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World News
Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
A new heatwave is affecting large parts of the US and Canada, bringing very high temperatures and poor air quality. Cities like New York, Washington DC, and Toronto are experiencing extreme heat, while thunderstorms are expected later to cool some areas.
Key Facts
The heatwave started on Tuesday and continues into Wednesday in the US Midwest, Northeast, and parts of Canada.
Temperatures in Chicago are forecast to reach 97°F (36°C), New York 100°F, and Washington DC 102°F.
High humidity will make the heat feel even more uncomfortable in some places.
Earlier in July, a record-breaking heatwave caused 44 deaths in the US and disrupted Fourth of July events.
A hot area of high pressure in the atmosphere is causing the heat as it moves eastward.
A cold front expected soon will bring thunderstorms and cooler temperatures to parts of Canada and the US East Coast.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change caused by human activities.
The world has warmed by about 1.1°C since the industrial era, and temperatures are expected to keep rising without big cuts in emissions.
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The European Union (EU) disagrees with the Trump administration’s claim that the International Criminal Court (ICC) threatens U.S. sovereignty. The EU emphasizes that the ICC only prosecutes individuals for serious crimes like genocide and war crimes, not countries themselves.
Key Facts
The Trump administration said it would work to “systematically disable” the ICC.
The EU spokesperson stated the ICC is supported by the EU and does not threaten national sovereignty.
The ICC focuses on prosecuting individuals accused of serious crimes, not entire countries.
The U.S. has placed sanctions on 11 ICC officials, including judges and the chief prosecutor.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the ICC threatens U.S. political and legal systems.
The ICC can only investigate crimes in countries that have agreed to its authority via the Rome statute; the U.S. is not a member.
About 100 countries have agreements with the U.S. to protect American citizens abroad from ICC trials.
Legal experts say Rubio’s statements misrepresent the ICC’s powers and are linked to preventing investigations into U.S. actions abroad.
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A large wildfire is burning in the Fontainebleau forest near Paris, France, destroying about 2,000 hectares of land. Hundreds of firefighters are trying to control the fire, and about 1,000 people have been evacuated. Two people have been arrested for allegedly starting the fire on purpose.
Key Facts
The wildfire started near Paris in the historic Fontainebleau forest.
About 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) of forest land have burned so far.
Nearly 1,000 people were forced to leave their homes because of the fire.
Hundreds of firefighters are working to stop the fire from spreading.
French police suspect the fire was started deliberately and have arrested two people.
The forest may take many years to recover from the damage.
The fire is happening during a heatwave in France.
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A 67 million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex fossil named Gus sold for £37.4 million ($50.1 million) at a Sotheby's auction in New York. This sale is the highest price ever paid for a dinosaur fossil and the specimen is one of the most complete T. rex skeletons ever found.
Key Facts
The T. rex fossil is more than 12 feet (4 meters) tall and has over 60% of its bones recovered.
The fossil was discovered in 2021 on a remote ranch in South Dakota, USA.
It took three summers (2021-2023) to excavate the bones and three more years to assemble the skeleton in a lab.
The skull showed bite marks and healed broken ribs, possibly from fights or scavenging.
The winning buyer is not yet known.
This sale exceeded the previous fossil auction record held by a stegosaurus sold in 2024.
Experts say this auction could mark a new trend of very wealthy people collecting fossils.
The previous record-holding stegosaurus was loaned to a museum despite private ownership, so Gus may also become publicly displayed.
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Keir Starmer became the first UK prime minister to receive France’s Légion d’honneur from a French president, awarded by Emmanuel Macron for his work helping European security. Starmer was recognized for leading a group of countries that support Ukraine during a critical time in 2025.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer received the Légion d’honneur from French President Emmanuel Macron.
He is the first UK prime minister to get this honor from a French president.
The award recognizes Starmer’s role in forming a coalition to support Ukraine.
The coalition of the willing is made up of over 30 countries providing military and financial aid to Ukraine.
Starmer received the honor during Bastille Day celebrations in Paris.
Previous UK prime minister Winston Churchill received a higher level of the honor in 1958.
Macron praised Starmer for his leadership and partnership on European security.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also praised Starmer’s support for Ukraine.
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A complete T. rex fossil named Gus sold at Sotheby’s auction in New York for $50.1 million, setting a new record for dinosaur fossils sold at auction. The skeleton is one of the largest and most complete ever found, but some scientists worry that selling fossils to private buyers limits access for research.
Key Facts
Gus is a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton about 67 million years old and was found in South Dakota.
It sold for $50.1 million, above the estimated price of $20-30 million.
The skeleton is about 3.8 meters (12.5 feet) tall and around 38 feet long.
It is about 61% complete by bone count and 75-80% complete by weight, with an exceptionally well-preserved skull.
The fossil shows signs of injuries and bite marks from the dinosaur’s life and after death.
The sale broke the previous auction record of $44.6 million for a Stegosaurus named Apex.
Some paleontologists are concerned that selling fossils privately could prevent scientific study, since privately owned fossils may not be available to museums or researchers.
In the US, landowners can legally sell fossils found on their property, which makes such auctions legal.
