The Netherlands has moved some of its gold reserves from the United States and Canada to London because of worries about global tensions. Other countries like France and Germany have also moved their gold out of U.S. banks in recent years to keep more of their reserves closer to home.
Key Facts
The Dutch Central Bank moved 86 tons of gold from New York and Canada to London.
Before the move, the Netherlands stored about 31% of its gold in New York and 20% in Ottawa; now both cities hold 18.5% each.
London’s share of Dutch gold reserves increased from 18.1% to 32.1%, with almost 31% stored in the Netherlands itself.
France sold 129 tons of gold held in New York between 2025 and 2026 to buy compliant gold stored in Paris.
Germany completed moving 300 tons of gold from New York to Frankfurt in 2017.
Germany and Italy postponed repatriating about $245 billion worth of gold from New York despite pressures linked to U.S. policies.
The United States holds the largest gold reserves worldwide, about 8,133 tons.
Venezuela moved about 160 tons of gold back to Caracas by 2012 under President Hugo Chavez.
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A new musical called *Misfits Together* will open next autumn in Leicester and tells the story of Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller’s marriage during the 1950s. The show explores their personal struggles, their support for each other, and the political climate of the US during the “red scare” compared to today.
Key Facts
Marilyn Monroe married Arthur Miller in 1956; their relationship is the focus of the new musical.
The musical’s title comes from the film Miller wrote for Monroe, released after their 1961 divorce.
Dan Smith (from Bastille) and Ralph Pelleymounter (from To Kill a King) created the music, with Charlotte Bogard Macleod writing the story.
Monroe was often seen just as a sex symbol, though she had many achievements and supported Miller during political pressure.
Arthur Miller refused to name people accused of communism before the House Un-American Activities Committee, which cost him personally.
The musical compares America’s 1950s “red scare” to current political tensions and the use of fear in politics.
Laurence Olivier, Monroe’s co-star, is also a character, showing the pressures Monroe faced as an actress.
The production will be staged by Leicester Curve theatre’s artistic director, Nikolai Foster.
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China supports Iran but limits its involvement as the US increases pressure on Tehran through sanctions and military actions. While China opposes US moves against Iran, it balances its own relationships with many countries and focuses on economic ties without confronting the US directly.
Key Facts
China has economic ties with Iran, especially in energy trade.
China opposes US military and sanctions pressure on Iran but does not fully shield Iran.
Iran depends on China more than China depends on Iran.
Chinese President Xi Jinping recently met with Iranian leaders quietly while attending a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
China is Iran’s biggest oil buyer, taking about 90% of Iranian oil exports after the US and Israel started conflict in February.
Iranian oil makes up only about 2% of China’s total energy use.
Chinese state-owned companies avoid Iranian oil trade; smaller independent refiners handle most trade.
The US has sanctioned some Chinese companies related to Iran but not major banks linked to oil trade with Iran.
The US may target China’s financial system in future sanctions but wants to avoid escalating tensions before a planned meeting between President Trump and Xi Jinping.
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French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham are having their first official talks after meeting at the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition in London. They plan to discuss cooperation on stopping migrant boats crossing the English Channel and support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war.
Key Facts
Macron and Burnham met first at the British Museum to see the Bayeux Tapestry, a historic French embroidery displayed in London.
This is Burnham’s first time hosting a European Union leader at Downing Street.
They will talk about reducing migrant boat crossings in the English Channel, including new efforts against larger, faster boats called "mega dinghies".
A new team of 45 French officers will help patrol beaches to stop migrant boats from launching.
The UK has seen the fewest small boat crossings this summer since 2019, credited to cooperation with France.
Both leaders emphasize ongoing support for Ukraine’s war against Russia.
Macron’s visit comes near the end of his presidential term, which ends in May 2027.
The Bayeux Tapestry loan to London symbolizes improved relations after tensions caused by Brexit.
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European Union foreign ministers met in Ireland to discuss possible trade sanctions on Israeli goods from settlements in the occupied West Bank. Some EU countries support sanctions to pressure Israel over its settlements, while others oppose them to maintain relations with Israel.
Key Facts
EU foreign ministers met informally in Wicklow, Ireland, to talk about trade sanctions against illegal Israeli settlements.
Ireland, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands want EU-wide sanctions on goods from Israeli settlements.
