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Sam Fender and Olivia Dean's song "Rein Me In" has become the longest-running No. 1 single on the UK charts, staying at the top for 19 weeks. This beat a record from 1953 and defied new chart rules designed to limit how long songs can remain at number one.
Key Facts
"Rein Me In" spent 19 weeks at No. 1 on the UK singles chart, breaking a 73-year-old record.
The previous longest run was 18 weeks by Frankie Laine’s "I Believe" in 1953.
Other close records include Bryan Adams’s 16 weeks in 1991 and Ed Sheeran’s 14 weeks in 2017.
The song was originally on Sam Fender’s 2025 album "People Watching" and later re-released with Olivia Dean adding a new verse.
The lyrics explore themes of substance abuse and personal struggles after a breakup.
UK chart rules from 2017 called “accelerated decline” were designed to reduce long stays on the chart but did not affect "Rein Me In."
The song reached No. 1 after 36 weeks and reclaimed the spot multiple times against other popular artists.
The official World Cup song "Dai Dai" by Shakira and Burna Boy has been the main competitor at No. 2.
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Florida has seen a small number of cases of Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy, which is a rare bacterial infection that can be treated with modern medicine. However, the word “leprosy” carries deep historical and biblical meanings that cause fear and stigma, making it harder for people to understand and respond to the disease properly.
Key Facts
Florida reported 17 cases of Hansen’s disease by July 2026, mainly in central counties.
The disease can be passed through close, long-term contact with an untreated person, but often comes from exposure to nine-banded armadillos.
Early treatment can cure the disease and prevent nerve damage; delayed diagnosis can cause permanent harm.
The term “leprosy” comes from the Bible but does not refer to the same disease we call Hansen’s disease today.
Biblical “leprosy” described various conditions causing ritual impurity, not a single medical illness.
Historically, people with Hansen’s disease were stigmatized and isolated, a practice that worsened fear.
Public health agencies now use the term Hansen’s disease to reduce stigma but often mention “leprosy” for recognition.
Calling it a “biblical disease” can increase misunderstanding and fear despite the infection being manageable.
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The United Nations and scientists report that a very strong El Nino weather pattern is forming in the Pacific Ocean. This event, expected to last through spring 2027, will likely cause more extreme heat, drought, and heavy rainfall around the world, making the effects of global warming worse.
Key Facts
El Nino is a natural warming of the Pacific Ocean near the equator that changes global weather.
This El Nino has broken early records for strength and may become the strongest ever.
It is expected to last until spring 2027, with its peak in late fall 2026.
The United Nations warns this will cause more heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and heavy rain worldwide.
Areas like Indonesia, India, Australia, South America, and parts of Africa may face more drought and fires.
The United States and Southern Europe could see more rain than usual.
The effects of El Nino will add to long-term global warming caused by burning fossil fuels.
Experts say this could lead to extreme weather events never experienced before.
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Pakistan’s military denied a U.N. report that said Pakistani strikes in Afghanistan killed nearly 500 civilians and injured over 1,000. The military said it only targeted militant hideouts and that the operations were to protect Pakistan from attacks.
Key Facts
The U.N. report claimed that Pakistani military actions in Afghanistan caused 499 civilian deaths and 1,216 injuries from October to June.
Pakistan’s military spokesman called the report “baseless” and said those killed were militants, not civilians.
The Pakistani military said strikes targeted the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), a militant group active against Pakistan.
Pakistan accused Afghanistan’s Taliban government of sheltering militants who attack Pakistan.
Cross-border tensions have grown since February after Afghanistan’s forces launched a raid into Pakistan.
Amnesty International called for an investigation into a March airstrike on a Kabul drug-treatment center that killed hundreds.
Pakistan reported killing over 2,000 militants and suffering more than 800 deaths among its own forces and civilians this year.
Pakistan has conducted over 40,000 intelligence-based operations targeting militants since January.
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More than 3,500 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have caught the Ebola virus, making this the second largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded. The outbreak is caused by a rare strain without a vaccine or approved treatment and is spreading quickly despite efforts to control it.
Key Facts
The current Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has 3,532 confirmed cases.
