Russian attacks on port infrastructure in Odesa and Mykolaiv have resulted in at least three deaths and three injuries, continuing a five-day assault on the region. In retaliation, Ukraine launched drone strikes against 20 Russian vessels, hitting 17 oil tankers, two gas tankers, and one tugboat, while claiming to have targeted 116 Russian ships in a recent nine-day campaign. The ongoing escalation has prompted Russia to consider redirecting its exports amid claims from Ukrainian officials describing their strikes as necessary to disrupt Russian logistics and isolate Crimea.
The United States has reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and conducted a seven-hour attack on Iran, targeting "dozens of military targets" near the Strait of Hormuz and resulting in over 260 injuries and more than 30 civilian deaths. In retaliation, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched missile and drone attacks on US military assets in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, including strikes that injured four Kuwaiti personnel and downed four Iranian missiles over Jordanian airspace. Following the renewed hostilities, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister declared an agreement with the US invalid, asserting the threat to halt all energy exports from the Middle East.
Kenya's High Court has rejected a Rastafarian group's attempt to legalize cannabis for religious use, stating they did not demonstrate that drug laws violated their constitutional rights. Justice Bahati Mwamuye emphasized the need for a national dialogue on cannabis, noting that the issue transcends the Rastafarian community and affects all of society. Advocates for cannabis legalization argue that regulated cultivation and trade could create jobs, increase tax revenue, and support industrial and medicinal applications.
Since the pandemic, Indonesia has experienced steady annual growth of 5%, but has been negatively impacted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a significant increase in fuel subsidy costs, which are projected to exceed $22 billion. The national currency, the rupiah, has dropped 8% to around 18,000 to the dollar, while the Jakarta stock market has fallen by a third, marking the worst performance this year, with global funds selling a net $3.9 billion in stocks, the largest sell-off since before the 1997-98 Asian Financial Crisis. Indonesia's debt-to-GDP ratio stands at 40.75%, with a projected 25% of tax receipts in 2026 needed for interest payments, while concerns over President Prabowo Subianto's ambitious spending plans have led to negative outlooks from ratings agencies and risks of a downgrade to a frontier economy.
Thames Water has confirmed it has enough funding to last until the end of the year amidst efforts to avoid nationalisation, despite its net debt rising to £18.5 billion from £16.8 billion the previous year. For the year ending March 31, the company reported an underlying profit after tax of £204 million and achieved an 18% reduction in pollution incidents, though it only met 55% of performance targets set by Ofwat, improving from 38% the previous year. The company is engaged in recapitalisation discussions with creditors and regulators following objections to a £10 billion rescue plan, which has drawn political scrutiny and calls for greater public control, potentially leading to temporary nationalisation.
In Maryland, police arrested a man who allegedly stole a three-and-a-half-month-old tuxedo kitten named Magnolia before attempting to rob a PNC bank while using the kitten as an accessory. The suspect tricked the bank manager into holding Magnolia while he wrote a note demanding cash, leading to an unsuccessful robbery and his subsequent arrest, with no injuries reported. Magnolia was safely returned to a rescue shelter after the incident, where she was previously awaiting adoption.
Canadian scientists have successfully recreated in 3D digital form the shipwrecks of polar explorers Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott during a 21-day expedition that took place more than 1,000 feet (305 meters) below the surface of the Labrador Sea. The expedition utilized advanced underwater imaging technology from Voyis to produce detailed models of the wrecks, which included Shackleton's Endurance, lost in 1914, and Scott's Terra Nova, which sank in 1943 after its famous Antarctic expedition. The initiative aims to inspire future exploration and address the vast areas of the ocean that remain unmapped, highlighting the importance of understanding marine biology and oceanic environments.
The United States launched a seven-hour wave of attacks on military targets in Iran, specifically near the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian coastal areas, involving aircraft, drones, and naval vessels striking "dozens" of sites, while oil prices surged due to fears of global supply disruptions. In retaliation, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have inflicted heavy damage on US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, including shelters housing advanced fighter jets and drone assets, though no casualties were immediately reported. Simultaneously, President Trump indicated that attacks would persist until he deemed it sufficient, suggesting future targets could include infrastructure such as power plants and bridges, while the US resumed its naval blockade of Iranian ports with around 21 vessels deployed in the region.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is in Kyiv to announce new initiatives aimed at integrating defense industries, coinciding with Ukrainian military momentum highlighted by their recent drone attacks on 20 Russian vessels in the Black Sea. Russia retaliated by targeting Ukrainian ports in Odesa and Chornomorsk, amid the visit of Serbian president Aleksander Vucić, who traveled to Kyiv through Moldova and central Ukraine. In Brussels, EU ambassadors are discussing the details of the 21st sanctions package on Russia, which includes a proposed price cap on Russian oil, that was originally scheduled for adoption on Monday.
Keir Starmer is holding his last parliamentary events today, including a cabinet meeting and his final PMQs at noon. The government altered the parliamentary schedule to prevent a Tory vote on delaying the summer recess for a debate involving Andy Burnham, amidst accusations of “low skulduggery.” Starmer's departure has led to speculation about upcoming cabinet appointments, with Burnham’s announcements expected on Monday.
