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Andy Burnham announced a new plan called "No 10 North," which aims to shift more power from the UK government in London to local areas like Manchester. He promises to build more council houses, change education, reduce welfare fairly, and give regions more control over services such as water, energy, and transport.
Key Facts
"No 10 North" will be a new Downing Street team based in Manchester focused on rebalancing power across the UK.
Burnham wants to decentralize power away from Whitehall (central government offices in London) to local communities and regions.
Regions might get more public control over services like water, energy, and transportation.
The plan includes the biggest council house building program since after World War II.
Burnham calls for a major rethink of education and fair cuts to welfare spending.
He suggests employment and mental health support could be managed locally through trusted community organizations.
Burnham wants to extend devolution powers in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and English regions.
He announced his bid to become Labour’s next prime minister and spoke to former mayors from Liverpool, West Yorkshire, and South Yorkshire.
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Three firefighters died while fighting wildfires near the Utah-Colorado border, and at least two other firefighters were injured. The incident happened during efforts to control the wildfires in that part of the Southwest United States.
Key Facts
Three firefighters lost their lives battling wildfires near the Utah-Colorado border.
At least two other firefighters were injured during the firefighting efforts.
The wildfires are located in the southwestern region of the United States.
The firefighters were actively working to control and extinguish the fires at the time of the incident.
The cause of the wildfires or details about the injuries have not been specified.
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Prince Harry plans to bring his wife Meghan and their children to the UK on a visit next week if security can be arranged. His team is working to ensure the trip is safe, as previous concerns about police protection have delayed family visits.
Key Facts
Prince Harry wants Meghan and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, to join him on his UK trip.
There have been worries about the level of police protection for the family in the UK.
Harry’s team says they are exploring all options to make the visit safe.
Harry previously said he would not bring his family to the UK without better security.
A committee called Ravec decides the security for senior royals, but Harry’s team disagrees with their risk assessment.
Harry lost a legal challenge over his police protection earlier this year.
Meghan and the children have not visited the UK or met King Charles III since 2022.
The family has been offered royal estate accommodation, but security outside the estate is also a concern.
The visit includes events related to the Invictus Games, which Harry founded and will be held in Birmingham next year.
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Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will hold a referendum on a constitutional reform that shifts power away from the president to the parliament and prime minister. The country’s National Assembly passed the reform despite opposition protests and political tension.
Key Facts
The constitutional reform will increase the powers of Senegal’s parliament and prime minister.
The reform reduces the president’s powers.
The bill was approved by a large majority in the National Assembly.
Opposition members boycotted the vote and some engaged in protests outside the Assembly building.
Police used tear gas to stop about 50 protesters who tried to enter the National Assembly.
The reform was proposed by the Pastef party, led by former prime minister Ousmane Sonko.
President Faye fired Sonko as prime minister in May, and Sonko is now the speaker of the National Assembly.
Justice Minister Moussa Sarr announced that President Faye will ask the public to vote on the reform in a referendum.
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Iraq’s new prime minister has arrested 47 officials and politicians in a crackdown on corruption linked to the Ministry of Oil. This action is seen as an early step in a long effort to reduce widespread corruption, which has been complicated by powerful militias connected to Iran that influence Iraqi politics and the economy.
Key Facts
Most US dollar transfers to Iraq, related to oil sales, have shifted from cash to digital payments to reduce corruption.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi arrested 47 individuals, including lawmakers, connected to corruption investigations in the Ministry of Oil.
Iraq’s government system divides power among ethnic and sectarian groups, with ministries seen as sources of wealth for political parties.
US efforts to fight corruption in Iraq have included supporting anticorruption agencies, though many Iraqis see these agencies as corrupt themselves.
Iran-backed militias embedded in Iraq’s government and economy have attacked US forces and the US embassy, complicating efforts to stabilize the country.
Iraqi officials often hesitate to confront militias directly out of fear of causing civil conflict.
Militias have operated like criminal groups, extorting money through checkpoints and gaining control of government ministries.
The US has applied financial pressure on these militias to restrict their funding sources.
