A small party in Spain’s government is asking to rethink Spain’s plan to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Morocco and Portugal. This comes after a migration crisis where tens of thousands crossed from Morocco into the Spanish city of Ceuta, leading to criticism of Morocco’s actions.
Key Facts
Sumar, a small left-wing party in Spain’s government, presented a motion to reconsider co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Morocco.
The motion is non-binding and may not get wide support in Spain’s 350-seat Parliament.
Around 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta last week; about 2,000 remain there.
More than 80 people died trying to cross into Ceuta by swimming near the border.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended Morocco’s quick help in returning most migrants.
Some Spanish officials want Morocco to explain more about its handling of the crisis.
Sumar accuses Morocco of using migration as a political tool and questions Morocco’s respect for human rights.
A small party in Portugal also called for reassessing the World Cup co-hosting due to the crisis.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli army will not leave its positions in the Gaza Strip until Hamas is fully disarmed. This statement challenges a recent deal announced by President Donald Trump that called for Hamas to disarm as part of a ceasefire agreement.
Key Facts
Netanyahu rejected the idea of withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza before Hamas is completely disarmed.
The comments came in a video posted on social media.
The stance contradicts terms of an October ceasefire deal involving Israel and Hamas.
The deal was announced by President Donald Trump and aimed to reduce violence by having Hamas give up weapons.
The Gaza Strip is a Palestinian territory controlled by Hamas.
Israel has maintained military positions in Gaza to control security threats.
The situation remains tense with ongoing disagreements over how to maintain peace.
Regional talks also continue about Israel’s military presence in surrounding areas like southern Lebanon.
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The French theme park Puy du Fou has been linked to ongoing business with a Russian oligarch despite sanctions, and to connections with Russian President Vladimir Putin. A British newspaper reported that the park continued these relations even after sanctions started, raising questions about its activities and historical presentations.
Key Facts
Puy du Fou is a popular French theme park known for historical shows.
The Guardian newspaper found documents showing the park worked with a Russian oligarch after sanctions were imposed.
The oligarch is connected to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Sanctions are government actions that restrict business to punish or influence countries or individuals.
Critics say the park may be altering historical facts in its presentations.
The park has plans to expand internationally.
The story has sparked debate about the park’s political and business ties.
The report was published on May 8, 2026.
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Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is trying to have all armed groups give their weapons to the government by September 30. Some powerful Shia armed groups, including Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba, refuse to disarm, which threatens Iraq's political stability and state control.
Key Facts
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi set a deadline of September 30 for all weapons to be controlled by the state.
Some armed groups like Saraya al-Salam, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, and Kataib al-Imam Ali agreed to join Iraq’s official armed forces.
Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba refuse to hand over their weapons, saying they need them for defense.
Pressure for disarmament comes partly from the United States and Iraq’s economic needs.
Iraq’s economy relies heavily on oil, with exports dropping sharply due to regional tensions.
Experts say armed groups outside state control weaken Iraq’s government and its constitutional order.
Some groups claim disarmament should not happen before foreign troops leave Iraq, but analysts disagree.
The government may delay the disarmament deadline to avoid conflict but faces serious challenges ahead.
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In British Columbia, Canada, protesters are blocking logging roads to stop companies from cutting down old-growth forests on Vancouver Island. These ancient forests are rare, store a lot of carbon, and many trees are hundreds to thousands of years old, but most have already been logged over the past century.
Key Facts
Protesters are camping and blocking roads to stop logging trucks from cutting old-growth trees near Port Renfrew, British Columbia.
Old-growth forests on Vancouver Island are some of the rarest and most carbon-rich ecosystems on Earth.
Coastal temperate rainforests cover less than 0.5% of the Earth’s land but store high amounts of carbon.
Logging companies cut trees that are often 250 years or older, especially western red cedar, which is very durable and valuable.
About 20% of Vancouver Island’s productive old-growth forests remain, and most of these are still open to logging.
Old-growth forests grow over centuries, but can be cut down in under an hour with industrial logging.
First Nations people, like elder Bill Jones of the Pacheedaht nation, have witnessed most of their old forests disappear during their lifetimes.
