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Row escalates in Ukraine over army chief's future

Row escalates in Ukraine over army chief's future

July 21, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

Ukraine is facing protests after President Zelensky dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Supporters want Fedorov back and the dismissal of Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, who has defended his record and denied personal conflicts with Fedorov.

Key Facts

  • President Zelensky removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov last week.
  • Protesters have threatened nationwide demonstrations if Syrskyi remains and Fedorov is not reappointed by July 24.
  • General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s army chief, denied rumors that he had been fired.
  • Syrskyi said he had no personal conflict with Fedorov and apologized if any offense was caused.
  • The public debates focus on military contracts, procurement, and mobilization decisions.
  • Kyrylo Budanov, head of Zelensky’s office, urged calm and warned against internal conflicts.
  • Protesters accuse Syrskyi of following outdated military thinking.
  • Syrskyi criticized protests and slogans, saying war decisions require careful work, not public drama.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories
A Minnesota town now boasts the world’s tallest nutcracker

A Minnesota town now boasts the world’s tallest nutcracker

July 21, 2026 • AP News

Summary

The town of Luverne, Minnesota, unveiled the world’s tallest nutcracker, named Verne the Patriot, standing nearly 66 feet tall and dressed like Uncle Sam. The nutcracker has a working jaw and is part of Luverne’s large nutcracker collection, which now exceeds the town’s population.

Key Facts

  • Verne the Patriot is a 65-foot 7 1/2 inch tall nutcracker with a 9-foot pedestal, making it taller than the previous world record holder in Germany.
  • The nutcracker is decorated like Uncle Sam in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
  • Luverne has a collection of 7,554 nutcrackers, which outnumber its roughly 5,000 residents.
  • The collection began with Betty Mann, who donated over 2,500 nutcrackers to the local historical society in 2016.
  • The nutcracker was unveiled during a ribbon-cutting event with local celebrations including red, white, and blue treats.
  • Since the nutcracker’s completion, local businesses have seen increased visitors and customer traffic.
  • Luverne hosts an annual Nutcracker Fest each summer to celebrate the town’s unique obsession.
  • The nutcracker is located outside a rock shop called Those Blasted Things in the center of Luverne.
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AP News
A gardener’s guide to 5 orchids that mimic animals, insects and even a naked man

A gardener’s guide to 5 orchids that mimic animals, insects and even a naked man

July 21, 2026 • AP News

Summary

The article describes five types of orchids that look like animals, insects, or even a naked man. These orchids have natural shapes and colors that resemble creatures such as a naked man, a swaddled baby, a dove, a bumble bee, and a monkey, each thriving in specific climates.

Key Facts

  • The naked man orchid (Orchis italica) looks like a small naked man and grows in the Mediterranean region.
  • The swaddled baby orchid (Anguloa uniflora) resembles a newborn wrapped in a blanket and grows in the humid Andes mountains.
  • The dove orchid (Peristeria elata) looks like a dove and is the national flower of Panama.
  • The bumble bee orchid (Ophrys bombyliflora) tricks male solitary bees by looking and smelling like female bees to help pollination.
  • The monkey orchid (Dracula chimaera) has flowers that resemble a monkey’s face and grows in the Andes mountains.
  • These orchids require specific environments like partial shade, humidity, and certain temperatures for growth.
  • They can be grown at home only if their native climate conditions are carefully recreated, often needing greenhouses or humidifiers.
  • These flower shapes are natural and help the plants survive and reproduce.
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AP News
See Tropical Storm Bertha's projected path as it strengthens in Gulf

See Tropical Storm Bertha's projected path as it strengthens in Gulf

July 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Tropical Storm Bertha formed on Monday and grew stronger by early Tuesday in the Gulf of Mexico. Meteorologists are tracking the storm's path to see where it might go next.

Key Facts

  • Tropical Storm Bertha formed on Monday.
  • The storm strengthened early Tuesday.
  • It is located in the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Meteorologists are monitoring the storm’s projected path.
  • Updates are available from CBS News and their app.
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CBS News
Nearly 100 U.S. service members injured in Iranian strikes this month, Pentagon says

Nearly 100 U.S. service members injured in Iranian strikes this month, Pentagon says

July 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Nearly 100 U.S. service members were hurt in Iranian attacks in the Middle East this month, according to the Pentagon. Most of the injured service members have returned to their duties.

