A photo of pop star Charli XCX taken by British photographer Harley Weir has been added to the National Portrait Gallery's collection. The portrait will be shown in the gallery’s History Makers Now section, celebrating people who shape modern culture.
Key Facts
The photo shows Charli XCX in a white crop top and unbuttoned black jeans.
It was taken in 2024 and used to promote her album Brat.
The National Portrait Gallery called Charli “one of the defining artists of our time.”
The portrait’s purchase was funded by the Bukhman Foundation.
Charli XCX’s eighth album, Music, Fashion, Film, was released recently and may reach number one on the UK charts.
The album explores her relationship with art and fame.
Charli released extra songs called "b-sides" on iTunes after initially not planning to.
She will headline the Reading & Leeds festival next month.
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Spain is working hard to control large wildfires near Madrid and Valencia. The country's interior minister said the next two days are very important as a new heatwave could make fighting the fires harder. Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from the affected areas.
Key Facts
Large wildfires are burning near Madrid and Valencia in Spain.
The Spanish interior minister called the next two days "decisive" for controlling the fires.
A new heatwave is expected, which may make firefighting efforts more difficult.
Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated to keep them safe.
The wildfires are described as "monster" fires because of their size and intensity.
Spain is facing a longer wildfire season, similar to other parts of Europe.
Efforts continue to stop smaller fires from joining into larger, more dangerous ones.
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Bill Oddie, a British comedian and wildlife expert, died at the age of 85. He was known for his work on the comedy series "The Goodies" and for hosting several BBC wildlife programs focused on birds and nature.
Key Facts
Bill Oddie was a member of the British comedy trio The Goodies, which aired from 1970 to 1982.
He became a well-known wildlife presenter, hosting shows like "Birding With Bill Oddie," "Bill Oddie Goes Wild," and "Springwatch."
Oddie was also a writer, musician, and conservationist who encouraged people to protect the environment.
He was born in 1941 in Rochdale, England, and studied English literature at Cambridge University.
During university, he performed with the Cambridge Footlights comedy group alongside future Monty Python members.
Oddie originally planned to be a teacher or bird observatory warden but chose a career in entertainment and wildlife instead.
He wrote several books about birdwatching and wildlife.
Bill Oddie is survived by his wife Laura and their three daughters: Bonnie, Kate, and Rosie.
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Marvel had a successful weekend at San Diego Comic-Con, featuring appearances by actor Ryan Gosling and the return of the "Black Panther" franchise. The event showcased new Marvel news and excited many fans.
Key Facts
Marvel participated in San Diego Comic-Con with major announcements.
Ryan Gosling was involved in Marvel-related news during the event.
The "Black Panther" franchise was highlighted with new updates or returns.
Comic-Con is an annual event where companies reveal new entertainment projects.
Fans at the event received new information about upcoming Marvel movies or shows.
The reporting came from ABC News, summarizing the highlights of Marvel’s weekend.
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The United States has paused strikes on Iran following military advice and ongoing diplomatic talks to avoid full war. The Pentagon updated casualty numbers showing 18 US troops killed and 624 wounded since the conflict began in February. Meanwhile, Iran also paused its retaliatory attacks, and global markets reacted to the pause.
Key Facts
The US stopped bombing Iran for a third night after military leaders advised President Trump to pause.
Diplomatic negotiations are ongoing to prevent the conflict from escalating into full war.
Iran announced a pause in its retaliatory attacks on US allies in the region.
Oil prices dropped as markets responded to the reduced military activity.
The Pentagon reported 18 US troops killed and 624 wounded since the war began on February 28.
Admiral Bradley Cooper told President Trump that US military efforts had reached their limit.
Singer Katy Perry criticized the White House for using her song in a video showing US strikes on Iran without her permission.
The situation is part of a nearly five-month conflict involving US military actions against Iran.
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Huge wildfires are burning large areas of forest in southwest France and central Spain. Thousands of people have had to leave their homes as firefighters work to control the flames amid ongoing heatwaves and dry conditions.