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Dana Shabat, an 18-year-old student in Gaza, is taking her final exams online despite severe challenges caused by the ongoing conflict in the region. Many schools have been destroyed, and Dana faces disruptions like bombings, displacement, and power outages while continuing her education.
Key Facts
Dana Shabat is 18 years old and lives in Gaza.
She is taking her final school exams online.
Many schools in Gaza have been destroyed during the conflict.
The ongoing war has caused bombings and forced many people to leave their homes.
Power outages and other difficulties are part of daily life in Gaza during this time.
Dana wants to succeed in her education and honor her mother’s memory.
The conflict in Gaza has major effects on students and schools.
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The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) said that some current and former members knew about allegations against Jeffrey Donaldson but did not report them properly. Donaldson was recently found guilty of child sexual abuse, and new serious claims about his behavior have caused a crisis in the party. The DUP has started an independent review to investigate how the party handled the information.
Key Facts
Jeffrey Donaldson, former DUP leader, was found guilty of 18 sexual offenses against children.
Donaldson faces sentencing in September and plans to appeal the verdict.
Allegations include inappropriate sexual behavior, visiting a gay sauna while condemning homosexuality, and getting very drunk on trips.
Some DUP members knew about other allegations but did not formally report them.
Two senior party leaders were informed five years ago about a woman claiming exploitation by Donaldson.
The DUP suspended Donaldson after he was first charged in 2024.
Critics question the independence of the DUP’s internal review investigating these matters.
The party is under significant pressure ahead of next year’s assembly election.
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A large fire broke out at a rubber factory in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. At the same time, heavy flooding submerged neighborhoods, leaving people trapped and causing power outages.
Key Facts
A rubber factory in Accra caught fire and burned heavily.
Strong floods caused parts of Accra to be underwater.
Flooding made it harder for firefighters to control the fire.
Many people in Accra were stranded because of the water.
Some areas experienced power cuts during the floods and fire.
The floods were caused by a heavy downpour (strong rainfall).
The combination of fire and flooding created a difficult situation for residents and emergency workers.
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In June, President Donald Trump and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) to pause a 109-day conflict between the US and Iran. The agreement lifts the US naval blockade on Iran in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but violence between the two countries has not completely stopped as they work toward a permanent settlement.
Key Facts
The MoU was signed in June after 109 days of conflict between the US and Iran.
Pakistan and Qatar played major roles as mediators in creating the agreement.
The agreement ended the US naval blockade on Iran and required Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Since the MoU, attacks between the US and Iran have decreased but still happen occasionally.
About 7,200 missiles were fired during the conflict, mostly targeting civilian infrastructure.
Analysts say the MoU is a temporary solution based on mutual pain, not a true peace agreement.
Unlike ceasefires involving non-state groups, this deal involves two governments with clear command structures.
Both countries face serious economic losses if fighting resumes, especially affecting global energy markets.
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An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale hit Yibin in Sichuan province, China, just after midnight on Monday. The quake caused injuries to at least 13 people, but no deaths were reported.
Key Facts
The earthquake occurred in Yibin, a city in southwest China’s Sichuan province.
It happened shortly after midnight on Monday.
The magnitude of the earthquake was 5.5.
At least 13 people were injured.
No fatalities were reported by officials.
Local news agencies reported on the event.
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Russian missile and drone attacks in Ukraine killed at least 11 civilians and injured 40 on Monday, hitting multiple cities and regions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for stronger air defenses in Europe to protect people from such attacks, while Russia's President Vladimir Putin said the war will continue despite setbacks caused by Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian fuel supplies.
Key Facts
At least 11 Ukrainian civilians died and 40 were injured in Russian missile and drone attacks on Monday.
The central city of Dnipro was hit, killing 5 people and wounding 29.
A passenger minibus in Zaporizhzhia was struck, killing 3 and wounding 6, including a child.
Additional civilians were killed in Sumy, Kharkiv, and at least six other Ukrainian regions.