The United States is a major market for these valuable old-growth wood products despite tariffs.
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Tens of thousands of migrants recently crossed from Morocco into the Spanish territory of Ceuta, causing a migration crisis. While most migrants returned to Morocco, some families are still searching for missing loved ones who have not come back yet.
Key Facts
Around 72,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta from Morocco in recent days.
Most migrants have returned to Morocco, either voluntarily or after being expelled by Spanish authorities.
About 80 people died during the migration attempt, trying to swim or climb fences.
Many migrants lost or left behind their phones, making communication with family difficult.
Families in Morocco are holding photos of missing relatives and asking returnees if they have seen them.
The surge was driven by poverty and false rumors on social media that the border was open.
Some migrants, including unaccompanied minors, remain in Ceuta seeking assistance or asylum.
Families are waiting daily by the border, hoping for news about their missing relatives.
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Turkey’s ruling party filed a bill in parliament to support a peace plan for ending its long conflict with the Kurdish militant group PKK. The plan includes disarming the PKK and pardoning thousands of fighters who are not involved in violent crimes.
Key Facts
The bill was submitted by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party to promote peace with the PKK.
The PKK declared it will disarm and disband as part of the peace process after its leader Abdullah Ocalan called for it.
The bill sets rules to monitor PKK’s disarmament and decide how members will be treated in courts.
About 4,000 PKK members not directly involved in violence could receive pardons.
Some serious criminals, including Ocalan and senior PKK leaders, are excluded from the pardons.
The law would allow PKK members abroad to return to Turkey.
Investigations and court cases for PKK-related crimes would be paused temporarily, and possibly dropped if no offenses occur in that time.
The PKK has fought an armed conflict with Turkey since 1984 and is considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU.
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UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has urged the US to re-open the Strait of Hormuz to help lower living costs in the UK. He met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss this, the war in Ukraine, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Key Facts
Ed Miliband, UK Foreign Secretary, wants the Strait of Hormuz re-opened for free ship passage.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key sea route in the Middle East important for trade and energy supplies.
Disruptions in the Strait have increased fuel and food prices, affecting the cost of living in the UK.
Miliband met one-on-one with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington.
They plan to talk about the Ukraine conflict and how to help with the humanitarian needs in Gaza.
Miliband and Rubio’s meeting follows Miliband’s early days as UK Foreign Secretary after a summit in the Philippines.
The UK government wants to maintain a strong alliance with the United States.
Miliband will also meet the World Bank president to discuss climate change and global development.
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Norah O'Donnell shares lessons from her trainer Kira Stokes about the benefits of strength training, especially as women age. The article explains how exercise improves muscle and bone health, helps mental well-being, and why good form and balance are important.
Key Facts
Women lose 3% to 8% of muscle mass per decade after age 30 if they don’t strength train.
Muscle building becomes harder but more important after age 50 due to menopause-related hormone changes.
Women can lose up to 20% of bone density in the five to seven years after menopause.
Strength training helps protect bones and maintain freedom of movement for daily activities.
Exercises focusing on balance and core strength improve overall quality of life.
Movement benefits mental health by reducing stress and improving mood.
Good posture and proper exercise form prevent injuries.
Short bursts of exercise, or “movement snacks,” can be effective when busy schedules limit time for longer workouts.
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The United Nations reports that Iran has executed at least 56 people since March, many linked to protests earlier this year. The UN criticizes Iran’s use of the death penalty to silence opposition and calls for an end to executions and legal reforms.
Key Facts
At least 56 people were executed in Iran since March 19 on national security charges.
Of these, 27 executions relate to protests that occurred at the start of the year.
More than 100 other individuals face the risk of execution on similar charges.
Executions for drug offenses are also happening at a high rate.
The UN says many trials lack fairness and due process, with reports of forced confessions obtained through torture.
Some death sentences happened after very short and secret court hearings.
Amnesty International links the executions to government efforts to punish protesters and show control after a national uprising.
Iranian officials say their use of the death penalty follows their laws and religious rules, rejecting UN criticism.
