The United States and Saudi Arabia carried out joint strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq on July 29, 2026, increasing tensions in the Middle East. This action followed a meeting between President Donald Trump and the Israeli prime minister amid an ongoing military campaign against Iran.
Key Facts
The US and Saudi Arabia struck militias backed by Iran on July 29, 2026.
These strikes took place in Iraq.
This military action is part of a wider conflict in the Middle East.
President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time since the campaign started.
The meeting and strikes happen as the US midterm elections approach.
Iran is involved in supporting militias that the US and Saudi Arabia targeted.
The conflict risks escalating due to these recent attacks.
The US accuses Iran of trying to disrupt ceasefire talks.
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A new study shows young adults in the U.S. are smoking fewer cigarettes and using more e-cigarettes and vapes. This change could lower future rates of cancer caused by smoking, but the full effects will take decades to appear.
Key Facts
Cigarette smoking causes over 480,000 deaths each year in the U.S.
In 2022, about 11.6% of U.S. adults smoked cigarettes, down from 42.4% in 1965.
Youth smoking rates dropped from 36.4% in 1997 to 3.8% in 2021.
Younger adults aged 18-34 are switching from combustible tobacco (like cigarettes) to noncombustible products (like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches).
Combustible tobacco causes about one-third of cancer deaths and 90% of lung cancer deaths.
Older adults (55+) still mostly use traditional cigarettes and are not switching as much to less harmful products.
The decline in smoking is expected to reduce smoking-related cancers in the future.
Researchers will study daily and occasional use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes next for more insight.
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The only zoo in the Dominican Republic is caring for a growing number of animals seized from illegal owners. The government has increased efforts to stop people from keeping exotic animals, leading to many birds, reptiles, and other species being taken away and rehabilitated at the zoo.
Key Facts
Dominican authorities seized 188 exotic animals in 2025, up from 30 in 2023.
So far in 2026, over 8,900 species have been confiscated, mostly small animals like crickets and fish used to feed other animals.
The National Zoological Park in Santo Domingo houses many confiscated animals such as flamingos, crocodiles, and tigers.
Flamingos are the most commonly rescued protected animals and are often illegally taken for decoration in hotels and private homes.
Some people harm flamingos to keep them from flying by cutting their wings.
Rescued flamingos at the zoo receive proper food and care to help them recover before some are released back into the wild.
The zoo faces challenges like limited space and funding, especially because some animals need to be kept separate to avoid fights.
The government runs educational campaigns to discourage illegal ownership of wild animals and suggests using less harmful bird species for decoration.
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Tick bites and diseases carried by ticks are increasing in many parts of the U.S., partly due to changing climates and expanding tick habitats. Experts advise using protective clothing, insect repellents, daily tick checks, and proper tick removal methods to reduce the risk of illness.
Key Facts
Tick season is changing with more tick bites and new tick-borne diseases appearing.
Some tick-related illnesses can look alike, leading to misdiagnosis, like confusing Lyme disease with Bourbon virus.
Alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy caused by tick bites, is becoming more common in areas with many lone star ticks.
Daily tick checks and quick removal of ticks reduce the chance of disease transmission.
Using EPA-approved repellents like DEET or picaridin, wearing permethrin-treated clothes, and showering soon after outdoor exposure help prevent ticks.
To remove ticks safely, use fine-tipped tweezers and pull straight up without twisting or crushing the tick.
Keeping yards clean by cutting grass, removing leaf litter, and reducing brush lowers tick populations near homes.
Saving removed ticks in alcohol can help with testing if illness develops later.
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Prince Harry and six other claimants lost a privacy lawsuit against the Daily Mail’s publisher, Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL). The claimants’ insurance may not cover the full legal costs, leading to a possible large financial gap they must pay.
Key Facts
Seven claimants, including Prince Harry, Doreen Lawrence, and Elton John, sued ANL for unlawful information gathering.
The High Court dismissed all their claims on 7 July.
The claimants had insurance covering £16.2 million, but ANL’s legal costs were reported at £34.5 million.
