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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An oil tanker was hit by a projectile while passing through the Strait of Hormuz near Oman, causing damage but no injuries, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations. The area has seen many attacks on ships during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel, raising concerns over security and oil shipments.
Key Facts
An oil tanker was damaged by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman's coast.
No crew members were injured in the attack.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for oil and gas shipments.
There have been 68 confirmed incidents near the Strait in six months related to the Iran-US-Israel conflict.
At least 20 people have died and 35 have been wounded in these incidents.
About half of the attacks have targeted tankers, with other ships including container and bulk carriers also affected.
Liberia-flagged vessels have faced the most incidents, followed by ships from Panama and the Marshall Islands.
Pakistan’s army chief held talks with Iran about preventing further conflict escalation and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
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A New Zealand court sentenced Kaixiao Liu to over 10 years in prison for manslaughter and kidnapping in the death of Shulai Wang, a 70-year-old woman from China. Wang had moved to New Zealand to live with Liu’s family and was found dead wrapped in rice bags near Auckland after trying to escape the strict rules of Liu’s group.
Key Facts
Kaixiao Liu was found guilty of manslaughter and kidnapping related to the death of Shulai Wang.
Shulai Wang traveled from Hainan Island, China, to New Zealand in August 2023 to live with Liu and his family.
Liu’s home, called “the Ark,” housed Wang and other female followers who lived under strict control and called Liu “Lord” or “Master.”
Wang cared for Liu’s children, studied scripture, and planted vegetables but had difficulty following strict rules due to her age.
Wang tried to escape in March 2024, was caught, and died the same day; her body was wrapped in rice bags and dumped near Gulf Harbour marina.
Liu’s wife, Lanyue Xiao, received nearly eight years in prison for related charges; Liu’s parents were also convicted and await sentencing.
Liu denied being a cult leader and claimed he attracted followers through his music and online posts.
Liu moved to New Zealand in 2017, had a background as a musician and appeared on China’s Got Talent.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Iran tried to kill one of his sons but did not give details about when or where it happened. His statement came amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran after a joint U.S.-Israeli strike killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and members of his family.
Key Facts
Netanyahu claimed Iran attempted to murder one of his sons but did not specify which son or when.
The claim was made during a phone interview with a pro-government Israeli news outlet.
The statement coincides with upcoming Israeli elections in October and ongoing conflict with Iran.
A joint U.S.-Israeli strike killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and four family members, including his daughter and granddaughter.
Netanyahu supports continuous personal security for Israel’s former army chief, Gadi Eisenkot, amid threats.
Netanyahu’s two sons and wife received extended personal protection from Israeli authorities in July.
Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, was named Iran’s new supreme leader and vowed revenge for his father’s killing.
Netanyahu’s elder son, Yair, has lived in Miami part-time since early 2024, raising questions about protection costs.
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Amnesty International reported that the Indian government used weapons like pellet shotguns, grenades, batons, and electric shock devices against protesters led by the Cockroach Janta Party. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Modi, has denied using too much force.
Key Facts
Amnesty International conducted an investigation into protests in India.
The investigation found that lethal weapons were used against protesters.
Weapons mentioned include pellet-firing shotguns, grenades, batons, and electric shock devices.
The protesters were led by the Cockroach Janta Party.
The Indian government denies using excessive force against protesters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the Indian government.
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A large wildfire near Reno, Nevada, forced about 24,000 people to evacuate, with tens of thousands more on alert. The fire started on Saturday, has burned over 15,000 acres, destroyed dozens of homes, and is being fought by more than 900 firefighters, including teams from other countries.
Key Facts
The fire is called the Hawk Fire and started on Saturday.
It has burned over 15,000 acres (about 6,000 hectares) near Reno, Nevada.
Around 24,000 people are still under evacuation orders; at its peak, more than 40,000 were evacuated.
Tens of thousands more people are on alert and should be ready to leave quickly.
The fire is about five miles northwest of Reno and moving fast due to strong winds.
Seven people, including three firefighters, have been injured; no deaths reported.
At least 32 homes have been completely destroyed, and many others damaged.
Firefighters from the US, Australia, and New Zealand are working to stop the fire.
Officials say the fire was caused by humans but are still investigating if it was accidental or intentional.
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Gang members attacked people sheltering in a church near Haiti’s capital, Kenscoff, killing about 40 displaced individuals and injuring many others. The local mayor described the event as a "night of terror" and said some people remain missing after the attack.
Key Facts
Around 40 people were killed by gangs in a church used as a shelter in Kenscoff, near Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Some victims were killed execution-style, and dozens more were wounded.
The attackers also abducted several people from the displaced persons camp.
Kenscoff has experienced heavy gang violence and clashes for several months.
Haiti suffers from ongoing political instability, gang control, and economic hardship.
Nearly 1.5 million Haitians are displaced, and over five million face serious food shortages.
Haiti’s last president was assassinated in 2021, and the country has not held an election since 2016.