Key Facts
Over 325,000 people have evacuated, mostly in the Gironde region near Bordeaux, France.
Fires in France have created a rare fire cloud called a “pyrocumulonimbus” that produces lightning and strong winds.
In Spain, a wildfire near Avila covers a perimeter of 280 km and 77,000 hectares (190,000 acres).
The Spanish Interior Minister said the fires are spreading slowly but steadily.
Climate change is making heatwaves and wildfires more common and severe.
Dry weather and heat since May have made forests very flammable.
Holiday camps in Gironde, including those for Scouts and people with disabilities, have been banned.
Spain’s King Felipe VI visited an emergency shelter and said the fires caused severe damage to nature.
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Doctors and the FDA have concerns about compounded GLP-1 drugs. These drugs are often cheaper and easier to obtain than the brand-name drug Ozempic, but they may pose significant health risks.
Key Facts
Compounded GLP-1 drugs are versions made by mixing ingredients in pharmacies, not by original drug makers.
They are less expensive than Ozempic, a popular GLP-1 drug.
Compounded drugs are easier to get for some patients.
Doctors warn these drugs can have serious risks because they are not regulated like brand-name drugs.
The FDA has expressed concern about the safety of compounded GLP-1 medicines.
GLP-1 drugs help control blood sugar and are often used for diabetes or weight loss.
Patients using compounded drugs may not get the exact dose or quality of medicine as with approved products.
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Wildfires in the Bordeaux region of France have created strong "fire-generated thunderstorms" known as pyrocumulonimbus clouds. These clouds form when intense heat from the fires lifts smoke and moisture high into the air, causing dangerous weather that can spread the fires further.
Key Facts
Pyrocumulonimbus clouds are thunderstorms created by the heat of wildfires.
The fires in Gironde, near Bordeaux, have forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate.
These clouds can spread embers far, making wildfires harder to control and start new fires with lightning.
France is experiencing record heatwaves and dry conditions that increase wildfire risks.
This fire-cloud phenomenon has not been seen before in France but occurred during Australia's 2019-2020 bushfires and California's 2021 fire season.
Wildfires in Gironde may burn for many weeks and could take months to fully put out.
Climate change is expected to make such extreme fire weather events more common.
Authorities warn of another heatwave in France with temperatures possibly reaching 40°C (104°F), worsening wildfire dangers.
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Leading climate scientists who helped Greater Manchester set a goal to be carbon neutral by 2038 are asking Prime Minister Andy Burnham to stop new oil drilling in the North Sea. They warn that approving new oil projects like Jackdaw and Rosebank would go against the UK’s climate promises and harm global efforts to limit warming.
Key Facts
Scientists from the Tyndall Centre at the University of Manchester authored a letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
The letter opposes new oil drilling in the North Sea, specifically the Jackdaw and Rosebank oilfields.
Jackdaw and Rosebank projects were paused due to legal requirements for a more detailed environmental impact assessment.
Burnham, as mayor of Greater Manchester, helped create a plan for the city to become carbon neutral by 2038.
The scientists say allowing new drilling breaks the climate principles Burnham supported and the UK’s international commitments.
Global carbon emissions need to drop by about 8% every year to meet the Paris Agreement goals.
Burning new fossil fuels from these fields would increase emissions and worsen climate change effects like heatwaves and wildfires.
The scientists warn that approving drilling would signal that the UK is stepping back from its climate responsibilities.
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Two Dutch men have been banned from returning to Indonesia after organizing a running event in Bali without permission. The event also faced criticism for reportedly excluding Indonesian locals while accepting foreigners.
Key Facts
Indonesian immigration banned two Dutch nationals for holding an illegal run event in Bali.
The event was organized without the required permits.
The run club, Entourage Bali, was accused of rejecting Indonesian applicants but accepting foreigners.
The two Dutch men left Bali for Singapore before the ban was announced.