ANL requested an interim payment of nearly £10 million; claimants offered £8 million so far.
ANL’s lawyers want claimants to pay costs on an indemnity basis, meaning full payment without needing to prove costs were reasonable.
ANL accused the claimants of making serious allegations and running the case as part of a wider legal strategy against them.
Claimants’ lawyers argued ANL’s legal costs were unusually high and went beyond agreed budgets without notice.
The court is still deciding how much the claimants must pay for ANL’s legal costs.
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Sony Pictures released the trailer for Jumanji: Open World, the next movie in the Jumanji series directed by Jake Kasdan. The film brings the Jumanji game world into real life and features the return of the main cast. The movie will premiere on December 25, 2026.
Key Facts
Jumanji: Open World is a sequel to the 2019 film Jumanji: The Next Level.
The original Jumanji movie came out in 1995 and was based on a 1981 children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg.
The 2017 reboot updated the game from a board game to a video game and was very successful, earning over $960 million worldwide.
The new movie’s trailer shows game avatars entering the real world but stuck in demo mode.
The main cast, including Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, and Kevin Hart, is returning.
The movie also stars new actors with some roles not yet revealed.
The film’s release date is December 25, 2026.
The movie continues the theme of blending gaming worlds with real life.
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Greek police have identified a body found in a suitcase in Athens as a 38-year-old British woman who had been dead for several weeks. Authorities are investigating the death as a possible crime and are working with international agencies to trace her movements before she died.
Key Facts
A body was found inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in central Athens on July 18.
The victim was a 38-year-old British woman born in Scotland in 1988.
She arrived in Greece from Cyprus on June 29, reportedly coming from the United States.
The woman was found wrapped in cloth and plastic, wearing a black T-shirt and shorts, with no visible tattoos or marks.
Greek police used fingerprints and DNA with help from Interpol and US authorities to identify her.
Investigators are examining CCTV footage, flight records, and hotel bookings to learn about her last movements.
Officials consider the death suspicious because of how the body was concealed and are treating it as a possible crime.
The British embassy has been informed but has not made public comments.
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Two American men were found guilty of killing a Canadian couple in Dominica. The couple’s bodies were discovered in a burnt car after they were reported missing in late 2023.
Key Facts
The victims were Daniel Langlois, a Canadian entrepreneur, and his partner Dominique Marchand.
Langlois was founder of Softimage, a company known for animation software used in popular movies.
The couple had lived in Dominica since 1997 and were involved in charitable work and hotel business there.
The suspects, Jonathan Lehrer and Robert Snyder Jr, were arrested soon after the couple’s bodies were found.
Lehrer and Langlois had a long dispute over a road between their properties.
Lehrer owned a property next to Langlois’ large luxury resort in Dominica.
A court ordered Lehrer in 2019 to allow public access to the road, including for Langlois’ guests.
No sentence has been announced for the convicted men yet.
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Large wildfires in the Gironde region of France highlight growing problems with land management caused by climate change. Experts say the solution is not just better firefighting but also changing how forests and communities are planned to adapt to a hotter climate.
Key Facts
Wildfires in Gironde, southwest France, have become unusually severe.
Jean-Luc Gleyze, local government president, views the fires as a test of community and government cooperation.
Stéphane Delpeyrat-Vincent, a wildfire prevention researcher, says fires show that land management no longer fits the changing climate.
Experts suggest moving beyond fighting fires to rethink how forests and towns are organized.
Climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of wildfires in the region.
The current approach to managing landscapes is based on past climate conditions that have changed.
The crisis highlights the need for new strategies to protect people and nature in a warming world.
Discussions also focus on using ancestral or traditional land management practices as part of the solution.
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The United States and Saudi Arabia carried out joint airstrikes on armed groups in Iraq that are backed by Iran. This action follows recent Iranian attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan and ships in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has promised further responses, raising concerns about the conflict expanding further.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes on Iran-supported armed groups located in Iraq.
Iran had previously attacked U.S. military bases in Jordan.