Since it began less than three months ago, it is spreading faster than any previous Ebola outbreak.
At least 1,556 people have died, with a death rate of 44.1%.
This outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has no approved vaccine or treatment.
Medical staff face security issues due to attacks and many armed groups in the region.
Public distrust and preference for traditional healers make controlling the outbreak harder.
The World Health Organization says the true number of cases might be four times higher than reported.
The outbreak affects five provinces: Haut-Uele, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tshopo.
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Brittany Clark died after a rare alligator attack while swimming with her boyfriend in Florida. The autopsy report showed she suffered severe injuries, including the loss of her left arm and right forearm, and died from blunt force trauma caused by the alligator.
Key Facts
Brittany Clark, 31, was attacked by an alligator on June 28 in Little Big Econ State Forest, Florida.
She was swimming with her boyfriend, Chance Allison, who tried to save her during the attack.
The alligator caused near complete amputations of her left arm at the shoulder and her right forearm.
Clark had bite marks on her left shoulder blade and collarbone.
She died from her injuries while being taken to a hospital.
Two large alligators (12 and 13 feet) were caught and euthanized; DNA linked the bigger one to the attack.
Alligator attacks in Florida are rare, with about eight unprovoked bites reported annually.
Clark worked as a heavy construction equipment operator and had family survivors; a memorial was planned for July 26.
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Ukraine has attacked more than a dozen warehouses of Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer. These strikes are part of Ukraine’s efforts to weaken Russia’s economy and show the impact of the war on Russian territory.
Key Facts
Wildberries is Russia’s biggest online retailer, similar to Amazon.
Ukraine has targeted over a dozen Wildberries warehouses in less than two weeks.
The attacks have caused large fires and thick smoke at the warehouse sites.
These strikes are part of Ukraine’s air campaign against Russia.
The goal is to hurt Russia’s economy during the war.
Ukraine wants to make Russian citizens feel the effects of the conflict.
The attacks focus on infrastructure linked to Russia’s war effort.
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The United Nations Secretary-General warned that a strong El Nino weather pattern is causing global temperatures to rise to record levels. This situation, made worse by human-caused climate change, is leading to more extreme weather such as heat waves, wildfires, and droughts around the world.
Key Facts
El Nino warms the surface of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, affecting weather globally.
Sea surface temperatures are about 3°C (5.4°F) above normal, the highest this early in the season.
Nearly every land area is expected to be hotter than usual through October.
Extreme weather linked to El Nino includes heat waves, wildfires, and below-average monsoon rains in India.
Human-caused climate change intensifies El Nino’s effects by increasing ocean and air temperatures.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for better heat protection, safer work conditions, and climate-friendly city planning.
He urged the world to reduce fossil fuel use to slow down global heating rather than treat disasters individually.
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that a strong El Niño is making the global climate crisis worse by increasing heat and extreme weather. He said the planet is facing record-breaking temperatures and hotter conditions worldwide due to this weather pattern combined with human-caused climate change.
Key Facts
El Niño warms the Pacific Ocean and changes weather worldwide, causing higher global temperatures.
This year's El Niño is one of the strongest on record, with Pacific sea-surface temperatures 3°C above normal.
Human-driven climate change makes El Niño effects stronger by adding more energy and moisture for extreme weather like heatwaves and heavy rain.
Recent months have seen extreme heat and major wildfires in parts of Europe, including Spain and France.
Nearly every land area is expected to experience hotter than normal weather through October.
Some regions, such as India, Central America, and parts of Africa, are facing below-normal rainfall and drought conditions.
Guterres called for urgent actions: protecting people from heat with warning systems, securing safer working conditions, and designing cities and buildings for extreme heat.
He emphasized that addressing climate change remains the most essential step.
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A plan supported by the United States suggests that Hamas and Israel have two weeks to complete Gaza’s political changes. After this, Hamas would give up its weapons, and Israel would start leaving Gaza. The plan aims for Gaza to become disarmed over three years.
Key Facts
The plan is supported by the United States.
Hamas and Israel have 14 days to finish political changes in Gaza.
