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An FDA advisory committee voted 8-6, with one abstention, to add the peptide BPC-157 to the drug compounding list. This vote means BPC-157 could become legally available for prescription use after final FDA approval, despite limited data on its safety and effectiveness.
Key Facts
The committee’s vote is non-binding and needs final approval from the FDA.
BPC-157 is a peptide popular online for claims about healing gut and tissue, but lacks strong human study evidence.
Peptides like BPC-157 are often bought on black or grey markets without regulation.
Compounding allows making drugs customized for patients without full FDA approval, using a less strict regulatory path.
Some committee members think health risks of BPC-157 are low; others worry about safety and misleading impressions of approval.
Most research on BPC-157 has been done on rodents, not humans.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supports peptide use, but there are concerns about conflicts of interest among advisory panel members.
This is the first peptide among seven being reviewed for potential compounding approval.
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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi visited Iran for the first time since taking office in May. During the visit, Iraq and Iran signed several agreements to strengthen cooperation in fields like foreign affairs, economy, and energy, while also discussing regional security and mutual support.
Key Facts
This was Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s first official visit to Iran since becoming Iraqi PM in May.
Al-Zaidi and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian signed agreements on foreign affairs, finance, economy, and energy.
Iraq thanked Iran for helping fight the ISIL terrorist group and promised to prevent hostile actions against Iran from its territory.
Iran and Iraq plan to follow a strategic cooperation plan to deepen their relationship and security ties.
Iraq depends heavily on Iranian natural gas and electricity, and their trade exceeds $12 billion annually.
Millions of Iranian Shia pilgrims travel to Iraq each year to visit holy religious sites.
Iran has close ties with influential Shia parties and armed groups in Iraq connected to Iraq’s security forces.
Iraq is trying to balance relations between the United States and Iran, with the US supporting Iraq’s role as a mediator.
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President Donald Trump said Saudi Arabia must establish official diplomatic relations with Israel by joining the Abraham Accords for a nuclear energy agreement to proceed. The nuclear deal was signed recently, but President Trump made this condition clear on social media.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke on Truth Social about the Saudi Arabia-Israel relationship.
He said Saudi Arabia must join the Abraham Accords, which are agreements normalizing ties with Israel.
This step is needed before a nuclear energy deal involving Saudi Arabia can move forward.
The nuclear energy agreement was signed on the Wednesday before President Trump’s statement.
The Abraham Accords are a set of peace agreements between Israel and several Arab countries.
The demand links diplomatic progress with Saudi Arabia’s access to nuclear energy cooperation.
The statement highlights U.S. involvement in Middle East diplomacy and energy matters.
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President Donald Trump said that the nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia depends on Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel. This statement caused uncertainty about the agreement shortly after it was signed.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a nuclear cooperation deal.
President Trump linked the deal to Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel.
Saudi Arabia has resisted normalizing relations with Israel, especially after recent conflicts in Gaza.
Saudi Arabia wants a clear path to a Palestinian state before accepting ties with Israel.
The announcement surprised Saudi officials and created doubts about the deal’s future.
The deal was announced on July 22, 2026, with Trump’s comments coming the next day.
The agreement includes cooperation on civilian nuclear technology.
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Laura Loomer, a right-wing activist and supporter of President Donald Trump, changed her views about the war in Ukraine after visiting the country and experiencing an air raid. She met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and visited a cathedral damaged by Russian attacks, expressing criticism of Russia’s actions.
Key Facts
Laura Loomer had previously minimized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and shared Russian propaganda online.
She experienced her first air raid in Ukraine and expressed sympathy for Ukrainians living under attack.
Loomer met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though the Ukrainian government did not organize her visit.
Zelenskyy’s office praised Loomer for coming to Ukraine and seeing the situation firsthand.
Loomer visited the Dormition Cathedral in Kyiv, which was damaged in a recent attack that Ukraine and UNESCO say was caused by Russia.
Russia denied attacking the cathedral, suggesting the damage came from a Ukrainian missile gone off course.
Loomer accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of hypocrisy for claiming to protect Christianity while Russia attacked a religious site.
The White House did not comment on Loomer’s trip to Ukraine.
