loving is nominated for the 2026 Mercury Prize.
Lily Allen’s album West End Girl, a well-reviewed break-up record, was not shortlisted.
Sir Paul McCartney, aged 84, received his first Mercury Prize nomination for The Boys of Dungeon Lane.
The Mercury Prize awards £25,000 for outstanding albums.
Other nominees include Suede, Jade, Raye, Nia Archives, and new artist Dove Ellis.
The shortlist was chosen by a panel of 12 judges including musicians and critics.
The winner will be announced on 22 October at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena.
Olivia Dean has previously been nominated for the Mercury Prize for her debut album Messy.
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After the fall of the al-Assad regime in December 2024, many Syrians who had fled abroad started returning to Syria. Among them is Yasseen Tasabehji and his family, who moved from Canada to reopen their lives and contribute to rebuilding Syria. Despite challenges like economic difficulties, many returnees are hopeful about the future.
Key Facts
The al-Assad regime fell in December 2024 after a rebel operation took over major Syrian cities.
Yasseen Tasabehji and his family moved to Canada in 2010 but decided to return to Syria in 2025.
The Tasabehji family opened a climbing gym in Damascus and runs programs to support young Syrians.
About 1.5 million Syrians have returned to the country since President al-Assad fled Damascus.
Many returnees are optimistic despite rising energy costs and economic problems.
The World Bank estimates Syria needs at least $216 billion for reconstruction.
The new Syrian government removed sanctions that previously hurt the economy.
Some returnees may move back abroad if conditions improve, such as those who left Lebanon due to conflict.
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Meghan Markle’s popularity in the UK dropped to a new low in a recent poll, with more people disliking her than liking her. Her net approval rating went down from minus 21 to minus 43 between the first and second quarters of 2026.
Key Facts
Meghan Markle’s net approval rating in the UK was minus 43 from April to June 2026.
She was liked by 18% and disliked by 61% of people in that period.
Her approval rating fell by 22 points compared to the first quarter of 2026.
Netflix stopped being a partner in her lifestyle business, As Ever, in March 2026.
Meghan and Prince Harry visited Australia in April 2026 and Geneva in May 2026.
Britain remains an important market for her lifestyle brand despite her move away from the UK in 2020.
Prince Harry is showing more interest in the UK; Birmingham was chosen to host the 2027 Invictus Games.
The Sussex family visited Britain in July 2026 and met King Charles III for the first time since 2022.
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The number of deaths linked to heatwaves in England has nearly doubled in 2026 compared to the previous year. There were about 2,877 heat-related deaths during heatwaves in May and June, with experts urging action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect vulnerable groups.
Key Facts
England saw an estimated 2,877 deaths connected to heatwaves in May and June 2026.
This figure is almost twice as high as deaths from heatwaves in June to August 2025.
Around 753 deaths occurred during the heatwave from May 24-27.
Another 2,124 deaths happened during the heatwave from June 21-28.
The June heatwave caused three days of red warnings, the highest alert level for danger to life.
Older people, young children, and those with health problems are most at risk during heatwaves.
Experts called for urgent steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to slow global heating.
The current death numbers are nearly reaching the record set by heatwaves in 2022.
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A 25-year-old named Jonathan Peralta Jr. lost most of his teeth due to advanced gum disease, which caused severe bone loss in his mouth. After diagnosis, he had to get all his remaining teeth removed and replaced with full-mouth dental implants, and now he shares his story to raise awareness about gum disease.
Key Facts
Jonathan Peralta Jr. was 25 years old when he faced severe bone loss from periodontal (gum) disease.
Periodontal disease damages the bone and tissues supporting teeth and can lead to tooth loss.
Despite wearing retainers after Invisalign treatment, he noticed his teeth loosening and gaps appearing.
A dental evaluation showed bone loss typical of someone around 65 years old.
Only one tooth fell out naturally; the rest had to be extracted due to the damage.
He received full-mouth dental implants to replace his lost teeth.
The experience affected his confidence and mental health but motivated him to educate others.
Common signs of gum disease include bleeding, red or swollen gums, receding gums, loose teeth, and new gaps between teeth.
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The University of Cape Town (UCT) lost 250 million rand ($15.2 million) in donor funding after passing two resolutions about Israel’s war on Gaza. The university rejected a donor condition to adopt a specific definition of anti-Semitism tied to Israeli policy, leading to funding withdrawals linked to wealth accumulated during apartheid in South Africa.
Key Facts
UCT lost 250 million rand ($15.2 million) in donations after adopting two resolutions on the Israel-Gaza war.
The Donald Gordon Foundation withdrew 200 million rand ($12.1 million) in committed funds for a neuroscience institute.
Other donors withheld 50 million rand ($3 million), including about 15 million rand ($910,000) annually for student bursaries.
The resolutions called for a Gaza ceasefire, humanitarian aid, captive returns, and rebuilding Gaza’s education system.
UCT barred academics from working with research groups linked to the Israeli military but did not target Israeli or Jewish scholars by identity.
The Donald Gordon Foundation demanded UCT adopt the 2016 IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, which UCT rejected and replaced with the Jerusalem Declaration supporting free academic speech and Palestinian rights.
The foundation’s fortune originated from Liberty Life, a company tied to apartheid-era economic policies that favored white South Africans.
South Africa remains highly unequal, with many Black students dependent on bursaries due to historical apartheid injustices affecting wealth and education access.
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A missile that created a large crater deep inside Poland near the village of Tarnawa Kolonia is believed to be a Russian Kh-101 missile. Polish officials are investigating to confirm the missile’s type and origin after it flew over Polish territory during Russian attacks on Ukraine.
Key Facts
The missile landed about 100 km from the Ukraine-Poland border near Tarnawa Kolonia.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said it was likely a Russian Kh-101 missile but they need full confirmation.
Ukraine’s acting Foreign Minister said the missile crossed into Poland during a Russian strike on Ukraine.
Poland detected the missile early Thursday and sent an F-16 jet to intercept it, but it disappeared from radar.
About 20 Russian drones and missiles have previously entered or landed in Poland since the war started in 2022.
Air raid sirens sounded in Polish towns nearby due to Russian attacks on Ukraine.
There were no reported casualties from the missile hitting Poland.
The incident is being taken seriously amid ongoing tensions related to the war in Ukraine.
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