Russia launched a large attack on Kyiv and nearby areas, using missiles and drones that caused damage to homes, schools, and hospitals. At least 12 people were killed and 40 were injured, leading Kyiv’s mayor to declare a day of mourning.
Key Facts
The attack involved ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones targeting civilian buildings in Kyiv and other regions.
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said Russia had been preparing the attack for a long time.
Damage was reported in Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv regions.
Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said 18 people were hospitalized and rescue efforts were ongoing.
Poland issued emergency alerts and activated air defenses near its border with Ukraine in response.
Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s shortage of air defense missiles and called for more Patriot interceptors from allies.
The attack increased concerns about the need for stronger defense to protect Ukrainian civilians.
Kyiv declared a day of mourning on the day following the attacks.
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Oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz nearly tripled during a 60-day agreement between the United States and Iran, but volumes were still far below pre-war levels. The agreement ended without a peace deal, and attacks on commercial ships in the area continue, highlighting ongoing tensions that affect a key global oil route.
Key Facts
About 374 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz during the 60-day US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This equals about 6.1 million barrels per day, nearly triple the 2.3 million barrels per day exported before the agreement.
Despite the increase, oil flow was only about 40% of pre-war levels, which were around 15 million barrels daily.
The MoU expired on June 17 without a peace deal due to stalled talks between Washington and Tehran.
Attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz have continued, with five vessels attacked in one week.
One seafarer died in a recent attack on a bulk carrier off Oman; no group has claimed responsibility.
Since war began between the US/Israel and Iran, at least 18 seafarers have died in attacks on commercial vessels.
Oil shipments through the Strait have decreased recently, and oil prices have slightly risen, reflecting market concerns.
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The UK government announced plans to clean up the three worst illegal waste dumps in the country using public money. New higher fines and stronger powers will help stop illegal dumping and target those responsible.
Key Facts
The government will clear three major illegal waste sites in Kent, Surrey, and West Yorkshire.
These sites contain about 22,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste.
Fines for illegal dumping will increase from £300 to £5,000.
The Environment Agency will get new powers to seize assets from criminals involved in waste dumping.
A new waste crime crackdown group, led by Environment Secretary Angela Eagle, will improve coordination among agencies.
Regions like West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester will have new local-led efforts to fight waste crime.
Opposition parties agree on the need to tackle big illegal dumps but also highlight smaller waste problems.
The government plans to build on measures started by Prime Minister Andy Burnham's predecessor, including using drones to map dump sites.
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Early Thursday, Russian ballistic missiles struck Kyiv, killing 12 people and injuring over 30. The attacks damaged buildings and cut power to some areas of Ukraine’s capital city.
Key Facts
Russian ballistic missiles hit Kyiv early on Thursday.
12 people died as a result of the attacks.
More than 30 people were injured.
The missile strikes damaged several buildings.
Power supply to parts of Kyiv was interrupted.
The attacks are part of ongoing conflict involving Russia and Ukraine.
Ukrainian authorities reported the casualty and damage information.
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More than 200,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in Sudan’s Kordofan region because of fighting and drone attacks that damaged important services like water and electricity. In addition, flooding in North Darfur has made the crisis worse, with many families displaced across the country.
Key Facts
Fighting and drone attacks have caused over 200,000 new displacements in the Kordofan region since late last year.
Drone strikes have damaged power supplies in El Obeid, the largest city in Kordofan, affecting water, hospitals, and communications.
Seasonal flooding in North Darfur has damaged homes and displaced more than 1,000 families.
Since the war started in April 2023, about 59,000 people have died and 8.6 million have been displaced inside Sudan.
More than 4.2 million people have fled Sudan to neighboring countries.
Around 33.7 million people in Sudan need humanitarian help.
El Obeid’s population has grown from 750,000 before the war to an estimated 3.4 million due to displaced people moving there.
Humanitarian groups report nearly 39,000 children arrived in El Obeid in the first half of 2024, needing support.
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An Australian court is reviewing appeals in the case of Erin Patterson, who was sentenced to life in prison for killing three relatives by feeding them deadly mushrooms in 2023. Prosecutors want her to never leave prison, while her lawyers seek to overturn her convictions and defend the original sentence.