Iranian forces also targeted ships in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, an important waterway for oil transport.
President Donald Trump has vowed additional retaliation following these attacks.
The situation signals a widening of the conflict involving the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Iran.
These developments increase fears that the conflict in the Middle East is entering a more dangerous phase.
The conflict involves complex regional alliances and power struggles, particularly centered on influence over Iraq.
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Two firefighters died while fighting a wildfire on the southern Greek island of Crete. About 125 firefighters were working to stop the fire in the Rethymno area when the deaths occurred.
Key Facts
The wildfire started on Wednesday afternoon in the Rethymno region of Crete.
Two firefighters died during efforts to control the fire.
Around 125 firefighters were involved in fighting the wildfire.
The fire department described the firefighters’ deaths as occurring in the line of duty.
The firefighting efforts aimed to protect people, property, and the environment.
The wildfire is part of ongoing fires affecting the region.
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Prince Harry and several public figures lost a privacy lawsuit against the Daily Mail's publisher, Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL). They now face a legal bill that could cost millions of pounds, as the court decides who must pay for the expensive trial.
Key Facts
Prince Harry and others, including Sir Elton John and Baroness Lawrence, sued ANL for unlawful information gathering.
Their case was dismissed by Judge Nicklin after an 11-week trial.
The Daily Mail’s publisher has legal costs of almost £34.5 million as of early July.
ANL says the claimants should pay all costs and requested a higher level of financial repayment called indemnity costs.
The claimants have insurance covering £16.2 million but may still owe millions more.
ANL accused the claimants of unreasonable behavior during the lawsuit.
The claimants deny wrongdoing and say paying full costs would be unfair and very hard on them.
The court is currently hearing arguments to decide how the legal costs will be divided.
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Rescuers in Japan are searching through the ruins of a shopping mall destroyed by a strong earthquake. The earthquake has killed at least 13 people and caused many to evacuate the area.
Key Facts
A powerful earthquake hit southern Japan with a magnitude of 7.1.
At least 13 people have died due to the earthquake.
A shopping mall was heavily damaged during the quake.
Rescue teams are looking for survivors trapped in the wreckage.
Thousands of people have evacuated the affected areas.
The earthquake has triggered ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
The disaster is part of recent natural events happening in Japan.
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Experts recorded about 5,000 fewer southern bent-wing bats at a key cave in Australia last summer, marking a 14-16% decline in their population. The cause of this drop is unknown, and it worries researchers because the bats are critically endangered and important for controlling insects.
Key Facts
Southern bent-wing bats are critically endangered and live mainly in caves in south-west Victoria and south-east South Australia.
The Naracoorte cave is a major maternity site where many bats gather to have their young each summer.
The bat population at Naracoorte has dropped from an average of around 28,600 adults to about 14-16% fewer bats last summer.
These bats live up to 22 years, but reproduce slowly with only one baby each year.
Possible reasons for the decline include habitat loss, drought, fewer insects to eat, human disturbance, wind turbine collisions, and disease risks.
Conservation efforts include restoring habitats and planting native plants to increase food supply for the bats.
Southern bent-wing bats have lived in this region for approximately 500,000 years.
Researchers emphasize the bats’ role in controlling agricultural pests and disease-carrying insects.
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Australia has confirmed local spread of the deadly H5N1 bird flu among wild birds, marking a new stage in the outbreak. Authorities reported several new cases in South Australian birds, including on Kangaroo Island, where there are concerns for endangered sea lions.
Key Facts
Australia now has local transmission of the H5N1 bird flu virus in wild birds.
11 new suspected cases were found in greater crested terns in South Australia, including four on Kangaroo Island.
There are 27 confirmed bird flu cases in Australia so far, all linked to sub-Antarctic virus strains.
No cases have been found yet in poultry or agricultural birds in Australia.
The risk to human health from bird flu remains low in Australia.
The virus poses a threat to wildlife, especially the endangered Australian sea lion population on Kangaroo Island.
Bird flu has killed large numbers of marine mammals in other parts of the world, raising concern for similar impacts in Australia.