Power outages affected people in eight Ukrainian regions due to the attacks and hot weather increasing electricity demand.
Zelenskyy urged Europe to develop more anti-ballistic missile defenses to protect civilians.
Ukrainian drones have caused fuel shortages in parts of Russia by targeting oil facilities.
Russian officials maintain their offensive and say their goals in the war will be achieved despite setbacks.
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The UK Royal Navy is changing its plans by replacing its large, expensive Type 83 destroyers with several smaller, cheaper ships called Common Combat Vessels. These ships will control fleets of drones, reflecting new ways of fighting wars using a mix of traditional ships and uncrewed, autonomous systems.
Key Facts
The Royal Navy will stop building the planned Type 83 destroyers meant for air defense.
Instead, it will focus on Common Combat Vessels that act as control centers for naval drones.
These naval drones can be nearly 100 meters long and will help protect undersea cables and counter Russian submarines.
The Royal Marines will receive about £500 million for fast boats and strike drones as part of a Rapid Response Force.
The updated Defence Investment Plan (DIP) reflects lessons learned from recent conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, where small, cheap drones have been effectively used.
John Healey resigned as UK Defence Secretary over concerns about insufficient defense spending, followed by another resignation.
The new approach is called hybridisation, combining crewed warships with autonomous systems to adapt quickly in modern conflicts.
The changes aim to deliver military power that is affordable, scalable, and able to evolve as threats change.
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A series of alligator attacks in Florida has resulted in one woman’s death and injuries to two others, including a child. Wildlife officials are reminding people to stay alert around water, avoid feeding alligators, and call experts if they see a dangerous alligator.
Key Facts
A snorkeler was bitten by an alligator in the Rainbow River, Marion County, leading to a temporary river closure.
A juvenile was bitten on the hand while fishing at Nelson Fish Camp; the alligator involved was killed by law enforcement.
An adult woman was fatally attacked by an alligator while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River in Seminole County.
Alligator mating season in Florida, typically May and June, makes them more active and likely to appear in unusual places.
About 1.3 million alligators live in Florida, found across all 67 counties.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) advises keeping distance from alligators, not feeding them, and calling their hotline for nuisance alligators.
Alligator attacks tend to increase as more people live near water and engage in water activities in Florida.
FWC recommends swimming only in designated areas during daylight and keeping pets on leashes and away from water edges.
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The French parliament has passed a law to regulate "ultra-fast fashion," focusing on large Asian online shops like Shein and Temu that sell many cheap clothes quickly. The law sets fees on mass production, bans ads for these brands, and encourages more sustainable clothing use.
Key Facts
The law targets ultra-fast fashion companies mainly from Asia, such as Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.
It introduces a fee for each clothing item they produce, which will increase over time and could reach up to €20 by 2030.
Advertising ultra-fast fashion products, including promotions by social media influencers, will be banned.
The bill aims to reduce pollution from the textile industry, responsible for about 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Some critics say the law does not cover European brands like Zara and H&M, which also contribute to fast fashion problems.
Part of the collected fees will be used to improve recycling and clothing repair systems.
The French government supports the ad ban as similar to rules on alcohol and cigarette advertising, but the European Commission is reviewing its legality.
The law requires websites of these brands to promote messages about reusing and repairing clothing.
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The French parliament passed a law to reduce the impact of fast fashion by targeting large Asian e-commerce companies like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress. The law includes fees on mass-produced clothing and bans advertising for ultra-fast fashion brands, aiming to promote sustainable clothing use and reduce pollution.
Key Facts
The law targets Asian e-commerce platforms Shein, Temu, and AliExpress, which have grown popular in France.
It imposes a fee per clothing item produced in large quantities, increasing over time up to 20 euros per item by 2030.
There is a ban on advertising ultra-fast fashion brands, including ads by social media influencers.
Part of the collected fees will fund clothing recycling and collection systems.
Companies must promote messages on their websites encouraging slower consumption, repairing, and reusing clothes.
The law focuses on brands based on how many clothes they sell and the cost to repair clothes compared to buying new ones.