Key Facts
Erin Patterson poisoned three relatives and tried to kill a fourth with death cap mushrooms in Victoria, Australia.
She was sentenced to life in prison and can be eligible for release after 33 years.
Prosecutors say the sentence is too light and that Patterson should stay in prison forever.
Patterson’s victims included her in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson.
One victim, Ian Wilkinson, survived but has not fully recovered.
Prosecutors described the crime as planned and a betrayal of family trust during a shared lunch.
Patterson’s lawyers argue the trial had errors and that the judge’s sentence was fair.
The court has not yet made a final decision on the appeals, which could take weeks or months.
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Bangladesh is holding its first presidential election with more than one candidate in 35 years. The main candidates are Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir from the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Oli Ahmad, a former army officer backed by the opposition. The election is decided by members of parliament, with the BNP having a large majority.
Key Facts
The presidential election is held on a Thursday between 08:00 and 11:00 GMT.
349 members of parliament are eligible to vote in this election.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is the BNP candidate and has strong support with 247 lawmakers from his party.
Oli Ahmad, a retired colonel and leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, is supported by the 11-party opposition alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami.
The election was triggered by the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, who quit halfway through his term.
This is the first contested presidential vote since 1991; all previous elections were uncontested.
The opposition candidate Ahmad fought in Bangladesh’s 1971 War of Independence, while Jamaat opposed independence, creating a notable political contrast.
The election is symbolically important as Bangladesh adjusts its government following political changes in 2024.
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Xu Jiayin, the founder of China Evergrande Group, was sentenced to life in prison by a Chinese court for financial crimes related to the company’s collapse. Evergrande, once China’s largest real estate developer, was fined over $2 billion for fraud and other offenses after defaulting on its debts in 2021.
Key Facts
Xu Jiayin, also known as Hui Ka Yan, received a life prison sentence for large-scale financial fraud, embezzlement, and bribery.
Evergrande Group was fined about $2.4 billion (15.82 billion yuan) by a court in Guangdong province.
The company defaulted in 2021 after the Chinese government limited borrowing and speculation in real estate.
Between 2016 and 2021, Evergrande inflated its assets and hid liabilities illegally.
Xu’s political rights were revoked for life, and all his personal property was confiscated.
The court said Evergrande’s actions caused serious economic losses and social harm.
Five other senior executives were sentenced to 6 to 18 years in prison, and a total of 56 people, including Xu’s two sons, received jail terms.
The case highlighted ongoing struggles in China’s property market, with falling new-home prices over the past three years.
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The University of Michigan offers a special 10-day course where scholars learn how to protect and preserve ancient papyrus manuscripts. The class uses the university’s large collection of papyri, including some of the oldest surviving texts like parts of Homer’s epics and early Christian writings.
Key Facts
The Papyrus Conservation Summer Seminar is the only course of its kind in the Americas.
Nine scholars from different countries participated in the seminar.
The course teaches best methods for handling and preserving ancient papyrus texts.
The University of Michigan has one of the largest collections of papyrus manuscripts outside of Egypt.
The collection includes texts from 1000 B.C.E. to 1000 C.E.
Some notable items include fragments of Homer’s "The Odyssey" and "The Iliad," works by Epicurus, and the oldest copy of the Epistles of Paul.
The seminar offers hands-on experience with fragile ancient documents that are thousands of years old.
Preservation experts at the university lead the course and provide feedback to students.
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Authorities in South Australia detected three events where over 1,000 crested terns died, likely from H5 bird flu. Tasmania is also investigating the deaths of 28 little penguins to see if the same virus is the cause.
Key Facts
South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas called the situation a “significant escalation” of H5 bird flu.
More than 1,000 dead greater crested terns were found on Troubridge Island and the Pages Islands.
The bird flu strain arrived on the Australian mainland in June.
Investigations in Tasmania are ongoing after 28 dead little penguins were found on King Island.
Aerial patrols use helicopters, planes, and drones to monitor affected birds and possible mammals.
No mass deaths in mammals or livestock due to H5 bird flu have been reported so far.
Vaccinating wild birds broadly is not considered practical, but targeted vaccination for some captive threatened birds is being considered.
