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Italian restaurants experienced strong reactions due to issues related to pasta. Meanwhile, other global events included Donald Trump deploying the National Guard in Washington D.C. and the release of a new biography about Prince Andrew.
Key Facts
Italian restaurants were upset about something involving pasta.
Donald Trump ordered the National Guard to Washington D.C.
A new biography about Prince Andrew was released.
The BBC announced the lineup for the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing.
The events took place within the past week.
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Wildfires continue to affect Southern Europe, with Spain reporting its third death due to the fires this week. A heatwave has been spreading across the region, impacting countries like Greece, Portugal, and those in the Balkans. Thousands of people have been evacuated, and European nations are working together to control the fires.
Key Facts
A 37-year-old volunteer firefighter in Spain died from severe burns, making it the third wildfire-related death in the country this week.
The wildfires in Spain have forced thousands of people to leave their homes.
Spain has experienced fires that have burned over 157,000 hectares (388,000 acres) this year.
Greece and other countries in Southern Europe are also fighting wildfires fueled by a heatwave.
France has provided two water bombers to help Spain, and the European Union sent additional aircraft.
In Greece, firefighters are tackling fires near the city of Patras with support from international teams.
Portugal is battling major fires with over 1,900 firefighters deployed.
Albania is receiving help from Greece to manage its ongoing wildfires.
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The U.S. Treasury Department placed sanctions on two Mexican drug cartels, Carteles Unidos and Los Viagras, and charged five members with drug trafficking crimes. The sanctions aim to freeze U.S. assets of the cartels and prohibit U.S. transactions with them. The U.S. also offered rewards totaling $26 million for information leading to arrests of top cartel leaders.
Key Facts
The U.S. sanctioned Carteles Unidos and Los Viagras for alleged terrorism-related activities.
Seven individuals associated with the cartels are also sanctioned.
The U.S. Department of Justice charged five members of Carteles Unidos with drug trafficking.
Sanctions will freeze any U.S.-based assets and prohibit doing business with the targeted individuals.
Rewards offered by the U.S. for arrest information total $26 million.
Mexican officials transferred 26 suspected cartel members to the U.S. recently.
Trump administration aims to label some Latin American criminal organizations as "foreign terrorist organizations".
Mexico urges the U.S. to curb weapon flow, arguing it contributes to cartel violence, but the U.S. has resisted these requests.
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This year, boys outperformed girls in achieving the highest A-level grades in the UK, reversing a trend from the past seven years. Boys had a slightly higher percentage of top grades, especially in popular STEM subjects like maths, which have seen increased enrollment. The growing popularity of STEM subjects, which appeal more to boys, is considered a significant factor in this shift.
Key Facts
Boys received 28.4% A* or A grades, compared to 28.2% for girls.
Boys also had more A* grades, with 9.9% compared to girls' 9.1%.
The popularity of STEM subjects like maths is linked to boys' higher performance.
Maths is the most popular A-level subject for the 12th consecutive year, with a significant rise in entries.
Boys make up about 63% of maths entries, showing a gender gap in participation.
Maths entries scoring an A* were 16.7%, compared to 9.4% for all A-levels.
Overall, more girls took A-levels since they accounted for 54% of entries.
The data can vary over time, and experts suggest not to over-interpret these differences.
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An explosion at a depot for unexploded ordnance near Idlib city in northwest Syria killed at least four people. The blast resulted in injuries to several others and occurred at a site containing leftover war weapons. The exact cause of the explosion is not immediately clear.
Key Facts
The explosion happened at a depot on the outskirts of Idlib city.
At least four people died, and five others were injured, according to state media.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported six deaths, including two civilians.
Some of the injured also included civilians, as per the Observatory's report.
The blast happened at a place with war remnants, which are leftover weapons from past conflicts.
Images on social media showed a large plume of smoke rising from the site.
The region has been a stronghold for rebel groups during the Syrian conflict.
Previous explosions at similar sites have occurred in the area, with significant casualties.
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California plans to hold a special election on November 4 to let voters decide on a new congressional map. This is in response to Texas's efforts to redraw its own map to favor Republicans. Governor Gavin Newsom announced this move to counteract changes in Texas that aim to impact the House of Representatives balance.
Key Facts
California will hold a special election on November 4 for a new congressional map.
The new map aims to help Democrats gain five more U.S. House seats by 2026.
This action responds to a Republican effort in Texas to redraw their congressional map.
Texas's redistricting aims to send five more Republicans to Congress.
Texas Democrats protested these changes by leaving the state.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott may call another special session for redistricting.
Newsom said they cannot watch democracy change "district by district" across the U.S.
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Former U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to try to negotiate peace in Ukraine. The meeting, set for Friday, marks their first in-person encounter in six years. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not participate in the talks.
Key Facts
Trump and Putin have not met face-to-face for six years.
The meeting aims to negotiate peace in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Zelensky is excluded from the meeting and has expressed concerns about resolutions made in his absence.
Trump has threatened severe consequences if Putin does not agree to end the war.
