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A former BBC journalist, Vincent Kearney, was awarded £20,000 after MI5 and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) illegally accessed data from his mobile phone. A special UK court ruled the surveillance was unlawful and disproportionate, violating journalistic protections designed to safeguard public interest.
Key Facts
Vincent Kearney worked as the BBC’s Northern Ireland home affairs correspondent and is now RTÉ’s northern editor.
MI5 and PSNI unlawfully obtained Kearney’s phone data between 2006 and 2018 during seven separate operations.
The data included call and text numbers, times, subscriber names, and addresses, but not the content of communications.
PSNI ran four operations and created a profile on Kearney, including car registrations and family members’ names.
The Investigatory Powers Tribunal said journalists have legal protections to help them protect their sources for the public good.
The PSNI Chief Constable accepted the ruling, apologized, and said the police have since changed their policies and practices.
The case followed a previous ruling that found PSNI and Metropolitan Police unlawfully spied on journalists who exposed police collusion with paramilitaries.
The BBC said the case raised serious concerns about journalistic freedoms and trust in public-interest journalism.
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Nicaragua’s National Assembly, controlled by President Daniel Ortega’s government, is discussing a law to keep opposition parties from competing in upcoming elections. President Ortega has accused opposition groups of trying to take power with foreign help, and critics worry this move blocks fair voting and democracy in the country.
Key Facts
Nicaragua’s National Assembly will vote in early August on whether to bar opposition parties from elections.
President Daniel Ortega said opposition groups will no longer be allowed to try to win power.
Ortega claims the opposition is funded by the United States.
UN and US officials have criticized Ortega, saying all political groups must be allowed to vote and run for office.
Ortega has been in power since 2007, with a record of jailing or exiling opponents.
In 2025, Nicaragua’s constitution was changed to extend the presidential term to six years and named Ortega’s wife, Rosario Murillo, as "co-president."
Ortega’s government cracked down on protests in 2018, killing over 300 people and arresting many opposition members.
Opposition leaders in exile say Ortega wants to create a one-party state like China, North Korea, and Cuba.
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Protesters in Mumbai, India, led by the Cockroach Janty Party, copied a famous Norway Viking Row video but changed the word "ro" to "resign." They did this to demand the resignation of India’s federal education minister due to cheating scandals involving exam papers.
Key Facts
The protest took place in Mumbai, India.
The group leading the protest is called the Cockroach Janty Party.
They recreated a viral video from Norway known as the Viking Row.
In their version, they changed the word "ro" to "resign."
The protest called for the federal education minister to step down.
This demand was triggered by scandals involving leaked exam papers.
The protest aimed to highlight corruption in the education system.
The federal education minister is responsible for overseeing education policies in India.
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Two Palestinian men were shot and killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank after trying to put out fires on Palestinian farmland. The incident occurred amid ongoing clashes between Palestinians, Israeli soldiers, and settlers in the area.
Key Facts
Two Palestinians died from gunshot wounds after attempting to extinguish farmland fires.
Four other Palestinians were injured in the nearby town of Beit Furik.
It is unclear whether Israeli soldiers or settlers fired the shots.
Israeli forces blocked entrances to Beit Furik and increased security presence.
Fires damaged electricity poles, and settlers reportedly burned two Palestinian vehicles.
Israel said Palestinians set fires and attacked settlers, injuring one Israeli man.
A third Palestinian man was shot dead after allegedly stabbing an Israeli soldier.
The violence happens amid increased military raids and settler actions in the West Bank.
Thousands of Israeli settlers and far-right figures raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem, performing Jewish rituals at the Muslim holy site.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham has paused a plan to release some prisoners early until a quick review is done. This decision follows concerns raised after reports that two killers of a police officer might be freed early.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham announced that no prisoners will be released early until he completes an urgent review.
The pause was prompted by reactions to news that two killers of PC Andrew Harper could be freed early.
The widow of PC Andrew Harper called the idea of early release "deplorable."
Andy Burnham also announced a separate policy to cut business rates by 20% for pubs, clubs, and live music venues in England starting April.
The funding and impact of the tax cuts on businesses are being discussed by experts and government representatives.
The announcement was part of a broader news podcast episode presented by Adam Fleming on the BBC.
The early release scheme relates to the prison system and government policies on criminal justice.
