The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has killed over 2,000 people from more than 4,300 recorded cases, making it the fastest-moving outbreak on record, and it is on track to potentially surpass the deadliest outbreak in West Africa from 2014 to 2016, which killed over 11,000. The outbreak, driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain, was declared on May 15 but had actually begun circulating in February, with containment efforts hindered by geographic remoteness, conflict, misinformation, and healthcare worker strikes. WHO officials project that the outbreak could peak in six months, with a more severe scenario lasting nine to twelve months if access to affected communities does not improve.
Broadcasters will be barred from hosting the Eurovision song contest if their state is involved in an "armed conflict" or has a "sensitive geopolitical situation," ensuring a safe environment for participants, with the next contest set for Bulgaria in 2027. The minimum age for artists has increased from 16 to 18, and viewership for the 2026 final was 130 million, down from 160 million in 2025. Additionally, Canada will join Eurovision as the first new participant since Australia in 2015, reflecting the contest's expansion beyond geographic Europe.
The Trump administration has withdrawn support for the Arctic Report Card, which has monitored environmental changes in the Arctic since 2006, a region warming four times faster than the global average. The 2025 report highlighted record-high surface temperatures since 1900 and the lowest annual maximum extent of Arctic winter sea ice in 47 years, while noting that over 200 Arctic Alaska watersheds have seen changes that have affected water quality and aquatic habitats. The withdrawal of support signifies a setback for U.S. leadership in climate science and raises concerns about future efforts to report on critical changes in this vital region.
Kyaw Zwar Minn, Myanmar's ousted ambassador to the UK, is on trial for trespassing charges after refusing to leave a diplomatic residence he still occupies in north-west London, following his lockout from the embassy in 2021. He has pleaded not guilty, arguing that the current military-led government under Min Aung Hlaing is illegitimate and therefore lacked the authority to demand his departure. As conflict continues in Myanmar with over 100,000 people killed and over 5 million displaced, the trial highlights the ongoing struggle between the military regime and supporters of deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is currently imprisoned on multiple charges.
Greenland authorities have compelled a U.S. oil company linked to Donald Trump to delay its drilling plans, with the potential for drilling now pushed back to winter 2027, contrary to earlier claims that extraction could begin by next year. The company's plans to invest $60 million in drilling and the possible extraction of oil worth $1 trillion have been met with resistance over environmental concerns, particularly regarding a protected wetland. Following the announcement of the drilling delay, shares in Greenland Energy fell by more than a third, highlighting the market's reaction to the regulatory challenges the company faces.
Documents from law enforcement reveal that the government is actively monitoring anti-Flock discussions on TikTok and Instagram, with notices warning police about "extensive and ongoing chatter" regarding plans to "physically destroy Flock LPR cameras." This follows a trend of heightened scrutiny of social media conversations related to surveillance technologies. The increased activity is indicative of public dissent against LPR systems, which are facing backlash for privacy concerns.
A Washington DC superior court judge has ordered the Kennedy Center to pay musician Chuck Redd $252,479.70 in legal fees after he canceled a Christmas Eve concert in response to the center's renaming by the Trump administration. The judge dismissed the Kennedy Center's lawsuit against Redd, ruling it violated the district's anti-SLAPP statute, which protects free speech. Following Redd's cancellation, the Kennedy Center's president threatened a $1 million lawsuit, but a federal judge later ruled that the board lacked the authority to rename the institution, leading to additional legal complications regarding ongoing renovations planned for the venue.
The ethnic conflict in North Macedonia that ended in 2001 has left a lasting impact, with a quarter of the population identifying as ethnic Albanians in a total of 1.8 million residents. The conflict resulted in the deaths of 72 soldiers and police officers, and estimates of ethnic Albanian insurgent casualties range from around 100 to several hundred, with over 170,000 people displaced. The Ohrid Framework Agreement, which aimed to ensure ethnic diversity and power-sharing, is at risk as political tensions rise, particularly after the conservative VMRO-DPMNE party returned to power, leading to accusations of deteriorating ethnic relations and inequitable representation.