France's World Cup semifinal bid ended in disappointment with a 2-0 defeat to Spain, despite scoring 16 goals in their previous six matches. Kylian Mbappe and the team struggled to produce a shot on target until over 75 minutes into the game, hindered by Spain's dominant midfield trio. The loss marks a challenging end for manager Didier Deschamps, who will leave his position while France prepares for a third-place playoff against the Netherlands on Saturday.
Krishna Kumar’s experience with E20 petrol in New Delhi highlights the performance issues faced by millions of car owners in India as the government accelerates its ethanol blending policy, moving from 10% to 20% by 2025. His vehicle's mileage reportedly dropped from 18-20 km per litre to 16-17 km per litre, representing a decline of over 10%. Critics have raised concerns over the rush of this transition, emphasizing the need for greater awareness regarding the potential impacts on older vehicles, while government officials argue it will enhance energy security and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Spain's national team, coached by Luis de la Fuente, advanced to the World Cup final after a 2-0 victory over France, marking their chance to secure a second title 16 years after their first win in 2010. The Spanish team successfully neutralized a French attack that had scored 16 goals prior to the semifinal and did not register a shot on target until the 80-minute mark. Spain's unbeaten streak has now reached 37 matches, tying them with Italy, while de la Fuente emphasized the team's spirit, dedication, and talent in pursuing a common goal.
Rushanara Ali, a former democracy minister, criticized the government's elections bill as "timid and incremental," urging incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham to implement more substantial reforms concerning voting, cryptocurrency donations, and social media regulation. She highlighted the need for a national commission on voting reform to ensure a more representative system and called for a ban on crypto donations amid concerns over undisclosed gifts from crypto entrepreneurs to Reform UK. Ali and other Labour MPs plan to push for tougher regulations on disinformation in social media and harassment of candidates, emphasizing the urgency to combat growing threats to democracy.
Nadia Almukayed last saw her husband, Dr. Hassan Khalil Almukayed, in October 2024, when he was working at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, where he remained to care for patients despite the escalating conflict. Hassan is among at least 15 Palestinian doctors currently detained by Israel, including Hussam Abu Safia, who has been held without charge for over 18 months and reportedly faces severe abuse. Hassan has now been in detention for nearly 21 months, and during this time, he has been separated from his family, including his three children, while being held under Israel’s Unlawful Combatants Law, which allows for indefinite detention without trial.
On July 15, 2016, a faction of the Turkish military attempted to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, resulting in about 250 deaths and over 2,200 injuries during the conflict, which was rapidly quashed by loyalist forces and the civilian population. The failed coup acted as a turning point in Turkish history, fundamentally altering civil-military relations and accelerating the process of civilian oversight initiated by the ruling Justice and Development Party since 2002, with many military personnel being dismissed or arrested in the aftermath. As a result of the coup attempt, the military has implemented stronger internal oversight and reformed its structures, shifting its role away from politics, although experts remain uncertain about the potential for future coups.
A Tyrannosaurus rex fossil known as "Gus" was sold for a record $50.1 million at Sotheby's, making it the most expensive dinosaur skeleton ever auctioned, surpassing the previous record of nearly $45 million for a stegosaurus in 2024. The specimen, approximately 67 million years old, is about 61% complete, standing 12.5 feet tall and 38 feet long, and was discovered in 2021 on a ranch in South Dakota. Following the sale, advocates expressed hope that the anonymous buyer would donate Gus to a museum to preserve its scientific and educational value for future generations.
The Bayreuth Festival is set to celebrate its 150th anniversary starting July 25, but faces criticism for its handling of Richard Wagner's antisemitic legacy and connections to the Nazis, particularly surrounding the disinvitation and subsequent reinstatement of Jewish public intellectual Michel Friedman for a memorial speech. Critics, including Anno Mungen, have condemned the festival for staging Wagner's "Rienzi," Adolf Hitler's favorite opera, highlighting a troubling lack of historical awareness. Each year, around 60,000 visitors still attend the festival, enduring uncomfortable seating and high ticket prices to experience Wagner's operas at the uniquely designed Festspielhaus, which reflects the composer’s artistic vision despite its controversial associations.
In the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal, England will face Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, with kickoff scheduled for 3pm local time (19:00 GMT). England topped Group L with 7 points and has secured their semifinal spot after a series of close matches, including a comeback win against Norway in extra time, while Argentina topped Group J and fought through extra time to defeat Cape Verde and beat Egypt in a controversial last-16 match. This match marks Lionel Messi's first encounter with England after 21 years in international football, as he aims to lead Argentina to their third final in four World Cups, with himself scoring 8 goals in 6 matches during the tournament.
A 16-year-old Brisbane child, charged with stabbing a 17-year-old schoolmate multiple times, reportedly faced months of "racist" abuse and threats prior to the incident, which the court heard may have been motivated by a social media post. The police prosecutor detailed that the victim suffered serious injuries, including liver damage and internal bleeding, indicating the attack was life-threatening and possibly premeditated. The child's defense highlighted ongoing bullying and specific racial attacks from peers, prompting the magistrate to describe the abuse messages as "threatening and racist," ultimately granting bail to the child with conditions, with the case adjourned until 3 September.
