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Two large wildfires are burning near Paris, destroying about 2,000 hectares and forcing 1,000 people to evacuate. In southern Spain, authorities identified 10 people who died in a wildfire that burned a large area amid extreme heat conditions.
Key Facts
Two fires are burning in the Fontainebleau forest south of Paris, affecting nearly 2,000 hectares (about 4,900 acres).
Around 1,000 people were evacuated from areas near the fires.
Firefighters used water-dumping planes to fight the fires, the first time these planes were used near Paris.
No deaths or injuries have been reported from the fires near Paris.
In southern Spain, 10 of 13 wildfire victims were identified, including British, Belgian, French, and Spanish adults.
Ten people remain missing after the Spanish wildfire.
The Spanish fire destroyed an area larger than Manhattan (about 70 square kilometers or 27 square miles).
Extreme heat and dry winds are making wildfires worse in Spain, a region experiencing faster warming than most of the world.
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A Sudanese court sentenced Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), to death for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed in West Darfur. The court also sentenced 15 other RSF leaders, but Hemedti was tried in absentia and his current location is unknown. The conflict between the RSF and Sudan’s army has caused widespread fighting and a humanitarian crisis across the country.
Key Facts
Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) leads the RSF, a paramilitary group in Sudan.
The court convicted him and 15 other RSF leaders of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in West Darfur.
The trial took place in Port Sudan, a city controlled by Sudan's army.
Hemedti was tried in absentia, and his location is not publicly known.
The RSF denies committing war crimes.
The Sudan civil war began in April 2023 after a power struggle between army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Hemedti.
Fighting has displaced millions and caused a severe humanitarian crisis.
The conflict has mostly moved to the Darfur and Kordofan regions, with major battles for key cities like el-Obeid.
International groups warn that hundreds of thousands of civilians are at risk of large-scale atrocities due to ongoing violence.
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A Ryanair flight from Greece to Germany had a window break mid-flight after an engine failure, causing cabin pressure to drop. A man was partially sucked out of the plane but was saved by his wife and other passengers. The injured man is hospitalized and in serious condition.
Key Facts
The incident happened about 10 minutes after takeoff from Thessaloniki, Greece.
An engine failure caused parts to hit and break an acrylic window, leading to rapid cabin decompression.
Ljubisa Karović was sucked out headfirst and was outside the plane up to his chest for around two minutes.
His wife, Svetlana Grković, and two other passengers pulled him back inside.
The injured man lost consciousness three times and is currently in hospital in Greece with serious injuries.
Oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling due to the sudden loss of cabin pressure.
The plane safely returned to Thessaloniki after the incident, and other passengers continued their trip on a replacement aircraft.
The event is under investigation by the Greek air safety authority.
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The Atlantic hurricane season has been quiet recently, but tropical storm activity is expected to increase soon, especially in the eastern Pacific Ocean near Mexico and Hawaii. Forecasters are watching several weather systems that may develop into tropical storms or hurricanes in the coming days.
Key Facts
The eastern Pacific Ocean is expected to become very active with tropical storms developing due to warm ocean water and favorable weather patterns.
El Niño conditions are helping create an environment that supports more tropical storm formation.
By mid-July, the eastern Pacific already had four named tropical storms, which is above average.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is tracking several disturbances with high chances (50-90%) of developing into tropical storms or depressions soon.
A tropical wave south of southwestern Mexico has an 80% chance of becoming a tropical depression within 48 hours.
Another low-pressure area south of Hawaii has a 70% chance to develop into a tropical storm in the next two days.
The Gulf Coast might see some storm development later this week as conditions that have blocked storms recently are expected to weaken.
Changes in wind speed and dry air have kept the Atlantic quiet, but these factors may lessen soon, allowing storms to form.
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The U.S. military used explosive sea drones for the first time in combat to strike an Iranian naval base in Bandar Abbas near the Strait of Hormuz. This attack was part of ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, involving missile strikes and naval conflicts in the region.
Key Facts
The U.S. deployed three Corsair naval drones to attack Iran’s naval base in Bandar Abbas.
Corsair drones are 24 feet long, can travel about 40 miles per hour, and cover up to 1,150 miles.
This is the first use of explosive naval drones by a major Western military in wartime.
