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Iran and Russia do not have official alliances but still support each other and other partners. Even though they face big economic problems, they continue to give military help to those who need it.
Key Facts
Iran and Russia do not have formal, official alliances.
Both countries maintain support networks with various partners.
Despite major economic difficulties, they continue providing military aid.
Their informal partnerships appear to be effective.
These actions contrast with formal alliances led by other countries.
Economic damage has not stopped their military support activities.
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Andy Burnham, the prime minister of England and Wales, has expressed concerns about a government plan to reduce the number of jury trials. He wants to carefully review the proposal, which aims to speed up court cases by replacing some jury trials with a single judge, before confirming any final decisions.
Key Facts
The plan was introduced by former justice secretary David Lammy under Sir Keir Starmer's government.
The proposal would replace jury trials with a single judge for cases where the punishment is up to three years in prison.
The goal is to reduce a large backlog of 80,000 court cases in England and Wales.
Many lawyers and some Labour MPs oppose the plan, fearing it will weaken the justice system.
Burnham has paused an early prisoner release scheme connected to these issues.
He is also starting talks to bring back MP Karl Turner into the Labour Party, who criticized the jury trial changes.
Critics say there is little evidence that removing jury trials will help and warn it may remove important protections for citizens.
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Hundreds of people in central Greece had to be evacuated by boat after wildfires surrounded their coastal town. Wildfires are also affecting other parts of Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Turkey due to dry conditions caused by heatwaves and climate change.
Key Facts
Around 500 people, mostly tourists, were trapped near Agios Vasileios in central Greece and evacuated by sea.
Multiple wildfires are burning in Greece, including a large one on the island of Crete that has led to the evacuation of 8,000 people.
Fires have also started on the Greek islands of Paros, Andros, and Kalymnos.
Portugal and Spain continue battling large wildfires, with Spain experiencing its largest recorded wildfire in history.
Over 200,000 hectares have burned in Spain so far this year, which is about five times more than usual.
Turkey has had more than 200 wildfires recently, including near the tourist city of Antalya.
Dry weather from recent heatwaves, plus last winter’s vegetation growth, created ideal conditions for the fires.
Most wildfires are caused by human activity, but climate change is making fires more frequent and intense.
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England and Wales are experiencing their driest July in over 190 years, with rain levels far below average. This drought has caused water shortages, fire risks, and heat-related health problems in the UK.
Key Facts
England had only 5.6mm of rain in July so far, which is just 8% of the usual amount.
Wales received 7.9mm of rain, also 8% of its long-term average for July.
This is the driest July recorded in England and Wales since 1836.
More than half of England and all of Wales are officially in drought.
The drought has caused low river levels, early crop harvests, and over 20 million people face hosepipe bans.
Dry conditions have increased wildfire risks, including a large wildfire in Suffolk and a two-week fire in the Scottish Cairngorms.
Temperatures have broken heat records with several days over 35°C, contributing to an estimated 2,877 heat-related deaths in May and June.
Scotland monitors water scarcity but does not declare drought; some eastern areas are in extreme water shortage categories. Northern Ireland is not in drought.
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A Sri Lankan court sentenced former Police Chief Pujith Jayasundara to death for negligence related to the 2019 Easter bombings that killed more than 260 people. The bombings targeted hotels and churches and were inspired by the Islamic State. In Sri Lanka, a death sentence usually means life in prison because executions have not been carried out since 1976.
Key Facts
Pujith Jayasundara was found guilty of criminal negligence for failing to prevent the 2019 bombings.
The bombings happened on Easter Sunday and killed over 260 people, including 42 foreigners.
The attacks targeted three tourist hotels and three churches (two Catholic, one Protestant).
Police and intelligence agencies had received warnings but did not act on them.
Sri Lanka has had an informal pause on executions since 1976, so death sentences are typically served as life imprisonment.
The current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake supports the continuation of the execution moratorium.
Another government official, Hemasiri Fernando, faces a similar court ruling for the same charge.