Experts warn that England may be constructing new "death trap" buildings at risk of overheating, as a report reveals that only about 50% of local authority plans mandate cooling strategies for new developments. During the May and June heatwaves, approximately 2,700 heat-related deaths were reported in England and Wales, and 14% of the 120,000 newly converted homes in London lack windows that open, exacerbating the issue. The Royal Town Planning Institute highlights that while 99% of local plans incorporate green infrastructure, only 27% apply a recognized tool to ensure adequate green space, leaving many areas vulnerable to extreme heat, especially for low-income residents.
President Donald Trump is set to deliver a primetime address on July 15, 2026, at 9 p.m., during which he is expected to discuss elections and potentially revisit unfounded claims about his 2020 election defeat. Amid calls for stricter voting regulations ahead of the November midterms, Trump asserted that "without free and fair elections, you don't have a country," and hinted at significant announcements during the speech. His focus on election integrity follows past baseless claims of voter fraud, including citing incidents in California, where federal prosecutors are investigating claims related to the Los Angeles mayoral primary race.
Manager Thomas Tuchel is leading England in their quest for a first World Cup final in 60 years as they face Argentina, with England stars Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane each contributing six goals in the tournament. This semifinal marks Lionel Messi's first match against England at age 39, while Argentina's path to the semifinals has been challenging, as has England's against teams like Mexico and Norway. Tuchel expressed confidence in his team's readiness, acknowledging the historic significance of the fixture and the challenges posed by Argentina, who have seen Messi score eight goals in the tournament.
The Representation of the People Bill is under scrutiny as it attempts to curb the influence of mega-donors in UK politics, particularly in light of a £5 million donation made to Nigel Farage by cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne. The bill, which includes proposals like extending voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds, has been delayed by incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham, allowing for further adjustments to legislation on political financing. Harborne's previous donation to Reform UK, totaling £9 million in 2025, marked the largest single donation by a living donor to a British political party, highlighting concerns over the impact of substantial financial contributions on democracy.
Ebola is spreading rapidly in eastern Congo, with 80% of new cases coming from unknown sources, as the outbreak has led to 702 deaths out of 1,926 infected individuals since its declaration on May 15. The World Health Organization reports that many victims die in their communities without medical care, exacerbating the transmission risk. A funding gap, community mistrust, and ongoing conflict have hindered response efforts, while treatment capacity in the region is gradually increasing, with Bunia now hosting nearly 800 beds and 14 labs for Ebola testing.
The University of Melbourne (UoM) significantly altered its protest policies following pro-Palestine sit-ins on campus, with interim vice-chancellor Prof. Glyn Davis stating that further restrictions may be implemented. The university has now prohibited outside protests, banned camping onsite, and imposed disciplinary actions including suspension or expulsion for violations, stemming from incidents that included a sit-in in May and the occupation of Jewish professor Steven Prawer's office in October. Despite acknowledging misconduct during the protests, Davis stated that the actions were not deemed antisemitic, while the university is considering additional policy changes in response to the ongoing royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion.
Lewisham council, led by the Green party, aims to ban cooperation with the Home Office on immigration raids after discovering evidence that officials sought to use environmental health data to target restaurant workers. The proposed motion for a vote next week follows a 77% increase in the number of immigration raids and an 83% rise in arrests reported since the 2024 election, highlighting the government's intensified enforcement. This initiative is part of the Greens' broader plan to establish a "green crescent" of sanctuary boroughs across London, ensuring safety for all migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees.
Labour's work and pensions secretary, Pat McFadden, emphasized the need to move beyond merely providing financial support to health and disability benefit claimants, advocating for increased job support and welfare reform to help individuals transition into work. He highlighted that nearly 4 million people in England and Wales are currently claiming the personal independence payment (PIP), which, according to an interim report, is "not working" and requires significant changes. McFadden's remarks come as the government anticipates recommendations from key reviews addressing youth worklessness and disability benefits, amid rising pressures on public finances with 100,000 individuals currently receiving the highest level of health-related benefits under the Pathways to Work scheme.
Heating oil customers affected by cancelled orders due to a price surge from the Middle East crisis will receive compensation of up to £350, impacting approximately 1,700 customers. The price of heating oil peaked at 123p per litre, with some consumers paying between £150 and £350 more than their original orders due to cancellations. The Competition and Markets Authority is advocating for stronger safeguards and a new regulatory regime for heating oil suppliers to better protect consumers.
Authorities in Japan are searching for a bear suspected of being behind 14 break-ins in the town of Shizukuishi over a two-week span, including a recent incident where it raided an elderly couple's fridge. Traps, electric fences, and patrols have been set up to deter the bear, which has also been recorded breaking into buildings on a nearby farm multiple times. Experts indicate that rising bear encounters may stem from declining rural populations, causing bears to become less fearful of humans.