A tornado struck a village in southwestern France, injuring 41 people and damaging around 300 homes. The severe storm caused power outages, transportation delays, and the cancellation of a cycling race stage in the region.
Key Facts
The tornado hit the village of Pomas, which has about 1,000 residents.
Around 300 homes were damaged, with some losing their roofs.
41 people were injured, and 15 were hospitalized, including a pregnant woman.
Winds reached up to 73 miles per hour near the affected area.
Over 120 emergency responders worked at the site.
The storm disrupted trains, roads, and airports in multiple southern French cities and even Paris.
About 2,800 homes lost electricity across 10 villages due to the storms.
France typically experiences several dozen tornadoes each year.
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One year ago, an Israeli strike hit Nasser Hospital in Gaza, killing 22 Palestinians including journalists and rescue workers. Israeli officials said they targeted a Hamas camera on the hospital roof, but no proof has been shown, and no one has been held responsible for the deaths.
Key Facts
The Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital happened on August 25, 2025.
Twenty-two Palestinians were killed, including journalists Hussam al-Masri and Mariam Dagga.
Israeli officials claimed they targeted a Hamas camera on the hospital roof.
An Israeli soldier said the military found no evidence linking the camera or those killed to Hamas.
The Israeli military is investigating but has not provided details or a timeline.
Rights groups say Israel rarely holds troops accountable for killing Palestinians.
Mariam Dagga was a freelancer who worked for The Associated Press and other outlets.
The military plans to send investigation findings to decide if a criminal case should start.
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UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham plans to visit the US next month to join European leaders in urging President Donald Trump to supply Ukraine with Patriot missiles. During a recent trip to Kyiv, Burnham reaffirmed the UK’s strong support for Ukraine and discussed sharing battlefield data and missile technology to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian attacks.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham will likely visit New York in September for the UN General Assembly.
Burnham aims to lobby President Donald Trump and others to send more Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine.
Ukraine’s missile supplies have dropped because many have been redirected to the Middle East amid the US-Iran conflict.
Burnham met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and promised continued UK support for Ukraine.
The UK agreed to share classified information on the long-range missile called Scalp with Ukraine.
The UK and Ukraine signed a deal to share battlefield AI data to improve security in both countries.
A Kremlin adviser warned that British factories making drones for Ukraine could face attacks from unknown sources.
Russia has increased missile strikes in Ukraine, causing casualties and exploiting Ukraine’s limited missile supply.
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Luke Harding, a foreign correspondent who has reported from many conflict zones, will answer public questions about his career, global politics, and the war between Ukraine and Russia. He recently wrote a book about the relationship between President Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and international power struggles.
Key Facts
Luke Harding has covered wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Ukraine.
He was the Guardian’s main Moscow writer from 2007 to 2011 before being expelled by the Kremlin.
Harding reports on topics like Ukraine’s drone warfare and the impact of injuries on Ukrainian soldiers.
He will answer questions live on August 25, 2024, at 1pm BST/9am EDT.
His latest book is titled "Betrayal: Trump, Putin and the New Age of Conquest."
The book explores political power and the connections between President Trump and Russian President Putin.
The event allows people to ask about his experiences, geopolitics, the Ukraine-Russia war, and his book.
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The U.S. government has paused its work in Mexicali, Mexico, and warned American citizens not to travel there because of a possible danger. Officials have not shared details about the threat but advise people to stay alert and follow safety instructions.
Key Facts
The U.S. suspended operations in Mexicali, the capital of Baja California, Mexico.
Americans are warned to avoid government buildings in Mexicali.
U.S. nationals should seek shelter and inform family if an incident happens.
Travelers should follow Mexican police instructions and watch local news for updates.
Baja California is labeled a "Level 2" risk, meaning travelers should be cautious due to possible terrorism and crime.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates have not yet given additional comments.
Details about the threat in Mexicali have not been made public.
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Libyan negotiators have signed an initial agreement to help organize elections and reform the national election commission. The deal aims to reduce political divisions but faces challenges due to mistrust and lack of consensus among Libya’s main political groups.