Bali's governor promised strict action to prevent such incidents in the future.
Entourage Bali said their run clubs are open to everyone, including Indonesians, and cited technical issues for some rejections.
Indonesians made up about 25% of participants in the club's events.
Indonesian authorities criticized the club as acting like a “state within a state” because of its exclusive nature.
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Federal wildlife officials are investigating a video that shows a person kicking a protected sea lion at a California beach. The agency confirmed the investigation but gave no further details, while local authorities and animal welfare groups expressed concern about animal harassment.
Key Facts
A video shows a person kicking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove, San Diego, California.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is investigating the incident.
Sea lions are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, making harassment illegal with fines up to $36,000 and possible prison time.
People are advised to stay at least 50 feet away from sea lions to avoid disturbing them.
NOAA has only four enforcement officers for all of California and relies on local park rangers and volunteers for help.
The person in the video has not been publicly identified.
San Diego’s mayor called the act animal cruelty and asked local law enforcement to review the footage.
Animal groups report that some sea lion pups have died in the area, possibly because their mothers were scared away by people.
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Ukraine's military attacked and destroyed a Russian S-400 air defense launcher and radar system in Crimea using drones. The S-400, also called Triumf, is a powerful missile defense system that Russia uses to protect its military assets in the region.
Key Facts
Ukraine targeted and destroyed a Russian S-400 missile launcher and radar in Crimea.
The S-400 system fires interceptor missiles to shoot down threats like drones, jets, or missiles.
The S-400 is considered one of Russia’s most advanced air defense systems, similar to the U.S. Patriot system.
Russia claimed to have intercepted 133 Ukrainian drones in one recent attack period, including over Crimea.
Russia took control of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and uses it as a military base.
Ukraine is trying to isolate Crimea by attacking supply routes and military targets with drones.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine can strike Russian targets far inside Russia, forcing Russia to move many air defenses to protect key cities and infrastructure.
The Crimean Bridge links Russia to Crimea and is a frequent target of Ukrainian attacks.
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The United States has stopped its bombing strikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of attacks, although a naval blockade of Iranian ports continues. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing amid tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route currently closed by Iran.
Key Facts
The US paused air strikes on Iran after 13 nights of attacks, but the naval blockade of Iranian ports remains.
Retaliatory attacks by Iran on US military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan have also stopped.
The Strait of Hormuz, an important waterway, remains closed due to disagreements over shipping control.
Iran and Oman have discussed a shared management plan for the Strait, but its acceptance by the US and Gulf countries is unclear.
A recent US-Iran agreement aimed to keep the Strait open for 60 days, but conflicts over shipping routes led to renewed violence.
The situation has impacted other regional waterways, including the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, where attacks have slowed ship traffic.
A Ukrainian strike on an Iranian ship in the Caspian Sea killed at least one Iranian sailor, further increasing tensions.
Global oil prices dropped by about 4 percent after the ceasefire in missile exchanges.
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The U.S. and Iran have paused fighting after nearly two weeks of conflict, allowing for talks through Oman about reopening the Strait of Hormuz for shipping. While Iran denies direct talks with the U.S., both sides appear to be working toward easing tensions, and the U.S. is sending more military resources to the region.
Key Facts
Iran says it is not negotiating directly with the U.S. but is in talks with Oman about managing ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil shipments, and Iran claims control over it.
Fighting between the U.S. and Iran has paused after nearly two weeks of escalation.
The U.S. plans to monitor the situation but continues to send more military assets to the region.
The pause in fighting is described by U.S. officials as creating space for diplomacy.
Oil prices dropped around 7% following the pause, easing concerns in global markets.
Stock markets in Europe and the U.S. rose due to the decreased risk of conflict.
Iran reportedly fired warning shots at ships trying to use a U.S.-designated route through the strait but has not fully blocked maritime traffic.
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Two people died after being rescued from the sea at Fistral beach in Newquay, Cornwall. Emergency services responded quickly, but a man and a woman were pronounced dead at the scene. Another man died at West Wittering beach in Sussex, where two men were pulled from the water.