A general election is planned for December 2026, despite security concerns.
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A court in Peru sentenced four men to 15 to 35 years in prison for the 2023 murder of Quinto Inuma Alvarado, an Indigenous Amazon rainforest defender. The killing was linked to his fight against illegal logging on his community’s land.
Key Facts
Quinto Inuma Alvarado, a 50-year-old Kichwa leader, was shot and killed on November 29, 2023.
He was targeted because of his work against illegal logging in the northern Amazon region of San Martin, Peru.
Four men were convicted: two sentenced to 35 years, one to 28 years and 4 months, and one accomplice to 15 years.
The trial lasted nearly eight months and included hearings in both Lima and the Amazon city of Tarapoto.
Inuma had warned authorities about threats and received police protection, but law enforcement struggled to patrol the remote area.
This is the first case in Peru involving the killing of an Indigenous defender to result in sentences this severe.
The verdict is seen as an important step toward justice and accountability for violence against Indigenous and environmental defenders in the Amazon.
Prosecutors accused a timber operator, Segundo Juan Villalobos Guevara, of ordering the murder because Inuma had denounced him for illegal logging.
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UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham plans to visit the US in September to talk with President Donald Trump about Ukraine’s defense needs. Burnham recently visited Ukraine, promising to continue support amid Russian attacks and plans to work with European leaders to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham plans to visit the US in September during the UN General Assembly meeting.
Burnham’s trip will be his first to the US since becoming UK Prime Minister in July.
The UK will share blueprints for a missile to help Ukraine produce weapons domestically.
Burnham met Ukrainian President Zelensky and supports continued pressure on Russia.
Ukraine relies on US Patriot missiles but faces shortages because of other conflicts like the war in Iran.
Zelensky hopes to get 300 Patriot missiles before winter to defend against Russian attacks.
President Trump has expressed caution about letting Ukraine build Patriot missiles due to the technology involved.
Burnham, Macron, and German Chancellor Merz agreed to prioritize strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses and sanctions on Russia.
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Muslims in Iraq, Libya, and Morocco celebrated Mawlid al-Nabi, which is the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. They took part in prayers, processions, and other celebrations to mark the occasion.
Key Facts
Mawlid al-Nabi is the observance of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.
Celebrations include prayers and processions.
The events took place in Iraq, Libya, and Morocco.
Muslims come together to honor the day with various activities.
The holiday is an important religious event in Islam.
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A 68-year-old French tourist died in California's Death Valley after his car got stuck in mud during extreme heat. He tried to walk for help but was overcome by the hot weather and found dead later that day.
Key Facts
The tourist’s name was Pierre Michel Formosa.
He was found near the salt flats of Death Valley after his car was stuck on West Side Road.
Temperatures reached 46.6°C (116°F) during the incident.
His travel companion walked 1.3 miles to get help and contacted a nearby driver.
Death Valley National Park staff and police found Formosa in the afternoon and pronounced him dead.
An extreme heat warning is currently in effect in Death Valley.
Death Valley recorded a world high temperature of 57°C (134°F) in 1913.
Heatwaves have caused other heat-related deaths in the U.S. during the summer, including four hikers in the Grand Canyon.
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A 29-year-old man died and nine others were hurt during the Huamantlada festival in Tlaxcala, Mexico. This event is the world’s largest open road bullfighting festival, where bulls run through city streets.
Key Facts
The incident happened at the Huamantlada festival in Tlaxcala, Mexico.
A 29-year-old man was killed during the event.
At least nine other people were injured.
The festival involves releasing bulls to run through multiple city streets.
Twenty-one bulls took part in this year’s event.
Huamantlada is known as the world’s largest open road bullfighting event.
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A trade dispute between the United States and Canada has escalated after President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff increase on cars, steel, and other goods starting in January. In response, Canadian leaders, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have strongly criticized the decision and vowed to take action to protect Canadian workers and businesses.
Key Facts
President Trump announced new 50% tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, automotive parts, and steel, effective in January 2027.
The tariffs follow a breakdown in trade deal negotiations between the U.S. and Canada.
Trump stated that Canada has been unfair to the U.S. in trade and claimed the U.S. does not need Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended trade talks and promised to retaliate with equal tariffs.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called Trump a bully and said Canada should fight back strongly against the tariffs.
Canada plans to announce new measures to support its workers and businesses in response to the trade actions.
The dispute reflects long-standing tensions over trade policies between the two countries despite their close economic ties.
Trump has previously suggested that Canada should become the 51st state, a comment rejected by Canadian leaders.
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At least 30 people died in a gang attack in Kenscoff, a community near Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince. The area has experienced many attacks as armed groups try to control access to the city.
Key Facts
The attack took place in Kenscoff, located on a hillside near Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital.
At least 30 people were killed during the gang attack.
Kenscoff is an important area because it overlooks key routes into Port-au-Prince.
Armed groups have been attacking Kenscoff repeatedly since last year.
These groups aim to increase their control over the capital city.
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