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Actor Alan Ritchson talks about his role in the movie "Motor City," which has almost no spoken words. He explains how acting in this film was different from other movies and shares why he believes viewers will connect with it.
Key Facts
Alan Ritchson stars in the film "Motor City."
The film contains very little dialogue or spoken words.
Ritchson discusses how his acting process changed for this movie.
He believes the movie will resonate with or impact audiences.
The interview or discussion was featured on CBS News.
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President Donald Trump met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the White House amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Recent clashes between the U.S. and Iran have increased concerns in the region, and the meeting focused on Iraq’s political situation and security issues.
Key Facts
President Trump hosted Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the White House.
Ali al-Zaidi took office earlier this year with President Trump’s support.
Al-Zaidi is new to politics and focuses on fighting corruption in Iraq.
The meeting happened during a time of growing conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
Tensions in the Middle East have increased due to renewed strikes and actions from both sides.
Iraq plays a key role in regional stability and is affected by U.S.-Iran relations.
The talks likely included discussions on security and cooperation between Iraq and the U.S.
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A senior Houthi official in Yemen threatened to impose a siege on Saudi Arabia after an attack targeted Sanaa International Airport. The Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia for the attack, while Yemen’s government said it was trying to stop an Iranian plane from landing in Houthi-controlled Sanaa.
Key Facts
The Houthis, also called Ansar Allah, control Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.
Sanaa Airport’s runway was hit during an attack as an Iranian plane carrying a Houthi delegation approached.
Yemen’s internationally recognized government claimed responsibility for the airport attack.
The Houthis threatened to respond with a siege on Saudi Arabia and attacks on Saudi airports.
Houthis fired ballistic missiles at Saudi Arabia’s Abha International Airport, which were intercepted.
The recent tension follows years of relative calm since a truce four years ago and clashes earlier in July.
The Iranian flight was the first public Iranian flight to Sanaa in over a decade.
There are fears the Houthis might block the Bab al-Mandeb Strait on the Red Sea, a vital route for global shipping.
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Since December, Australian law has banned children under 16 from having accounts on social media sites like Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube. Despite the ban, many children still manage to access and create accounts, leading the government to increase fines for tech companies and warn of possible legal action.
Key Facts
The law started in December and targets kids under 16 on social media platforms.
Platforms affected include Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube.
Most children continue to access or create accounts despite the ban.
The Australian government doubled fines for tech companies that do not comply.
Officials have warned companies about the possibility of court action if rules are broken.
The move aims to protect young people from potential harm on social media.
The law puts responsibility on technology companies to enforce age restrictions.
This issue is part of broader efforts to regulate online safety for children.
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An Australian couple expecting their first child learned from genetic screening that both were carriers of a rare condition called oculocutaneous albinism type 1 (OCA1). Their unborn daughter had a 25% chance of inheriting the condition, which affects skin, hair, and eye pigmentation and vision. After confirming the diagnosis through further testing, the couple connected with support groups and prepared to care for their daughter.
Key Facts
Georgina Trousas (40) and Adam Lagus (39) from Sydney took an expanded genetic carrier screening during pregnancy.
The screening tested for 800 genetic conditions and showed both parents carried genes for OCA1.
OCA1 affects melanin production, influencing skin, hair, and eyes, and can cause vision problems.
Their unborn daughter had a 1 in 4 (25%) chance of inheriting both genes and having the condition.
The couple used amniocentesis, a prenatal test that checks fetal DNA from amniotic fluid, to confirm the diagnosis.
OCA1 severity varies, and managing it includes lifelong eye care and sun protection.
The couple reached out to people and organizations experienced with albinism for support and information.
Genetic carrier screening can reveal risks even without family history; about 80% of children with genetic conditions come from families with no known history.
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More young men in Germany are applying to avoid military service this year by claiming conscientious objector status. This increase challenges the government’s goal to strengthen the German army amid concerns about security threats from Russia and other regions.
Key Facts
In the first half of 2026, 5,862 people applied to be conscientious objectors in Germany, more than all of 2025 (3,879 applications).
Conscientious objection allows people to refuse military service for moral or religious reasons and is protected by Germany’s constitution.
Germany currently has no active draft but asks all men at 18 to declare their willingness to serve and take a medical exam.
Women are encouraged to volunteer but are not required to go through the selection process.
The German government aims to increase its active military to 260,000 soldiers by 2035.
The rise in objector applications is linked to concerns about possible military missions abroad, including in Ukraine and the Gulf region.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz aims to make the Bundeswehr Europe’s strongest conventional army.
The conservative parties warn that if volunteering goals fail, mandatory military service could return, but this would require new laws.
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Kash Patel, the FBI director, gave Australian police a 3D-printed fake gun as a gift during his visit last year. When a new Australian Federal Police (AFP) commissioner took office, she ordered the imitation pistol destroyed because of legal and safety concerns. Similar replica guns gifted by Patel to New Zealand officials were also destroyed due to local gun laws.
Key Facts
FBI director Kash Patel gave a 3D-printed imitation pistol to the Australian Federal Police last July.
