President Donald Trump has retracted his earlier claim of a 20 percent transit fee for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, opting instead to promote "Trade and Investment Deals" with Gulf States following discussions with Middle Eastern leadership. The fee, initially proposed as a means to cover costs of security in the volatile region, lacked specifics on implementation and was viewed as contradictory to earlier US positions against Iran charging transit fees. The situation remains tense, with ongoing military actions reported in Iran, the Gulf region, and tensions affecting the maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
Chipotle Mexican Grill is set to open its first outlet in Mexico on Thursday in Monterrey, despite facing skepticism and anger from locals who question the need for a US chain selling Mexican food to Mexicans. Many social media users have criticized the entrance, recalling that similar US fast-food chains like Taco Bell have failed in Mexico, with Taco Bell exiting the market in 2010 after struggling since its first restaurant opened in 2007. Chipotle aims to establish a foothold in Mexico by partnering with local operator Alsea and plans to expand further in the region, with a focus on respecting local culinary traditions.
Death threats have become a daily reality for many MPs, with Jess Phillips reporting over 600 rape threats in one night and Nigel Farage receiving more than 300 threats a month, highlighting a toxic climate of abuse in politics. In the past decade, two MPs have been assassinated, and reports to the Metropolitan police’s parliamentary liaison team jumped to 4,064 from 2019 to 2025, with 50 death threats documented in 2025 alone, an increase from 31 the previous year. The alarming prevalence of threats, especially against female MPs and those from minority backgrounds, is feared to deter potential candidates from entering politics, prompting calls for enhanced security measures.
A mural of England football stars Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers, depicted enjoying orange chips, has become a viral sensation in Quinton, Birmingham, leading Classic Fryer's owner to open two hours early and hire two extra staff to accommodate the influx of visitors. The local artist, Dion Kitson, who has 27,700 Instagram followers, stated that this has generated the biggest response he's ever received, with the mural being celebrated by community members, including pensioners and children with Down’s syndrome. Community pride has surged around Bellingham, who grew up in Stourbridge, as local businesses seek to capitalize on the recognition, with residents feeling a strong connection to their local heroes and expressing desire for greater acknowledgment of their contributions.
Top House Democrats, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have pledged to oppose Republican Rep. Thomas Massie's proposed amendment to cut $3.3 billion in military aid to Israel, labeling it "overly broad." The amendment arises amid a shift in voter sentiment against U.S. support for Israel, which has led to Democratic incumbents being unseated in recent primary elections in states like New York and Colorado. As tensions rise over the Netanyahu administration's actions, Jeffries advocates for a major reset in U.S.-Israel relations that acknowledges human rights while supporting the creation of a Palestinian state.
The UK government is urging citizens to take "small but important steps" to prepare for potential national crises, including severe weather emergencies and cyber-attacks, highlighting the risks posed by climate change and geopolitical tensions. The national risk register has been updated with seven new crises, including threats to water and data infrastructure, while the National Preparedness Commission's research indicates the UK lags in stockpiling critical supplies compared to European counterparts. Additionally, a national public awareness campaign and the largest home defense exercise in UK history are planned for the coming years to bolster preparedness against the rising threat landscape.
E. Jean Carroll has received a total of $5.625 million in damages from President Trump, three years after a jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation. The federal jury awarded Carroll $5 million in 2023, and the final payment includes three years' worth of interest. Additionally, Carroll is pursuing an $83 million award in a separate defamation lawsuit against Trump, which has been upheld by federal courts despite his ongoing appeals.
Tom Cruise is set to make a special appearance at the World Cup closing ceremony, alongside performers such as Robbie Williams, Jennifer Hudson, and IShowSpeed, as part of an event that will celebrate the journey of 48 teams across 16 host cities. The ceremony will take place 90 minutes before the final match on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, with additional performances including Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and a half-time show featuring Shakira, Madonna, and BTS. The event is produced by Balich Wonder Studio and aims to deliver a historic show for fans, starting at 1:30 PM ET, just ahead of the 3 PM ET kick-off.
Chesley Sullenberger, the 75-year-old pilot renowned for the "Miracle on the Hudson" landing in 2009, announced that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He shared that about 7.4 million people aged 65 or older are currently living with clinical Alzheimer’s dementia, with approximately three-quarters aged 75 and older, emphasizing his desire to encourage others affected by the disease to speak up. Sullenberger, who successfully landed US Airways flight 1549 with 150 passengers and five crew members after losing engine thrust, hopes to inspire courage in battling Alzheimer's, just as he did during the emergency landing.
A joint US-Russian space mission launched from Kazakhstan, with the Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft carrying Russian astronauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina along with NASA's Anil Menon, aiming to stay at the International Space Station (ISS) for eight months. The launch marks a significant collaboration despite ongoing tensions from the Ukraine conflict and is notable for the first visit to Baikonur by a NASA chief in eight years. The crew will join eight other astronauts at the ISS, continuing a tradition of cooperation in space even as Russia seeks closer ties with China amidst Western sanctions.