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Parts of Wales are now officially in drought due to very low rainfall, low river levels, heatwaves, and wildfires. July is set to be the driest month in Wales in nearly 200 years, causing serious problems for wildlife, farming, and water supplies.
Key Facts
North Wales and the Upper Severn are declared drought areas by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
Rivers including Clwyd, Alwen, Alyn, and Wye have recorded record low water flows.
Prolonged dry weather and heatwaves have caused several wildfires in Wales, some still burning.
The Welsh government activated crisis plans due to firefighting resource shortages.
July’s rainfall is less than 2% of the expected amount in the drought areas.
Welsh Water has issued hosepipe bans in parts of west Wales despite reservoir levels being generally healthy.
The drought follows a summer of similar conditions across parts of England, Wales, and Scotland.
Scientists link the drought and heat to climate change, which is expected to make UK summers hotter and drier by 2070.
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Countries in the Middle East are building new pipelines to avoid shipping oil through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow sea passage near Iran. This move comes as a response to risks of disruption and rising oil prices, with several major pipeline projects under construction or planning to send oil to ports on the Red Sea and Gulf of Oman instead.
Key Facts
About 15 million barrels of oil used to pass daily through the Strait of Hormuz before the Iran war.
Oil prices have risen above $100 per barrel for Brent Crude amid tensions around the strait.
Gulf countries are investing billions of dollars in pipeline projects to bypass the strait.
At least seven major pipeline projects are underway or being planned.
Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline, built in the 1980s, carries oil from its east coast to the Red Sea as an alternative route.
The UAE is expanding oil exports through Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman with a new $3 billion pipeline project.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have recently attacked Saudi oil tankers and pipelines on alternative routes.
Iraq is planning pipelines to export oil from its southern fields to ports in Turkey and Syria to reduce reliance on Hormuz.
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For the first time since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister over 12 years ago, large protests openly called for his resignation. The protests, led by young people in New Delhi, started over demands for education reforms but grew to include calls for the resignations of top officials and criticism of government actions like police violence.
Key Facts
Students, led by a group called Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), have been protesting in New Delhi for over a month.
Their initial demand was education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The protest expanded to call for Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to resign.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, on hunger strike since June 28, was forcibly hospitalized, increasing support for the protests.
Police used force, including pellet guns, tear gas, and batons, injuring at least 200 people during a march near parliament.
The protests spread to other Indian cities like Patna, Mumbai, and Goa and included diverse groups such as families of children affected by exam leaks and farmers.
Opposition parties organized protests outside the Prime Minister’s residence following police actions.
The government has not apologized for police violence nor indicated investigations into officers accused of excessive force.
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President Donald Trump said he is close to deciding on a large military strike against Iran, potentially bigger than previous attacks. He has not made a final decision, and officials say no new military orders have been given yet. Tensions are rising in the region, affecting oil prices and security.
Key Facts
President Trump told Axios he is considering a massive attack on Iran, larger than "Operation Epic Fury."
No final decision or military orders have been made or given at this time.
Oil prices have risen above $100 per barrel due to increased tensions.
Iran has not accepted recent negotiation proposals and continues attacking commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have attacked Saudi ships in the Red Sea, increasing regional tensions.
Trump said Israel would quickly join U.S. strikes if asked but warned of possible Iranian retaliation against Israel.
Trump blamed Iran for Houthi attacks and threatened major military punishment on both Iran and the Houthis.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to attend a memorial event in Washington, and Trump said he would meet with him.
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A group of 120 wealthy people in the UK, called the Patriotic Millionaires, asked Prime Minister Andy Burnham to raise taxes on the richest citizens. They say higher taxes on the super-wealthy can help reduce inequality and support public services and small businesses. Burnham is open to considering new taxes on wealth, but no decisions have been made yet.
Key Facts
120 UK millionaires, including Gary Lineker and Julia Davies, signed a letter asking for higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy.
They believe wealth is too concentrated and want to help the country by paying more taxes.
The money from these higher taxes could fund public infrastructure, reduce inequality, and support small businesses.
Lineker said paying a fair share of taxes is a basic value and that the richest can afford to contribute more.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said his government may ask for more taxes to create fairness, mentioning the possibility of a wealth tax.
A proposed 2% annual tax on people with more than 100 million pounds in assets could raise about 10 billion pounds yearly.