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Mykhailo Fedorov, the ousted Ukrainian defense minister, said he will only accept his old government job and no other position. A Ukrainian lawmaker said that bringing Fedorov back is the only right choice for President Zelensky amid the ongoing war with Russia.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Fedorov was removed from his position as Ukraine’s defense minister.
Fedorov stated he will only accept being defense minister again, no other job.
Ukrainian MP Liudmyla Buimister said reinstating Fedorov is the best decision President Zelensky can make.
This situation adds to a political crisis in Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia.
The interview was conducted by Mark Owen from FRANCE 24.
The article highlights tensions and political challenges within Ukraine’s government at a crucial time.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to affect political decisions in Ukraine.
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Andy Burnham has paused a plan that would have allowed many prisoners in England and Wales to be released early starting in September. The decision came after criticism from victims and their families, and a review will be done to improve how victims are informed and to ensure public safety.
Key Facts
The early release scheme was part of the Sentencing Act and aimed to reduce prison overcrowding.
Some offenders would have been released after serving one-third of their sentence instead of half; more serious offenders after half instead of two-thirds.
About 700 prisoners were expected to be released early under the plan in September.
The scheme drew criticism from victims’ families, including the widow and mother of PC Andrew Harper, who was killed by teenagers in 2019.
The Justice Secretary, Alex Norris, said the scheme is paused to give victims more certainty and to review how information is shared with them.
Prisoners will not be released early until the review is done and risks to the public are minimized.
Victims and survivors, including campaigners against early release, welcomed the pause on the scheme.
The government hopes to fix issues with the policy before moving forward.
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A wildfire near Bordeaux, France, has burned 3,100 hectares of forest. More than 20,000 people had to leave their homes and places they were visiting to stay safe. About 700 firefighters are working to control the fire and protect houses as the wind changes direction.
Key Facts
The wildfire destroyed 3,100 hectares (7,660 acres) of forest near Bordeaux.
Over 20,000 residents and tourists were evacuated for safety.
Around 700 firefighters are involved in fighting the fire.
Firefighters are trying to stop the flames from reaching homes.
Winds are shifting unpredictably, making firefighting harder.
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British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there will be no new vote on Scottish independence. He wants to focus on improving the economy and lowering living costs instead of holding another referendum.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham became British Prime Minister on July 20.
Burnham told Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney that a new Scottish independence vote is off limits.
Scotland held an independence referendum in 2014, where 55% voted to stay in the UK.
Scotland wants a new vote because the UK left the European Union, which most Scots opposed.
The UK’s highest court said Scotland cannot hold a second referendum without UK parliament approval.
Burnham prefers to work on local economic growth and lowering the cost of living.
He plans to give more local power to regions through "devolution" to boost their economies.
Burnham is meeting with leaders from Wales and Scotland as part of his new role.
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Jimothy the raccoon became famous online because of his unusual body shape caused by a rare condition likely called short spine syndrome (SSS). Experts say the condition may not affect Jimothy's lifespan much but could make it harder for him to avoid dangers like dogs and cars in the city where he lives.
Key Facts
Jimothy is a raccoon from Seattle with a short, round body and little visible neck.
His shape is likely caused by short spine syndrome (SSS), a rare condition that affects the spine and is more common in dogs.
SSS can affect vertebrae (bones in the spine), sometimes making movement harder, especially head and neck mobility.
Jimothy’s condition likely has genetic and environmental causes.
Despite his condition, Jimothy appears to move around well and finds food easily in the city.
Possible threats to Jimothy include off-leash dogs and cars, rather than natural predators.
SSS might affect Jimothy’s interactions with other raccoons and his ability to reproduce.
Seattle is celebrating Jimothy’s unusual story with local events and items inspired by him.
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Kozo Okamoto, a Japanese militant linked to the Japanese Red Army, died in Beirut at age 78. He participated in a 1972 attack on Tel Aviv’s airport that killed 26 people, was imprisoned in Israel for 12 years, and later lived in Lebanon under the protection of the Palestinian Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).
Key Facts
Kozo Okamoto was part of the Japanese Red Army, a militant group active in the 1970s.
In 1972, Okamoto and two others attacked Tel Aviv’s international airport, killing 26 people and injuring many.
