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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Spanish and Ecuadorian police worked together over several years to stop a drug smuggling group. They arrested 44 people and seized 21 tons of cocaine hidden in shipping containers from South America to Spain.
Key Facts
The investigation involved Spanish Civil Guard and Ecuador’s National Police.
Europol supervised the operation.
Investors in Dubai financed the smuggling ring.
Arrests began in March 2025 with 36 suspects caught in Ecuador.
Spanish police arrested 8 people and confiscated 1 million euros.
Cocaine was hidden in commercial shipments, often mixed with bananas.
The drugs mostly came through the port of Guayaquil in Ecuador.
About 50 properties in Ecuador were raided during the operation.
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South Africa is pushing for talks involving all African nations to address migration issues after violent protests against illegal immigrants within the country. The government wants to discuss the wider causes behind migration across the continent rather than focusing only on South Africa’s situation.
Key Facts
South Africa has faced violent protests demanding deportation of illegal migrants.
Many migrants have left South Africa or been deported, causing tensions with their home countries.
South Africa wants all 55 African Union countries to discuss migration problems together.
The African Union recently rejected a proposal to single out South Africa’s migration issues.
Southern African Development Community leaders will meet in Durban to talk about migration.
Hundreds of migrants from Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique were returned to their home countries.
South African officials want to address "push-pull factors," meaning reasons why people leave their countries and migrate.
A recent deadly event involved thousands crossing from Morocco into Spanish territory Ceuta, with over 80 deaths.
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Former rugby player Joe Marler will become the first celebrity Gladiator on the BBC's show Gladiators. He will use the name Mauler and appear in the fourth series, which is being filmed now and will air in 2027.
Key Facts
Joe Marler is a former England rugby star known for his strong playing style and humor.
He will be the first celebrity to join the BBC's Gladiators as a Gladiator named Mauler.
Marler will face contestants in the upcoming fourth series of Gladiators starting in 2027.
Filming of the new series is happening in Sheffield.
Gladiators is a TV show where contestants compete against elite athletes with stage personas.
The show originally aired in the 1990s on ITV and was revived by Sky in 2008.
The current version on BBC One began in 2024 and is popular.
A celebrity version of Gladiators is also planned, featuring various well-known personalities.
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Parisa, a woman from Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, shares her experience of living through repeated attacks on her city despite an official ceasefire. She describes the fear and uncertainty these attacks bring, affecting both her family and the community.
Key Facts
Bandar Abbas, a city in southern Iran, was attacked on July 11, targeting its main commercial port and airport simultaneously.
These attacks occurred even though there was an official ceasefire in place.
Parisa has lived through three wars, including the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s and recent conflicts in February and July.
The attacks have not spared civilians, with strikes hitting residential areas and a school dormitory housing young soldiers near the end of their service.
Parisa’s 23-year-old son is exempt from military service because she is a single mother, but she still worries about his safety as he works at sea.
Fishing and commercial boats have been attacked during the conflicts, adding danger to the coastal communities.
The constant fear affects daily life, making it hard for residents to feel safe or get restful sleep.
The repeated trauma challenges the resilience of people like Parisa, who struggle to support others affected by loss.
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Vladimir Tkachuk, head of a Russian drone maker, was seriously hurt when a bomb exploded under his car near Ekaterinburg, killing his bodyguard. The attack is part of several recent attempts on people linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine, with Ukraine likely blamed.
Key Facts
Vladimir Tkachuk leads Uraldronzavod, a private Russian drone company.
A bomb under Tkachuk’s Mercedes exploded, critically injuring him and killing his bodyguard.
Uraldronzavod makes drones used by Russian forces in Ukraine, including a low-cost drone called Upyr made with 3D printing.
Russian President Putin visited the drone factory in 2024.
Western governments have sanctioned Tkachuk and his company for supporting Russia’s war.
Tkachuk runs a popular pro-war Telegram channel with over 500,000 followers, which raises funds for Russian troops.
A recent car bomb attack occurs amid other incidents, like a Moscow restaurant explosion that killed five people.