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Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been in jail for three years, serving a 14-year sentence for corruption and additional sentences in other cases. His political party and international groups have criticized his detention conditions and called for his release, while his supporters have held protests across Pakistan.
Key Facts
Imran Khan was Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 until April 2022.
He was removed through a no-confidence vote, which he claims was a foreign and military conspiracy.
Khan was first arrested in May 2023 and imprisoned in August 2023 on corruption and revealing state secrets charges, which he denies.
He is serving a 14-year sentence, and his wife got a 7-year sentence; both received an additional 17-year sentence related to state gifts.
Khan is kept in solitary confinement with limited access to family and lawyers, according to Amnesty International.
Two UN bodies stated his detention is "arbitrary" and his conditions may amount to torture.
Thousands of Khan’s supporters have protested in several Pakistani cities demanding his release.
Authorities have cracked down on Khan’s political party, PTI, banning it from the 2024 elections and arresting many leaders.
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The police officer who shot Chris Kaba in London in 2022 will not face misconduct charges, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced. The officer was acquitted of murder in 2024, and new legal rules about police use of force led to the decision to drop the misconduct case.
Key Facts
Chris Kaba, 24, was shot in Streatham, south London, by Sgt Martyn Blake in 2022 after Kaba tried to ram police cars.
Sgt Martyn Blake was found not guilty of murder by a jury in 2024.
Misconduct proceedings against Blake were paused in January due to a change in law about police use of force.
The new law says police actions that are not crimes should not be considered misconduct.
The IOPC decided to drop the officer’s misconduct case after reviewing the new legal standards.
Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley called the long process unfair to officers and their families.
The Kaba family continues to grieve Chris Kaba’s death and a coroner will decide if an inquest will happen.
The IOPC aimed to avoid delays but paused the case to understand the new legal impact on police accountability.
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Puerto Rico is facing severe water shortages due to a historic drought and extreme heat. Starting Friday, over 180,000 residents in San Juan and nearby cities will have their water cut off for 48 hours at a time under a rationing plan while officials work to manage the crisis.
Key Facts
Puerto Rico is under a severe drought, with almost 25% of the island experiencing the worst dry conditions.
July was the driest month in over 120 years for San Juan and one of the hottest.
Water rationing will affect parts of San Juan, Carolina, Juncos, Gurabo, Trujillo Alto, Canovanas, and Loiza.
More than 180,000 customers will face water shutoffs for 48 hours on an alternating schedule starting Friday.
Large trucks will deliver drinking water, prioritizing hospitals and homes for elderly people.
The drought and water shortages may continue until September, and previous shortages existed even before the current drought.
The island’s water infrastructure has suffered from decades of neglect, leading to lawsuits and ongoing problems.
Puerto Rico has used water rationing before, in 2015 and 2020, during similar crises.
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A court in Hamburg, Germany, sentenced seven young members and one supporter of the right-wing extremist group "Last Defense Wave" to prison for crimes including attempted murder, arson, and membership in a terrorist group. The group targeted asylum seeker shelters and left-wing centers with attacks and hateful graffiti.
Key Facts
The defendants were between 14 and 21 years old at the time of the crimes.
Sentences ranged from one and a half to five years in prison; the youngest defendant’s sentence was suspended.
The group carried out arson and bomb attacks, including a fire that completely destroyed a cultural center in Brandenburg.
They attempted to set fire to an asylum seeker shelter in Thuringia and vandalized it with swastikas and anti-foreigner slogans.
The court convicted them under Germany’s juvenile criminal law and terrorism charges.
Some planned attacks were stopped due to warnings from a reporting team.
Additional teenagers were recently detained for suspected membership in the same group.
The rulings from the court can still be appealed.
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Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in soldiers’ salaries by up to 80% to show appreciation for their work against armed groups causing violence. The lowest-ranking soldiers will see their monthly pay rise from $73 to $132 starting September as part of wider efforts to improve security and expand the military.
Key Facts
Junior soldiers in Nigeria will get their pay increased by up to 80%.
The salary for the lowest-rank soldiers (privates) will rise from $73 to $132 per month.
Higher-ranking officers will also get raises: 50% for warrant officers to colonels and 30% for generals.