Germany, Austria, Czechia, and Hungary oppose sanctions, fearing harm to diplomatic ties with Israel.
Ireland banned Israeli settlement goods and recognized a Palestinian state in 2024.
The EU is Israel’s largest trading partner, with trade worth nearly $50 billion in 2024.
Trade with Israel has increased recently, with EU exports rising to about $32 billion in 2025.
EU trade sanctions decisions can often be made by majority vote, but major political decisions usually need unanimous approval.
Protesters near the meeting called for boycotts and sanctions against Israel.
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Charles Perrottet has denied taking payments from property developer Jean Nassif to influence political decisions. He also said he might have lied to friends and associates about his work but rejected claims that he was making false evidence during a corruption investigation in New South Wales.
Key Facts
Charles Perrottet is the brother of former New South Wales premier Dominic Perrottet.
Perrottet is being investigated by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) over allegations of receiving illegal donations from Jean Nassif’s company, Toplace.
The probe covers alleged payments totaling $2 million from 2020 to 2023 to obtain political favors and support party membership recruitment called branch stacking.
Branch stacking is the practice of enrolling members to influence party votes but is not illegal itself.
Perrottet admitted he may have lied to Nassif and his friend Christian Ellis about political work to sound supportive.
He could not explain a message from 2020 saying, “Charles fucked this whole thing,” related to a refused property development by Nassif.
Perrottet denied fabricating evidence for the Icac hearing.
Other figures involved in the investigation include Jeremy Greenwood and Christian Ellis, with Greenwood set to appear before Icac soon.
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Finland is holding the largest civil defense exercise in Europe since World War II, involving over 2,000 people. The exercise tests how to protect citizens and critical services in the city of Kuopio against threats like missile attacks and cyberattacks, with a focus on the risk from neighboring Russia.
Key Facts
The civil defense drill takes place in Kuopio, Finland, involving conscripts, volunteers, and students.
Participants practice using shelters designed to resist nuclear, biological, and chemical attacks.
The exercise scenario includes power and water disruptions caused by cyberattacks.
Finland’s border with Russia is over 830 miles long, from the Baltic Sea to the Arctic Circle.
Finland and Sweden joined NATO in 2024 after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
The drill reflects Finland’s strategy to involve ordinary citizens in national defense, supported by conscription.
Finnish defense officials say lessons are learned from the conflict in Ukraine.
The exercise also responds to concerns about Russian sabotage inside Europe, such as fires and drone attacks.
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A BBC investigation found that smuggling gangs moving migrants across the English Channel have fewer small boats available. Because of this, rival gangs are working together and using bigger boats called "mega-dinghies" to carry more people at once.
Key Facts
Small boat crossings in the English Channel are at their lowest in six years.
Smugglers have fewer small boats to use for crossings.
Rival gangs are cooperating to meet the demand for migrant crossings.
Larger vessels known as "mega-dinghies" were first seen last month.
More of these larger boats are reportedly being prepared for future crossings.
The change comes as efforts to crack down on small boat smuggling increase.
The situation affects migrants trying to reach the UK via the Channel.
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The United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warn that a very strong El Niño event is underway, causing extreme weather worldwide. This natural climate pattern is expected to last until at least early 2027, bringing droughts, heavy storms, and higher temperatures in many regions.
Key Facts
El Niño is a natural weather event caused by warming of Pacific Ocean waters and changes in wind patterns.
Current sea temperatures in the Pacific are much higher than usual, possibly making this the strongest El Niño since 1950.
El Niño leads to extreme weather like droughts in some areas and flooding or stronger storms in others.
This event adds to global temperature rises already caused by human-driven climate change.
The UN and WMO have increased alerts and early warning systems to help reduce harm to people and economies.
Australia expects serious effects including marine heatwaves which threaten marine life and fisheries.
The WMO forecasts this El Niño will impact weather and communities worldwide through 2027.
Efforts include medical preparedness and financial support for affected regions.
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A British man living in Sweden is at risk of being deported after his application to stay was rejected following Brexit. His wife is asking UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to help because they believe the deportation is unfair and breaks the rights promised in Brexit agreements.
Key Facts
Charles, a British man, was summoned by Swedish police and told he would be detained and deported within two weeks.
His Swedish wife, Lily, who is a lawyer, says there is an ongoing court appeal against the deportation order.
Charles applied to remain in Sweden before the Brexit deadline, but his application was rejected in 2022.