Ukraine’s intelligence services have targeted Russian officials using tactics including remote car bombs inside Russia.
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The United States, Iran, and Oman are close to making a temporary agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments. The deal aims to reduce tensions, allow safer shipping, and open the way for bigger talks about Iran's nuclear program and other issues.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route for about one-fifth of the world’s oil.
The U.S., Iran, and Oman have been negotiating for weeks to ease disputes over control and fees for ships passing through the strait.
President Donald Trump said talks are going well and expects the strait to reopen soon.
Iran denies direct negotiations with the U.S. and says discussions are happening only with Oman.
Oman has acted as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran in this process.
There is ongoing tension with recent attacks on ships near Oman and shipping traffic severely reduced.
A ceasefire on June 17 between Washington and Tehran is a basis for the current talks.
If an agreement is reached, it could lead to broader negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and related issues.
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A nine-year-old girl named Minnie Merriman from West Yorkshire died after being found seriously injured on an industrial estate in Arbroath, Scotland. A 35-year-old man who knew the girl has been charged and will appear in court, while the family and others affected are receiving support from police.
Key Facts
Minnie Merriman, age nine, died in Ninewells Hospital in Dundee on Sunday.
She was found injured shortly after midnight on the Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath.
A 35-year-old man known to Minnie has been charged in connection with her death.
The man is due to appear at Forfar Sheriff Court.
Police are not searching for anyone else related to the incident.
Minnie's family described her as "incredible, beautiful, and brave" and asked for privacy.
Other family members were camping nearby and are being supported by specialist officers.
Police officers remain at the scene while investigations continue.
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Palestinian and Israeli protesters held a sit-in at the Religious Zionist Party’s office in Shoham. They accused Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s party of giving money to outposts connected to settler attacks in the West Bank.
Key Facts
The protest took place at the Religious Zionist Party’s headquarters in Shoham.
Both Palestinian and Israeli people participated in the sit-in.
The protesters said that funds from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s party support outposts.
These outposts are linked to attacks by settlers in the occupied West Bank.
The protest happened on a Wednesday.
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Italy has placed all 27 of its major cities under the highest heat alert as a strong heatwave affects the country. The extreme temperatures, linked to climate change, have caused health risks, deaths, and worsened drought conditions, especially in northern farming areas.
Key Facts
All 27 major Italian cities are now on red heat alert, meaning a high risk of heat-related emergencies.
Temperatures in some areas have reached nearly 40°C (104°F).
People are advised to avoid sun between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol, coffee, and heavy food.
The heatwave has caused at least four deaths recently, including workers exposed to high temperatures.
Northern Italy’s Po Valley is experiencing drought, affecting water supply and agriculture.
Heat stress has lowered milk production by 10% due to cows eating less.
Scientists say climate change is making heatwaves longer and stronger.
Some cities like Rome offer free air-conditioned spaces and longer visiting hours at landmarks to help residents and tourists cope.
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A teachers' union, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), has started a new program to train educators on how to use artificial intelligence (AI) in schools. The program is funded by $23 million from big tech companies like Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic and aims to help teachers understand AI’s advantages and risks.
Key Facts
About 400,000 teachers are expected to receive AI training over five years through the AFT’s National Academy for AI Instruction.
Many teachers feel unprepared to handle AI tools in classrooms without official guidance from their schools.
Major funding for the program comes entirely from Microsoft ($12.5 million), OpenAI, and Anthropic.
The training covers how to use AI, how to stop students from cheating with AI, and how AI might impact education jobs.
Some experts worry that taking money from big tech gives those companies too much influence over education.
Surveys show many students use AI for homework, and cheating with AI is common, while many teachers lack training on AI.
AFT President Randi Weingarten says teaching about AI is necessary so educators can make informed choices.
Microsoft sees the partnership as a way to learn what teachers need to safely use AI tools.