Trump's administration has hinted at possible sanctions against Russia if a peace agreement is not reached.
Trump seeks to leverage his personal relationship with Putin to achieve a breakthrough.
The war in Ukraine started with Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
Russia demands full control over certain Ukrainian regions and assurances that Ukraine will not join NATO.
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Mpox, a virus with a history in Africa, continues to spread quickly across the continent, with significant outbreaks in many countries. Despite efforts to control it, experts warn that available data on infections and the global response to the crisis have been inadequate.
Key Facts
Mpox was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization one year ago.
The virus is particularly affecting 24 African countries, up from 13 the previous year.
There have been approximately 97,000 suspected mpox cases and nearly 600 deaths in Africa this year.
A newly identified strain, Clade 1b, is spreading rapidly, especially among certain groups.
Many recorded numbers of mpox cases are likely underestimates due to stigma and limited health resources in remote areas.
President Trump's foreign aid cuts affected the Democratic Republic of Congo, impacting mpox response efforts.
$1.1 billion has been pledged globally to help manage mpox, but criticism suggests the response is insufficient.
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King Charles will deliver a message to honor the heroes of VJ Day on the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War Two. He will attend a remembrance service with the Queen and the Prime Minister to remember those who fought and died in the Pacific and Far East. VJ Day is recognized on August 15, marking Japan's surrender in 1945.
Key Facts
King Charles will record a message to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
VJ Day stands for Victory over Japan Day and marks Japan's surrender ending World War Two.
The King and Queen, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will join a remembrance service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
About 71,000 soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth died fighting Japan, including over 12,000 held as prisoners of war.
King Charles' message will draw from his grandfather, King George VI's original 1945 broadcast announcing the war's end.
During the service, a two-minute silence will be held, ending with a flypast by the RAF Red Arrows.
The royal couple will meet veterans who served in the Far East and their families at a reception following the service.
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The article discusses recent mass arrests of protesters involved with Palestine Action and questions what will happen next concerning a ban related to their actions. It examines the group's ongoing protests and interactions with law enforcement.
Key Facts
Palestine Action is a protest group involved in recent demonstrations.
There were mass arrests of its members over a weekend.
The article questions the future of a ban related to Palestine Action's protests.
The topic is covered as a newscast on BBC Sounds.
It explores the group's protest activities and legal challenges.
The newscast discusses possible outcomes for the group after recent events.
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Air Canada plans to cancel about 500 flights by Friday due to ongoing contract disputes with its flight attendants' union. The disagreement centers around how attendants are paid, with a potential strike set to begin Saturday. This could disrupt travel for 100,000 passengers.
Key Facts
Air Canada announced plans to cancel 500 flights by Friday.
The cancellations are because of a possible strike by flight attendants.
The dispute is about how flight attendants are paid for their work time.
Air Canada offered a 38% pay increase over four years, but the union disagrees with the terms.
The Canadian government urged both parties to negotiate and avoid disruptions.
Restarting Air Canada’s flight operations after a strike would take about a week.
Currently, only a few flights have been canceled.
The union, CUPE, represents 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada.
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Many students across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland received their A-level, Btec, and T-level exam results. Some students achieved their university or career goals despite mixed feelings about their marks. More 18-year-olds than ever got into their first-choice universities, with notable achievements including a rise in students choosing vocational qualifications like T-levels.
Key Facts
Thousands of students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland received exam results.
A record number of 18-year-olds secured their first-choice university place this year.
Boys achieved higher top A-level grades than girls for the first time since 2018.
T-levels, vocational qualifications, became more popular among students.
Some students celebrated their results with planned nights out or family gatherings.
Some students, like Lily-Rose, secured spots at prestigious universities such as Oxford.
Others, like Harry McClelland, had jobs or apprenticeships lined up before results day.
Students expressed mixed emotions, balancing happiness about their paths with concerns about future living costs.
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Ukrainian soldiers continue to train for combat against Russia, focusing on new methods to counter drone threats. With ongoing talks between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Ukrainians worry about being excluded from discussions and fear an unjust peace deal. Despite being tired and facing losses, many Ukrainians prefer to keep fighting rather than give up territory.
Key Facts
Ukrainian soldiers are training to combat drones, which pose a significant threat on the battlefield.
The training involves using shotguns to hit fast-moving drone targets.
Ukrainians are not optimistic about the war ending soon and are preparing for continued conflict.
Ihor, a veteran soldier, opposes any land-swapping deals that would give up Ukrainian territory.
Ukrainian troops are facing shortages and are outnumbered, leading to renewed efforts to mobilize more soldiers.
There is a significant increase in Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Ukrainian civilians are suffering from the consequences of intensified Russian attacks.
President Zelensky is frustrated that Ukraine's perspective is not represented in the Alaska talks between Trump and Putin.
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Two young men, Saif and Rizik, from the town of Mazraa in the West Bank, were attacked and killed by a group of Israeli settlers. They died from injuries after being beaten and shot.
Key Facts
Saif was visiting his hometown Mazraa in the West Bank when the attack happened.
