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Spain: Thousands evacuate as heatwave fuels blazes near Madrid

Spain: Thousands evacuate as heatwave fuels blazes near Madrid

Summary

Thousands of people had to leave their homes because wildfires spread near Madrid, Spain. The fires also affected parts of France and Italy and were made worse by very hot weather and strong winds.

Key Facts

  • Wildfires spread in Spain, France, and Italy.
  • Thousands of people were evacuated to stay safe.
  • Hundreds of firefighters worked to control the fires.
  • Water-bombing planes helped fight the blazes from the air.
  • Hot temperatures and strong winds made the fires worse.
  • The heatwave causing these fires is linked to climate change.
  • The situation remains dangerous and is being closely monitored.
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ICC prosecutor Karim Khan faces removal vote: What’s the case about?

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan faces removal vote: What’s the case about?

Summary

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is holding a vote to decide whether to remove its prosecutor, Karim Khan, who faces accusations of sexual misconduct from a former assistant. The vote comes amid political tension linked to Khan’s investigation into war crimes in Gaza and arrest warrants issued against Israeli leaders.

Key Facts

  • ICC members are voting on whether to fire prosecutor Karim Khan over sexual misconduct claims.
  • Khan is accused by a former assistant named Sarah of inappropriate touching, which he denies.
  • Khan has been suspended from his duties pending the vote based on a UN investigation and legal advice.
  • At least 63 out of 125 member states must agree in a secret ballot to remove Khan.
  • If removed, the ICC will start choosing a new prosecutor, likely not until next year.
  • ICC judges retain control over any active arrest warrants, so those remain even if Khan leaves.
  • Khan’s lawyers say he denies all allegations and argue the removal process violates ICC rules.
  • The case has become politicized due to Khan's investigation into Israeli war crimes and related US sanctions.
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France orders evacuation of Cap Ferret peninsula as wildfire spreads – Europe live

France orders evacuation of Cap Ferret peninsula as wildfire spreads – Europe live

Summary

Thousands of people in south-west France have been ordered to evacuate the Cap Ferret peninsula due to large wildfires spreading across the region. French authorities are using boats and a single road to help people leave, while firefighters and EU resources work to control the fires.

Key Facts

  • Over 40,000 people have been evacuated or are being evacuated in the Gironde area of south-west France.
  • Two major wildfires are burning, one covering more than 10,000 hectares and another burning over 2,500 hectares near Biscarrosse.
  • More than 1,000 firefighters are actively fighting the fires under difficult weather conditions.
  • The French government requested help from the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism, which sent three water bomber planes.
  • About 50,000 hectares have burned in France from wildfires since the start of the year.
  • Evacuation from the Cap Ferret peninsula involves boats and the only road connecting it to the mainland.
  • Spain is also experiencing severe wildfires near Madrid and Avila, where over 10,000 people have been evacuated and a national emergency declared.
  • French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated the fires are not yet under control and continue to spread.
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Weather tracker: more than 900 wildfires rage across Canada

Weather tracker: more than 900 wildfires rage across Canada

Summary

More than 900 wildfires are burning across Canada, especially in the Northwest Territories and Ontario, damaging about 3 million hectares of land. Meanwhile, Argentina recorded an unusually warm night due to special winds, and a tropical storm near the Philippines is expected to become a typhoon soon.

Key Facts

  • Over 900 wildfires are active in Canada, affecting multiple provinces.
  • About 3 million hectares of land have been scorched by these fires.
  • The worst wildfire situations are in the Northwest Territories and Ontario.
  • Smoke from the fires has spread to the U.S. and northern Europe, causing poor air quality.
  • Salta, Argentina had its warmest ever overnight temperature during winter, reaching 26°C (79°F).
  • This heat was caused by the Zonda wind, which warms and dries air as it descends from mountains (Foehn effect).
  • The El Niño weather pattern may have increased the warmth in Argentina and the Pacific region.
  • A tropical storm named Noul formed near the Philippines and is expected to strengthen into a typhoon and hit southeastern China soon.
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US attacks Iran as Houthis allow Chinese ships to pass: What’s the latest?