Increasing the tax on wealth above 10 million pounds could raise 24 billion pounds per year, plus 12 billion pounds from capital gains tax changes.
The Treasury welcomed the discussion but said any major tax changes will be announced during official budget talks.
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The Swedish owners of a Viking ship used in the film The Odyssey say the film studio Universal damaged the ship and has not paid the $6,000 bill for repairs. The ship was returned after six months of filming, but the owners say they have not received payment despite an agreement.
Key Facts
The Viking ship Glad av Gillberga, based on a 1040 AD wreck, was used in the movie The Odyssey.
The ship sailed in the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and even Canada over nearly 30 years.
Universal promised to pay for any damage caused during the six months of filming.
The ship suffered damage to its stern (rear) and mast (vertical pole for sails).
Vikingaleden, the nonprofit running the ship, invoiced Universal $6,000 for repair materials.
No payment has been received from Universal, despite repeated requests.
The Vikingaleden association has about 200 members and says the amount is significant for them.
The movie The Odyssey made $264 million in its opening weekend and features actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland.
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A large wildfire is spreading quickly in the southwest of France near popular tourist areas. Thousands of people have had to leave their homes as firefighters work to control the fire.
Key Facts
The wildfire is moving very fast in a peninsula near the dune du Pila and Cap Ferret.
This area is known as a popular tourist destination, sometimes called "the Hamptons of France."
Thousands of residents and visitors have been evacuated for safety.
Firefighters are having a hard time containing the wildfire because of dry conditions.
The fire has destroyed around 2,000 hectares (about 4,942 acres) of land.
The dry weather and heatwave are factors making the fire spread faster.
Officials are monitoring the situation closely to protect people and property.
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Laura Loomer, a political activist known for previously opposing U.S. aid to Ukraine and echoing Russian propaganda, visited Ukraine and changed her views about the war. During her visit, she supported Kyiv’s defense, apologized for her earlier statements, and witnessed the effects of the conflict firsthand, including an air raid warning and damage from Russian attacks.
Key Facts
Laura Loomer had previously criticized U.S. aid to Ukraine and repeated claims that Ukraine harbored Nazis, echoing Russian government narratives.
On a recent trip to Ukraine, she reversed many of her prior views and expressed support for Ukraine’s war effort.
During her visit, Loomer visited Bucha, where she saw evidence of Russian war crimes such as mass graves.
She experienced an air raid warning in Kyiv and shared videos showing damage from Russian drone strikes.
Loomer apologized for her past posts that amplified Russian propaganda but said she would not delete them.
Ukrainian officials welcomed Loomer’s change of heart and praised her courage to visit during the conflict.
Earlier, Loomer had accused the Biden administration of working to stage a coup in Russia and funding "Nazi death squads" in Ukraine, statements she later distanced herself from.
Her change in opinion reportedly started around March 2024 after reviewing research suggesting Russia was spreading misinformation.
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The FDA is investigating a new outbreak of cyclospora, a type of parasite infection, that has sickened at least 72 people. This outbreak is not connected to any lettuce products.
Key Facts
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes illness.
At least 72 people have become sick from this outbreak.
The outbreak is under investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This case is not linked to lettuce, which has been connected to past outbreaks.
Health officials are working to find the source of the infection.
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Peter Lassally, a well-known TV producer who worked with famous late-night hosts like Johnny Carson and David Letterman, died on July 19, 2026, at the age of 93. He was also a mentor to many comedians and had a childhood that included time in Nazi concentration camps.
Key Facts
Peter Lassally was a TV producer for late-night shows.
He worked with hosts Johnny Carson and David Letterman.
He mentored many rising comedians.
Lassally was nicknamed “The Host Whisperer.”
He was born in 1933 and died on July 19, 2026.
As a child, he spent time in Nazi concentration camps during World War II.
Lassally discussed his life and career in a 2018 CBS News interview.
He reflected on his experiences and whether he found joy in life.
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The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list includes people accused of serious crimes like murder, drug trafficking, and fraud. Many fugitives have not been seen for years and may be hiding in other countries. The list was started in 1950 and helps law enforcement catch dangerous criminals.
Key Facts
The FBI’s Most Wanted list was created in 1950 by J. Edgar Hoover.