He spoke with his father days before the incident, sharing news about his future plans.
Saif was attacked while hiding near an oak tree to escape settlers.
Saif was unconscious and struggling to breathe when found but died before reaching the hospital.
Saif's friend Rizik, also from Mazraa, was found later with severe injuries and died.
Witnesses, victims' families, and local officials were interviewed about the incident.
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This month, six planets can be seen in the early morning sky. Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury can be seen without special equipment, while Uranus and Neptune require binoculars or a telescope. Mercury will be easiest to spot on Tuesday before it disappears into the sun's glare.
Key Facts
Six planets are visible in the early morning sky this month.
Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury can be seen without special tools.
Uranus and Neptune require binoculars or a telescope to see.
Jupiter and Venus are currently close together in the sky.
Mercury will be easiest to see on Tuesday as it moves farthest from the sun.
The best time to see the planets is just before sunrise by looking east.
A crescent moon will join the planets later in the month.
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An inquest found that a 14-year-old girl named Ruth Szymankiewicz was unlawfully killed due to failing care at a mental health hospital in Berkshire, England. The hospital staff, including an employee with fake ID, did not properly supervise Ruth, contributing to her self-harm and eventual death. The hospital, which has since shut down, was previously rated inadequate by health inspectors.
Key Facts
Ruth Szymankiewicz was 14 years old and receiving care for an eating disorder.
She was left alone for about 15 minutes at Huntercombe Hospital on February 12, 2022.
An inquest jury ruled her death as unlawful due to insufficient staff supervision and training.
The staff member supervising her was on his first shift and used fake identification.
The hospital where she was treated had been rated as "inadequate" by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2021.
Ruth's care was deemed unsuitable for her recovery, as noted by the jury.
Her parents expressed that the care system failed to protect and support her.
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A-level results for 2025 show an increase in top grades in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The gap between regions with the highest and lowest grades in England widened. A high percentage of students also got into their first-choice universities, marking a record number of admissions.
Key Facts
Top A-level grades (A* or A) increased to 28.3% across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
England saw an increase to 28.2%, Northern Ireland to 30.4%, while Wales saw a drop to 29.5%.
The grade gap between regions in England grew, with London at 32.1% and the North East at 22.9%.
82% of students secured places at their first-choice university, the same proportion as last year.
The number of 18-year-olds getting their first-choice university spot rose to 226,580 from 216,750 last year.
Universities face financial concerns due to a decline in international students partly because of visa changes.
A-level exams returned to pre-pandemic grading standards for the second consecutive year.
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On Thursday, 23 people in Gaza died in Israeli attacks, including 10 individuals seeking aid. Additionally, four more people died from malnutrition due to a food crisis in the area. Israel has intensified its military actions in Gaza, leading to international criticism and concerns about forced displacement.
Key Facts
Israeli attacks in Gaza killed 23 people on Thursday.
Among those killed, 10 were reportedly seeking aid near Rafah in southern Gaza.
Four people died from malnutrition due to a food crisis in the area.
Israeli air strikes hit a residential home and a neighborhood in Gaza City, killing multiple people.
Israel’s security cabinet plans to seize Gaza City, which could displace hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
This plan has attracted international condemnation, including from the United Nations.
Discussions for a potential ceasefire are ongoing, with involvement from international figures.
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At least 37 people died in Indian-administered Kashmir after heavy rains caused flash floods in the Chisoti area of Kishtwar district. Rescue operations are ongoing as officials work to find missing people and provide aid to those affected. The floods occurred during a busy pilgrimage period to the Machail Mata temple.
Key Facts
37 people have died due to flash floods caused by a sudden cloudburst in Kashmir's Kishtwar district.
The floods hit Chisoti on Thursday morning along a pilgrimage route to the Machail Mata temple.
Television footage showed pilgrims in distress as floodwaters rushed through the area.
Rescue teams have saved at least 100 people so far.
Government and military units are involved in the rescue operations, which are still underway.
A community kitchen and a security post were swept away by the floodwaters.
The region is experiencing frequent rain-related disasters; a similar event occurred in Uttarakhand last week.
The local weather office has warned of more intense rain and advised caution regarding unstable buildings and areas.
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Nearly 50 people were detained in Serbia after protests turned violent between government opponents and supporters of President Aleksandar Vucic. The unrest followed a long period of mostly calm demonstrations against Vucic's leadership. The European Union expressed concern about the violence, which has been escalating over time.
Key Facts
About 50 protesters were detained, and numerous people were injured during clashes in Serbia.
Violence broke out in Novi Sad when ruling party supporters confronted anti-government protesters.
The Serbian Interior Minister reported protests at around 90 locations on the same day.
An army officer fired a gun into the air at the scene, claiming he felt threatened.
The protests, primarily led by university students, have been ongoing for over nine months.
The European Union voiced concern over the violence, highlighting the need for freedom of expression.
President Vucic faces accusations of eroding democratic freedoms, which he denies.
Serbia aims to join the EU but maintains strong ties with Russia and China.
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