Key Facts
Libya has been divided since 2014 between two rival administrations in the east and west.
A United Nations-backed committee with eight members (four from each side) drafted the election pact.
The agreement covers election laws and changes to the national election commission.
Some political groups say the negotiators do not represent their official positions and have not seen the full agreement.
Key political bodies and leaders from both east and west have expressed doubts about the pact’s clarity and legitimacy.
Experts warn that even if legal issues are solved, interim governance and security challenges remain.
The United Nations calls the pact an important step and promises to release the agreement to the public after the final signing.
There is concern about secrecy and lack of transparency in the negotiation process.
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A women’s shelter in Krakow, Poland called Martynka helps Ukrainian refugee women who face violence or abuse. After the war in Ukraine began in 2022, many refugees arrived in Poland, but support is now shrinking as funding decreases and anti-Ukrainian attitudes grow.
Key Facts
Nastya Podorozhnya, a Ukrainian refugee, started Martynka to support female Ukrainian refugees escaping violence.
Martynka provides shelter, medical help, psychological support, jobs, and housing to women and children.
More than 100 women and children have used the shelter in Krakow.
At the start of the Ukraine war in February 2022, Poland welcomed about 3.5 million Ukrainian refugees.
Initially, Polish volunteers and the government offered strong support, including job access and social benefits.
Over time, funding for refugee aid has declined as donors focus on other crises.
Hostility and political exploitation of anti-Ukrainian feelings are increasing in Poland.
This rising hostility makes it harder for organizations like Martynka to raise money and operate safely.
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Many Gurkha veterans and their families in the UK receive pensions based on Nepal’s cost of living, which is much less than in British towns like Reading where many live. As a result, some elderly Gurkha widows struggle to pay for basic needs and are asking the government for higher pensions and better support.
Key Facts
Gurkha veterans who retired before 1997 get pensions calculated on Nepal costs, not UK costs.
Indumati Thapa, 87, relies on a small pension and about £100 a week in benefits to cover rent, bills, and food.
Many elderly Gurkha widows find their pensions insufficient for UK living expenses.
Some Gurkha veterans and families have limited ability to read or write and depend on relatives for help.
Local MPs, including Labour’s Matt Rodda, are pressing the government to improve older Gurkha pensions and support.
The UK government says it respects Gurkha service and is committed to supporting their welfare.
Devisara Rana, a Gurkha widow, wishes to visit Nepal but cannot afford the trip.
The issue highlights challenges faced by Gurkha families living in the UK decades after their service.
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France and Saudi Arabia plan to spend $7 billion to build three amusement parks near Paris. One of the parks will be themed around the Japanese manga and anime series Dragon Ball Z.
Key Facts
France and Saudi Arabia will invest a total of $7 billion in three parks near Paris.
One park will be based on Dragon Ball Z, a popular Japanese anime and manga.
The project is inspired by the shared interest of French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Dragon Ball Z.
The parks will be located close to the city of Paris.
This is a joint effort between the two countries to create new entertainment attractions.
The investment aims to boost tourism and cultural exchange.
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A large new datacentre is planned near a Scottish village, but thousands of local people oppose it due to its size and environmental impact. The Scottish government is starting to introduce stricter rules and may pause future datacentre projects while listening to public concerns.
Key Facts
A planned datacentre in Auchertool, Scotland, would be bigger than the whole village and 35 meters tall.
About 1,600 people have filed objections against this datacentre.
Similar opposition is growing in other Scottish towns like Airdrie and Larbert.
The Scottish government is considering new rules to better control datacentre projects.
Datacentres over 50 MW must now notify the government and submit environmental impact reports.
The UK encouraged datacentre development in Scotland because it has more water and energy resources than England.
Local politicians and campaign groups want a full stop (moratorium) on new large datacentre developments.
A large protest against datacentre expansion is planned soon in Edinburgh.
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Canada and the United States failed to reach a new trade deal, leading Canada to cancel an agreement just before U.S. tariffs were set to take effect. Canadian leaders expressed anger and distrust toward the U.S. administration, accusing it of unfair demands and unpredictable trade actions.