US attacks Iran as Houthis allow Chinese ships to pass: What’s the latest?

Summary

The United States has carried out attacks on Iran for 13 nights in a row, hitting military and communication targets. Meanwhile, despite a naval blockade declared by Yemen’s Houthis, some Chinese oil tankers passed through a strategic waterway, and tensions remain high with threats of even bigger US strikes.

Key Facts

  • The US Central Command said it targeted Iranian military centers, drone facilities, surveillance sites, and maritime capabilities.
  • Explosions and missile strikes were reported in several Iranian cities, including Khorramabad, Ahvaz, and Bandar Abbas.
  • Iran’s army claimed drone attacks on military bases in Bahrain and Jordan.
  • Yemen’s Houthis announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, but two Chinese supertankers still passed through Bab al-Mandeb strait.
  • Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was disrupted, with only one tanker crossing on Thursday.
  • President Donald Trump said he may launch the largest strikes on Iran yet and threatened to use Iran’s frozen assets to pay for damages if Iranian attacks continue.
  • Iran’s foreign minister warned that using frozen assets for future claims would create a dangerous precedent in international relations.
  • The situation reflects ongoing tensions and military actions between the US and Iran, affecting regional security and global shipping routes.
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Seaplane crashes, catches fire north of Seattle; all 11 on board survive

Seaplane crashes, catches fire north of Seattle; all 11 on board survive

Summary

A seaplane crashed and caught fire in Puget Sound, north of Seattle, on Thursday evening. All 11 people on board survived, but several were injured, with one person in critical condition.

Key Facts

  • The crash happened around 5:15 p.m. near Shallow Bay, close to Sucia Island.
  • The plane had 10 passengers and 1 pilot on board.
  • Everyone was rescued from the water by emergency responders, including the Coast Guard.
  • Injuries reported include head wounds, broken bones, and cuts.
  • One patient was in critical condition, but there were no deaths.
  • Three airlift ambulances were at the scene to provide medical help.
  • A video showed the plane flying low, wobbling, crashing, and then catching fire.
  • Kenmore Air confirmed the accident and accounted for everyone on board.
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China forces fire water cannon at Philippine ships in third faceoff this week in South China Sea

China forces fire water cannon at Philippine ships in third faceoff this week in South China Sea

Summary

Chinese coast guard ships used water cannons on Philippine fishing boats near the Scarborough Shoal, marking the third clash in the South China Sea this week. The Philippines and China both claim these waters, which are important for global trade, and the dispute was discussed at a regional meeting in Manila.

Key Facts

  • Chinese coast guard fired water cannons at two Philippine fishing vessels on Friday.
  • The incident happened near Scarborough Shoal, a disputed area claimed by both countries.
  • A Chinese ship came within 23 feet of a Philippine government boat, causing a risk of collision.
  • China claims almost the entire South China Sea, despite a 2016 court ruling against its claims.
  • The Philippines called China’s actions dangerous and unprofessional, stating the shoal is part of its territory.
  • Southeast Asian and Western countries expressed concern about incidents and environmental damage in the area during a Manila meeting.
  • ASEAN diplomats said they made progress on a code of conduct to avoid armed conflict in the South China Sea.
  • U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with China’s foreign minister to discuss recent clashes and regional tensions.
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At least 50 people killed and 700,000 displaced by India floods after monsoon rains

At least 50 people killed and 700,000 displaced by India floods after monsoon rains

Summary

Heavy monsoon rains caused severe flooding in Assam, a state in northeastern India, killing at least 50 people and forcing 700,000 to leave their homes. The Brahmaputra River overflowed, flooding nearly 900 villages and several parts of Guwahati, the state capital.

Key Facts

  • At least 50 people died due to flooding in Assam, India.
  • Around 700,000 people were displaced by the floods.
  • The Brahmaputra River, which flows through Assam, overflowed after heavy monsoon rains.
  • Nearly 900 villages were submerged and more than 7,000 homes lost electricity.
  • About 300,000 people took shelter in government relief camps.
  • Authorities provided food and supplies through airdrops from helicopters.
  • Rescue teams, police, and volunteers worked to help stranded residents.
  • Climate change is making South Asian monsoon rains more intense and unpredictable.
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Spain declares an emergency after wildfires force evacuations of 10,000 people

Spain declares an emergency after wildfires force evacuations of 10,000 people

Summary

Spain declared a national emergency after wildfires forced about 10,000 people to leave their homes near Madrid. The government took control of firefighting efforts as the fires, fueled by a heat wave, continued to spread in the central region.