North Macedonia is still facing challenges following the 2001 conflict, with ethnic Macedonians and Albanians living in relative peace but lacking genuine reconciliation 25 years after the Ohrid Framework Agreement, which ended the fighting that claimed the lives of 72 soldiers and police officers and displaced over 170,000 people. The latest census shows that Albanians make up over 25% of the population of 1.8 million, and political tensions have arisen with the conservative VMRO-DPMNE party's return to power, leading to claims from ethnic Albanian leaders like Ali Ahmeti that relations have deteriorated. Analysts stress that the ongoing political order must preserve the gains from the Ohrid Agreement, which was designed to ensure minority voices in decision-making, as disputes over equality and representation persist.
Perez Hilton's mother is seeking temporary custody of his three children, following his hospitalization due to a mental health crisis last week, where he was Baker-Acted after a disturbing live stream incident. The 48-year-old celebrity blogger, known for his influential gossip blog, remains in serious condition and requires surgery for his injuries sustained during the crisis. His children, all under the age of 14 and born via surrogacy, were reportedly in the home just minutes before the live stream began, prompting family concerns for their safety and desire to help them heal from the traumatic experience.
The Trump administration defended nearly $1 billion in construction and expansion projects at the White House, citing security reasons and stating that $400 million for a new ballroom would be funded by "President Trump and generous American patriots." Of the total funding, approximately $875 million has been allocated from the White House Repair and Restoration account, with $500 million sourced from the Secret Service and White House Military Office, while $305 million came from private donations. The project has faced scrutiny regarding potential conflicts of interest, especially after a federal judge ordered a halt to the ballroom work due to a lack of Congressional approval, amidst concerns that corporate donors had received over $50 billion in government contracts within the preceding six months.
About 100 family, friends, and colleagues attended the funeral service for former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe at Buckfast Abbey, where a 90-minute requiem mass was held. Widdecombe, who was 78, was tragically murdered in her home on July 8, having been struck 21 times on the head with a hammer, leading to the arrest of 28-year-old Joshua Kerry for her murder. Attendees included notable politicians like shadow chancellor Mel Stride, while donations in her memory will support the Leprosy Mission and projects in India.
US prices rose 3.4% year-over-year as of July, slightly lower than June's 3.5%, with energy prices experiencing volatility due to ongoing Middle East conflicts. Gasoline prices fell 2.9% in July compared to June but increased 24.6% over the year, while inflation edged up 0.1% month-to-month, primarily driven by rising housing costs. The Fed's new chair, Kevin Warsh, emphasized a patient approach to managing inflation, which has been above the target of 2%, amidst stable financial market reactions and softer labor market expectations for rate increases.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has severely impacted Iraq's economy, causing significant delays in salary payments for thousands of government employees, with reports indicating that salaries have been delayed by more than 10 days this month. Iraq relies on oil exports for 85% to 90% of its national budget, and due to the blockade, exports have decreased by around 83% in March compared to last year, resulting in a monthly income of only $2 billion to $2.3 billion, far less than the $6.5 billion to $8.2 billion needed for salaries and welfare. Despite the crisis, the government claims it has $83 billion in reserves, allowing salary payments for the next 10 to 11 months; however, experts predict that maritime traffic through the Strait may not return to normal until at least 2028.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has severely impacted Iraq's ability to export oil, resulting in delays in salary payments for many public sector workers, including teachers and doctors, with some experiencing delays of more than 10 days. Iraq relies on oil exports for 85% to 90% of its national budget, and recent reductions in oil exports, down 83% in March and 97% by May, have resulted in a monthly income of only $2 billion to $2.3 billion, far below the $6.5 billion to $8.2 billion needed for salaries and social welfare. While the Iraqi government claims to have $83 billion in reserves to continue salary payments for the next 10-11 months, analysts predict that the situation will not improve significantly until at least 2028.