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The United States and Iran are working on a possible agreement to allow safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas supply that has been closed since late February. While both sides express hope for progress, the exact terms and timing of reopening remain uncertain, especially as Iran demands the removal of the US naval blockade and greater control over the strait.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz carries about 20% of the world’s oil and gas before the conflict.
The strait has been effectively closed since February 28, causing oil prices to rise sharply.
US President Donald Trump said progress is being made and a deal could happen soon.
Iran is negotiating with Oman to manage ship traffic and hopes to gain more control over the strait.
Iran demands the end of the US naval blockade on its ports as a condition to reopen the strait.
The US rejects Iran’s demands for greater control over the shipping route.
Oil prices rose above $80 a barrel after falling briefly on hopes of a deal.
Gasoline and diesel prices have increased, impacting consumers, especially during the summer travel season.
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President Donald Trump said that the United States and Iran are close to reaching an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is important because many oil shipments pass through it. He indicated that the deal could be made as soon as Wednesday.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about the deal on a Tuesday evening.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for shipping oil.
The deal aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for safe passage.
The progress toward the deal has been significant.
President Trump mentioned the timeline could be “tomorrow or the next day.”
He made the statement after attending a fundraising event in Los Angeles.
The event was organized by the Republican National Committee.
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Pope Leo XIV will visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in November for his first trip to Latin America as pope. He has strong personal ties to Peru, where he worked for many years, and his visit will include several cities in all three countries.
Key Facts
The trip will take place from November 6 to 17.
Pope Leo XIV will visit three countries: Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.
Cities visited in Uruguay include Montevideo, Paysandú, and Florida.
In Argentina, he will go to Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Luján.
In Peru, stops will include Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa.
Pope Leo XIV was born in the United States but has spent decades in Peru as a missionary and bishop.
He served as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023 and holds Peruvian citizenship.
The visit to Chiclayo is an important part of the trip because of his connection to the area.
The trip will follow his September visit to France, marking an active travel period early in his papacy.
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A Turkish cargo ship caught fire after a drone attack near the Russian port of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea. Three crew members were seriously hurt, and all 22 people onboard were safely evacuated to Russia.
Key Facts
The incident happened near Novorossiysk, a port on Russia’s Black Sea coast.
The attack involved a drone striking the Turkish cargo ship.
The ship caught fire following the drone attack.
Three crew members suffered serious injuries.
All 22 crew members were evacuated safely.
Turkish maritime authorities reported the event.
The crew evacuation took place in Russian territory.
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After a Spanish court decision made it harder to quickly return migrants who swim into Ceuta, nearly 60,000 people arrived there trying to reach Europe. Social media campaigns in Morocco and beyond encouraged people to try crossing by sharing success stories, travel tips, and organizing group departures.
Key Facts
Spain’s Supreme Court ruled that migrants swimming into Ceuta need formal legal processing before deportation.
This ruling was misinterpreted online as Spain “opening the way” for entry by sea.
New social media accounts spread daily calls for migrants to cross into Ceuta.
Pages with tens of thousands of followers shared photos and videos of migrants who successfully crossed.
WhatsApp groups helped organize collective travel arrangements.
Social media boosted the campaign by sharing practical info on routes and equipment to use.
An intelligence report said groups in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, France, and the USA helped spread this information.
False and AI-generated videos were also shared to encourage migrants to attempt the crossing.
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A man in southern Italy accidentally threw away a lottery ticket worth €1 million because the shop told him the prize was "non-payable." Waste workers found the ticket after a two-day search through a large amount of trash collected by a bin lorry.
Key Facts
The incident happened in Bitonto, southern Italy.
The player discarded the ticket after being told the prize could not be paid at the shop.
The winner's family noticed his usual numbers had been drawn, prompting the search.
The bin lorry had collected the ticket with other trash, but the load was not yet taken to landfill because it was a Sunday.
Waste workers searched for two days and found the intact winning ticket inside a damaged bag.
The winner signed a declaration agreeing to pay for the cost of the recovery operation.
The waste company’s director described the event as "miraculous."
The waste workers involved jokingly bought a scratch card and won €50.
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