Key Facts

  • Close to 100 U.S. service members were injured this month in strikes by Iran.
  • The injuries happened during ongoing conflict involving Iran in the Middle East.
  • Most of the service members who were hurt have gone back to their jobs.
  • The Pentagon’s main spokesperson, Sean Parnell, provided this information.
  • The news reflects a rising level of tension and violence in the region.
  • The report was shared by CBS News.
  • The Iran conflict is continuing to escalate with recent attacks.
  • The injured service members were part of the U.S. military presence in the area.
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CBS News
Study of 237 Countries Reveals Hidden Pattern Behind Falling Birth Rates

Study of 237 Countries Reveals Hidden Pattern Behind Falling Birth Rates

July 21, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Researchers studied data from 237 countries over more than 200 years and found two common patterns in how birth rates fall as life expectancy rises. They discovered that these changes in population happen in similar ways worldwide, influenced by factors like education and the costs of raising children.

Key Facts

  • The study analyzed data from 1800 to 2020 across 237 countries.
  • Two main phases describe how birth rates fall as life expectancy increases.
  • Phase 1 (before mid-20th century) had high child mortality and steady population growth.
  • Phase 2 (after 1950) features low child mortality, longer lifespans, and falling birth rates.
  • Parents tend to have fewer children but invest more in each child’s education and resources.
  • Higher costs and pressure from education may reduce the number of children families have.
  • Policies in China and South Korea aim to reduce education costs and tutoring pressures to help raise birth rates.
  • The findings suggest global demographic changes follow universal patterns, not just country-specific reasons.
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Newsweek
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Shock and anger after top Ghanaian politician sentenced to 20 years for illegal mining

Shock and anger after top Ghanaian politician sentenced to 20 years for illegal mining

July 21, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, a senior politician in Ghana's main opposition party, was sentenced to 20 years in prison and fined for illegal mining activities. The court found he allowed mining without government approval, a decision that has caused strong reactions from both his party and environmental groups.

Key Facts

  • Bernard Antwi Boasiako is the chairman of Ghana’s Ashanti region for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
  • He was sentenced to 20 years in jail with hard labor and fined over $10,000 for illegal mining.
  • The charges were related to allowing unapproved mining through his company, Akonta Mining.
  • Illegal mining, known locally as "galamsey," has harmed Ghana’s environment including rivers and forests.
  • The NPP claims the conviction is politically motivated and has started legal challenges.
  • Prosecutors said Boasiako let two people mine without official permits on his company’s land.
  • Environmental groups welcomed the conviction as a warning to others who support illegal mining.
  • Ghana has been trying to reduce illegal mining since 2017, even using the military in enforcement.
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BBC World
UN says 144 migrants and refugees reported dead or missing off the coast of Mauritania

UN says 144 migrants and refugees reported dead or missing off the coast of Mauritania

July 21, 2026 • France24

Summary

The United Nations reported that 144 migrants and refugees died or went missing after their boats sank off the coast of Mauritania. Rescue operations saved 387 people from several boats between July 14 and 18, but many others lost their lives trying to cross from West Africa to Europe.

Key Facts

  • 144 migrants and refugees were reported dead or missing after maritime accidents near Mauritania.
  • Three rescue operations brought 387 people safely ashore in Nouadhibou, Mauritania.
  • One boat from Gambia had 143 people dead or missing, with only 38 survivors, including two children who lost their families.
  • The journey was from West Africa towards Spain, considered very dangerous due to long distances and poor boat conditions.
  • So far in 2026, 2,147 people were rescued in 17 disembarkations in Mauritania.
  • The number of migrants arriving in the Canary Islands is down 61% compared to 2025, with 4,400 arrivals reported by mid-July.
  • The sea route from West Africa to the Canary Islands is one of the deadliest for migrants.
  • UNHCR highlighted the ongoing human risks of these migration attempts.
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France24
Melinda French Gates: "It took me three doctors to really diagnose" my perimenopause symptoms