A pet goose named Goosey helped save a Texas family by alerting them to a barn fire on August 4, where flames were billowing and several animals, including chickens and turkeys, were inside. Goosey ran out of the barn and squawked loudly, waking Bert Gerber, who extinguished the fire just in time, as he stated that a few more minutes of sleep could have led to a much worse outcome. The family adopted Goosey on Mother's Day earlier this year, and after reviewing security footage, they expressed their gratitude for their feathered companion’s timely alert.
An unexpected hearing for Luigi Mangione has been scheduled, raising speculation about a possible plea deal in his federal stalking case, which could affect his upcoming murder trial set for September 8. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges related to the killing of Brian Thompson in December 2024, and his defense team had previously expressed intentions for a psychiatric defense before reversing that decision. As rumors of a guilty plea circulate, state prosecutors expressed concerns that such a resolution would undermine the outcome of the state prosecution.
Two members of President Trump's cabinet, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, were unknowingly on a decoy plane during Trump's flight from Turkey on July 8, 2026, as a security precaution due to unspecified threats. Trump secretly exited Air Force One and concealed himself on a catering truck to board a military plane, while Rubio and Bessent remained on the original aircraft to maintain the line of succession, which typically follows Vice President JD Vance and the Speaker of the House. The operation highlights ongoing tactics used by the Secret Service, such as deploying decoys during high-risk trips, and echoes previous similar events, including President Bill Clinton’s use of a decoy aircraft in March 2000.
In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump criticized the decreasing influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups in the U.S. Congress, indicating that their power has waned significantly over the past 20-25 years. He noted a survey revealing a drop in support for Israel, particularly among Democrats and younger Republicans, and made derogatory comments about Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, suggesting he has become "virtually a Palestinian." Trump's remarks highlight a growing polarization regarding support for Israel within American politics, a shift that has drawn condemnation from various Jewish and Muslim organizations.
Israeli settlers have besieged two Palestinian families, the Abu Ridi and Hassan families, in Qusra, West Bank, cutting off their food, water, and power supplies while rights groups call for intervention. Security forces reportedly withdrew after clashes with about a dozen settlers, but earlier, footage showed soldiers praying with settlers who blocked access to the families' homes, isolating a total of seven people, including two young girls. The situation remains critical, with the Palestinian families appealing for help on social media as Israeli officials condemned the settlers' actions, stating that the establishment of the outpost is illegal.
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to be sold for a record-breaking $12.5 billion (£9.3 billion) to Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger, following Mark Walter's majority stake acquisition of $10 billion (£7.45 billion) last year. The franchise, which has won 17 NBA titles, was originally purchased by Jerry Buss in 1979 for $67.5 million (£50 million) and has since been passed on to his family and then to Walter before this new deal. Luka Doncic, the team's current star, expressed his excitement about the takeover and the potential for future success.
More than 200 gold-colored Mozart figures from a public art installation in Salzburg have been stolen, prompting the exhibition's early end; specifically, 210 out of 320 figures displayed in the Mirabell Garden were taken. The theft represents a loss of approximately €20,000, with artist Ottmar Hörl suggesting it was likely organized theft rather than casual pilfering by tourists. Only several dozen figures will remain on display at the Mozarteum and Mozart's birthplace until the end of August, as replacements cannot be quickly obtained due to the manufacturer's summer holiday.
In anticipation of the near-total solar eclipse on Wednesday, tens of millions across western Europe are racing to secure eclipse glasses, sparking a chaotic atmosphere in shops, particularly in London. Prices for these glasses, which were initially around £5, have skyrocketed, with some corner shops selling them for £10, while individuals outside tube stations offered them for as much as £20. Ali Raza from AM2PM convenience store reported selling 6,000 pairs in one day after a restock, while the Royal Greenwich Observatory had sold over 15,000 pairs in the month leading up to the event, marking a significant demand for eye protection against potential solar eclipse-related eye injuries.