The fake gun was displayed in the office of then AFP commissioner Reece Kershaw.
New commissioner Krissy Barrett ordered the gun’s destruction in October 2025.
The AFP’s forensic firearms team confirmed the pistol could not fire but was still destroyed on advice from firearms authorities.
Similar replica guns given to New Zealand officials were also destroyed because they violated local gun laws.
Patel also gifted custom engraved bottles of Woodford Reserve bourbon, which officials say is a common FBI practice.
The gifts followed official visits by Patel to Australia and New Zealand.
Photos of the gun in official documents were redacted to protect international relations.
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President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would charge a 20% fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz to cover security costs. Industry experts and shipping companies say such a fee would be very expensive for shippers and is likely illegal under international law.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial route for about 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments.
President Trump said the U.S. would act as the "guardian" of the strait and charge a 20% fee on cargo for security costs.
A 20% fee could cost large vessels over $30 million per shipment, according to shipping experts.
Shipping companies and industry groups say charging fees on an international waterway is illegal and violates maritime law.
The U.S. plans to reinstate a naval blockade on Iranian ports and their vessels.
Iran had previously charged tolls of around $2 million per shipment, much lower than the proposed U.S. fee.
International law currently does not allow countries to charge tolls on international straits like the Strait of Hormuz.
The idea of charging fees in this strait raises concerns about other countries imposing similar tolls, which could disrupt global shipping.
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A man in the UK pleaded guilty to 32 sexual offences against his girlfriend, some of which he recorded, occurring over more than 10 years. He faces a possible life sentence and will be sentenced in September after admitting to crimes including rape and sexual assault.
Key Facts
The defendant is a man in his 40s who cannot be named for legal reasons.
The offences happened between January 2014 and September 2023.
He admitted to 12 counts of rape, 14 counts of assault by penetration, and 6 counts of sexual assault.
Some offences involved another unknown person.
The victim was allegedly drugged or asleep during the attacks, though the defence partly disputes this.
The man recorded some of the offences on his devices.
The case was heard at Northampton crown court in the UK.
Sentencing is set for September 18, with a likely long prison term, possibly life.
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NASA astronaut Anil Menon launched with two Russian cosmonauts, Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina, aboard the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) on July 14, 2026. The crew will live and work on the ISS for about eight months, conducting scientific research and technology tests.
Key Facts
The launch took place from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
This is Anil Menon's first space flight; Dubrov and Kikina have flown once before.
The spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the ISS on the same day as launch.
They will join Expedition 74 crew members already on the station, including astronauts from NASA and the European Space Agency.
The mission will last about eight months, with return planned for April 2027.
Menon will conduct research to advance human space exploration and help improve life on Earth.
Research includes making semiconductor crystals, testing augmented reality and artificial intelligence tools for medical use, and studying blood flow and aging in microgravity.
The international crew reflects ongoing cooperation between NASA and Roscosmos in space exploration.
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France held its largest-ever military parade on July 14, 2026, to celebrate Bastille Day and show strong support for Ukraine. President Emmanuel Macron invited European allies to demonstrate unity amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
Key Facts
The parade took place on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris.
It marked the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution.
This year's parade was the biggest in France’s history.
President Macron used the event to rally European countries behind Ukraine.
The demonstration was part of a larger effort to support Ukraine against Russian threats.
Several European leaders participated to show solidarity.
The event emphasized European defense cooperation and boosted military spending commitments.
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President Donald Trump suggested that the United States charge a fee to ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key and often dangerous oil shipping route. He said this toll would help pay the U.S. for protecting vessels and keeping oil shipments flowing safely.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed charging a toll on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important but conflict-prone waterway for international oil shipping.
The U.S. acts as a protector or "guardian" for the ships passing through this area.
The proposed toll rate is 20 percent as reimbursement for U.S. protection efforts.
The goal is to help maintain safe and stable oil shipments worldwide.
This plan aims to address challenges caused by regional conflicts in the Strait of Hormuz.
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A fire in a bar in northern Bangkok killed at least 30 people early Monday morning. Authorities have identified 27 victims and are investigating the cause of the fire, with the bar agreeing to cooperate.
Key Facts
The fire happened in a bar in northern Bangkok.
At least 30 people died in the blaze.
Authorities have identified 27 of the victims so far.
The identities of 3 victims are still being confirmed.
Forensic teams are working to find out what caused the fire.
The bar has agreed to cooperate with the official investigation.
There are 24 people still in critical condition after the fire.
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French Rafale fighter jets are patrolling European airspace near Lithuania to protect the borders from Russian military threats. These jets help stop Russian drones and planes from entering Europe’s airspace.
Key Facts
French fighter jets called Rafale are flying missions near Lithuania.
Their job is to guard Europe’s borders against Russian military actions.
The jets frequently patrol the area to detect and deter Russian drones.
Sometimes the French jets intercept Russian planes that enter European skies.
The operations are part of broader European efforts to respond to Russian aggression.
This mission highlights France’s role in European defense.
Lithuania is one of the countries near Russia’s borders that is being protected.
The situation is connected to ongoing tensions involving Ukraine and Russia.
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