Two Islamic militant groups based in Sri Lanka were blamed for the bombings, and many involved have died.
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A U.N. human rights expert visited Cambodia and raised concerns about people forced to leave their homes due to fighting with Thailand, human trafficking linked to online scams, and the imprisonment of those speaking out. He met with Cambodian leaders and others, praised the country's economic growth, and urged cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand to help displaced people return home.
Key Facts
Tom Andrews is the U.N. Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia.
About 20,000 people remain displaced because of last year's conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.
Many displaced people cannot return to territory now controlled by the Thai military.
Andrews met freely with opposition politicians, journalists, activists, and diplomats in Cambodia.
Cambodia is working to fight international criminal networks involved in online scams.
There are concerns about senior officials possibly involved in these scam operations.
People freed from scam sites often cannot return to their own countries.
Andrews called on Cambodia and Thailand to work together to ensure displaced people can go back home.
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Wildfires have severely damaged the Les Landes forest in southwest France, an area previously hit by large fires in 2022 and 1949. Experts say the current forest's design, with rows of pine trees planted for timber, increases the fire risk, especially as climate change causes hotter and drier conditions.
Key Facts
Les Landes forest is the largest man-made forest in Western Europe, covering 10,000 square kilometers.
The forest was originally planted in the 19th century mainly with maritime pine trees for timber and resin.
The pine tree plantation is a monoculture, meaning it consists mostly of one species, which dries out easily and helps fire spread quickly.
Fires in this forest have burned an area four times the size of Paris recently.
Climate change is making conditions hotter and drier, increasing the risk of wildfires.
Mixed forests with different types of trees hold more moisture and resist fire better than single-species pine forests.
Soil under the pine trees has become dry and loses its natural water-rich layer, making fires worse.
French President Emmanuel Macron said replanting with different types of trees is needed to adapt to climate change and protect the forest.
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Russia and Ukraine have continued attacking each other, causing casualties on both sides. Ukrainian forces targeted Russian infrastructure, while Russian forces reported taking control of some areas in Ukraine. These ongoing attacks also threaten global grain exports, which could raise food prices in developing countries.
Key Facts
Two people were killed and three injured in a Russian attack on the Nikopol district in Ukraine.
A Ukrainian drone attack in Russia’s Volgograd region killed one person and injured eight others.
Ukraine targeted Russian logistics centers, a maritime terminal, and an oil refinery as part of strikes on Russian infrastructure.
Russian forces claim to have pushed Ukrainian forces out of settlements in Donetsk and Kharkiv regions.
Ukraine’s strikes have caused fuel shortages and blackouts in parts of Russia and occupied Crimea.
A movement is growing internationally to boycott the World Cup after FIFA's president, Gianni Infantino, revealed plans to sell the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors. Among these investors is Josh Kushner, who is related to President Donald Trump’s family.
Key Facts
FIFA is planning to sell the World Cup and other soccer events to private equity investors.
Private equity means investment firms that buy companies to make profits.
Josh Kushner, a private equity investor and brother of Jared Kushner, is involved.
Jared Kushner is President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
The announcement was made by FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino.
Many people are calling for a boycott of the World Cup in response.
The boycott aims to protest FIFA’s plan to involve private equity in handling the events.
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Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has been away in Switzerland since early June, which has caused people to talk about the government not doing enough. Biya often travels to Geneva, and there are ongoing rumors about his health.
Key Facts
President Paul Biya has been absent from Cameroon since early June 2026.
He is currently in Switzerland, reportedly for health reasons.
Biya has frequently traveled to Geneva over the years.
His long absence has raised concerns about government inaction in Cameroon.
Many people in Cameroon want changes in their government.
There are ongoing rumors and speculation about Biya’s health.
The absence has triggered public debate and discussion within the country.
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Iran's military said it attacked two oil tankers escorted by the US Navy in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route. President Donald Trump met with his cabinet to discuss the ongoing conflict with Iran and rising energy prices ahead of the US midterm elections.