The couple has made six or seven appeals to fight the deportation over five years.
Swedish authorities called Charles to the police station without mentioning deportation and later detained him.
Lily urges UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to intervene and speak to the Swedish government.
Other British citizens in Sweden, including elderly and vulnerable people, are also facing deportation threats.
Sweden’s migration minister says the country is following rules and granting residency permits where justified.
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The United States recently carried out airstrikes on Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island, in response to Iran allegedly preparing to launch sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz using modified rockets. Iran has reportedly adapted its Fajr-5 rocket systems to deploy sea mines in this important shipping route, a method that would be new but has raised some doubts among experts.
Key Facts
The US struck Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island after suspecting Iran was ready to launch sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran apparently modified Fajr-5 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) to carry and launch sea mines.
Sea mines are underwater explosives that can damage or stop ships passing nearby.
Traditionally, Iran used small boats, submarines, or low-flying aircraft to place mines in the Strait.
Using rocket launchers to deploy mines is unusual and experts are uncertain about its effectiveness.
Iranian state TV reported on the Fajr-5 rocket system as a new tool for mining the Strait as early as January 2025.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial and busy waterway for global oil shipments.
The US views Iran’s new mine deployment method as a threat to maritime safety and freedom of navigation.
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A Hong Kong court has rejected appeals from Cardinal Joseph Zen and four others who were convicted for not registering a humanitarian fund that helped arrested protesters in 2019. They were fined for breaking a law that requires groups to register with local authorities, and the court upheld these convictions.
Key Facts
Cardinal Joseph Zen, a 94-year-old retired bishop, was a trustee of the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund.
The fund provided medical and legal aid to people arrested during 2019 anti-government protests.
Five trustees, including Zen, singer Denise Ho, scholar Hui Po Keung, and former lawmakers Margaret Ng and Cyd Ho, were convicted in 2022 for not registering the fund.
They each received fines of 4,000 Hong Kong dollars (about $512).
The convictions relate to violating the Societies Ordinance, which requires organizations to register within one month of formation.
The case is significant because it relates to freedom of association in Hong Kong amid major political changes after the 2019 protests.
All five were previously arrested in 2022 on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces under the national security law but were not charged under that law.
The national security law, imposed by Beijing in 2020, has been used to restrict Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.
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The far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD) has criticized the Bauhaus art school as part of its campaign in the Saxony-Anhalt state election. The party calls Bauhaus an attack on German identity, while many in Germany oppose these views and see Bauhaus as a valuable global cultural symbol.
Key Facts
Bauhaus is a famous design school founded in 1919 that influenced art and industry worldwide.
The school is located in Dessau, Saxony-Anhalt, and attracts many visitors each year.
The AfD party calls Bauhaus an “aberration of modernism” and criticizes it for lacking national identity.
Saxony-Anhalt holds an election where AfD could win control of the state for the first time since World War II.
AfD wants to change the state’s slogan from “Think Modern” to “Think German.”
German cultural leaders strongly defend Bauhaus and warn against the political impact of the far-right’s views.
The Bauhaus school was originally shut down by the Nazis nearly 100 years ago.
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Pacific island nations are facing serious problems from rising sea levels and severe storms caused by climate change. At a recent summit in Palau, their leaders asked for international funding to help people move inland and adapt to these changes, as many islands cannot handle the damage on their own.
Key Facts
Melekeok state in Palau is experiencing flooding from the ocean during storms, forcing residents to consider moving inland.
Funding to support relocation and build infrastructure like plumbing and street lighting is limited and slow.
About 200 local volunteers in Palau are trained to help communities deal with disasters like typhoons.
Pacific island leaders met at the Pacific Islands Forum to discuss climate change impacts and the need for financial support.
A new United Nations report warns that global warming is set to surpass the safe limits agreed upon in the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Vanuatu’s Climate Adaptation Minister said climate change is causing losses including ancestral lands and cultural identity that money cannot fully replace.
The leaders want major polluters to help fund adaptation efforts, as their countries have little power in global politics but face severe climate threats.
The Pacific Islands Forum meeting emphasized the urgent need to reduce emissions of coal, oil, and gas to prevent further damage.
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Russia announced it will close German cultural centers in response to Germany shutting down Russian cultural sites and consulates after accusing Moscow of a drone attack plot in Germany. This reaction follows an incident where a drone with explosives was found and defused near a Ukrainian plane at a German airport.