Okamoto was wounded during the attack; the two other Japanese attackers were killed.
He was sentenced to life in prison in Israel but was released in 1985 during a prisoner exchange.
After his release, Okamoto moved to Lebanon and lived under the protection of the PFLP.
Okamoto was known as Ahmad al-Yabani, meaning Ahmad the Japanese, in the PFLP.
The PFLP said the 1972 attack was in response to an Israeli commandos’ attack on Beirut airport in 1968.
Okamoto rarely appeared in public but made one appearance in 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of the airport attack.
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Ukraine's former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov refuses to accept a different government role and wants to be reinstated as defence minister. His removal led to public protests, and the conflict between Fedorov and President Zelensky over his position is ongoing.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Fedorov was removed as Ukraine’s defence minister last week.
Fedorov refuses other government posts offered by President Zelensky, including deputy prime minister.
Fedorov played a key role in improving Ukraine’s military by using data and leading the Army of Drones project.
His removal sparked protests demanding his return as defence minister.
Commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi was also removed after conflicts with Fedorov.
Fedorov claims his team had a clear plan to end the war through better air defense, stabilizing the front, and economic strikes on Russia.
The new defence minister is Yevhenii Khmara, a former security official.
President Zelensky says innovation must be coordinated between defence ministry, military leadership, and the president.
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President Donald Trump agreed to a 30-year deal with Saudi Arabia to share nuclear technology for civilian energy use. The deal raises concerns that Saudi Arabia might develop nuclear weapons, potentially sparking a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. The agreement is now under review by the US Congress.
Key Facts
The US-Saudi nuclear deal lasts 30 years and focuses on sharing nuclear technology.
The deal is intended for civilian nuclear energy, but details are not fully public.
Saudi Arabia may be allowed to enrich uranium, which is a key step toward making nuclear weapons.
Saudi leadership has said it would develop nuclear weapons if Iran does.
US officials say American contractors will manage the project to prevent weapon development.
Israel opposes the deal, fearing it will lead to more nuclear arms in the region.
There are concerns about nuclear plants being targets in Middle East conflicts, risking radiation leaks.
The deal includes a possible uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia, run by US companies, but its necessity is still being studied.
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Yemen’s Houthi rebels said they attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, raising tensions connected to the conflict involving Iran. President Donald Trump warned of strong military action if the attacks on ships keep happening.
Key Facts
The Houthi rebels in Yemen are backed by Iran.
They attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea on Thursday.
These attacks may expand the conflict related to Iran’s involvement in the region.
The world oil price recently went over $100 a barrel.
The Houthis have threatened to close another important trade route.
Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key path for oil and gas shipments.
Iran and the U.S. are conducting military strikes as they compete for control of the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump warned the Houthis of major military punishment if they keep attacking ships.
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Hundreds of Israelis entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem during a large visit connected to the Jewish day of mourning called Tisha B’Av. The event, led by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, increased tensions because the site is sacred to both Jews and Muslims, and Palestinians were mostly barred from entering.
Key Facts
Around 4,200 Israelis entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during the event, with numbers expected to reach 5,000 by sunset.
Tisha B’Av is a Jewish day of mourning for the destruction of two ancient Jewish temples believed to have stood where the mosque is now.
Orthodox Jews traditionally avoid entering the Al-Aqsa site, but Religious Zionist groups have increased visits despite legal prohibitions.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, known for far-right views, attended the visit under heavy police protection.
Israeli officials and activists prayed and sang at the site, raising Israeli flags and singing the national anthem.
Palestinians, for the most part, were not allowed to enter the compound during the event.
Ben-Gvir has entered the site at least 16 times since becoming National Security Minister, drawing criticism from Palestinians and regional governments.
Israeli authorities increased security measures, including blocking many Palestinians from entering and setting tighter checkpoints in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
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Diplomats from 125 countries are meeting in New York to decide whether to remove Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), following allegations of sexual misconduct. Khan denies the accusations but has already been suspended from his duties, is banned from entering the U.S., and faces a vote that could remove him permanently.
Key Facts
Karim Khan is the chief prosecutor of the ICC, based in The Hague, Netherlands.
He has been accused of sexual misconduct by a female aide; Khan denies the allegations.