Officials emphasize efforts to protect wildlife, industries, and communities from the virus.
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President Donald Trump said he plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year. This meeting is part of efforts to continue the relationship they developed during Trump's first term in office.
Key Facts
President Trump announced on August 20, 2026, that he will meet Kim Jong Un later this year.
The meeting aims to revive the connection formed between the two leaders during Trump’s first term.
North Korea is a country with nuclear weapons, making talks with its leader important for global security.
Trump made this announcement amidst ongoing military exercises between the United States and South Korea.
South Korea has emphasized the importance of a strong alliance with the US following Trump’s remarks about his good relationship with Kim.
The announcement was reported by France 24 and covered by correspondent Monte Francis.
This comes after Trump ordered reductions in some military drills with South Korea earlier in the month.
The situation reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts around North Korea and East Asian security.
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The Israeli army has started an investigation into the killing of Hind Rajab and Gaza paramedics. This investigation comes a long time after the events happened and shows the army recognizes that serious mistakes were made.
Key Facts
Hind Rajab was a 5-year-old girl killed in Gaza.
Paramedics in Gaza were also killed in the same event.
The Israeli army launched a criminal investigation into these deaths.
The investigation started much later than expected, surprising many people.
The decision to investigate suggests the Israeli army admits something went wrong.
The killings took place during ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The article was reported by France 24 and mentions the deaths happened in the Gaza Strip.
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Four workers died after being hit by a fast train at Shin-Kanuma Station in Japan while they were removing weeds from the tracks. The train service on the Tobu Nikko Line was stopped after the accident, and an investigation is ongoing.
Key Facts
The accident happened around 10:46 a.m. local time near Tokyo.
The workers were performing maintenance work by removing weeds from the train tracks.
Three workers were found trapped under the train, and one was on the platform.
The train involved was a limited express train, one of the fastest types in Japan after the bullet trains.
Passengers on the train heard a strange noise before it made an emergency stop.
There was usually an employee nearby to warn workers of approaching trains, but it is unclear if this was the case at the time.
Train accidents causing deaths are very rare in Japan.
The Tobu Nikko Line's train service was suspended after the collision.
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Rowan Williams, a former archbishop of Canterbury, said Nigel Farage uses Christianity to encourage negative feelings toward Muslims in the UK. Williams also expressed doubts about the religious sincerity of far-right activist Tommy Robinson and questioned how his Christian faith aligns with his public actions.
Key Facts
Rowan Williams served as archbishop of Canterbury for 10 years until 2012.
Williams accused Nigel Farage of using Christianity to fuel anti-Muslim sentiment.
He believes some political groups mix religious ideas with nationalism to gain support.
Farage’s Reform UK party promotes the idea that Britain is built on Christian values.
Farage has criticized Muslim events and suggested some young people reject British values, referring to Muslims.
Tommy Robinson, a far-right activist, identifies as a Christian and has organized religious events.
Williams is skeptical about claims of religious belief when paired with rhetoric that can cause hostility.
Reform UK hired theologian James Orr, who has connections to President Trump’s administration.
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Hungarian literature often shows deep sadness linked to the country's history and culture. Recently, interest in Hungarian books has grown worldwide, but within Hungary, government problems have made it harder for authors to reach foreign readers. After political changes, the country is working to support its writers and cultural groups more openly.
Key Facts
Hungarian literature is known for its mood of melancholy, reflecting the country's difficult past.
Notable Hungarian writers like László Krasznahorkai and Péter Nádas have won international honors recently.
Some successful books about Hungarian melancholy are written by authors not native to Hungary.
Hungary’s political environment under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán limited Hungarian authors’ chances to publish abroad.
The Petőfi Cultural Agency, a state literary program, faced criticism for poor management and favoritism.
Following Orbán’s political loss, cultural leaders in Hungary are pushing for reforms to support literature and translation.
New government initiatives aim to help literary translators and establish a literary trade union.
Hungarian cultural institutions are trying to recover from years of political influence and isolation.
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The Israeli military admitted that its troops fired on a car in Gaza in 2024, which resulted in the death of five-year-old Hind Rajab. The military announced a criminal investigation into this incident and is also probing the killing of 15 Palestinian medics and humanitarian workers in 2025.