Key Facts
Russia plans to close German cultural centers in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg.
Germany closed the Russian Consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin.
Germany blamed Russia for a drone attack attempt at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4.
The drone was discovered near a Ukrainian plane and was defused without causing harm.
Leipzig/Halle Airport is an important freight hub supporting Ukraine.
Western officials accuse Russia of sabotage to disrupt support for Ukraine and destabilize Europe.
President Vladimir Putin denied the accusations, saying the evidence was fabricated.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said closing the Russian House ends Germany’s cultural presence in Russia.
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Heavy rain caused serious flooding in eastern China, with water flowing through streets and carrying away cars. A weather station measured over 50 centimeters of rain, and officials set the emergency response to the highest level.
Key Facts
Torrential rain led to severe flooding in eastern China.
Floodwaters rushed through city streets.
Vehicles were swept away by the floodwaters.
One weather station recorded more than half a meter (50 cm) of rain.
Authorities raised the emergency response to the highest level.
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Nearly 5,000 sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in Pattaya, Thailand, for shore leave after being at sea for 250 days. They spent time shopping and enjoying the city’s nightlife, while following rules to avoid certain areas and behave according to U.S. and Thai laws.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln sailors docked in Pattaya after a record 250-day voyage.
About 5,000 crew members came ashore, staying at beachside hotels like the Hard Rock Hotel.
Many sailors focused on shopping initially rather than visiting bars.
Pattaya’s famous Walking Street welcomed the crew with a large illuminated sign.
Some bars linked to the city’s sex industry were off-limits to sailors.
The crew had been on a mission related to tensions in the Middle East, specifically involving Iran.
Morale among sailors had been low during the long deployment at sea.
Navy teams called Shore Liaison Groups helped maintain order and support sailors while on land.
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A strong thunderstorm hit Toronto, Canada, causing heavy rain, strong winds, large hail, and flooding. The storm damaged buildings, closed roads, cut power to over 45,000 people, and disrupted flights and public transit.
Key Facts
The storm hit Toronto on Wednesday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and large hail.
Over 45,000 Toronto Hydro customers lost electricity by 8 pm local time.
Flooding affected the emergency department at Michael Garron Hospital in East York.
Roads, including the Don Valley Parkway, were closed due to flooding and fallen trees.
The Toronto Transit Commission is working to fix service disruptions caused by flooding and debris.
Several flights at Toronto Pearson International Airport were delayed or cancelled.
The city’s emergency operations centre has been active since Wednesday morning.
Environment and Climate Change Canada downgraded the storm warning but kept a heat and thunderstorm alert for parts of southwestern Ontario.
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During the UK heatwaves in May and June 2024, some TV presenters on GB News and TalkTV downplayed the dangers of extreme heat and climate change. Official data later showed that nearly 2,900 people died early because of the heat, contradicting the broadcasters' dismissive comments.
Key Facts
The UK experienced record-breaking heatwaves in May and June 2024.
GB News and TalkTV presenters often minimized the risks of the heat and climate change.
Some hosts said people die from many causes, so heat deaths were not a big concern.
An analysis published on 13 July estimated about 2,700 premature deaths due to the heatwaves.
The UK Health Security Agency later confirmed 2,877 heat-related deaths in England and Wales.
Many heat-related deaths involved elderly or already ill people.
Some presenters compared heat deaths to winter cold deaths, ignoring recent data showing heat deaths now exceed cold deaths.
One presenter blamed a politician for deaths linked to green energy policies, without evidence.
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People smuggling gangs helping migrants cross the English Channel are using larger boats, called "mega-dinghies," because fewer small boats are available. French police say they are stopping most small boats, so gangs are loading more people onto bigger boats and charging higher prices.
Key Facts
Smugglers are using bigger boats after small boats have become harder to get.
A 15-meter boat recently carried a record 230 migrants toward the UK.
French police claim they intercept two-thirds of small boats before they reach the coast.
Prices for a crossing have increased from about €1,300 to up to €2,000 per person.
Migrants now must pay in cash before their journey to show commitment.
Some smugglers are working together to carry more people on fewer boats.
The UK and France plan to send more police officers to the French coast to stop crossings.
Emergency teams worry larger boats are more dangerous, as seen when a boat caught fire in the Channel, requiring rescue.
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