After 14 days, Hamas would disarm, meaning they would give up their weapons.
Israel would begin withdrawing from Gaza once Hamas disarms.
The full plan would take three years to make Gaza free of weapons.
The goal is to create a peaceful and demilitarized Gaza.
The timeline creates a step-by-step process for political transition and security changes.
The news report is from Washington by Rosiland Jordan.
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Retired Vice Admiral Robert Harward, who used to help lead U.S. Central Command, said that the way Iran's government thinks and acts is changing. He mentioned that this change is happening both inside Iran and in how Iran deals with other countries.
Key Facts
Robert Harward is a retired Vice Admiral.
He was once the deputy commander of U.S. Central Command (Centcom).
He spoke on a show called “On Balance” with Leland Vittert.
Harward said Iran’s government is changing its way of thinking.
These changes are happening inside Iran and in how it interacts with other countries.
The term "calculus" here means how Iran calculates or decides its actions.
Harward made these comments on a Thursday.
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Andy Burnham has started his time as Prime Minister with strong approval ratings and positive public response. However, unpredictable actions by U.S. President Donald Trump pose a challenge, making it difficult for Burnham to influence American decisions or avoid potential negative impacts on his leadership.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham recently became Prime Minister and has high approval ratings in early polls.
Burnham is praised for his casual style, confident speaking, and skill with social media.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s unpredictable and impulsive behavior creates uncertainty for foreign leaders.
Trump’s past actions, like cooperating with Israel against Iran, have disrupted economic growth and foreign relations.
Attempts by other leaders to be either very friendly or very confrontational with Trump have had mixed results.
British officials have some contact with Trump’s team but little real influence over his decisions.
Experts suggest Burnham should aim to reduce Britain’s dependence on the U.S. for security and foreign policy.
Burnham’s plan to break from old policies at home might extend to a new, more independent approach in foreign affairs.
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New HIV prevention medicine, lenacapavir, needs to be made more available worldwide because it only requires two injections a year and can greatly reduce new HIV cases. However, cuts to US foreign aid funding are limiting access to this medicine and reducing support for prevention services, especially affecting vulnerable groups.
Key Facts
Lenacapavir is an injectable HIV prevention drug that needs only two shots per year.
It is part of PrEP, a group of medicines that are 99% effective at preventing HIV if taken as directed.
The World Health Organization urges countries to expand access to lenacapavir, especially for people who find it hard to get daily or bi-monthly medication.
A WHO and United Nations study estimates that using lenacapavir widely could prevent 41% of new HIV infections in some African countries.
The Trump administration’s cuts to USAID, which provided most HIV prevention funding worldwide, have reduced resources for HIV medication and outreach programs.
Reduced funding has caused harm reduction groups to cut services like peer outreach, which is vital for people who inject drugs and are at high risk of HIV.
Some organizations have had to close locations or reduce mobile services, making it harder for at-risk people to access help.
Experts warn that these funding cuts are reversing progress in HIV prevention and care globally.
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This article discusses claims about Hasan Piker's friends having connections to pro-China communist groups. It suggests some people around him support radical communist ideas related to China.
Key Facts
The article focuses on Hasan Piker and his social circle.
It claims some of his friends have links to pro-China communist groups.
"Communists in our midst" is the main topic mentioned.
The article implies concerns about radical communist influences.
The information centers on political beliefs connected to China.
No specific details about the friends or groups are provided in the excerpt.
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Experts from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predict a stronger-than-usual El Niño weather system developing from August to October. This will likely cause hotter and drier conditions in many parts of the world, including a weaker Indian monsoon, which could lead to drought, floods, and wildfires.
Key Facts
El Niño is a weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean that affects global temperatures and rainfall.
The WMO forecasts this year's El Niño will be stronger and more intense than usual.
Hotter and drier weather is expected in India, parts of Africa, Australia, South America, and North America.
Some regions like southern Europe, central Asia, and southeastern South America will see more rainfall than usual.
Indian farmers rely on the monsoon, which may be weaker and cause drought in the region.
Marine heatwaves have already set new high temperature records this year.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that El Niño will increase risks to people’s health and jobs worldwide.