Key Facts
A car carrying five-year-old Hind Rajab was fired on by Israeli troops in Gaza in 2024.
The Israeli military confirmed its responsibility for the shooting.
A criminal investigation has been ordered into Hind Rajab’s death.
The military reviewed four other major incidents in Gaza.
One of the other incidents under investigation is the 2025 killing of 15 Palestinian medics and humanitarian personnel.
These events caused international outrage and concern.
The investigations are part of Israel’s official military response to these incidents.
The area involved is the Gaza Strip, which has experienced ongoing conflict and violence.
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Hundreds of thousands of students across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are receiving their GCSE exam results, which show a slight overall improvement in grades. The gap between boys’ and girls’ performances is the smallest since 2016, and more pupils are achieving top grades compared to last year. Research also finds that mandatory GCSE resits in England negatively affect some teenagers’ mental health.
Key Facts
GCSE results for 16-year-olds in 2025 show a general rise in grades across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The gender gap in GCSE results is the smallest since 2016, with boys improving in subjects like maths and English.
In England, 23% of pupils achieved grade 7 or above, up slightly from 22.6% in 2024.
Northern Ireland had 31.4% of pupils earning grades A or A*, an increase of 1 percentage point from last year.
Wales saw a rise in top grades to 20.1% and a small increase in passes at grade C or higher.
A study by University College London found that compulsory GCSE resits in England harm teenagers’ mental wellbeing.
Students who fail and must resit tend to suffer from lower self-confidence and are more at risk of dropping out of education or work.
The GCSE cohort taking exams in 2026 experienced significant disruptions during early schooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Australia is upset because Israel decided not to open a criminal investigation into the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, including an Australian, who died in an airstrike in Gaza in 2024. Australia officially called in the Israeli ambassador to express its anger over this decision.
Key Facts
Seven World Central Kitchen staff members died in a 2024 airstrike in Gaza.
One of the victims was an Australian aid worker.
Israel chose not to start a criminal case regarding these deaths.
Australia strongly disagrees with Israel’s decision.
Australia summoned the Israeli ambassador to express its anger and concerns.
The case has received criticism from people around the world.
World Central Kitchen is an organization that provides food aid during crises.
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Russian missile attacks struck Kyiv and its surrounding areas overnight, killing at least nine people and injuring dozens. The strikes hit homes, warehouses, a medical facility, and an educational institution, while neighboring NATO countries responded with increased air defenses.
Key Facts
At least nine people died and 33 were wounded in missile strikes on Kyiv and nearby regions.
The attacks targeted residential areas, warehouses, a medical center, and a school.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko and Kyiv regional governor Tymur Tkachenko provided updates on the damage and casualties.
Russia claimed it hit drone production sites, a military depot, and a logistics hub.
Ukrainian forces warned of Russian "Kalibr" missiles approaching Kyiv.
NATO member countries Poland and Romania activated air defenses and scrambled fighter jets due to nearby missile activity.
A drone from Ukraine entered Romanian airspace and crashed in a non-populated area.
Moscow reported an attack by about 250 Ukrainian drones, most of which were destroyed before reaching the city.
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A historic steam tugboat called the Slovenian has appeared in the Sava River near Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia, due to very low water levels caused by drought and extreme heat across Europe. The low river levels have also affected other major European rivers, disrupting trade, power, and water supplies.
Key Facts
The Slovenian is a steam tugboat built in 1913 in Budapest, then part of the Austro-Hungarian empire.
The boat is about 54 meters (177 feet) long and was used to pull heavy cargo along the Danube River.
The Slovenian survived two World Wars before sinking in the river.
The wreck has become more visible recently because of Europe’s severe drought and heat waves causing record-low river levels.
Other historical items like warships, ancient bones, and old constructions have appeared in rivers like the Danube and Rhine.
Low river levels have seriously affected nuclear power plants in Hungary and Romania.
River traffic, especially on Europe’s second-largest waterway, the Danube, has come to a halt.
The drought has damaged crops and caused water shortages from the Netherlands to Bosnia and up to the Alps.
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