The strike killed three people and aimed to reduce Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping.
Iran responded by hitting two tankers from the United Arab Emirates in the Strait of Hormuz, causing casualties and fires.
The conflict has involved missile and drone attacks between the U.S., Iran, and U.S. allies since February.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key route where about 20% of the world’s oil passes, and remains a hotspot for military activity.
President Donald Trump announced renewed U.S. blockades on Iranian ports and added a 20% charge on all goods shipped through the Strait.
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The U.S. and Iran exchanged military strikes after President Trump threatened to impose a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. He said the U.S. would charge ships a 20 percent fee to pass through this important trade route.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iranian forces fired at each other early Tuesday.
President Trump announced the plan to blockade the Strait of Hormuz on Monday.
The U.S. intends to charge a 20 percent toll on ships passing through the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global trade, especially for oil shipments.
The situation increased tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
The report signals a significant escalation in this ongoing conflict.
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Ann Widdecombe, a former British politician, was found dead at her home in southwest England with serious injuries. A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of her murder, and the case is now being investigated by counterterrorism police as they look into possible motivations.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe was a British politician who served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010.
She was found dead at her home in Haytor, northern England, on July 9.
Police believe the attack happened nearly 24 hours before her body was discovered.
A 28-year-old white British man has been arrested and was later rearrested by counterterrorism police.
Police are investigating possible terrorism links, but no clear motive has been confirmed.
Widdecombe had a public profile as a TV personality and was known for her socially conservative views.
She joined the far-right Reform UK party in 2023.
Authorities have asked the public to provide any information related to the case.
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The U.S. military used unmanned attack sea drones in combat for the first time to strike an Iranian naval base on July 13, 2026. The attack targeted a submarine and maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base, aiming to reduce Iran’s ability to attack commercial ships in the region.
Key Facts
The U.S. Central Command carried out an attack using multiple sea drones on an Iranian naval port along the Strait of Hormuz.
The drones targeted a dock holding a small submarine and maintenance ships at Bandar Abbas Naval Base.
The attack caused explosions, smoke, and a large fire, though the full damage is not confirmed.
The drones used were Corsair Autonomous Service Vehicles made by Texas-based company Saronic.
The Corsair drone can travel more than 1,000 nautical miles carrying up to 1,000 pounds of payload at speeds up to 35 knots.
Saronic received a $392 million production contract from the U.S. Navy for these drones in late 2025.
This is the first combat use of sea drones by the U.S. military.
U.S. Central Command said the attack successfully weakened Iran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the area.
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The US has launched attacks on Iran for three days, aiming to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial ships. In response, Iran attacked US allies Bahrain and Jordan, as well as tankers near the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump said the US would take control of the strait and charge ships a toll for safe passage, escalating tensions in the region.
Key Facts
The US conducted a five-hour strike on Iranian targets including the port cities of Bushehr and Bandar Abbas.
Iran retaliated by attacking Bahrain, Jordan, and two tankers near the Strait of Hormuz.
Bahrain intercepted several missile attacks and accused Iran of targeting civilians; Jordan intercepted four missiles.
President Trump announced the US would control the Strait of Hormuz and charge a toll up to 20% of cargo value for safe passage.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed their attacks were in response to warnings being ignored and called on Jordan to remove US bases.
At least 28 people have died in US-Iran clashes since last week.
India protested after one Indian seafarer was killed and 10 wounded in Iran’s tanker attacks.
Oil prices rose to over $86 per barrel amid the conflict, increasing concerns over global oil supply.
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The global market for personal safety apps and self-defense tools has grown to $2.1 billion, driven by public fear of violence despite crime rates dropping. Guy Schnitzler, a former law officer, says that true self-defense starts before physical attacks, by recognizing danger early, keeping distance, and staying aware of surroundings.
Key Facts
The personal safety market includes location trackers, panic buttons, and self-defense classes.
Violent crime rates have generally gone down, but high-profile incidents keep people worried.
Guy Schnitzler has 33 years of law enforcement experience.
Schnitzler says self-defense should focus on spotting threats early, before a physical fight begins.
The “zero-to-five-foot range” is a critical danger zone where most attacks happen.
Attackers often use distraction to get close instead of direct force.
Being confident without proper training can be dangerous, especially for men who trust physical strength alone.
