Sophia Laforteza, vocalist of the girl group Katseye, has announced her temporary departure from the group due to mental health concerns, following a similar decision by fellow member Manon Bannerman six months prior. Katseye, which formed in 2023 with six members and was nominated for two Grammy Awards, will continue its activities with four members and reassess Laforteza's condition in September. The label, HYBE x Geffen Records, emphasized the importance of the artists' health and well-being amid reports of multiple online death threats received by the group.
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun expressed optimism about recent Lebanon-Israel talks in Rome, highlighting discussions on ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and borders, while noting "positive progress" on these issues. Despite this, Israel's military continued its bombardments, resulting in at least eight injuries from air raids on Tyre and a soldier being wounded near al-Mansouri. Displaced families in Lebanon remain frustrated with Israel's non-compliance with a June 26 framework agreement as Israeli forces conducted multiple attacks throughout the region.
Texas police officer Chad Eberle, 35, was arrested in Mexico for allegedly killing three individuals and critically injuring his child's mother during a custody dispute in July. The victims included two women, Ana Laura (44) and Laura Jaquelín (22), and a man named Emanuel (44), while the mother, aged 26, was shot in the head and remains in critical condition. Eberle attempted to flee to Texas with his three-year-old son, who was unharmed and later placed under the care of child welfare authorities, before being intercepted at the border.
The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has exceeded 4,000, with 1,850 deaths reported in a rapidly spreading outbreak characterized as the fastest on record; 87% of cases are concentrated in Ituri province. The World Health Organization has recommended full-scale human trials for the Ervebo vaccine, which has shown promise in animal studies for providing cross-protection against the Bundibugyo strain, while acknowledging that a targeted vaccine for this strain is preferable. There are two potential Bundibugyo vaccines in early clinical stages, and the Gavi vaccine alliance has a stockpile of 500,000 Ervebo doses available for these trials.
A rare eastern imperial eagle named Feliks, critically endangered, was rescued from animal traffickers in Syria after being held captive for months and was released back into the wild in Serbia following a recovery period at a zoo. The eagle, part of a conservation effort that has increased the Serbian population from one pair in 2017 to 29 pairs this year, was initially tracked as he headed towards a dangerous region but was abducted by poachers who demanded a ransom, which was refused by conservationists. After negotiations led to his release, Feliks was transported back to Serbia by peacekeepers and successfully reintegrated into the wild after a month of rehabilitation.
Libya has been divided since 2014, marked by two rival governments, two prime ministers, and two seats of government, amidst ongoing conflict and failed international diplomatic initiatives. A new US plan aims to unify the factions under a power-sharing agreement, with support from Turkiye, but questions remain about the potential for common ground or the risk of renewed fighting. The situation continues to evolve as international efforts seek to address deep-seated political divisions in the country.
The U.S. Appeals Court for the District of Columbia has upheld a 2-1 ruling preventing the construction of President Trump's proposed White House ballroom without congressional approval, citing potential harm to historic interests. Judges Patricia Millett and Bradley Garcia argued that the president lacks constitutional authority over the White House, which is intended for use by all presidents and the American people. The ruling includes a 14-day stay for the Trump administration to appeal to the Supreme Court, during which Trump expressed intentions to challenge the decision, claiming national security concerns related to the ballroom’s necessity.
A year after a shooting at the CDC in which 33-year-old DeKalb County police officer David Rose was killed, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attended a memorial ceremony to honor him. The gunman, Patrick Joseph White, shot hundreds of rounds outside the CDC campus before taking his own life, leaving behind writings expressing his discontent with the COVID-19 vaccine. Despite the memorial, many current and former CDC employees expressed mixed emotions about Kennedy's visit, feeling overshadowed and reminded of a difficult year marked by high staff turnover and funding cuts under his leadership.
The Senate race in Maine between incumbent Republican Susan Collins and Democrat Troy Jackson is highly competitive and may hinge on the support of women voters, who comprise the majority of the electorate. With women voters making up a significant portion of the electorate and independents almost one-third, both candidates are focused on addressing issues that resonate with this demographic. The race is particularly contentious as Collins, who voted to confirm Brett Kavanaugh, faces scrutiny following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, while Jackson is trying to appeal to women by discussing a broader range of women's issues beyond just childcare and abortion.
BBC questioned FIFA president Gianni Infantino regarding his support from Conmebol amidst calls for his resignation following his failed attempt to sell private stakes in the World Cup. Infantino did not respond to the inquiries during his visit to Colombia for the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella. His controversial actions have led to significant scrutiny of his leadership within the football community.
Dairy Farmers of Canada are urging the federal government to refrain from making further concessions on dairy or supply management in upcoming U.S. trade negotiations, particularly before Donald Trump's August 19 tariff deadline. In related news, the Canadian government is selling 10 C-130A Hercules planes for conversion into aerial firefighting aircraft, which is expected to create aerospace jobs in British Columbia. In July, Canada experienced a notable "summer surge" by adding 75,000 jobs, although economic uncertainty persists.