Tennessee is scheduled to execute Darrell Hines on Thursday despite concerns following a botched execution of another inmate, Tony Carruthers, in May, where an IV team struggled for over an hour to establish a line, resulting in a pause from the warden and a reprieve granted by the governor. Hines, convicted in the 1985 murder of a motel maid and mother of four, has maintained his innocence and his lawyers argue he could face a similar fate due to his significant health issues, including muscular atrophy and difficulty establishing an IV line. Additionally, Tennessee's execution procedures are criticized for lacking transparency, with the state law keeping the identities of execution officials secret and contributing to fears of prolonged and painful executions.
Germany's cabinet has approved a draft bill to reform its intelligence services, the Bundesverfassungsschutz (BfV) and the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), which would grant them significantly expanded powers for the first time since World War II, with implementation expected in early 2027. The reforms include capabilities to counter cyberattacks, conduct sabotage abroad, manipulate data, and analyze vast amounts of data using AI, while raising concerns about potential violations of privacy and constitutional rights due to increased surveillance capabilities. The draft, which spans over 700 pages, is seen as likely to pass parliamentary approval given the governing parties' majority, although civil rights groups argue it poses serious threats to civil liberties.
The German cabinet has approved a draft bill aiming to reform the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the Federal Intelligence Service, granting them expanded powers to combat modern threats including cyberattacks and espionage, with the new era expected to begin in early 2027. The draft, considered the largest intelligence reform since World War II, allows for actions such as neutralizing enemy IT systems and conducting sabotage abroad. While proponents argue it will enhance national security, critics, including the Society for Civil Rights, raise concerns about potential constitutional violations and the lack of defined limits on surveillance powers affecting innocent citizens.
The Patriot Games event in Ohio was intended to celebrate American values through a national athletic competition featuring 120 young participants from various states and territories, aged 14 to 17, competing for a total of $250,000 in college scholarships. However, the activities were criticized for resembling a children's school sports day rather than demonstrating true athletic excellence, with events like catching a tennis ball and tug-of-war. The competition is part of Donald Trump's initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, but it faced skepticism regarding its relevance and effectiveness in promoting patriotism amid other costly events and his controversial leadership.
Mike Lindell trailed Lisa Demuth in the Minnesota Republican gubernatorial primary by over 45,000 votes, receiving 32.5% of the ballots compared to Demuth's 43.4%, yet he refused to concede, questioning the Associated Press's declaration of the race's outcome. Demuth's victory marks her as the first woman to win a Minnesota Republican gubernatorial nomination, as she prepares to face Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar in the November general election. Lindell's loss reflects a series of defeats for Trump-endorsed candidates, and he faces scrutiny over his own voting eligibility during the campaign.
Eritrea, under the long-standing autocratic rule of Isaias Afewerki, has gained strategic importance due to its control of key ports along the Red Sea and a coastline that stretches over 1,000 kilometers, bordering Yemen, which faces severe humanitarian crises. The country has not held elections in its 32-year history and is often ranked just behind North Korea in terms of freedom, but it remains a relative oasis of stability in a turbulent region, attracting the interest of regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Egypt. However, concerns linger about the potential security risks posed by Afewerki's aging leadership and the absence of a clear successor.
Colombia has declared three days of national mourning following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that killed over 200 people, injured 2,595, and left 195 officially missing, with civilian sources estimating nearly 4,000 unaccounted for. The quake, the strongest in a century, caused widespread destruction particularly in cities like Cali and Pereira, with emergency crews racing against time to find survivors as over 100 aftershocks were recorded. President Abelardo de la Espriella, in his first major crisis just days after taking office, has declared a state of emergency, and international aid has begun arriving, including $15.5 million from the U.S. and $2.3 million from the EU.