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Leading climate scientists who helped Greater Manchester set a goal to be carbon neutral by 2038 are asking Prime Minister Andy Burnham to stop new oil drilling in the North Sea. They warn that approving new oil projects like Jackdaw and Rosebank would go against the UK’s climate promises and harm global efforts to limit warming.
Key Facts
Scientists from the Tyndall Centre at the University of Manchester authored a letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
The letter opposes new oil drilling in the North Sea, specifically the Jackdaw and Rosebank oilfields.
Jackdaw and Rosebank projects were paused due to legal requirements for a more detailed environmental impact assessment.
Burnham, as mayor of Greater Manchester, helped create a plan for the city to become carbon neutral by 2038.
The scientists say allowing new drilling breaks the climate principles Burnham supported and the UK’s international commitments.
Global carbon emissions need to drop by about 8% every year to meet the Paris Agreement goals.
Burning new fossil fuels from these fields would increase emissions and worsen climate change effects like heatwaves and wildfires.
The scientists warn that approving drilling would signal that the UK is stepping back from its climate responsibilities.
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Two Dutch men have been banned from returning to Indonesia after organizing a running event in Bali without permission. The event also faced criticism for reportedly excluding Indonesian locals while accepting foreigners.
Key Facts
Indonesian immigration banned two Dutch nationals for holding an illegal run event in Bali.
The event was organized without the required permits.
The run club, Entourage Bali, was accused of rejecting Indonesian applicants but accepting foreigners.
The two Dutch men left Bali for Singapore before the ban was announced.
Bali's governor promised strict action to prevent such incidents in the future.
Entourage Bali said their run clubs are open to everyone, including Indonesians, and cited technical issues for some rejections.
Indonesians made up about 25% of participants in the club's events.
Indonesian authorities criticized the club as acting like a “state within a state” because of its exclusive nature.
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Federal wildlife officials are investigating a video that shows a person kicking a protected sea lion at a California beach. The agency confirmed the investigation but gave no further details, while local authorities and animal welfare groups expressed concern about animal harassment.
Key Facts
A video shows a person kicking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove, San Diego, California.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is investigating the incident.
Sea lions are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, making harassment illegal with fines up to $36,000 and possible prison time.
People are advised to stay at least 50 feet away from sea lions to avoid disturbing them.
NOAA has only four enforcement officers for all of California and relies on local park rangers and volunteers for help.
The person in the video has not been publicly identified.
San Diego’s mayor called the act animal cruelty and asked local law enforcement to review the footage.
Animal groups report that some sea lion pups have died in the area, possibly because their mothers were scared away by people.
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Ukraine's military attacked and destroyed a Russian S-400 air defense launcher and radar system in Crimea using drones. The S-400, also called Triumf, is a powerful missile defense system that Russia uses to protect its military assets in the region.
Key Facts
Ukraine targeted and destroyed a Russian S-400 missile launcher and radar in Crimea.
The S-400 system fires interceptor missiles to shoot down threats like drones, jets, or missiles.
The S-400 is considered one of Russia’s most advanced air defense systems, similar to the U.S. Patriot system.
Russia claimed to have intercepted 133 Ukrainian drones in one recent attack period, including over Crimea.
Russia took control of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and uses it as a military base.
Ukraine is trying to isolate Crimea by attacking supply routes and military targets with drones.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine can strike Russian targets far inside Russia, forcing Russia to move many air defenses to protect key cities and infrastructure.
The Crimean Bridge links Russia to Crimea and is a frequent target of Ukrainian attacks.
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The United States has stopped its bombing strikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of attacks, although a naval blockade of Iranian ports continues. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing amid tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route currently closed by Iran.
Key Facts
The US paused air strikes on Iran after 13 nights of attacks, but the naval blockade of Iranian ports remains.
Retaliatory attacks by Iran on US military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan have also stopped.
The Strait of Hormuz, an important waterway, remains closed due to disagreements over shipping control.
Iran and Oman have discussed a shared management plan for the Strait, but its acceptance by the US and Gulf countries is unclear.
A recent US-Iran agreement aimed to keep the Strait open for 60 days, but conflicts over shipping routes led to renewed violence.
The situation has impacted other regional waterways, including the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, where attacks have slowed ship traffic.
A Ukrainian strike on an Iranian ship in the Caspian Sea killed at least one Iranian sailor, further increasing tensions.
Global oil prices dropped by about 4 percent after the ceasefire in missile exchanges.
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The U.S. and Iran have paused fighting after nearly two weeks of conflict, allowing for talks through Oman about reopening the Strait of Hormuz for shipping. While Iran denies direct talks with the U.S., both sides appear to be working toward easing tensions, and the U.S. is sending more military resources to the region.
Key Facts
Iran says it is not negotiating directly with the U.S. but is in talks with Oman about managing ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil shipments, and Iran claims control over it.
Fighting between the U.S. and Iran has paused after nearly two weeks of escalation.
The U.S. plans to monitor the situation but continues to send more military assets to the region.
The pause in fighting is described by U.S. officials as creating space for diplomacy.
Oil prices dropped around 7% following the pause, easing concerns in global markets.
