A CSIRO report challenges claims by the Coalition and One Nation that abandoning net zero targets would reduce power prices, stating that generation costs are expected to rise after 2030 regardless of climate policy. The report indicates that electricity from nuclear plants would be the most expensive generation option, with wholesale prices projected to be above $120 per megawatt hour by 2050 in various scenarios. Additionally, the analysis reveals that wholesale prices peaked at $189 per megawatt hour in 2022 but are expected to drop to around $100 in 2025, with costs of transmission and local distribution further affecting retail bills.
A man in his 70s died after being injured by cattle at Felbrigg Hall, a National Trust estate in Norfolk, on Monday. Despite the efforts of two ambulances, a paramedic car, and the East Anglian air ambulance, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene; police and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating. Cattle-related incidents are common, with reports indicating 20-30 cases per month during peak walking seasons, and five cattle-related deaths recorded over seven years.
Sonam Wangchuk has entered the 17th day of his hunger strike in New Delhi, protesting against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over exam paper leaks that affected millions of students, prompting opposition leaders to urge him to end his fast. The protest is in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party, which quickly gained 22 million followers on Instagram since its formation in May and represents the frustrations of young Indians amid a nearly 10% unemployment rate among those aged 15 to 29. Wangchuk has lost 8.5 kg (19 lbs) during his fast, and a fellow protester fainted, highlighting the health risks associated with their actions as they prepare for a march to parliament on July 20.
David Sánchez, brother of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been banned from public office for nine years after being convicted of administrative misconduct concerning his hiring by a socialist-led council, with nine co-defendants similarly receiving nine-year bans, while Miguel Ángel Gallardo faced an 18-year ban for two counts of misconduct. The case was initiated by a far-right trade union's complaint, and although David Sánchez was cleared of influence peddling, the court deemed the job he was appointed to as unnecessary and developed for his benefit rather than the public good. Pedro Sánchez has accused his political opponents of orchestrating smear campaigns against his family amid ongoing corruption allegations, including charges against his wife related to misuse of public resources.
Joan Sebastian Guerrero, a 26-year-old Colombian man, was fatally shot by ICE agents in Biddeford, Maine, on July 13, 2026, amid unclear circumstances of the incident. Witnesses reported that agents had rammed Guerrero’s vehicle and demanded he exit before at least one agent opened fire, resulting in Guerrero's death; he was the 11th person killed by federal immigration officials since early 2025 and the fifth fatality linked to ICE while driving. The incident has drawn protests and responses from advocates as questions about Guerrero's immigration status and the actions of ICE remain unanswered, prompting Colombia's US embassy to seek clarification from the Department of Homeland Security.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar who ruled from 1995 to 2013 and significantly transformed the nation, passed away at the age of 74, prompting leaders from around the world to travel to Qatar to express their condolences. Over three days, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received numerous dignitaries, including Middle Eastern leaders such as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as European officials like Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The Amiri Diwan reported that dignitaries from various countries and regions, including multiple ambassadors and heads of state, are expected to continue paying their respects at the Lusail Palace.
Iranian lawmakers have proposed a new legislative plan for the management of the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at asserting Iranian sovereignty over this vital waterway through which one-fifth of global energy passes. The recent escalation of hostilities, including US air attacks killing more than 20 people across 11 provinces, led to hardline officials advocating for measures that would block vessels under US or Israeli flags and impose permits and fees on all vessels using the strait. Amid these tensions, both Iran and the US are laying claim to a percentage of cargo value, with President Trump mentioning a fee of 20% for vessels and Iran promising a "fair" charge as the strait’s “forever” guardian.
A bill to make daylight saving time permanent, known as the Sunshine Protection Act, has advanced through a key House committee with bipartisan support, including backing from Donald Trump and some Democrats, winning a 6-4 vote. The legislation would lead to later sunrises and sunsets, providing more evening daylight, and follows a prior approval from the House's energy and commerce committee with a 48-1 vote. Currently, 19 states have laws awaiting congressional approval to enact permanent daylight saving time if the measure passes.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away recently, was the visionary behind Al Jazeera, a media outlet that has significantly influenced broadcasting in the Arab world since its inception on November 1, 1996. The channel emerged shortly after the BBC closed its Arabic television service, and despite initial doubts about media freedom in the Arab context, Al Jazeera quickly established itself and became a competitive voice in global media. In its early days, the channel operated out of a small newsroom with limited facilities, but it rapidly grew in stature and capacity, showcasing its commitment to delivering impactful news reporting free from interference.
De Beers is suspending production at South Africa's Venetia mine, which produces over 40% of the country's diamonds and employs more than 4,000 people, for two years due to declining consumer demand and rising competition from lab-grown gems. The rough diamond price index has nearly halved since 2022, prompting the need for De Beers to cut costs and streamline operations in a challenging market. This closure is part of a broader trend as the industry adapts to changing consumer habits and ethical concerns regarding diamond sourcing.
