A big cat called a Savannah cat was found in a plant pot in a garden after being missing for about two months near Norwich, England. The cat was injured and taken to a vet, and it was confirmed to belong to a local owner.
Key Facts
The escaped Savannah cat had been missing since May and was found in mid-July.
It was discovered injured in a plant pot in a backyard in Bramerton, near Norwich.
The cat is a mix between a serval (a wild African cat) and a domestic cat.
The cat’s name is Blaze, and it was microchipped, which helped identify the owner.
Blaze had a broken paw and a chest wound when caught.
The cat had been spotted roaming in the countryside, about four miles from its home.
Owners of some wild cats need a special licence, but it was believed the owner of this F2 generation Savannah cat did not require one.
There are a few exotic cats like Savannahs and servals registered in private homes in South Norfolk.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler died at age 75 in a hospital in Portugal due to an illness she was being treated for. Her family announced a celebration of life service in Swansea, where fans can pay their respects as her coffin travels through her hometown.
Key Facts
Bonnie Tyler died unexpectedly on 8 July at a hospital in Portugal.
She was 75 years old and known for songs like "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and "Holding Out For A Hero."
Her coffin will be brought to her home in Mumbles on 15 August, with fans invited to line the streets.
A celebration of life will take place at St Mary’s Church in Swansea on 17 August.
After the service, her coffin will travel through her hometown of Skewen before a private family funeral.
Tyler was married to Robert Sullivan for more than 50 years.
The family asked for donations to two charities important to her instead of flowers: Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales and Cerebral Palsy Cymru.
Bonnie Tyler is remembered for her warm personality and lasting impact on music worldwide.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has asked the government for extra security after the death of Ann Widdecombe, who was found murdered at her home. A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and terrorism charges, and there is growing concern about the safety of politicians in the UK.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe was found dead in her home last Thursday; a 28-year-old man is arrested on suspicion of her murder and terrorism offences.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski says he has not been offered government security but now falls under a police safety program called Operation Ford.
Polanski reports facing threats including antisemitic and homophobic abuse since becoming party leader.
There are two police programs for safety: Operation Ford (for local officials) and Operation Bridger (for Members of Parliament).
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's security has been debated, with claims that the government failed to provide him enough protection; the government denies responsibility for deciding MPs’ security.
Security concerns for UK politicians grew after the murders of MPs Sir David Amess in 2021 and Jo Cox in 2016.
In May 2024, the Conservative government announced a £31 million fund to improve politicians’ security.
Former counter-terrorism chief Neil Basu said protecting all MPs at a high level would require thousands of new police officers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel’s parliament, called the Knesset, will dissolve before the national elections on October 27, 2026. The election will decide the next government amid ongoing wars and political tensions, with no party likely to win a clear majority, meaning coalitions will be needed to govern.
Key Facts
The Knesset is Israel’s one-house parliament and will dissolve before October 27, 2026 elections.
This is the first time since 1988 that the Knesset has completed a full term before dissolving.
Israel uses a nationwide voting system where people vote for party lists, not individual candidates.
Parties must win at least 3.25% of the vote to get seats in the 120-member Knesset.
No single party has ever won a majority, so coalitions between parties are necessary.
Main candidates include Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party and former military leader Gadi Eizenkot’s Yashar party.
The opposition parties have not clearly opposed Israel’s ongoing wars or the conflict in Gaza.
Public opinion currently favors right-leaning parties, with no major shifts toward ending conflicts.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy removed Mykhailo Fedorov from his role as defence minister after seven months. Fedorov had pushed for military reforms, including using new technology and fighting corruption, which upset some military leaders but gained public support.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Fedorov, without military experience, was Ukraine’s defence minister for seven months starting in January.
Fedorov focused on reforms like better logistics, reducing corruption, and managing Western aid money transparently.
He increased the use of drones and robots in Ukraine’s military operations to disrupt Russian supply lines.
Fedorov faced resistance from military leadership, especially General Oleksandr Syrskii, who led combat operations.
Syrskii criticized Fedorov’s reforms and was unpopular among many Ukrainians.