As of early 2026, 540 fugitives have been added to the list.
Nitish Kaushal, a recent addition for organized crime, was arrested near the Canadian border just days after being put on the list.
Bhadreshkumar Patel is wanted for killing his wife in Maryland and was last seen in Newark, New Jersey in 2015.
Yulan Archaga Carias, known as "Porky," escaped a courthouse in Honduras in 2020 and leads a violent gang called MS-13.
Ruja Ignatova, called the "Cryptoqueen," is accused of a $4 billion cryptocurrency fraud and was last seen in Athens, Greece in 2017.
Omar Cardenas is wanted for a 2019 shooting in California and may have fled to Mexico.
Wilver Villegas-Palomino is a leader of a Colombian guerrilla group, accused of drug trafficking and terrorism.
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The United States and Saudi Arabia made a new nuclear agreement that may allow Saudi Arabia to develop uranium enrichment for civilian nuclear purposes with less strict international inspections. This deal signals a change in how nuclear rules are applied, with powerful countries able to make special agreements that could weaken global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
Key Facts
The U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal might let Saudi Arabia build uranium enrichment facilities and reprocess spent nuclear fuel for civilian use.
Saudi Arabia may not be required to follow the "additional protocol," a stricter inspection agreement by the UN nuclear watchdog (IAEA).
President Donald Trump posted that Saudi Arabia will not enrich nuclear material, but reports suggest otherwise.
The deal contrasts with earlier U.S. agreements, such as the 2009 UAE deal, which prevented enrichment and required strict inspections.
Allowing such capabilities could increase the risk of nuclear weapons development in the future.
The U.S. is currently opposing Iran’s nuclear program while making exceptions for Saudi Arabia, an important political ally.
Other countries like India have had similar special nuclear deals with the U.S., retaining enrichment abilities under specific terms.
Experts warn that once a country gains nuclear fuel processing technology, it’s hard to reverse, and political relationships may change over time.
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The Venice Film Festival will feature films about media figures Rupert Murdoch and Elon Musk as part of its 83rd edition starting September 2. The festival will also showcase new films from well-known directors and include documentaries on political and social topics.
Key Facts
Danny Boyle’s film "Ink" about Rupert Murdoch’s 1969 purchase of the Sun will open the festival.
A four-hour documentary on Elon Musk by Alex Gibney will be shown out of competition.
The festival aims to be the most glamorous among major European film festivals like Cannes and Berlin.
Martin McDonagh will present "Wild Horse Nine" starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell.
Robert Pattinson stars in "Primetime," a thriller inspired by the US show "To Catch a Predator."
Real-life couple Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem feature in "Bunker," about a building designed to withstand a nuclear bomb.
Films and documentaries will also address political and social issues, including works about Russian and Ukrainian history and US immigration enforcement.
Musical guests Liam and Noel Gallagher will attend for the premiere of their Oasis reunion documentary.
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At an international summit in Manila, U.S. and Russian foreign ministers met to discuss the war in Ukraine. The United States said it wants to act as a mediator to help end the conflict but has not made any progress yet.
Key Facts
The meeting took place during the ASEAN summit in Manila.
U.S. and Russian foreign ministers met face-to-face after more than a year since their last conversation.
The U.S. aims to restart its efforts to mediate the war in Ukraine.
No concrete results have come from these mediation attempts so far.
Washington has expressed it is not willing to put direct pressure on Russia.
The conflict discussed is the ongoing war in Ukraine involving Russia and Ukraine.
This effort reflects ongoing U.S. involvement in trying to resolve international conflicts.
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The Bayeux Tapestry, a nearly 1,000-year-old embroidery that shows the Norman conquest of England, has arrived in London on loan to the British Museum. This event is unusual and has raised discussions about the safety of moving old cultural items and the diplomatic efforts involved in making the loan happen.
Key Facts
The Bayeux Tapestry dates back to the 11th century.
It depicts the Norman conquest of England.
The tapestry has been loaned to the British Museum in London for display.
This loan is rare and considered an important diplomatic operation.
There are concerns about the risks of moving such a fragile and valuable historical object.
The tapestry is regarded as one of Europe’s greatest medieval treasures.
The loan has sparked debate about cultural heritage and international cooperation.
The event highlights ongoing efforts in diplomacy between countries regarding cultural exchanges.
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