This increase will raise the military’s yearly salary expenses from $484 million to $678 million.
The salary hike follows the recent recruitment of 28,000 new soldiers and the creation of four new army divisions.
The government aims to fight ongoing violence from Islamist militants, kidnap gangs, and separatist groups.
President Tinubu said the pay rise shows the government’s gratitude and urged soldiers to stay committed.
Experts warn future governments might find it hard to maintain the increased military budget over time.
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A drone carrying explosives was found at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany. Police used a robot to investigate, and flights were temporarily stopped before one runway reopened.
Key Facts
The explosive drone was discovered overnight in the airport’s cargo area.
Police deployed a robot to safely check the drone.
Reports say the drone was near a Ukrainian aircraft.
A second unknown object hit a cargo plane after takeoff, causing minor damage.
The affected plane was diverted to Hanover airport.
Flight operations were paused, but one runway at Leipzig/Halle Airport reopened later.
The other runway stayed closed on Wednesday.
The situation is under ongoing investigation by police.
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The Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem, a holy site for both Muslims and Jews, has been managed by an agreement between Israel and Jordan for nearly 60 years. Recently, Israeli police, under a new hard-right minister, have changed the rules around Jewish prayer and visits, causing concern among Jordan and other Muslim countries. These changes could strain relations and increase tensions in the region.
Key Facts
The Al-Aqsa compound is a 35-acre religious site in Jerusalem important to Muslims and Jews.
Israel captured East Jerusalem, including the site, in the 1967 Six-Day War but allowed Jordan's Waqf to administer the Islamic areas.
The 1994 Israel-Jordan peace treaty recognized Jordan’s special role in overseeing the Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem.
Under a long-standing agreement (the "status quo"), Muslims can pray freely on the site, while Jews may only visit at certain times and are not allowed to pray there.
Jewish activists want the right to pray at the compound, which many Muslims see as a threat to the current arrangement.
Since January, Israeli police have started allowing Jewish visitors to bring prayer sheets, signaling a shift in policy.
This shift has been led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who supports expanding Jewish prayer rights on the site.
Jordan is currently hosting ministers from 13 Arab and Islamic countries to discuss the situation and possible responses.
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Three wildfires near Spokane, Washington, are still burning and have destroyed hundreds of buildings. Officials are worried the fires might get worse because of changing weather conditions.
Key Facts
Three wildfires are currently burning near Spokane, Washington.
The fires have destroyed hundreds of buildings so far.
The wildfires are out of control and not yet contained.
Weather conditions could cause the fires to worsen.
Officials are monitoring the situation closely to manage the risk.
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Russian troops have been using drones to deliberately target Ukrainian civilians, especially in southern Ukraine's Kherson region, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Separately, a large Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv killed at least 17 people, while Ukraine continues to ask for advanced air defense systems to protect its cities.
Key Facts
Ukrainian President Zelensky said Russian drones "deliberately" hunted and attacked civilians in the southern Kherson area.
A man selling vegetables in Kherson was injured by a Russian drone explosion near him.
Ukraine’s police and foreign minister accused Russia of war crimes for targeting civilians; Russia denies this.
Analysts describe Russian drone attacks on civilians as "human safaris."
At least 17 people died and 44 were injured in a large Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv.
Russia fired 24 ballistic missiles, 4 hypersonic missiles, and over 100 drones in the attack.
Ballistic and hypersonic missiles are hard to stop because they move very fast and follow tricky paths.
Ukraine has been asking for Patriot air defense systems and interceptors, but supply shortages limit availability.
President Donald Trump said he might allow Ukraine to make its own Patriots but later suggested caution about licensing.
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The article discusses the Trump administration's success in capturing and extraditing a brutal Latin American dictator. It suggests that further actions are needed to address ongoing issues related to dictatorship in Venezuela.
Key Facts
The Trump administration captured and extradited a well-known Latin American dictator.
This dictator was known for brutal rule.
The article focuses on Venezuela's continuing problems linked to old-style dictatorship.
It implies that more efforts are necessary to resolve Venezuela’s political situation.
The topic involves international law enforcement and political change in Latin America.
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