Zelenskyy’s decision to remove Fedorov led to public protests in Kyiv and other cities.
Supporters saw Fedorov as a smart reformer who improved military efficiency.
The protests reflected some political tension for President Zelenskyy during wartime.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
China’s economy grew at its slowest pace in over three years, with a 4.3% increase in GDP in the second quarter. While exports, especially in technology and electric vehicles, surged, domestic spending stayed weak, causing concern about job creation and economic balance.
Key Facts
China’s GDP growth slowed to 4.3% in the second quarter, down from 5% in the previous quarter.
Exports rose sharply, with June exports up 27% compared to a year ago, contributing to a trade surplus of $125.6 billion.
Domestic consumption remains low, partly due to losses in the real estate sector and cautious consumer spending after COVID-19.
Many Chinese citizens lost money tied up in property investments, leading to less spending and more saving.
Job creation, especially for people under 25, is not keeping up, causing underemployment and lower incomes.
Experts warn that relying mostly on exports for growth could worsen domestic economic problems.
The government is focusing on reducing debt rather than increasing spending to stimulate the economy.
Average GDP growth for the year so far is about 4.7 percent, and officials are not expected to take major emergency measures.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A large forest fire in the Fontainebleau Forest near Paris has reignited while firefighters continue to battle the flames. French President Emmanuel Macron visited the area to support the nearly 1,000 firefighters working on the fire, and three people are now facing legal charges as part of the investigation into the cause.
Key Facts
The Fontainebleau Forest fire is considered one of the worst in France since World War II.
About 950 firefighters are actively working to put out the fire and prevent flare-ups.
President Emmanuel Macron visited the forest to show support for the firefighters.
Two workers and their company manager appeared before a judge on charges related to the fire.
Investigations suggest arson may have played a role in starting the fire.
The fire has caused significant damage to the forest area south of Paris.
The fire reignited despite ongoing firefighting efforts and wet conditions following storms.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Experts say climate change is causing more heavy rains in the US, leading to dangerous flash floods that will become more common and severe. Many areas are not prepared because old infrastructure and building rules do not match the new rain patterns, increasing the risk to people and property.
Key Facts
Climate change is causing heavier rainfall and more frequent flash floods in many US states.
Recent floods affected places like Texas, Alaska, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Warmer air and oceans cause more evaporation, putting more water vapor in the air, which fuels storms and heavy rain.
Flash floods happen especially in hilly areas, cities with lots of concrete, and narrow canyons.
Many US cities still use very old drainage systems that cannot manage extreme rainfall.
Building homes and businesses in flood-prone areas continues, despite risks.
Some places have successfully appealed to federal agencies to change flood risk maps, allowing development in dangerous zones.
Experts call for stronger rules to prevent building in floodplains and for better investment in infrastructure to handle heavy rains.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany is meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss new joint defence projects. This meeting aims to strengthen cooperation after a previous common fighter jet project between the two countries failed.
Key Facts
The meeting takes place near Cologne at a German Air Force base.
The focus is on creating new joint projects in the defence industry.
The cooperation follows the failure of a previous common fighter jet project.
Chancellor Merz is hosting President Macron on the eve of a Franco-German cabinet meeting.
The goal is to improve European defence collaboration between France and Germany.
The summit is part of broader efforts to enhance security and defence in Europe.
Both countries are key players in European defence and want to work more closely.
Defence cooperation is an important topic for both national governments.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel’s parliament has been officially dissolved, setting the date for national elections on October 27. This election is important as it will decide whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, known for hardline policies, will remain in power.
Key Facts
The 25th Knesset completed its full four-year term for the first time since 1988.
The Israeli parliament passed a Party Funding Law to allow political parties to access state funds for their campaigns, confirming the October 27 election date.
Netanyahu’s coalition passed several controversial laws, including changing media regulation and shielding ultra-Orthodox men from military service.
The current coalition is the most nationalist government in Israel’s history.
Public opinion polls show Netanyahu’s Likud party trailing behind the opposition.
The new centrist Yashar party, led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, is gaining popularity and has surpassed Likud in recent polls.