Stock markets in Europe and the U.S. rose due to the decreased risk of conflict.
Iran reportedly fired warning shots at ships trying to use a U.S.-designated route through the strait but has not fully blocked maritime traffic.
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Two people died after being rescued from the sea at Fistral beach in Newquay, Cornwall. Emergency services responded quickly, but a man and a woman were pronounced dead at the scene. Another man died at West Wittering beach in Sussex, where two men were pulled from the water.
Key Facts
A man and a woman died after being pulled from the sea at Fistral beach, Newquay.
Emergency teams involved included coastguards, a rescue helicopter, lifeboat crews, paramedics, and police.
The incidents happened on Sunday, July 26, 2024.
In West Sussex, two men were rescued from the sea at West Wittering; one died and the other went to the hospital.
Police are preparing reports for the coroners and have informed the victims’ families.
These incidents happened just before the Boardmasters festival, a popular five-day event for music, surfing, and skateboarding in Newquay.
Water safety experts warned about the dangers of swimming outdoors after several summer deaths.
The RNLI advises people to swim at lifeguard-patrolled beaches and, if stuck in water, to float calmly and call for help.
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A portrait of singer Charli XCX taken by photographer Harley Weir was added to the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Charli’s new album, Music, Fashion, Film, has been popular and critically praised, and she is also involved in several upcoming film projects.
Key Facts
The portrait was taken in 2023 and is linked to Charli’s 2024 album, Brat.
The National Portrait Gallery displayed the photo in its History Makers Now space.
The gallery’s purchase was funded by the Bukhman Foundation.
Charli’s album Music, Fashion, Film was released recently and is doing well in the UK charts.
She released three extra songs as B-sides available on iTunes.
Charli has acted in several films and will appear in more, including a film by director Takashi Miike.
She will headline the Reading and Leeds festivals and tour North America later this year.
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Israeli forces have increased raids in the occupied West Bank, entering over 20 towns and villages, demolishing houses, and arresting many Palestinians. At the same time, Israeli settlers have intensified violent attacks against Palestinians, prompting widespread condemnation from Arab states, the Arab League, and international officials.
Key Facts
Israeli soldiers raided at least 20 towns and villages in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Homes were demolished, and dozens of Palestinians were arrested during these operations.
Settlers increased violent acts against Palestinians, including attacking homes and damaging farmland.
An ambulance carrying a pregnant woman was stopped by Israeli soldiers, leading to her miscarriage.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on international leaders to stop the violence and aggression.
The United Nations and many Arab countries strongly condemned the attacks on Palestinians and their property.
The Arab League warned the situation could soon become explosive if violence continues.
Israeli military officials described the West Bank situation as very dangerous and unstable.
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The Jodrell Bank Observatory in the UK, home to the Lovell telescope, has lost its funding and may close by April 2028 unless new funds are found. The decision follows cuts by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which is focusing on funding research with direct economic benefits, affecting many UK and international astronomy projects.
Key Facts
Jodrell Bank Observatory has housed the UK's largest telescope, the Lovell telescope, for nearly 70 years.
UKRI cut the observatory’s £2.8 million annual funding due to increased costs in other physics research and lab operations.
If no alternative funding is found, all scientific observations there will stop by April 1, 2028.
The observatory played a key role in pioneering radio astronomy and Cold War missile monitoring.
The site was designated a Unesco World Heritage site in 2019.
The funding cuts also affect UK involvement in other major astronomy projects like the James Clark Maxwell Telescope in Hawaii and the Vera Rubin Telescope in Chile.
Around 28 jobs are at risk at Jodrell Bank, and nearly 3,000 scientists use its facilities for research.
Observers, including UK astronomers, describe the funding cut as very damaging to UK science and are seeking ways to challenge or replace the lost funding.
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A woman and her toddler were found dead in the ocean near Port Macdonnell, South Australia. Emergency crews are searching for a missing baby who was with them.
Key Facts
A car with its engine running was found at Port Macdonnell at about 11:15 a.m. on Monday.
Police discovered the bodies of a 36-year-old woman from Compton and her toddler in the ocean.
The baby who was with them is missing, and police are very concerned for its safety.
Detectives and forensic experts are on their way to investigate the scene.
Police asked the public to report any sightings of a white Isuzu MUX with license plate S592BJR.
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France and Spain are battling huge wildfires that have forced hundreds of thousands of people to leave their homes. Firefighters are racing against a heat wave expected to make the fires worse, while government leaders work to support affected communities and prepare for the recovery.
Key Facts
Over 250,000 people have been evacuated in France due to large wildfires, especially in the Gironde region.
The Gironde fire has burned an area four times the size of Paris.
Firefighters have seen some progress overnight, helped by rain and favorable conditions in some areas.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron held a crisis meeting and promised long-term aid for those affected.
Spain also faces wildfires near Madrid and Valencia, with 76,000 people evacuated and 30,000 confined at home.
The fires have created rare “pyrocumulonimbus” clouds that can produce strong winds, lightning, and even small tornadoes.
Officials attribute the fires’ size and intensity to early, severe heat waves and dry conditions linked to climate change.