Using phones in public lowers awareness, making people easier targets.
Schnitzler suggests practicing alertness by observing people and surroundings regularly.
Avoiding and de-escalating conflicts are priorities before using physical self-defense.
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France held its annual Bastille Day celebration on July 14 with a military parade in Paris. President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders watched as soldiers from Ukraine and allied countries marched, with planes creating red, white, and blue smoke in the sky.
Key Facts
Bastille Day is a national holiday in France celebrated every July 14.
It marks the storming of the Bastille fortress in 1789, an important event in the French Revolution.
The celebration included a military parade through the streets of Paris.
Planes flew overhead leaving trails of red, white, and blue smoke, France’s national colors.
President Emmanuel Macron attended the event along with leaders like the UK's Sir Keir Starmer and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky.
Soldiers from Ukraine and its allied countries, called the "Coalition of the Willing," participated in the parade.
The event highlights France’s national pride and ongoing international cooperation.
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Fighting has increased between Yemen’s government and Houthi rebels, breaking a four-year truce. This conflict risks spreading to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a vital global trade route that moves a large amount of the world’s oil and goods.
Key Facts
Yemen’s government bombed the runway at Sanaa International Airport to stop an Iranian plane from landing.
The Houthi rebels responded by firing missiles at Saudi Arabia, ending a period of reduced conflict with their neighbor.
Yemen’s government claims the Iranian plane carried military equipment; Houthis say it had medical patients and officials.
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a narrow waterway linking the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, used by about 12% of global trade every day.
Around 4 million barrels of oil per day pass through this strait, making it important for energy shipping to Europe and North America.
Iran, supporting the Houthis, may try to close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait to counter US naval actions at the nearby Strait of Hormuz.
Experts warn that conflict in both waterways could disrupt global energy supplies and trade.
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is historically called the “Gate of Tears” because it is dangerous and strategically important.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) says the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) may be much larger than reported, possibly up to four times more cases. Official counts show nearly 2,000 infections since May, but WHO estimates suggest the real number could be between 4,000 and 8,000.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak started in mid-May 2026 in the DRC.
Official reports list about 1,960 people infected and over 700 deaths.
WHO’s emergency director said the actual number of cases could be two to four times higher than official figures.
This means there could be up to around 8,000 cases instead of the reported 2,000.
Ebola is a serious disease that causes bleeding and fever.
The outbreak is spreading to more provinces in the DRC.
Accurate counting is difficult due to challenges in tracking all cases.
WHO uses modeling to estimate the possible true scale of the outbreak.
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A Singapore court has ordered Bloomberg and one of its reporters to pay about $356,000 to two government ministers for defamation. The ministers had sued over a 2024 article that linked their property transactions to secrecy and money laundering. The court ruled that the article implied the ministers were involved in wrongdoing.
Key Facts
The court ordered Bloomberg and reporter Low De Wei to pay S$460,000 (about $356,000) to ministers K Shanmugam and Tan See Leng.
The 2024 article discussed secretive property deals involving expensive mansions called Good Class Bungalows.
It mentioned minister Shanmugam selling a bungalow for S$88 million through a trust and minister Tan buying one via a deal that hides buyer details.
Ministers claimed the article unfairly connected their deals to illegal activities like money laundering.
Bloomberg said the story listed the ministers as examples and did not imply any wrongdoing.
The judge ruled the article’s meaning suggested the ministers acted non-transparently to avoid scrutiny.
Singapore’s anti-fake news law also required Bloomberg to add a correction notice to the article.
Bloomberg removed the article from its website after the court’s decision.
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Archaeologists have decoded ancient mural symbols to reveal the name of a Mayan astronomer and mathematician for the first time. The name "White-chested Fox" was found on murals dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at a site on the Mexico-Guatemala border, alongside mathematical and astronomical formulas.
Key Facts
The name discovered is "White-chested Fox," from the Mayan language.
The murals were found at the San Bartolo-Xultun site near the Mexico-Guatemala border.
The murals date from between 400 BC and 900 AD, during the Maya Classic period.
Researchers found a complete mathematical and astronomical formula credited to this individual.
Over 50 small mathematical and astronomical texts on the wall were analyzed to make this discovery.