Secular right-wing leader Avigdor Liberman announced his party aims to win and replace the current government in the upcoming election.
The elections come amid public anger over military actions against Iran and other conflicts in the region.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A woman named Sam Ramsdell discovered a hidden door in the barn of her 200-year-old farmhouse in Maine. Behind the door, she found many old items that had been untouched for about 100 years, including bottles, tools, toys, and coins. She is working with a local historian to learn more about these artifacts.
Key Facts
Sam Ramsdell moved back to Maine in 2023 and started renovating an 1820 farmhouse once owned by Captain William Bucknam.
She found a secret door in the barn floor that had been overlooked for at least a century.
Inside, she discovered nearly 250 intact bottles from 1840 to 1920, old shoes, inkwells, children's toys, coins, jewelry, farm tools, and animal bones.
Some bottles may be worth $200 to $400 each, according to a local historian.
The items help reveal details about the daily lives of the farmhouse’s original owners.
Ramsdell does not plan to sell the finds but keeps them to learn more about the history of the house.
The discovery is ongoing, and she expects to find more as she continues exploring under the barn.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Smoke from large wildfires in Canada has caused poor air quality in some U.S. cities, including Chicago and New York. Officials in both countries advise people to stay indoors and wear masks to protect their health.
Key Facts
About 5.9 million acres have burned in Canadian wildfires this season.
Smoke from these fires has traveled south into the United States.
Cities like Chicago and New York are experiencing heavy smoke in the air.
The smoke has made air quality dangerous and similar to the effects of smoking cigarettes all day.
Officials recommend staying indoors when possible.
Wearing masks is suggested to reduce breathing in harmful smoke particles.
The wildfire smoke also affects areas in Canada, lowering air quality there as well.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new photo of Queen Camilla was released to celebrate her 79th birthday. She announced a plan to give every Year 6 child in the UK a special edition of the book *Impossible Creatures* by Katherine Rundell to promote reading.
Key Facts
The photo shows Queen Camilla in a blue dress at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland.
The Queen supports children's literacy and reading through various public efforts.
Every Year 6 (England) and P6 (Scotland) child in the UK will receive a special edition of *Impossible Creatures* this Christmas.
Each book includes a personal message from the Queen calling it a “brilliant fantasy.”
The program is partnered with the National Literacy Trust, which the Queen supports as patron.
This announcement is part of the National Year of Reading 2026 effort to encourage daily reading.
Recently, the Queen met author JK Rowling to discuss their shared interest in children's books.
The Queen also supports the BBC’s 500 Words writing competition for children.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States has carried out airstrikes on transport infrastructure in Iran, including bridges, between July 17 and 18. Despite escalating military actions, the White House says it still wants to pursue diplomacy with Iran.
Key Facts
US airstrikes targeted transport facilities in Iran, such as bridges.
These strikes took place overnight between July 17 and 18, 2026.
The attacks mark increased conflict after fighting resumed near the Strait of Hormuz over a week ago.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway important for global shipping.
The White House maintains that diplomatic talks with Iran remain possible.
The conflict involves exchange of strikes between the US and Iran.
President Donald Trump has threatened further strikes on bridges and power plants in Iran.
The situation follows ongoing tensions and military actions in the Middle East.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukraine's defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, was removed from his position after six months in office. His efforts to reform the military caused conflicts with the top general, and his dismissal has triggered protests across Ukraine.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Fedorov served as Ukraine’s defence minister for six months.
He tried to modernize and reform Ukraine’s military.
Fedorov clashed with the top general, whom he criticized as outdated and slow.
His disagreements with military leadership led to his removal from the post.
The dismissal caused protests in many parts of Ukraine.
The situation reflects tensions within Ukraine’s military leadership during ongoing conflict.
President Volodymyr Zelensky approved the defence minister’s dismissal.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Germany has called again for the European Union to send a force to Lebanon to replace United Nations peacekeepers who plan to leave by the end of the year. The goal is to prevent a security gap in southern Lebanon while allowing Israeli troops to withdraw and stopping Hezbollah from regaining control.