Melinda French Gates: "It took me three doctors to really diagnose" my perimenopause symptoms

July 21, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Melinda French Gates shared that she began experiencing symptoms of perimenopause in her early 40s, shortly after having her last child in her late 30s. It took visits to three different doctors before she received the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Key Facts

  • Melinda French Gates started noticing perimenopause symptoms in her early 40s.
  • She had her last child in her late 30s.
  • She initially did not expect to have perimenopause symptoms so soon after childbirth.
  • Three doctors were consulted before she got the right diagnosis.
  • After the diagnosis, she received appropriate treatments for her symptoms.
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CBS News
The US Must Not Abandon Victims of Foreign Online Scam Centers | Opinion

The US Must Not Abandon Victims of Foreign Online Scam Centers | Opinion

July 21, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Many people from around the world are trafficked to scam centers in Cambodia where they are forced to cheat others, including U.S. citizens, and suffer abuse. The U.S. government has used sanctions to target these operations but has cut funding for groups that help survivors, leaving many victims without support after rescue.

Key Facts

  • A young woman named Kenyagi was trafficked from Uganda to a scam center in Cambodia called "Park 8."
  • Victims at these scam centers are forced to run fraud schemes targeting mainly U.S. citizens.
  • Kenyagi was abused, threatened with torture, raped, and forced to have an abortion before escaping.
  • The FBI estimates U.S. citizens lost over $16 billion to scam operations in 2025.
  • The U.S. used sanctions against some scam groups, which led to some arrests but did not completely stop scamming.
  • Sanctions alone have not ended the scam industry, and some scams continued after sanctions on Cambodian officials.
  • The Trump administration cut nearly all funding from USAID for anti-human trafficking groups in the region.
  • Many survivors of these scams and human trafficking did not get proper care or help after rescue due to lack of funds.
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Newsweek
WATCH: 10-foot great white shark stalks swimmers off Southern California

WATCH: 10-foot great white shark stalks swimmers off Southern California

July 21, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

A 10-foot great white shark was seen very close to swimmers off the coast of Southern California. The encounter was captured on drone video showing the shark near a group of children in the water.

Key Facts

  • The shark is a great white, known for being large and powerful.
  • It measured about 10 feet long.
  • The incident happened off the Southern California coast.
  • Drone footage captured the shark swimming near children in the water.
  • No injuries or attacks were reported during the encounter.
  • Great white sharks are common in this region during certain times of the year.
  • Officials often warn swimmers when sharks are spotted close to shore.
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ABC News
German railway to ban consuming alcohol at all its stations, with some exemptions

German railway to ban consuming alcohol at all its stations, with some exemptions

July 21, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Germany’s national railway company, Deutsche Bahn, will ban drinking alcohol at all 5,400 train stations by October 15 to improve safety and cleanliness. Some exceptions will apply, such as for bars and restaurants inside stations, and passengers can still bring unopened alcohol with them.

Key Facts

  • The alcohol ban will be introduced gradually across all German train stations by October 15, 2026.
  • 30 stations, including those in Cologne, Hamburg, and Munich, already have the ban in place.
  • Berlin’s main and Gesundbrunnen stations will start the ban on September 1.
  • The ban aims to reduce violence linked to alcohol consumption at stations.
  • People who ignore the ban can be removed from stations or banned permanently if they offend repeatedly.
  • Station bars and restaurants can continue to serve alcohol.
  • Passengers can carry closed bottles or cans of alcohol in bags but cannot drink openly at stations.
  • The ban does not apply to alcohol consumed on board the trains, where drinks are still sold, especially in dining cars.
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AP News
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India’s ‘cockroach’ protest movement halts marches after police violence

India’s ‘cockroach’ protest movement halts marches after police violence

July 21, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Leaders of India’s "cockroach movement" said they will stop street marches in New Delhi after police used violence against their supporters during a large protest. The group will keep protesting to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, blaming him for problems in the education system linked to a leaked exam paper.