Dua Lipa praised the ongoing protests in Albania against a €1.6 billion resort backed by Jared Kushner, describing the demonstrations as "inspiring" and highlighting concerns over governmental transparency following legislative changes to allow construction in environmentally sensitive areas. The protests, which have now entered their 45th day, are in response to plans that include building 10,000 villas on the Zvërnec peninsula and potential damage to vital ecosystems. Lipa's support has energized younger Albanians, with conservationists acknowledging the importance of her comments in raising awareness about the environmental issues at stake.
Nicholas Dale, a 56-year-old pilot from Sooke, British Columbia, was killed when his helicopter crashed into the Silver Jack reservoir while fighting the Gold Mountain fire in Colorado, which has grown to approximately 57 square miles and is 11% contained. Dale was the only person on board, and his body was recovered by divers; his death is mourned by the aerial firefighting community, with condolences issued by local authorities and state officials. The NTSB is leading an investigation into the crash of Dale's Kaman Aerospace K-1200 helicopter, which occurred amid ongoing wildfire threats affecting multiple states due to prolonged hot and dry conditions.
Nine out of ten bestselling fiction paperbacks in the UK this week feature the murder of a woman, with titles including *The Secret of Secrets*, *The Divorce*, and *The Family Friend*. This trend has been highlighted by author Wendy Jones, who pointed out that 84% of the books read involved a female victim, signaling a pattern within the genre that raises concerns about normalizing violence against women. Critics argue the appeal lies in addressing real-world fears, with crime fiction reflecting societal anxieties while being primarily consumed by women.
Cuba's national power grid has collapsed for the third time in less than 10 days, leaving approximately 10 million people without electricity, with the latest blackout beginning around 11am local time on July 14, 2026. The country's economic crisis, exacerbated by a U.S. oil blockade that started in January, has driven fuel shortages and left the ageing power system vulnerable; as of 2023, Cuba was producing only 40% of the oil it consumes. The situation has sparked growing frustration among residents, leading to protests in Havana, as authorities struggle to restore power, which took over 24 hours during previous outages.
President Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met at the White House to strengthen economic ties and increase Iraq's oil output, with Trump highlighting Iraq's potential and promising numerous deals between the two nations. They both announced plans for the remaining US forces in Iraq, estimated to be less than 2,000, to completely withdraw by September 30, which coincides with al-Zaidi's commitment to disarm armed factions. Additionally, al-Zaidi emphasized that Iraq needs a "fair share" from OPEC, citing damages exceeding $400 billion from the war against ISIL, and addressing the plight of Iraqis still living in camps due to destruction.
A Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton named "Gus" sold for a record-breaking $50.1 million at Sotheby's in New York, surpassing the previous record of $44.6 million for a Stegosaurus skeleton sold in 2024. Discovered in South Dakota in 2021, Gus is one of the largest and most complete T. rex fossils ever found, measuring 38 feet (11.6 meters) in length and dating back approximately 67 million years. The sale involved seven bidders and concluded after a tense 10-minute bidding war, with the buyer remaining anonymous.
On July 13, 2026, ICE agent Joan Sebastian Guerrero, a 26-year-old Colombian national, was fatally shot in Biddeford, Maine, following a directive to cease vehicle stops after two recent killings by ICE agents. This internal order, given to ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations division, was aimed at reducing the risk of such incidents, prompting officers to arrest immigrants before they leave their parking spots or by following them to different locations. Over a five-day period in late June 2026, ICE reported approximately 10,000 arrests, demonstrating the agency's intensified enforcement methods under previous administrations, but officials noted that halting vehicle stops would significantly hinder these operations.
Sudan faces a worsening hunger crisis, with over 100,000 people experiencing famine-like conditions and around five million at emergency or catastrophic levels of hunger, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). The ongoing conflict and funding cuts, coupled with rising agricultural costs due to global disruptions like the Iran war, have resulted in a significant reduction of WFP assistance from five million people last year to about 3.5 million currently, amidst a $646 million funding gap. The situation is compounded by soaring diesel prices and fertilizer shortages, which threaten further food insecurity during the vital planting season.
ICE has been instructed to pause vehicle stops nationwide after the recent deadly shootings of immigrants Joan Sebastian Guerrero in Maine and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Texas, which have sparked calls for independent investigations. Both individuals were shot by ICE officials while inside their vehicles, contributing to a total of five fatalities from ICE shootings this year alone, with claims that individuals "weaponized" their vehicles often disputed by footage. The agency will temporarily suspend vehicle stops and provide new training to officers, as the DHS continues to evaluate its enforcement practices following public outcry about the incidents.
An Israeli air strike in northern Gaza has killed at least seven people, including senior Hamas police officer Col. Mohammed Marwan Salem, amid accusations from Hamas of a "massacre." The strike, which involved four missiles fired from a drone, has been followed by reports of two additional fatalities in southern Gaza, including a 10-year-old boy and another man, bringing the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since a ceasefire began in October 2023 to at least 1,110. In the broader conflict, over 73,230 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began following a Hamas-led attack that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis.