Key Facts
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) struck two oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz under US aerial escort.
Four other tankers quickly changed course after the attacks.
The Strait of Hormuz has been nearly closed to traffic for two weeks due to US-Iran clashes.
Oil prices have risen over $90 a barrel following US strikes on Iran after Iranian attacks on US bases in Jordan.
Kuwait shot down Iranian drones targeting key military facilities without casualties.
Israel conducted a large explosion near Lebanon’s Beaufort Castle targeting Hezbollah tunnels, which Lebanon called a ceasefire violation.
President Trump held a cabinet meeting at Camp David to plan the next steps in the conflict, which has lasted five months.
US Senate narrowly voted against a resolution to end the war, while energy companies report record profits amid rising fuel prices.
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Thousands of migrants from Morocco have entered the small Spanish territory of Ceuta in North Africa, leading to at least 18 deaths. Spain sent its military to control the border as many migrants, including families, moved through the area near the Morocco border.
Key Facts
Ceuta is a small Spanish territory located in North Africa, next to Morocco.
Thousands of migrants have arrived there from Morocco recently.
At least 18 migrants died while trying to enter Ceuta.
Most migrants appeared to be young men, but some families with women and children were also present.
Videos show large groups of migrants near the border and on local roads in Ceuta.
Spain deployed its military to manage and restore order at the border crossing with Morocco.
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Ahmet Davutoglu, a former Prime Minister of Turkiye and critic of President Erdogan, has announced he is leaving politics and closing his Future Party. He cited corruption and weakening democratic rules as reasons for stepping back.
Key Facts
Davutoglu led Turkiye's Future Party, which he is now dissolving as he quits politics.
He criticized the political environment in Turkiye as corrupt and lacking accountability.
He said the 2018 shift to a presidential system removed important checks on power.
Born in 1959, Davutoglu was an academic before entering politics, teaching political science and international relations.
He joined the ruling AKP party after 2002 and served as foreign minister (2009–2014) and then prime minister.
Davutoglu helped create Turkiye's foreign policy focused on improving relations with neighbors.
He supported backing Syrian rebels after 2011 but was criticized for pursuing regional influence.
His relationship with President Erdogan worsened over disagreements on EU talks and governance.
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Spain has sent back more than 25,000 migrants who crossed into the Spanish city of Ceuta from Morocco. The sudden increase in crossings has caused tensions, with Spanish officials deploying military forces and planning new laws to manage the situation.
Key Facts
Over 25,000 migrants who arrived in Ceuta have been returned to Morocco.
More than 150 migrants are being removed from Ceuta every minute.
Ceuta is a Spanish city located on the northern coast of Morocco, separated by fences and seawalls.
Around 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta in recent days, and at least 34 people died trying to cross.
The Spanish Supreme Court made a ruling that makes it harder to turn away migrants arriving by sea from Morocco.
Spain deployed soldiers, boats, and equipment to Ceuta and plans to install buoys as a physical barrier.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the influx an attack and said the government is working with Morocco to manage the situation.
Many migrants attempting to enter Ceuta are young Moroccans, including families and children.
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Spain has sent its military and police to Ceuta, a Spanish city in North Africa, after around 60,000 migrants entered the enclave in a few days. At least 34 people died trying to cross from Morocco by land and sea, and the situation has caused tensions in Europe, with some countries tightening border controls.
Key Facts
At least 34 migrants died trying to reach Ceuta from Morocco by land and sea.
About 60,000 people entered Ceuta in a few days, more than half its population.
Spain deployed military and police forces to strengthen security in Ceuta.
Moroccan authorities used security forces and water cannons to stop crowds near the border.
Some migrants attempted to swim around barriers to enter Ceuta.
Ceuta is a Spanish city in North Africa and one of two land borders between the EU and Africa.
The entry point is heavily guarded with fences, cameras, and Spanish police units.
A recent Spanish court ruling affected how migrants arriving by sea are processed, possibly influencing the surge.