Officials are urged to plan and prepare for heat, drought, floods, and wildfires to reduce harm.
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that the large number of migrants entering Ceuta from Morocco is a violation of Spain’s territory. Around 60,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta in a short time.
Key Facts
Ceuta is a Spanish city located on the north coast of Africa, bordering Morocco.
At least 60,000 migrants recently entered Ceuta from Morocco.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called this a violation of Spain’s territorial sovereignty.
The situation has caused concern for Spain's government about border control.
Prime Minister Sanchez made his statement while visiting Ceuta.
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Hamas has agreed to disarm as part of a deal announced by President Donald Trump, which could lead to Israel withdrawing from the Gaza Strip. Israel has not yet officially confirmed the agreement, and the situation remains uncertain.
Key Facts
Hamas is a group in Gaza involved in conflict with Israel.
The deal includes Hamas disarming and Israel leaving the Gaza Strip.
This agreement was announced by President Donald Trump.
Israel has not officially responded to the announcement.
Disarming Hamas could change the reasons for Israel’s presence in Gaza.
The deal may be the first progress since the recent ceasefire in Gaza.
The peace plan’s full impact is still unclear and questions remain.
The announcement comes amid ongoing Middle East tensions and conflicts.
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A large number of migrants crossed by sea from Morocco into Ceuta, a Spanish city in North Africa, causing a sudden surge in arrivals. Spanish officials reported thousands were sent back, at least 43 people died, and security forces from both Spain and Morocco increased their presence at the border.
Key Facts
Around 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco starting Thursday, which is about 70% of Ceuta’s population.
Spain's Interior Ministry said about 25,000 migrants were returned to Morocco.
At least 43 people died during the crossing, according to police sources cited by Spanish news agency EFE.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the border crossing a violation of Spain’s territory and blamed human trafficking networks for exploiting a court ruling.
Some Moroccan activists said the sudden border opening and mass crossing were unusual and not fully explained by the court ruling story.
Spain sent more troops and police to Ceuta, and Morocco deployed officers and water cannons near the border to control crowds.
Italy and Finland suggested Spain loses its Schengen Area membership, which allows passport-free travel in much of Europe, due to its failure to secure the border.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized the situation, linking it to policies they oppose related to migration.
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Wildfires have severely damaged parts of northern Tunisia during a summer heatwave, destroying farms, livestock, and trees. Firefighters fought nearly 600 fires in two days, but efforts were slowed by dry conditions and rough terrain.
Key Facts
The wildfires hit the mountainous Kef governorate near the Algerian border.
A 70-year-old farmer named Mongi Abdeli lost sheep, beehives, and all his olive and almond trees.
The fires started in June and peaked in mid-July during a heatwave with temperatures near 50°C (122°F).
Firefighters responded to almost 600 fires within 48 hours during the worst period.
The largest fires were in Kef, Beja, and Bizerte governorates, where mountains made fighting fires difficult.
About 95% of the fires were caused by human actions or negligence, according to Civil Protection officials.
Local families faced loss of livestock, homes, and food supplies, making their living conditions much harder.
The country experienced electricity rationing during the fires due to high demand and an aging power grid.
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Hamas says it has agreed to a plan to lay down its weapons in Gaza, aiming for disarmament. The plan includes steps for storing weapons and a gradual Israeli military withdrawal, but Israel remains doubtful about Hamas’s intentions and insists on disarmament before pulling out.
Key Facts
Hamas agreed to disarm under a negotiated plan that includes other Palestinian groups.
The plan calls for an inventory and secure storage of heavy weapons like rockets and tunnels.
A Palestinian National Committee, supported by an international force, will oversee disarmament.
Israel will withdraw forces from Gaza gradually after Hamas disarms completely.
The International Stabilisation Force, including around 200 troops from friendly countries, is planned but not yet deployed.
Hamas wants Israel to stop all aggression and dismantle pro-Israel militias in Gaza.
Israel doubts Hamas will fully disarm and refuses to leave Gaza until this happens.
The roadmap was created as part of a US-led peace effort announced by President Trump in 2023.
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