Andrew Lloyd Webber warned that Broadway is in "dire danger" following the early closure of his revival of Cats: The Jellicle Ball after just five months, despite winning three Tony awards and grossing around $1 million weekly. He highlighted that the production cost $18 million and the high costs of staging musicals make it financially unfeasible, leading to a trend where many new shows are cancelled shortly after opening, with 46 musicals costing around $800 million debuting on Broadway since the Covid-19 pandemic. Webber emphasized the need for industry collaboration to secure a future for new and daring works, fearing that without action, Broadway could become like "Hollywood’s empty soundstages."
US President Donald Trump has paid writer E Jean Carroll over $5.62 million in damages, which includes the $5 million awarded by a jury for sexual abuse and defamation, along with interest accrued during the appeal process. Carroll accused Trump of attacking her in the mid-1990s and subsequently defaming her on social media, leading to a unanimous jury verdict in 2023. Despite Trump's claims of the case being a "hoax," the Supreme Court declined to hear his appeal, allowing the payment to be made.
Joan Sebastian Guerrero, a 26-year-old Colombian father, was shot dead by ICE agents in Biddeford, Maine, marking the second such incident within a week, following the killing of 52-year-old Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston. Guerrero was not the target of ICE operations when he was shot, and his death is among eight fatal shootings by ICE during Trump's second term, with at least 52 deaths reported in ICE custody, highlighting a serious pattern of violence and racial profiling by the agency. Following the news of Guerrero's death, protests erupted, calling for the ousting of complicit officials, particularly Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who voted for $70 billion in funding to ICE and Border Patrol.
In June, consumer prices in the U.S. fell by 0.4%, primarily due to a 5.7% drop in energy prices, with oil and petrol prices decreasing by 9.7% and 9.5%, respectively. The average price for a gallon of petrol decreased to $3.85 from $4.07, although experts warn that prices may soon rise again due to renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Annually, the Consumer Price Index rose 3.5%, with energy prices increasing by 15.7% and petrol prices by 27%, marking significant inflationary pressures amid scrutiny of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy.
President Trump has reversed his previously announced 20% fee on cargo shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, opting instead for trade and investment deals with Gulf states as the US resumes its blockade of Iranian ports. The escalation of hostilities has led to a two-month low in shipping traffic through the Strait, which is crucial for global oil and LNG transport, accounting for 25% and 20% respectively, while Brent Crude prices have sharply increased. Iran's military actions in the region have raised tensions, prompting US Central Command to impose a naval blockade on Iranian ports effective 16:00 Eastern Time on Tuesday.
Detectives are investigating whether leftwing motivations related to Ann Widdecombe's strong views or hostility toward the Reform UK party contributed to her killing, which was described as a "targeted attack." A 28-year-old man from Rotherham, arrested on suspicion of her murder, allegedly drove 270 miles to Widdecombe's home, where she was attacked around 12:30 PM on the day of her recent TV appearance. Counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation, granted an additional seven days to question the suspect, while also examining his history of mental health issues.
Environmental groups, led by Earthjustice, are suing the U.S. government over a change to the Endangered Species Act that alters the definition of "harm," which has been understood for over 50 years to include significant habitat modification that impacts protected species. The revised interpretation, which goes into effect on September 14, is seen as potentially harmful to endangered species and could lead to increased litigation over compliance and habitat protections. Several tribes, including the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and the Squaxin Island Tribe, have joined the lawsuit, arguing that the change threatens salmon habitats critical to their culture and livelihoods.
Ann Widdecombe, a veteran British populist politician and former MP, was found murdered at her home in Devon at the age of 78, with counterterrorism police stating it was a targeted attack. A white British man has been arrested and subsequently rearrested on suspicion of her murder and potential terrorism acts, as the investigation unfolds; however, motives remain unclear. Widdecombe’s death raises security concerns in the UK, where two MPs have been murdered in the past decade, with the Home Secretary indicating that new information has altered the investigation's direction.
Universities in the UK have cut nearly 4,000 academic posts in humanities, social sciences, and the arts in one year, with losses including almost 3,000 in social sciences and 820 in humanities. The analysis highlights that while these reductions were primarily in non-Russell Group universities, the trend is extending to strategically important subjects like English and business, with 930 job cuts in business and management alone. Experts warn that this situation is exacerbating regional educational inequalities, limiting access to certain subjects, and jeopardizing social mobility and the quality of higher education in the UK.
The Trump administration has initiated a nationwide crackdown on how school districts manage allegations of sexual misconduct, responding to a KQED-ProPublica investigation that revealed at least 67 educators in California had not lost their credentials despite being found guilty of sexually harassing students. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon highlighted that 14 of these educators were subsequently rehired by other schools and warned that federal funding could be withheld from schools that do not adequately protect students from such misconduct. The Department of Education is currently investigating 20 school districts, including two in California, to examine their handling of sexual harassment allegations and ensure compliance with federal law.