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A new study found that children who ate less sugar during the first 1,000 days after conception had a much lower chance of getting Alzheimer's disease later in life. The research used data from people born during a time of sugar rationing in the UK and showed these early sugar restrictions also lowered risks of dementia, anxiety, and depression.
Key Facts
The study looked at over 60,000 people from the UK Biobank born between 1951 and 1956.
Sugar rationing in the UK during and after World War II meant children under 2 years old had limited sugar intake.
People exposed to sugar restriction from pregnancy to about age 2 had a 46% lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.
They also had a 27% lower risk of dementia from any cause, 20% lower risk of anxiety, and 11% lower risk of depression later in life.
No link was found between early sugar restriction and Parkinson’s disease risk.
Brain scans showed these people had brains that looked younger by about 0.39 years and larger areas related to memory and thinking.
Researchers say early nutrition can affect brain development and long-term health through effects on metabolism and inflammation.
The study used a natural experiment created by historical events, avoiding ethical issues of deliberately limiting sugar intake in babies.
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Hamas announced that it has reached an agreement to disarm as part of a peace deal for Gaza. A senior Hamas official said the group agreed to the plan and that the next steps depend on others involved in the negotiations.
Key Facts
Hamas confirmed on Friday that it agreed to disarm.
The agreement is part of a broader peace plan aimed at Gaza.
Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim announced the agreement on social media platform X.
Naim said Hamas accepted the "roadmap" related to disarmament.
The future progress now depends on other negotiators or parties.
The deal addresses one of the main hurdles to peace in the region.
No detailed terms of the agreement were shared in the announcement.
The news signals a possible step toward easing conflict in Gaza.
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A British couple, Pete and Fran Gillam, died in a wildfire in Bédar, Spain, after evacuation orders were delayed. Their daughter, Danielle Kirton, is seeking answers from Spanish authorities about why official evacuation alerts were not properly issued earlier, which she believes contributed to the tragic deaths.
Key Facts
Severe wildfires have affected Spain and France since early July, killing people and forcing over 300,000 residents to leave their homes.
Pete and Fran Gillam died in mid-July while trying to flee their village during the fire.
The fire alert was issued at 4:30 pm but evacuation orders were delayed by over three hours.
Spanish emergency alert system, which sends loud evacuation warnings to mobile phones, was not used in this case.
A single police officer drove around the village informing people to evacuate too late.
Many victims died trapped in their cars while escaping the fire.
Spanish politicians claimed victims ignored instructions, but Kirton says her parents followed official advice and spoke Spanish well.
The British consulate’s response to the family has been criticized as inadequate.
UK politician Ed Miliband is urged to push Spanish authorities for a full investigation into the delayed evacuation.
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A bus traveling from Sétif to Algiers in Algeria skidded off the road and fell into a deep ravine near El Karma. At least 25 people died and 44 were injured in the accident. Rescue teams are helping the injured, and the Algerian president has declared three days of national mourning.
Key Facts
The accident happened near El Karma, about 50 kilometers from Algiers.
The bus was carrying passengers from Sétif to the capital city, Algiers.
At least 25 people were killed in the crash.
44 people were injured and taken to nearby hospitals.
Rescue teams and ambulances responded quickly to the scene.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared three days of national mourning.
The information comes from the Algerian Civil Protection's provisional report.
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About 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish territory of Ceuta in a few days, creating a crisis for Spain and the European Union. Spain deployed troops and police to manage the situation, while some EU countries called for stricter border controls and debated suspending Spain from the Schengen zone, which allows free movement within many European countries.
Key Facts
Around 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa, from Morocco in a short time.
Thirty-four people died trying to cross by swimming around a border barrier.
Spain sent troops, police, divers, drones, and boats to secure Ceuta.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his interior minister visited Ceuta during the crisis.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said migrants must follow EU rules to enter.
Italy, Finland, and Denmark supported suspending Spain from the Schengen free movement zone.
Germany urged Morocco to take back migrants who entered illegally.
France and Britain offered support to Spain but France also increased border checks with Spain.
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