The ICC’s executive committee suspended Khan in June for serious misconduct related to a sexual relationship and obstructing the complaint process.
The ICC's oversight body, the Assembly of States Parties (125 countries), is holding a special meeting in New York to vote on removing Khan.
Khan cannot attend the meeting because the U.S. has sanctioned him and banned his entry due to the ICC’s investigations into Israeli officials.
Khan is currently suspended from practicing law in the UK, pending investigation by the British Bar Standards Board.
The Netherlands, where the ICC is located, publicly supports removing Khan.
The ICC’s investigation into alleged war crimes in Gaza, including arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, has increased political tensions surrounding the case.
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Yemen's Houthi fighters have attacked ships in the Red Sea and are blocking passage through the Bab El Mandeb Strait, a key route for global trade between Europe and Asia. This escalates tensions in the Middle East, which is already unstable due to ongoing conflicts involving the US, Iran, and Gulf countries.
Key Facts
The Houthis, a group from northern Yemen, claim responsibility for attacking ships near the Bab El Mandeb Strait.
The Bab El Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean and is important for shipping between Europe and Asia.
US Central Command has been conducting airstrikes against Iranian military sites for 12 consecutive nights.
Iran-backed Houthis broke a ceasefire with Saudi Arabia from 2022 and have now targeted Saudi vessels.
Saudi Arabia uses an oil pipeline to transport crude from its eastern oilfields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu for export.
The Houthis warn ships to avoid Saudi ports and have turned back about 10 vessels recently.
Saudi Arabia and Gulf states face increased missile and drone attacks from Iran and Iran-backed groups.
President Donald Trump has pledged to address the threat from the Houthis, but so far the group remains powerful.
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Oil prices rose above $100 per barrel for the first time since May due to rising conflicts in the Middle East. Attacks on Saudi oil tankers by Yemen’s Houthis and ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States have threatened key shipping routes like the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil price surpassed $100 per barrel, reaching the highest level in nearly two months.
Yemen’s Houthi group attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, confirming at least one tanker caught fire.
The Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz are vital routes for Middle Eastern oil shipments.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced control over the Strait of Hormuz, declaring it closed to tankers without their permission.
The US military, under President Donald Trump, launched repeated strikes against Iran and threatened heavy military action against the Houthis.
A ceasefire agreed in mid-June between Iran and the US has broken down, leading to renewed fighting around strategic waterways.
Goldman Sachs predicts Brent oil could exceed $120 per barrel later this year if these conflicts keep disrupting shipping routes.
Factors supporting higher oil prices include lower Middle East production, summer travel demand, and reduced releases from strategic oil reserves.
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The United States and Saudi Arabia have agreed on a civilian nuclear cooperation deal. President Donald Trump said the deal will only happen if Saudi Arabia joins the Abraham Accords and establishes formal relations with Israel.
Key Facts
The US and Saudi Arabia have made a deal on civilian nuclear cooperation.
President Trump set a condition for the deal to take effect: Saudi Arabia must join the Abraham Accords.
The Abraham Accords are agreements that normalize relations between Israel and some Arab countries.
Saudi Arabia does not currently have official diplomatic ties with Israel.
The nuclear deal is focused on peaceful, civilian uses of nuclear energy.
Normalizing relations with Israel means Saudi Arabia would officially recognize and cooperate with Israel.
President Trump is using the deal as leverage to encourage peace in the Middle East.
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A 63-year-old woman developed a severe brain infection linked to bacteria that first caused a urinary tract infection (UTI). Doctors found that the bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae, had changed over two years inside her body, becoming sticky and more dangerous before invading her brain.
Key Facts
The woman lost vision in her right eye and had brain inflammation and lesions in the parietal lobe.
Tests showed she had a brain abscess and infection caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Two urine samples and a brain biopsy all contained the same type of bacteria.
The bacteria changed from normal to sticky and gooey, making them harder for the immune system to attack.
The sticky bacteria are called hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae, known to spread to organs like the brain.
Genetic analysis showed these bacteria evolved inside the woman and developed mutations causing the sticky capsule.
The hypervirulent bacteria grew slower and were less able to infect the bladder.
Scientists confirmed the mutations by recreating the sticky bacteria in the lab.
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