Iceland's upcoming referendum, set for the end of August, will decide whether to reopen EU accession talks that were suspended over a decade ago, with a population of around 400,000 debating the implications for freedom, independence, and security. The 'Yes' campaign, led by Snaeros Sindradottir, argues that joining the EU could enhance security and lower high mortgage rates, which currently range from 8% to 9%, while the 'No' campaign, represented by Haraldur Olafsson, warns that EU membership could undermine Iceland's democracy and sovereignty. As Iceland is already part of the European Economic Area and the Schengen zone, many discussions revolve around the balance of maintaining local control versus the benefits of deeper integration with Europe.
Migrants are using underground tunnels to attempt entry into Lithuania from Belarus, with border guards discovering 12 tunnels this year that can reach lengths of up to 25 meters. Lithuanian officials believe these tunnels are supported by the Belarusian authorities, as they require significant resources to construct and maintain, and have arrested up to 40 migrants attempting to escape through them. The situation is perceived as a hybrid attack by Belarus to create political instability and disrupt European unity, particularly amid ongoing tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
President Trump is renewing efforts to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over unproven allegations of mortgage fraud, following the Supreme Court's earlier block of his attempt to remove her. Deputy White House Chief of Staff Daniel Scavino sent a letter demanding Cook respond to claims of false statements on mortgage applications, which stem from Trump ally William Pulte, while Cook's legal team asserts the allegations are baseless and challenge the rationale for her removal. The Supreme Court ruled 5 to 4 that presidents can only remove Fed governors for cause, and lower courts will determine if the allegations against Cook meet that standard.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made his first official visit to Serbia on July 15, 2026, amidst Serbia's strong pro-Russian sentiments and preparations for parliamentary elections where President Aleksandar Vucic is facing challenges from a student-led protest movement. The visit aims to balance relations with the EU while potentially securing Serbian-made artillery shells worth €1 billion ($1.15 billion) delivered to Ukraine, despite Serbia's opposition to anti-Russian sanctions. Discussions are also underway for a joint drone factory using Ukrainian expertise, highlighting Ukraine's strategy to expand partnerships with countries not imposing sanctions on Russia.
A wildfire in Calaveras County, California, known as the Gann fire, has burned more than 15 square miles and resulted in at least one confirmed fatality, identified as dog breeder Susan Solari. Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, has been arrested for allegedly sparking the fire while using a chainsaw without clearing flammable vegetation; he previously faced fire-related charges in 2018. As of Friday morning, the blaze had scorched over 10,000 acres and was approximately 40% contained, while other major fires in Washington state have destroyed at least 800 buildings, though no fatalities have been reported there.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has released 15 prisoners to the Congo River Alliance/March 23 movement (AFC/M23) as part of a Qatar-mediated peace deal aimed at ending regional conflict. The handover took place over two days, following months of discussions to finalize the list of detainees, and involved a convoy that traveled through Uganda to Rutshuru Territory in North Kivu province. Qatar expressed hope that this release would bolster confidence between the parties and lead to further progress toward peaceful solutions.
Thetford residents are unsettled following three nights of protests and violence related to the placement of asylum seekers in the area, which included crowds of up to 200 people attempting to break into properties and inciting disorder. Six arrests have been made, and police reported instances of violence against officers, including a male officer being hit by a brick and a female officer being seriously bitten. Local MP Terry Jermy criticized the Home Office for its lack of community engagement, highlighting concerns about safety, misinformation, and the potential for rising anti-immigration tensions similar to past unrest in other areas.
Russia's recent attacks on Ukraine have resulted in at least six fatalities, with two people killed and six wounded in the Dnipropetrovsk region on Friday, and five additional deaths reported from the same area on Thursday. In total, Ukrainian authorities indicated that Russia shelled the Donetsk region at least 44 times and targeted 21 settlements, causing at least 18 injuries and two fatalities from cluster munitions in Kharkiv. Concurrently, Ukraine has intensified its strikes on Russian economic assets, targeting at least 20 sites of the Wildberries logistics company since mid-July, which has reportedly led to 13 deaths, while also aiming to disrupt Russia’s oil and gas production infrastructure ahead of winter.
Donald Trump is renewing efforts to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook over allegations of mortgage fraud, despite a recent 5-4 Supreme Court ruling that upheld the Fed's independence and stated that Trump had not afforded Cook the necessary procedural protections. Cook, appointed by Joe Biden for a 14-year term ending in 2038, received a letter from the White House asking for her written response to the allegations within three weeks, which she and her legal team have labeled as baseless and based on "inadvertent" paperwork errors. Trump previously fired Cook last August, coinciding with his frustrations over the Fed's monetary policies, and now Cook is prepared to challenge this new attempt to remove her.