Authorities say controlling the virus in wild birds is very difficult, but they will continue monitoring and try to limit damage to wildlife.
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Large wildfires in the Gironde region of southwestern France have burned an area four times the size of Paris, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes. Many pets were left behind during the evacuation, but volunteers have set up rescue operations to save and care for animals affected by the fires.
Key Facts
Wildfires in Gironde have caused evacuations of thousands due to the rapid spread of fire.
The area burned by the fires is about four times larger than the city of Paris.
Many pet owners had to leave their animals behind because of the sudden evacuations.
A canine boarding facility near Bordeaux was converted into a shelter for rescued pets.
David Avril and his wife Mary-Line led efforts to rescue cats, dogs, horses, and even wild animals like a hedgehog.
Volunteers, including veterinarians and friends, joined to help rescue and care for the animals.
Around 100 animals have been rescued so far, with some reunited with their owners.
One rescue involved freeing four dogs trapped in a home surrounded by fire by tearing down parts of the building.
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This news story describes an Italian family that has been producing wine for 600 years. Their vineyards include famous regions in Italy as well as a property in California’s Napa Valley.
Key Facts
The family has been making wine for six centuries.
Their vineyards are located in Tuscany and Umbria, two well-known areas in Italy.
They also own land for growing grapes in Napa Valley, California.
The story was reported by Morley Safer in 2008.
The report originally appeared on the TV program 60 Minutes.
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Japan has the world's oldest population, with nearly 30% aged 65 or older and many living past 100. The country’s health care system, which includes mandatory insurance and community care, supports this longevity but faces challenges like worker shortages and rising costs as the population continues to age.
Key Facts
Nearly 30% of Japan’s population is age 65 or older.
Japan has about 100,000 people aged 100 or older.
The country has universal health coverage, mandatory for all residents including foreigners.
Health insurance is provided through Employees’ Health Insurance or National Health Insurance depending on employment status.
The government controls costs by setting fees for medical services and drugs.
Japan has a well-structured post-acute and long-term care system with hospitals, nursing homes, and home-care services.
Japan faces staff shortages, especially nurses and caregivers, particularly in rural areas.
Rising labor, energy, and supply costs threaten hospital financial stability and the system’s sustainability.
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BTS announced that they will not send their music for the 2027 Grammy Awards. They expressed hope that their music will be appreciated without being separated by region or language.
Key Facts
BTS is a South Korean pop group with seven members: RM, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V, Jung Kook, and Jin.
The Recording Academy added five new Grammy categories for 2027, including Best Asian Pop Music Performance.
Some fans feel the new category might separate Asian artists instead of including them in main categories.
BTS has been nominated five times for a Grammy but has never won.
No K-pop group had ever won a Grammy until 2024, when a K-pop song won for best song in visual media.
BTS recently released their fifth album, "ARIRANG," after a break for members’ military service.
BTS’s representative did not give further comments on their decision to skip the 2027 Grammys.
The Recording Academy has not yet responded to requests for comment about BTS’s decision.
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A 19-year-old Norwegian man was found guilty in London of planning to kill someone in the UK for a crime gang linked to Iran. He was caught soon after arriving with weapons, and the gang he worked for is connected to a Swedish group tied to the Iranian government.
Key Facts
Johannes Kongsnes Natland, a 19-year-old from Norway, was convicted of conspiracy to murder in London.
He agreed to kill an unknown person for 25,000 euros in March last year.
Natland was arrested two days after arriving in the UK with two guns and ammunition.
The crime gang involved is the Foxtrot Network, a Swedish organized crime group linked to the Iranian government.
Natland was recruited by a 17-year-old known as “Generalen,” who was sentenced to 14 years in Norway for a related crime.
Another 16-year-old is waiting for trial in Norway for involvement in the same plot.
The UK government sanctioned the Foxtrot Network for violence against Jewish and Israeli targets in Europe on Iran’s behalf.
Sanctions include freezing assets and forbidding UK businesses from dealing with the Foxtrot Network.
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