Eleven hieroglyphs were deciphered using digital enhancement of photos and scans.
The Maya civilization declined around 900 AD and was later impacted by Spanish conquest.
Recent advances like laser scanning from planes help archaeologists find and study Maya ruins in dense jungle areas.
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Lebanon and Israel have restarted talks in Rome to discuss a U.S.-brokered plan aimed at ending their conflict. The talks focus on Israel withdrawing its troops from southern Lebanon and deploying Lebanese forces, but progress remains slow amid ongoing tensions.
Key Facts
Lebanon and Israel held two days of talks in Rome at the U.S. embassy to implement a peace agreement.
The agreement calls for Israel to withdraw troops from southern Lebanon and Lebanese forces to take their place.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun demands Israel pull back troops from two specific zones before further talks.
Italy is hosting the talks to support efforts for a ceasefire and peace.
The agreement follows a June 26 meeting in Washington, which aimed to end hostilities and disarm armed groups like Hezbollah.
Hezbollah opposes the agreement and efforts to disarm it, while Israel wants to keep its troops until Hezbollah is disarmed.
Israeli forces occupy a 10-kilometer strip inside southern Lebanon to protect Israeli communities.
The U.S. military is involved in coordinating the implementation of the withdrawal and Lebanese troop deployment plans.
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An official inquiry found that Boris Johnson’s Conservative government wasted large amounts of public money buying personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The inquiry criticized a special “VIP lane” that gave priority to companies with political links, causing unfair treatment and public distrust.
Key Facts
The UK government spent about £14.9 billion on PPE during the pandemic.
Nearly two-thirds of this spending, around £10 billion, was wasted.
A “VIP lane” prioritized PPE contracts for firms connected to the Conservative Party.
PPE Medpro, linked to a Conservative peer, received £203 million in contracts after political contact.
The inquiry found no proof of corruption or cronyism by ministers in final contract decisions.
The government’s PPE stockpile was inadequate at the pandemic’s start.
Healthcare workers lacked sufficient protection against COVID-19.
The inquiry stated the VIP lane was unfair and should not be used again.
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Gulf countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan have activated their air defence systems in response to recent attacks by Iran targeting US military sites in the region. The attacks follow US strikes on Iranian positions and come amid ongoing tensions despite a recent agreement aimed at preventing war.
Key Facts
Iran launched attacks on US military installations in the Gulf region.
The US responded with bombardments on Iran’s southern coast and islands.
The attacks have renewed less than a month after a memorandum aimed to halt conflict was signed by the US and Iran.
Iran claims it targeted fuel depots, military facilities, and air defence systems in several Gulf countries.
Gulf states report missiles and drones entering their airspace, causing some civilian injuries.
The US has about 50,000 troops stationed in 19 locations across the Middle East and North Africa.
Gulf countries rely on US military presence for protection but face risks because of it.
The strength of Gulf air defence systems is being tested by the renewed attacks.
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Healthcare workers at an Ebola treatment center in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have stopped working to protest unpaid wages and concerns about their safety. Some workers say they have not received pay for several months during the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
Key Facts
The strike is happening at an Ebola treatment center in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Healthcare workers are protesting because they have not been paid for months.
Workers are also concerned about unsafe working conditions.
The strike affects efforts to control the Ebola outbreak in the area.
Ebola is a serious infectious disease that requires specialized treatment and safety measures.
The healthcare workers want their salaries paid and better protections while treating patients.
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President Donald Trump has used military actions and threats to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for oil shipping. Experts say that fully controlling the strait would require a large U.S. military presence on Iranian land because Iran can still attack ships from hidden weapons.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway in the Middle East where 20% of the world’s oil passes through.
President Trump has reimposed a blockade on Iran’s ports and plans to charge fees on cargo passing through the strait.
Iran controls the strait and has hidden drones and missiles that can disrupt ship traffic.
Experts say Iran has prepared for this kind of conflict for decades and can continue causing problems.
Securing the strait by force would need tens of thousands of U.S. troops on the ground in Iran.
Deploying such a large force would be expensive and could lead to insurgent attacks against U.S. soldiers.
The conflict has caused oil prices to rise and affects U.S. politics ahead of the midterm elections.
Both sides have exchanged fire recently, increasing the risk of a wider war.
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