Key Facts
Canada walked away from trade talks hours before U.S. tariffs of 50% were scheduled to start on Canadian exports.
Canada planned to respond with retaliatory tariffs starting September 8.
Canadian officials said last-minute U.S. demands were unfair and made the deal unreliable.
The U.S. denied making unreasonable demands, saying Canada did.
Disagreements centered on auto tariffs, digital and cultural policies, and U.S. rights to approve Canada's other trade deals.
Canadians feel betrayed because they once trusted the U.S. as a close economic and security partner.
Canadian voters support their prime minister’s tough stance despite expected economic pain from failed talks.
The article references integrated defense between the countries but disputes claims that the U.S. fully protects Canada’s security.
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Syria was removed from the United States' list of state sponsors of terrorism after being on it since 1979. President Ahmed al-Sharaa said this change helps Syria move past a difficult period and allows foreign investors to enter the country.
Key Facts
Syria was on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism for over 40 years, starting in 1979.
The US decided to take Syria off this list.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa thanked the Syrian people for this development.
Being removed from the list means Syria can now receive investments from other countries.
The change is seen as a step toward Syria overcoming past challenges linked to its listing.
The list is a way the US designates countries it believes support terrorism.
Removal from the list can ease economic and diplomatic pressures on a country.
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France and Saudi Arabia have agreed to build a $7 billion amusement park near Paris, featuring three theme parks, including one with a manga theme. This project is part of broader deals to boost economic and defense cooperation between the two countries.
Key Facts
The amusement park project will be built near Cergy-Pontoise, about 30km from Paris.
It will include three theme parks, with one themed around manga, a Japanese comic style.
The project is expected to create about 22,000 jobs.
Qiddiya, part of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, will lead the project.
The agreement was made during a meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Other deals signed cover energy, artificial intelligence, aviation financing, transport, and health sectors.
France and Saudi Arabia also agreed to deepen defense ties, including cybersecurity and military training.
Saudi companies CMA CGM and Alstom signed contracts to help develop Saudi ports and metro systems.
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Large swarms of dragonflies have appeared across California following warm spring rains and monsoon storms. These dragonflies, especially a type called wandering gliders, benefit from the weather conditions and help control pests by eating other insects.
Key Facts
Californians have seen many dragonflies in parks, farms, and around ponds this summer.
The unusually warm spring rains and monsoon storms likely caused the increase in dragonfly numbers.
Wandering gliders are a migratory species of dragonfly that travel long distances using air pressure changes.
Dragonflies can fly very fast, up to 35 miles per hour.
Farmer Joe Del Bosque in Fresno County noticed more dragonflies than usual, which help control crop pests like aphids and fruit flies.
Dragonflies spend most of their life underwater as nymphs before becoming flying insects.
Their life cycle starts when female dragonflies lay eggs in freshwater, and the young live underwater from six months to five years depending on the species.
Dragonflies eat many insects, including mosquitoes and pests harmful to plants, making them beneficial for the environment.
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In South Sumatra, Indonesia, wildfires have burned large areas of forest and peatland, causing heavy smoke and haze over cities. To seek relief, about 3,000 Muslims gathered for a special prayer for rain, while authorities continue firefighting efforts and use aircraft to try to create rain.
Key Facts
South Sumatra has the highest number of wildfire hot spots in Indonesia, with 1,429 recorded.
In July, nearly 940 square kilometers (363 square miles) of land burned, including over 20 square kilometers in South Sumatra.
About 3,000 people gathered in Palembang for "salat istisqa," an Islamic prayer for rain.
Thick smoke from the fires reduced visibility and affected daily life in the province.
Firefighting efforts include cloud seeding, where salt particles are spread into clouds to encourage rain, using 30 aircraft and 22 helicopters.
The fires are worsened by a strong El Nino weather pattern and a long dry season.
Indonesian police have arrested 72 people suspected of starting some fires, and four companies are under investigation for illegal land clearing by fire.
The haze from the fires reached neighboring countries like Malaysia and Brunei.