Key Facts
The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) will end after 48 years by the end of 2024.
Germany wants the EU to create a new mission to avoid a security vacuum in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL leaves.
The proposed EU force would help Lebanon’s military and support Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran, continues attacks across the border into northern Israel.
Israel currently controls some areas in southern Lebanon due to ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
There are ongoing US-backed peace talks between Lebanon and Israel to reduce hostilities.
Lebanon has agreed to the idea of an EU-led mission to support security in the region.
The new EU mission would likely focus on training and support, not direct peacekeeping on the ground like UNIFIL.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A major wildfire has been burning for three days in the Cairngorms area of Scotland, spreading over nearly four miles and causing evacuations of homes, businesses, and campsites. Firefighters and volunteers continue to work to contain the fire, which has burned about 300 hectares of land, while authorities warn people to avoid the area and stay safe.
Key Facts
The wildfire started near Ryvoan Bothy close to Nethy Bridge on Wednesday morning.
By Thursday afternoon, the fire had spread across 3.7 miles (6 km).
Evacuations include homes, businesses, ski resorts, and campsites in Glenmore Forest Park.
Firefighters have worked through the night and continue to fight the fire with six engines and specialized equipment.
About 300 hectares (740 acres) of land have burned so far.
Volunteers from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) have helped using vehicles and hoses.
There are no reports of injuries or casualties.
Authorities warn people not to visit the affected areas and keep following safety advice due to ongoing risk.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Energy prices began rising after Iran increased attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, while the U.S. military struck Iranian targets. China’s large oil reserves and reduced imports helped keep global oil prices from rising too quickly despite the conflict.
Key Facts
Iran attacked ships near the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for oil shipments.
The U.S. military resumed daily strikes on Iranian targets amid rising tensions.
Despite disruption, global oil prices did not spike to expected historic levels.
China cut its crude oil imports by 41.3% compared to the previous year.
China used its strategic petroleum reserves, which hold about 1.2 billion barrels of crude oil.
China is the world’s largest crude oil buyer, accounting for 20% of global traded oil last year.
Nearly half of China’s oil comes from the Middle East, including discounted oil from Iran.
China’s use of reserves and lower imports helped stabilize the global oil market during the conflict.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Mel Brennan worked inside Concacaf during a time of corruption led by Jack Warner and Chuck Blazer. He helped investigators uncover wrongdoing and believes that football has survived past corruption scandals and will continue to do so under current leadership.
Key Facts
Mel Brennan was an executive at Concacaf during the corrupt leadership of Jack Warner and Chuck Blazer.
Brennan became a secret source for FBI and journalists investigating football corruption.
Concacaf offices were located in Trump Tower, where some officials lived or worked close to Donald Trump’s residence.
FBI raids in 2015 targeted Concacaf and Fifa officials due to widespread corruption.
Brennan says the corrupt leaders were opportunists, not criminals, and feared exposure.
Concacaf was seen as less competent than other football organizations, making corruption easier to detect.
Football has survived previous corruption scandals involving Sepp Blatter, Warner, and Blazer, and Brennan believes it will survive current issues with Gianni Infantino.
Media sometimes avoided deep investigation to maintain access, contributing to the problem.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Chinese officials and experts see President Trump’s approach to U.S.-China relations as more cooperative compared to prior policies. They note that reducing trade conflicts and pausing arms sales to Taiwan have eased tensions and helped China’s position globally, while raising concerns about impacts on U.S. power and influence.
Key Facts
After a rocky start, U.S.-China relations have improved during President Trump’s second term, according to Chinese officials and academics.
Trump’s approach focused on transactions rather than ideological or technology competition.
Trump reduced tariffs and relaxed export controls on advanced AI chips to China.
Arms shipments to Taiwan were paused, shifting military balance toward Beijing.
China mourns the U.S. withdrawal from some international diplomacy groups, where China may gain influence.
Chinese experts see Trump’s policies as beneficial to China’s global standing.
Trump’s policies may weaken U.S. alliances and hurt long-term American competitiveness.
The easing of tensions offers potential benefits but also risks reducing U.S. global power.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