Key Facts

  • Over 10,000 people marched in New Delhi demanding education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
  • Police used tear gas and batons against protesters, injuring around 150 activists and detaining 70.
  • The protest movement began after a leaked medical exam paper forced millions of students to retake exams, with at least 12 reported student suicides linked to the issue.
  • The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is demanding 10 million rupees (about $104,000) in compensation for each family of students who died.
  • Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi held a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence supporting the movement.
  • Veteran activist Sonam Wangchuk went on a hunger strike in support of the protests and was forcibly hospitalized, leading to a court order for his transfer to private care.
  • Despite stopping street marches, the CJP vows to continue peaceful protests and pressure the government.
  • Authorities say 60 protesters and 118 police officers were injured, and legal cases will be opened against detained protesters.
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Al Jazeera
First Nations groups devastated by Canada’s wildfires say government did not help

First Nations groups devastated by Canada’s wildfires say government did not help

July 21, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Wildfires have destroyed two First Nations communities in Ontario, Canada, forcing residents to evacuate on their own without government warning or support. First Nations leaders say the government response was disorganized, and many Indigenous communities are vulnerable to fires with limited emergency aid.

Key Facts

  • Two First Nations communities, Namaygoosisagagun and Whitewater Lake, were burned down by wildfires in Ontario.
  • About 2,000 people have been evacuated from 13 communities, mostly First Nations, due to the fires.
  • Namaygoosisagagun residents escaped quickly by boat but lost all buildings and infrastructure.
  • The community had asked the federal government for help before the fire but was told no immediate threat existed.
  • Ontario’s premier said the province would spend as much as needed to fight fires but faced criticism over unclear support for First Nations.
  • Ontario plans to reduce its firefighting budget from $271 million (2025-26) to $150 million (2026-27).
  • First Nations communities make up 80% of locations at high risk for wildfires in Canada.
  • Some communities, like Namaygoosisagagun, lack official federal recognition, complicating access to emergency funds.
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Guardian World
Traffic officers arrested for allegedly seeking bribe from Nigeria's anti-corruption boss

Traffic officers arrested for allegedly seeking bribe from Nigeria's anti-corruption boss

July 21, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

Four Nigerian police officers were arrested for setting up an illegal checkpoint to demand money from drivers. The head of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency reported being stopped and forced to withdraw money, leading to the officers facing disciplinary action.

Key Facts

  • Four police officers allegedly created an unauthorized roadblock to collect bribes.
  • Musa Aliyu, leader of Nigeria’s anti-corruption commission, was stopped and forced to withdraw 53,000 naira (~$38).
  • The officers told Aliyu he would face a fine for traffic violations to justify the bribe.
  • Aliyu asked for bank details to transfer money, but the officer refused, so he withdrew cash instead.
  • Police Commissioner Ahmed Sanusi condemned the officers and said they will face disciplinary procedures that may lead to dismissal.
  • The incident was detected through a police investigation after Aliyu reported it.
  • This case is notable because such corruption incidents rarely result in court cases.
  • The police chief emphasized that officers must choose between being honest officers or criminals.
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BBC World
Boy, 2, Born Without Arms and Legs Takes First Steps in Amazing Milestone

Boy, 2, Born Without Arms and Legs Takes First Steps in Amazing Milestone

July 21, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A 2-year-old boy named Bryson, born without parts of his arms and legs, took his first steps using prosthetic legs. His parents shared videos of his progress to show that children with disabilities can live active, happy lives.

Key Facts

  • Bryson is 2 years old and was born missing both legs below the knees and both arms below the elbows.
  • He was fitted with prosthetic legs when he was 9 months old.
  • Bryson recently took his first steps using Spiderman-themed prosthetic legs while pushing a cart.
  • He does not always like using the prosthetics and sometimes moves without them.
  • Bryson’s parents document his journey on social media under the name @starfish.chronicles.
  • Their goal is to show that people with limb differences can live normal, joyful lives.
  • A video of Bryson walking has gained over 230,000 views and 21,600 likes on Instagram.
  • His mother says Bryson is very independent, able to feed himself and play.
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Newsweek
Hunger is falling but is still higher than pre-COVID levels: UN report

Hunger is falling but is still higher than pre-COVID levels: UN report

July 21, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

The number of hungry people worldwide has decreased for the third year in a row but is still higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Africa remains the region with the most hungry people, and many still cannot afford healthy food, especially in Africa and Asia.