Key Facts

  • Spain’s government declared a national emergency on July 24, 2026.
  • Around 10,000 people were evacuated from villages near Madrid due to wildfires.
  • The interior ministry now oversees firefighting across the affected regions.
  • The fires are spreading during a heat wave, which makes them worse.
  • Spain has lost more than 100,000 hectares (about 247,000 acres) to fires so far this year.
  • One recent large fire burned 32,000 hectares (79,000 acres) in Guadalajara province.
  • Earlier in July, 13 people died in a wildfire in southern Spain.
  • Many evacuees spent the night in emergency centers like sports facilities.
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I Thought the Bruising Was From Tennis—Then Scans Revealed Terrifying Truth

I Thought the Bruising Was From Tennis—Then Scans Revealed Terrifying Truth

Summary

An 18-year-old woman noticed large bruises, itchy skin, coughing, and tiredness over several months in early 2026. After medical tests, she was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer, and began chemotherapy treatment.

Key Facts

  • The patient is an 18-year-old woman who plays tennis.
  • She developed bruises, itchy skin, night sweats, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
  • Initial doctor visit suggested seasonal asthma and prescribed an inhaler, which did not help.
  • Chest X-ray and CT scan revealed an eight-centimeter mass on her lung and swollen lymph nodes.
  • Blood tests confirmed she has stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
  • She started treatment with Nivolumab AVD chemotherapy, with sessions every two weeks.
  • Chemotherapy causes fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and infections.
  • The illness affected her physically and emotionally during her senior year in high school.
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🔴 Live: Thousands forced to flee as deadly wildfires rage in parts of France, Italy and Spain

🔴 Live: Thousands forced to flee as deadly wildfires rage in parts of France, Italy and Spain

Summary

Deadly wildfires are burning in parts of France, Spain, and Italy, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes. Firefighters and planes are working hard to stop the fires, but strong winds and hot weather are making it difficult.

Key Facts

  • Thousands of people fled wildfires in France, Spain, and Italy on July 24, 2026.
  • France requested help from the European Union to fight the fires.
  • Spain declared a state of emergency in the Madrid region and Ávila province because of the fires.
  • Over 100,000 hectares (about 247,000 acres) have burned in Spain since January.
  • In Spain, 13 people died in wildfires earlier this month.
  • In France, more than 50,000 hectares have burned since January.
  • Around 800 firefighters are fighting a large fire in France’s Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
  • Winds and hot temperatures are making it harder to control the fires, especially near Madrid.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reshuffles top posts amid far-right advance

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reshuffles top posts amid far-right advance

Summary

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has changed top government positions to improve his unpopular administration. These moves come as a far-right party may gain a state governor position in upcoming regional elections.

Key Facts

  • Chancellor Merz has been in office for less than 15 months.
  • He promised to reform Germany’s economy but progress has been slow.
  • His coalition includes center-right and center-left parties, traditional rivals.
  • Merz’s popularity is very low while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is gaining support.
  • A senior ally resigned from a key party leadership role due to personal issues.
  • Merz will assign his chief of staff, Thorsten Frei, to lead the party’s parliamentary group.
  • Health Minister Nina Warken will replace Frei as head of the chancellery, which manages government operations.
  • Carsten Linnemann, the party’s general secretary, will become health minister.
  • Merz said more changes will happen but did not provide details.
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4 Palestinians and 1 Israeli dead after West Bank shooting

4 Palestinians and 1 Israeli dead after West Bank shooting

Summary

Four Palestinians and one Israeli were killed in a shooting near Nablus in the northern West Bank, with several others injured. The Israeli military said their soldiers responded to an attack on Israeli hikers and imposed a temporary blockade around Nablus and a nearby village.