Key Facts
A man and a woman died after being pulled from the sea at Fistral beach, Newquay.
Emergency teams involved included coastguards, a rescue helicopter, lifeboat crews, paramedics, and police.
The incidents happened on Sunday, July 26, 2024.
In West Sussex, two men were rescued from the sea at West Wittering; one died and the other went to the hospital.
Police are preparing reports for the coroners and have informed the victims’ families.
These incidents happened just before the Boardmasters festival, a popular five-day event for music, surfing, and skateboarding in Newquay.
Water safety experts warned about the dangers of swimming outdoors after several summer deaths.
The RNLI advises people to swim at lifeguard-patrolled beaches and, if stuck in water, to float calmly and call for help.
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A portrait of singer Charli XCX taken by photographer Harley Weir was added to the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Charli’s new album, Music, Fashion, Film, has been popular and critically praised, and she is also involved in several upcoming film projects.
Key Facts
The portrait was taken in 2023 and is linked to Charli’s 2024 album, Brat.
The National Portrait Gallery displayed the photo in its History Makers Now space.
The gallery’s purchase was funded by the Bukhman Foundation.
Charli’s album Music, Fashion, Film was released recently and is doing well in the UK charts.
She released three extra songs as B-sides available on iTunes.
Charli has acted in several films and will appear in more, including a film by director Takashi Miike.
She will headline the Reading and Leeds festivals and tour North America later this year.
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Israeli forces have increased raids in the occupied West Bank, entering over 20 towns and villages, demolishing houses, and arresting many Palestinians. At the same time, Israeli settlers have intensified violent attacks against Palestinians, prompting widespread condemnation from Arab states, the Arab League, and international officials.
Key Facts
Israeli soldiers raided at least 20 towns and villages in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Homes were demolished, and dozens of Palestinians were arrested during these operations.
Settlers increased violent acts against Palestinians, including attacking homes and damaging farmland.
An ambulance carrying a pregnant woman was stopped by Israeli soldiers, leading to her miscarriage.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on international leaders to stop the violence and aggression.
The United Nations and many Arab countries strongly condemned the attacks on Palestinians and their property.
The Arab League warned the situation could soon become explosive if violence continues.
Israeli military officials described the West Bank situation as very dangerous and unstable.
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The Jodrell Bank Observatory in the UK, home to the Lovell telescope, has lost its funding and may close by April 2028 unless new funds are found. The decision follows cuts by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which is focusing on funding research with direct economic benefits, affecting many UK and international astronomy projects.
Key Facts
Jodrell Bank Observatory has housed the UK's largest telescope, the Lovell telescope, for nearly 70 years.
UKRI cut the observatory’s £2.8 million annual funding due to increased costs in other physics research and lab operations.
If no alternative funding is found, all scientific observations there will stop by April 1, 2028.
The observatory played a key role in pioneering radio astronomy and Cold War missile monitoring.
The site was designated a Unesco World Heritage site in 2019.
The funding cuts also affect UK involvement in other major astronomy projects like the James Clark Maxwell Telescope in Hawaii and the Vera Rubin Telescope in Chile.
Around 28 jobs are at risk at Jodrell Bank, and nearly 3,000 scientists use its facilities for research.
Observers, including UK astronomers, describe the funding cut as very damaging to UK science and are seeking ways to challenge or replace the lost funding.
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A woman and her toddler were found dead in the ocean near Port Macdonnell, South Australia. Emergency crews are searching for a missing baby who was with them.
Key Facts
A car with its engine running was found at Port Macdonnell at about 11:15 a.m. on Monday.
Police discovered the bodies of a 36-year-old woman from Compton and her toddler in the ocean.
The baby who was with them is missing, and police are very concerned for its safety.
Detectives and forensic experts are on their way to investigate the scene.
Police asked the public to report any sightings of a white Isuzu MUX with license plate S592BJR.
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