Wildfires have devastated northwest Spokane, prompting residents to return and sift through the ruins. A suspect has been charged with five counts of first-degree arson for allegedly setting one of the most destructive fires in Washington state, claiming to have ignited 25 fires over the past year. The catastrophic events are described as apocalyptic, highlighting the severe impact of climate-related disasters in the region.
Yolanda Olejniczak Marodi, 54, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for stabbing her wife, 49-year-old fire captain Rebecca Marodi, in February 2025, following a fight about ending their marriage. This was not Olejniczak Marodi’s first offense; she served a decade in prison from 2004 to 2013 for the voluntary manslaughter of her previous husband, Jim Olejniczak, whom she also stabbed. She faces a sentence of 36 years to life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for September 2.
A federal judge has approved the Trump administration's effort to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 232 South Sudanese nationals, following a Supreme Court ruling that allowed the government to strip protections from hundreds of thousands of Haitians and approximately 6,100 Syrians. The designation for South Sudan was initially issued in 2011 due to the country's ongoing civil war and political instability, which has led to the death of over 400,000 people and the displacement of millions. TPS holders have contributed significantly to the US economy, paying about $7.8 billion annually in taxes and totaling $262 billion since 2001, yet the Department of Homeland Security claims South Sudan no longer meets the conditions for TPS.
A federal appeals court has ordered the Trump administration to halt construction on a planned White House ballroom, emphasizing that the project requires congressional approval, as stated in a 136-page ruling. The ballroom is designed to be approximately 90,000 square feet and seat 1,000 guests, with original cost estimates ranging from $200 million to potentially over $600 million, according to recent contractor invoices. President Trump has criticized the ruling, arguing that the ballroom is a matter of national security, while the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which filed the lawsuit, welcomed the decision as a victory for public input on historic sites.
A book titled "Antiquities of Athens," borrowed from a Kiama library in the mid-1870s, has been returned after 150 years, linked to the family of Ross Simmons, whose great-grandfather, John Simmons, likely borrowed it during his apprenticeship in Westminster. The overdue fine for the book, calculated at £97 due to inflation, would amount to approximately AU$28,000 ($20,000; £15,000), but the Kiama library has waived it. The book, which has been incorporated into the library's special collection, has drawn significant public interest, with people traveling to view it, and is no longer available for borrowing to prevent another prolonged absence.
Millions of individuals in England may experience extended wait times for mental health care, as 68% of NHS providers plan to reduce or eliminate services due to financial pressures, with over half expecting job losses. A national survey indicated that 59% of respondents foresee freezing vacancies and 57% anticipate cutting clinical staff, while specific organizations like the East London Foundation Trust aim to address a £25 million financial deficit through extensive service cuts. Despite advancements announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham for nearly 200 community mental health centers by 2029, mental health charities warn that reduced funding will hinder meaningful improvements in care.
Tennessee's primary elections on August 6, 2026, tested the state's newly redrawn congressional district map, aimed at securing Republican advantages ahead of the midterms. Notably, Marsha Blackburn won the Republican nomination for governor and Charlie Hatcher unseated Trump-backed incumbent Andy Ogles in the District 5 primary, which marks a significant upset. Republicans currently hold eight of Tennessee's nine congressional seats and are targeting a complete sweep in the upcoming November elections.
French authorities have intercepted small boats at sea on 10 occasions since spring 2023, refuting claims from Conservatives and Reform that they are not intervening in small boat crossings. Small boat crossings from January to mid-July 2023 decreased by 43%, from 21,690 last year to 12,469 this year, attributed partly to increased funding of £660 million to French authorities to disrupt people smuggling. Concerns remain about the shift to larger "mega-dinghies," with more than 170 migrants rescued recently after a boat caught fire while attempting to cross the Channel.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have signed a joint defence agreement in Mecca, stipulating that an attack on one nation will be viewed as an attack on all three, enhancing their mutual security among the world's prominent Muslim nations. The pact, which comes in response to heightened tensions following the US and Israel's attacks on Iran and subsequent aggressions against Saudi Arabia and Gulf states, does not specify the obligations of each party and has received criticism from Iranian officials. This agreement is intended to strengthen collective deterrence and enhance defence cooperation, with each nation aiming to leverage the arrangement according to their unique geopolitical circumstances, particularly Saudi Arabia's concerns over regional security and Pakistan's need for economic and military support amidst tensions with India.
The US Senate passed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia Act with an 86-11 vote, aimed at imposing sanctions on Russia and countries purchasing its petroleum due to the invasion of Ukraine. The bill includes tariffs of up to 500% on Russian exports and grants Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the top five importers of Russian oil and gas. Following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, who was instrumental in advancing this legislation, the bill is set to be considered by the House after its recess at the end of August.