Key Facts

  • The shooting occurred near the city of Nablus in the northern West Bank.
  • Four Palestinians were killed, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
  • One Israeli man was also killed, but it is unclear who shot him.
  • Several people were injured, including four Palestinians and two Israelis.
  • Three of the injured Palestinians are in critical condition.
  • Israeli rescue services are airlifting two injured Israelis out of the West Bank.
  • The Israeli military responded to a reported attack on hikers near the Havat Gilad settlement.
  • A temporary cordon was set up around Nablus and the nearby Palestinian village of Tell.
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Indian activist Wangchuk ends 26-day hunger strike

Indian activist Wangchuk ends 26-day hunger strike

Summary

Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk stopped his 26-day hunger strike after Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to create fast-track courts. These courts will quickly deal with people involved in cheating on medical entrance exams.

Key Facts

  • Sonam Wangchuk is an Indian activist.
  • He went on a hunger strike that lasted 26 days.
  • The hunger strike was to protest leaks in medical entrance exams.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the protest.
  • Modi promised to set up fast-track courts for quick punishment.
  • The courts will focus on those involved in the exam leaks.
  • After the promise, Wangchuk ended his hunger strike.
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France orders evacuation of peninsula as hundreds flee wildfires by boat

France orders evacuation of peninsula as hundreds flee wildfires by boat

Summary

French authorities ordered the evacuation of the entire Cap Ferret peninsula due to a large wildfire burning in the Gironde region. Hundreds of people escaped by boat, and firefighters are still fighting the fire that has burned over 8,700 hectares. Meanwhile, Spain declared a national emergency as wildfires near Madrid continue to spread.

Key Facts

  • The wildfire in southwestern France started on Tuesday in Saumos and has consumed about 8,700 hectares (21,500 acres).
  • The Cap Ferret peninsula has been fully evacuated, with hundreds leaving by boat and road.
  • Two firefighters died while fighting the fires near Bordeaux airport. No new injuries were reported recently.
  • French President Emmanuel Macron called the situation "very tense" and requested help from the European Union.
  • Assistance is coming from aircraft from Croatia, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
  • Spain declared a national emergency over wildfires near Madrid, including Villa del Prado and San Martín de Valdeiglesias.
  • Spain's Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska announced the emergency as fires burn out of control near Madrid and Ávila.
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The ICC is far from perfect – but it can hold the likes of Trump, Putin and Netanyahu to account | Steve Bloomfield

The ICC is far from perfect – but it can hold the likes of Trump, Putin and Netanyahu to account | Steve Bloomfield

Summary

The U.S. government under President Trump is officially trying to dismantle the International Criminal Court (ICC), which prosecutes war crimes and crimes against humanity. The U.S. is using sanctions and pressure on countries that support the ICC, including allies like the UK, and may work with nations like Russia and China against the court.

Key Facts

  • President Trump's administration wants to "dismantle the ICC brick by brick," making it official U.S. policy.
  • The U.S. threatens countries that support the ICC by increasing scrutiny and withholding assistance, especially those under the U.S. security umbrella.
  • Sanctions have been imposed on ICC judges and officials, blocking them from banking, apps, websites, and email services tied to U.S. companies.
  • The U.S. rejected signing the Rome Statute (the ICC's founding treaty) in 2002 but allowed the ICC to investigate some conflicts like in Sudan.
  • Under President Biden, the U.S. supported the ICC’s prosecution of Vladimir Putin for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, a different stance than under Trump.
  • President Trump has repeatedly opposed the ICC, sanctioning its officials over investigations into alleged U.S. military war crimes in Afghanistan.
  • The U.S. campaign against the ICC includes potentially aligning with countries like Russia and China, which are not ICC members.
  • The move raises concerns about the future of international justice and accountability for serious crimes such as genocide and war crimes.
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Tehran slams Trump’s threat to use frozen Iranian assets as ‘incendiary’

Tehran slams Trump’s threat to use frozen Iranian assets as ‘incendiary’

Summary

President Donald Trump said the U.S. would use frozen Iranian money to pay for damage to ships and cargo near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s government strongly criticized this plan, calling it a dangerous precedent. Meanwhile, tensions have risen with attacks between the two countries and new drone strikes by Iran on U.S. military bases.