Authorities are taking extra steps to keep tourists away from fire-affected areas during peak holiday season.
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Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan have made progress in talks to prevent war between the United States and Iran after a period of rising attacks. Both countries have paused their military strikes for three days, creating a chance to return to a ceasefire and discuss safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
The United States and Iran stopped attacking each other for three days following nearly two weeks of escalating strikes.
Mediators led by Qatar and Pakistan are trying to reopen talks between Washington and Tehran.
The U.S. attacks began after Iran fired at ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, an important global oil route.
President Donald Trump has allowed space for these diplomatic talks to continue.
The U.S. denies running low on defensive interceptors used against Iranian attacks.
Iran’s military has launched counterattacks killing at least four U.S. service members in the region.
Mediators are also working with Oman to manage safe ship transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran says it is receiving messages through mediators but is not in direct talks with the U.S. at this time.
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Elon Musk shared a violent film called Citizen Vigilante on his social media platform X, which portrays extreme anti-immigrant and far-right ideas. Musk has also promoted far-right politicians and messages in Europe, especially on issues related to immigration and race, using his influence to support these views.
Key Facts
Citizen Vigilante is a violent film by German director Uwe Boll starring Armie Hammer.
The film was initially denied a rating in Germany but gained attention when Elon Musk made it free on X for 48 hours.
Musk reposted a message suggesting vigilante murder is a moderate response to crimes committed by immigrants.
Musk owns X (formerly Twitter), where many content moderation rules were removed, making it a platform with more far-right content.
He has reposted messages from white nationalist activists claiming white people are under threat.
Musk endorsed Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right National Rally party.
He shared content from far-right activists like Tommy Robinson and supported right-wing parties in several European countries.
Musk encouraged protests after a violent stabbing in Northern Ireland linked to immigration tensions, and his posts coincided with riots in Belfast.
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Bill Oddie, a British comedian and nature presenter, has died at age 85. He was famous in the 1970s for the comedy group The Goodies and later hosted nature programs like BBC’s Springwatch. Throughout his life, he dealt with serious depression and mental health challenges.
Key Facts
Bill Oddie was born on July 7, 1941, near Rochdale, England.
He became famous as part of the comedy group The Goodies in the 1970s.
Oddie loved bird watching and made it a central part of his career.
He presented nature shows, including the BBC’s popular Springwatch.
He suffered from severe depression and was treated in psychiatric hospitals.
His treatment caused serious side effects, including lithium poisoning.
Oddie attended Cambridge University and was part of the Footlights comedy club.
The Goodies’ song “Funky Gibbon” reached number four on the UK music charts.
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A 21-year-old man with a history related to Islamist extremism drove a minivan into people near the Berlin Pride parade, killing one person. Police shot and killed the suspect the day after the attack in the Tiergarten park area close to the Brandenburg Gate.
Key Facts
The attack took place at about 10 pm on a Saturday near Berlin’s Pride celebrations.
The location was Tiergarten park, near the Brandenburg Gate.
One person died as a result of the van ramming the crowd.
The suspect was a 21-year-old man with previous Islamist extremist activity.
Police shot the suspect dead on Sunday, one day after the attack.
The attack was close to Christopher Street Day, one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ events.
The incident was treated as connected to terrorism due to the suspect’s background.
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Firefighters in France worked throughout the night to fight a large wildfire, assisted by local people. Aircraft used to fight fires from the air could not operate at night due to poor visibility, so most work was done on the ground.
Key Facts
Nighttime conditions stopped firefighting planes from flying.
Firefighters worked closely on the ground with local residents.
The wildfire was large and difficult to control.
The blaze threatened important French defense company sites.
Similar wildfires are happening in Spain nearby.
Climate change is making such extreme fires more common and severe.
French President Macron held a crisis meeting because of the fires.
About 250,000 people had to leave their homes due to the wildfires.
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A large wildfire in southwestern France has burned over 42,000 hectares and destroyed 240 homes. The fire is now threatening important French defence and space industry sites near Bordeaux.
Key Facts
The wildfire is in the Gironde region of southwestern France.
More than 42,000 hectares (about 104,000 acres) have burned so far.
Around 240 homes have been destroyed by the fire.
The flames are moving closer to Bordeaux, a major city.
Key French defence companies like ArianeGroup, Dassault, and Thales have sites near the fire.
These sites are considered sensitive because they work with defence and space technology.
Firefighters are working hard to stop the fire from spreading further.
The wildfire is part of a wider trend of extreme weather events linked to climate change.
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Spanish officials said they will begin letting some people who left their homes because of wildfires near Madrid return on Monday. The spread of these large forest fires has slowed down, showing some success in efforts to control the damage.
Key Facts
Spain is starting to allow evacuees from wildfires near Madrid to go back home.
These wildfires are some of the worst forest fires in Spain’s history.
The fire situation has improved, with slower fire growth reported.
Authorities are managing the crisis and coordinating returns carefully.
Wildfires have affected thousands of people, forcing many to evacuate.
The fires are part of a larger pattern of extreme weather events linked to climate change.
Neighboring France is also dealing with large wildfires and related emergencies.
European leaders are holding crisis meetings to address the fires and their impact.
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