Some critics say the law does not include European brands like Zara and H&M and is weaker than originally planned.
The European Commission is reviewing whether the ad ban complies with EU rules, which might affect enforcement.
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Thousands of displaced Lebanese people have begun returning home after a peace agreement ended fighting between the United States and Iran, which also included a cessation of Israeli attacks on Lebanon. However, some displaced individuals still have nowhere to go because their homes were destroyed or they lack money to rebuild or rent.
Key Facts
Hundreds of blue tents that housed displaced people near Beirut have mostly been cleared as many return home.
The return follows a war-ending agreement between the US and Iran and a related ceasefire framework between Israel and Lebanon.
Fighting began on March 2 when Hezbollah fired rockets after months of Israeli attacks and political tensions.
The conflict killed over 4,200 people and injured more than 12,000 in Lebanon.
More than 1.2 million Lebanese were displaced during the war, seeking shelter in schools, stadiums, and makeshift camps.
Some displaced people cannot return because their homes were destroyed or they lack money to rent new housing.
Many businesses shut down during the war, limiting job opportunities for those displaced.
People are gradually leaving temporary shelters like Beirut Sports City Stadium despite ongoing poverty and damage.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin said Ukrainian attacks on Russia's energy and infrastructure are causing some problems, including fuel shortages, but these are not yet critical. Ukraine has increased drone strikes on Russian regions and Crimea, aiming to isolate the peninsula, while Russia focuses on boosting air defenses and fuel supplies.
Key Facts
President Putin confirmed that Ukrainian strikes on critical infrastructure are causing challenges for Russia.
Ukraine launched a heavy drone attack targeting 12 Russian regions and Crimea, which Russia has controlled since 2014.
Russian authorities in Crimea declared a state of emergency after stopping fuel sales to civilians due to Ukrainian attacks.
Putin said addressing fuel shortages and strengthening air defenses are top priorities for Russia.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry claims it has destroyed 1,454 Russian air defense systems since the war began in 2022.
Moscow is reportedly running low on S-300 missile interceptors, a key defense system against missiles.
A recent survey found 81% of Russians want the war to end soon, the highest level of anti-war opinion since fighting started.
Putin rejected a Ukrainian ceasefire proposal, saying Russia’s counterstrikes are stronger and more destructive.
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A group of retired military experts ran a workshop to explore how the US and its allies might respond to attacks or problems with satellites in space. They looked at possible hostile actions by countries like China, Russia, and Iran, and discussed how decisions could be made during uncertain and complex space conflicts.
Key Facts
The US tracks satellites used for missile warnings that orbit more than 22,000 miles above Earth.
A satellite suddenly going dark could be caused by an attack or technical failure.
The workshop involved 50 experts from the military, government, industry, and academia.
Scenarios started with China moving a broken satellite in space without warning, seen as a show of force.
Additional attacks were attributed to China, Russia, Iran, and an unknown actor in the simulated scenarios.
Responding to space conflict involves difficult decisions about military or diplomatic actions.
Space operations are closely linked to land, sea, air, and cyber activities.
Unclear definitions of space conflict make decision-making slower and less certain.
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Andy Burnham plans to make Caroline Simpson, current chief executive of the Greater Manchester combined authority, his deputy chief of staff if he becomes prime minister. She will lead No 10 North, a new office focused on giving more power and resources to regions outside London to help improve the economy and public services across the UK.
Key Facts
Caroline Simpson is expected to become deputy chief of staff in Andy Burnham’s government.
Simpson currently leads the Greater Manchester combined authority and manages a £3 billion annual budget.
No 10 North will be based in Manchester and oversee power and resource devolution across the UK.
The new office aims to increase public ownership of utilities, re-industrialize areas, and regenerate towns.
Simpson has a background in local government and regional development in the north-west of England.
Burnham already appointed James Purnell as his chief of staff while building his government team.
Simpson’s leadership style is described as effective and action-oriented by officials who worked with her.
Simpson’s departure will trigger a search for a new chief executive at Greater Manchester combined authority during an important local election.
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