Key Facts

  • About 645 million people faced hunger in 2025, which is 14 million fewer than in 2024.
  • Around 7.8% of the world's population experienced hunger in 2025, down from 8.1% in 2024 and 8.6% in 2022.
  • Africa has about 309 million undernourished people, nearly half of the global total.
  • Asia and Latin America have made steady progress in reducing hunger levels.
  • Population growth in Africa means the total number of hungry people there is still rising despite a slight drop in hunger rate.
  • By 2030, the global number of hungry people is expected to drop by about 20%, but over 500 million will still face hunger.
  • The number of people unable to afford a healthy diet fell from 2.97 billion in 2021 to 2.69 billion in 2025.
  • The cost of a healthy diet rose to $4.28 per day in 2025, making it harder for many people, especially in Africa and Asia, to eat well.
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Al Jazeera
From youth mobility to food exports: the outstanding EU dilemmas facing Burnham

From youth mobility to food exports: the outstanding EU dilemmas facing Burnham

July 21, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Andy Burnham, the new British prime minister, will soon attend an EU-UK summit to discuss ongoing issues between Britain and Europe. His government aims to continue working on security, trade, and cooperation while balancing the legacy of Brexit.

Key Facts

  • Andy Burnham is the seventh British prime minister since the 2016 Brexit vote.
  • EU leaders including Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have greeted Burnham positively.
  • Burnham has expressed a wish to see Britain rejoin the EU someday but does not prioritize reversing Brexit now.
  • He has appointed Hamish Falconer as Europe minister, replacing Nick Thomas-Symonds to bring new energy to talks.
  • Johnny Reynolds returned as business secretary to help protect trade and negotiate tariff changes with the EU.
  • Under previous leadership, the UK and EU signed agreements on security, defence, and financial loans for Ukraine.
  • The upcoming summit will focus on easing trade barriers for fresh food, linking emissions trading, and youth exchange programs.
  • Ireland’s Europe minister expects positive continuity in EU-UK relations after the summit.
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Guardian World
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DRC President agrees to open national dialogue amid mounting political pressure

DRC President agrees to open national dialogue amid mounting political pressure

July 21, 2026 • France24

Summary

President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has agreed to start national talks with political opposition groups. This decision follows growing political pressure over his government's plan to change the constitution.

Key Facts

  • President Felix Tshisekedi leads the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • He will open national dialogue with opposition politicians.
  • The talks come after increased political pressure on Tshisekedi’s government.
  • The pressure is related to a proposed change in the country’s constitution.
  • Civil society groups in the DRC have called for national dialogue for over a year.
  • The dialogue aims to address political disagreements in the country.
  • The move is considered an important step for political stability in the DRC.
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France24
Hamas’s new leader must bridge a movement divided over Iran

Hamas’s new leader must bridge a movement divided over Iran

July 21, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Khalil al-Hayya was narrowly elected as the new leader of Hamas after nearly two years of shared leadership. His election highlights divisions within Hamas, especially about its relationship with Iran and the balance of power among its Gaza, West Bank, and diaspora branches.

Key Facts

  • Hamas was founded in 1987 as part of the Muslim Brotherhood network in Gaza and surrounding regions.
  • Its original leadership was based in Gaza but shifted toward the diaspora due to Israeli crackdowns.
  • Khalil al-Hayya won the Hamas leadership vote by just one vote, 35 to 34.
  • The election reflects ongoing tensions between factions aligned differently, with some closer to Iran.
  • Hamas leadership is organized into three main groups: Gaza, West Bank, and the diaspora, each with its own council.
  • This structure has led to internal conflicts and overlapping responsibilities.
  • Hamas’s leadership was based in Damascus for 11 years, during which its international ties, including with Iran and allies like Hezbollah, grew stronger.
  • The current situation tests whether Hamas can reunite its different factions under al-Hayya’s leadership.
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Al Jazeera
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