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Large fires in Indonesian Borneo have caused thick smoke and poor air quality, affecting people's health and nearby countries like Malaysia and Singapore. The fires are linked to land clearing for palm oil plantations and are worsened by a strong El Niño weather pattern.
Key Facts
Fires in Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo, have burned tens of thousands of acres, including rainforest and peatlands.
Many people, including about 5,000 weekly in West Kalimantan, have visited emergency rooms with breathing problems since July.
The smoke haze has crossed borders, affecting Malaysia and Singapore, causing pollution and school closures.
The Indonesian government is investigating land clearing companies and has arrested 72 people for starting fires.
The fires are partly caused by "slash and burn" farming methods used to prepare land for palm oil plantations.
The dry weather is linked to a "super" El Niño, a climate event causing drought and heat.
Peatlands, which usually resist fire due to water retention, are drying out due to drainage for plantations, making fires harder to control.
Indonesia’s president has deployed resources like helicopters and water pumps to help control the fires.
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An Australian woman, Leah Stewart, lost an arm after a shark attack at Coogee Beach in Sydney on June 13. She stayed in critical condition for over two weeks and has since begun recovering, sharing her gratitude for support received from around the world.
Key Facts
Leah Stewart, 34, was attacked by a large shark while swimming at Coogee Beach.
The attack caused life-threatening injuries, leading to the amputation of her arm.
During the attack, Stewart thought about her one-year-old daughter and worried about not seeing her grow up.
Stewart described the shark’s face as “horrific” and called it a “monster.”
She spent more than two weeks in critical condition but has made significant progress in her recovery.
A fundraising page raised over $558,900 to help cover her medical costs and support her family.
Leah expressed deep thanks for the support and said she feels like she has been given a second chance at life.
She hopes to use her recovery as an opportunity to give back through care and generosity.
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Eight famous costumes worn by Freddie Mercury will be shown at the V&A museum in London from October 2026 to January 2027. The display, created with Mercury’s close friend Mary Austin, features outfits from different times in his career, including his crown and cloak from Queen’s 1986 tour.
Key Facts
The exhibit is called "Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things" and is free to visit.
It runs from 24 October 2026 to 17 January 2027 at the V&A in London.
Mary Austin, Mercury’s former fiancée and friend, is lending seven costumes for the display.
The costumes include his debut album cover outfit, the “Mercury Wing” catsuit from the Bohemian Rhapsody video, and his crown and cloak from the 1986 Magic Tour.
Freddie Mercury’s real name was Farrokh Bulsara, and he was born on 5 September 1946 in Zanzibar.
Austin and Mercury met while working in fashion in Kensington and got engaged in 1973.
The display uses sound, light, and sets to bring Mercury’s performances and style to life.
The exhibit highlights how Mercury used clothes to create a powerful stage image and express himself.
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At least 35,000 more people died during Europe’s four extreme heatwaves this summer than expected, based on partial data from about half the continent. Germany, France, and Spain reported the highest numbers, with deaths linked to unusually high temperatures that broke many records.
Key Facts
Europe experienced four record-breaking heatwaves between May and August 2026.
At least 35,000 excess deaths occurred, meaning deaths above the usual number for this time of year.
Germany reported the highest heat-related deaths, about 14,000 from April to August, with nearly 10,000 deaths in one week alone.
Spain counted nearly 5,000 heat-related deaths, the highest ever recorded for the country.
France recorded 7,300 extra deaths from late May to late July, based on available data.
Heat worsens existing health problems, like heart or lung diseases, leading to deaths that may not list heat as the direct cause.
Different countries use various methods to estimate heat-related deaths, causing some delays in final numbers.
Scientists say that human-caused global warming is making these extreme heat events more common and severe.
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A rare tornado hit southern France near the city of Carcassonne, causing damage to around 100 homes and injuring at least 26 people. The tornado developed under a large thunderstorm near the historic Carcassonne site.
Key Facts
The tornado occurred in southern France near Carcassonne.
About 100 homes were damaged by the tornado.
At least 26 people were injured.
The tornado formed under a supercell thunderstorm.
Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tornadoes are rare in this part of France.
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