Key Facts

  • President Trump promised to use frozen Iranian funds to cover damage to ships and cargo in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called this a “dangerous precedent” and warned it could lead to more global asset seizures.
  • The U.S. has held frozen Iranian assets for decades, with estimates around $100 billion.
  • The assets were first frozen in 1979 after the U.S. embassy hostage crisis in Tehran.
  • Iran and the U.S. had a temporary agreement in June to ease tensions, but it has now collapsed.
  • Iran launched new drone attacks on U.S. military bases in Bahrain and Jordan very recently.
  • Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz decreased to just one tanker, the lowest since early May.
  • President Trump also warned of a possible “massive attack” on Iran in response to attacks linked to Iran and its allies.
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Seaplane Crashes in Washington State With 11 People On Board: What We Know

Seaplane Crashes in Washington State With 11 People On Board: What We Know

Summary

A seaplane with 11 people on board made an emergency landing and caught fire near Sucia Island, Washington state. Several people were injured, including one critically, but there are no reported deaths.

Key Facts

  • The seaplane crashed around 5:30 p.m. near Sucia Island in the San Juan Islands.
  • The plane was a Kenmore Air de Havilland DHC-3 Otter.
  • The crash happened about 45 minutes after taking off from Lake Union in Seattle.
  • The pilot and 10 passengers were rescued from the water.
  • Injuries reported include head injuries, broken bones, and cuts.
  • One person is in critical condition; no deaths reported so far.
  • Kenmore Air canceled all flights scheduled for the next day.
  • The airline is cooperating with investigators and thanked emergency responders.
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Ukraine drone attack sparks fire at Russian e-commerce giant's warehouse near Saint Petersburg

Ukraine drone attack sparks fire at Russian e-commerce giant's warehouse near Saint Petersburg

Summary

A Ukrainian drone attack caused a fire at a warehouse owned by Wildberries, a major Russian online retailer, near Saint Petersburg, injuring three people. This attack is part of a series of strikes on Wildberries warehouses since mid-July, which Ukraine says target facilities linked to military supply chains.

Key Facts

  • A drone strike by Ukraine hit a Wildberries warehouse near Saint Petersburg early on July 24, 2026.
  • The fire from the attack sent smoke over the city and wounded three people.
  • Since July 18, Ukraine has targeted five Wildberries warehouses, damaging about 10% of the company’s logistics capacity.
  • A previous attack on a warehouse near Moscow killed eight night-shift workers.
  • Wildberries is Russia’s largest online retailer and, along with competitors, accounts for a significant part of Russia’s consumer economy.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the warehouses supply parts used in drone production and navigation.
  • Russia denies that Wildberries warehouses handle military supplies.
  • The attacks are part of Ukraine’s ongoing long-range strikes against Russian energy, military, and logistics sites.
  • Saint Petersburg’s airport temporarily suspended flights during the drone attack.
  • Russia reports shooting down hundreds of Ukrainian drones during these attacks, marking one of the largest drone swarms sent by Kyiv.
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‘Collapsed’: Roadblocks, internet blackout leave Pakistani Kashmir in limbo

‘Collapsed’: Roadblocks, internet blackout leave Pakistani Kashmir in limbo

Summary

Protests and strikes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have caused major disruptions, including roadblocks and a shutdown of mobile and internet services. These issues have made it difficult for residents to travel, get supplies, and access services like healthcare, especially in rural areas near the border with India.

Key Facts

  • Protests began in June after the government banned a political group called the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
  • The group was protesting reserved legislative seats for Kashmiri refugees and other issues.
  • Clashes during protests led to dozens of deaths among both protesters and police.
  • Mobile data and internet services have been shut down across the region since June 5.
  • Roadblocks have stopped supplies like government-subsidized wheat from reaching some areas.
  • Ambulance and emergency transport are often unavailable, leaving families to carry patients by foot and find fuel for long, difficult journeys.
  • The scheduled legislative assembly election is set to start on July 27 amid continued unrest.
  • The internet shutdown has especially affected students and businesses that rely on online access.
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