An 86-year-old British man was among 57 participants injured during the running of the bulls festival in Pamplona, where he was hospitalized after suffering injuries to his right hand, left elbow, and right eyebrow. Two Spaniards were gored on the final day of the eight-day event, which has seen at least 16 deaths over the past 116 years, the last fatality occurring in 2009. Each morning, participants race 848.6 meters through the streets in front of six bulls, dressed in white with red neckerchiefs.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the true number of Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is likely at least double the confirmed count of 1,963, with 719 reported deaths. As of July 12, 727 patients were being treated in Ebola treatment centers, and the outbreak is characterized as the fastest-growing Ebola epidemic on the continent, particularly affecting Ituri province with at least 384 cases. Healthcare workers are threatening a strike over unpaid salaries, with a significant number of cases and deaths among medical personnel, prompting the Congolese Health Minister to acknowledge payment delays and organizational issues.
The UK Home Office plans to continue sending potential trafficking victims to France despite a high court ruling declaring such actions unlawful, which found that the removal policy denied necessary protections for these individuals. The court's judgment highlighted that nearly 80% of trafficking victims who received initial negative decisions had those decisions reversed upon reconsideration, amounting to 1,525 people in 2025. Despite the ruling, Home Office officials intend to maintain operational activities, including regular private flights that remove dozens of asylum seekers who arrived in the UK on small boats, with the next flight scheduled for Thursday.
Bastille Day celebrations in France were marked by heightened caution due to wildfires, leading to the cancellation of traditional firework displays, while a large military parade featured nearly 6,700 troops and foreign fighters from various nations. The ongoing wildfires had already consumed about 2,050 hectares of the Fontainebleau forest and forced approximately 1,000 residents to evacuate their homes; authorities have arrested two individuals on suspicion of arson. As of this year, 32,000 hectares of land across France have burned, surpassing the total for the entire 2022 fire season, and the event coincided with the 10th anniversary of the deadly Nice terror attack.
Inflation in the U.S. cooled to an annual rate of 3.5% in June, aided by a brief US-Iran ceasefire that temporarily reduced energy prices, although oil prices have since risen again due to ongoing strikes. The national average price for a regular gallon of gas climbed to $3.87, 70 cents higher than the same time last year, while core inflation slightly fell to 2.6%. Despite the fluctuating inflation rates, the job market remained stable with an average of 111,000 jobs added per month from April to June, prompting the Federal Reserve to consider both inflation and employment in its upcoming meeting.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans to fast-track approvals for AI projects and datacentres in Australia, establishing a new office of AI to unify economic, social, national security, and environmental issues related to AI under one national framework. This initiative aims to enhance investor certainty and streamline compliance processes, amidst growing concerns over the impact of AI on society, energy systems, and intellectual property rights for Australian creators. The government is responding to demands from AI companies regarding copyright laws, as major AI players like Anthropic have cited policy uncertainty as a barrier to investment in Australia.
A US national who contracted Ebola while working as a warehouse manager for the Christian aid group Samaritan’s Purse in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been flown to Berlin for treatment, marking the second American patient to receive care in Germany amid an ongoing outbreak that has resulted in over 1,900 confirmed cases and more than 700 deaths. The Trump administration has barred Americans in the DRC from traveling to the US on commercial flights, placing those recent travelers on a "do-not-board" list until they have spent at least 21 days in a third country, affecting about two dozen Americans ready to return. The German health ministry assures that the US patient poses "no danger for the general population," citing the low risk of Ebola transmission in the country.
President Trump announced the reimposition of a blockade on Iranian shipping starting Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, alongside a 20% toll on cargo, affecting a waterway that carries about one-fifth of the world's oil shipments. In a separate incident, an ICE officer fatally shot a 26-year-old Colombian immigrant in Maine, marking at least the ninth deadly shooting involving ICE since Trump's immigration policies began. Additionally, twelve states have filed a lawsuit to block Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros., with California Attorney General Rob Bonta arguing the merger would lead to higher prices and lower content quality, despite the Justice Department's support for the merger.
Russia is attempting to reroute grain shipments from the Sea of Azov after Ukraine targeted and hit 11 Russian vessels, including five tankers and five dry cargo vessels, bringing the total vessels struck in nine days to 116. In response to the escalating conflict, Russia intercepted 288 Ukrainian drones overnight and reported injuries and damage from falling debris, while Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil refineries have triggered a fuel crisis, prompting Moscow to implement fuel export bans. Russian authorities also conducted attacks on Ukrainian targets, including missile strikes in Kyiv and infrastructure in Odesa, escalating tensions further.
Shania Care-Slede, a 20-year-old from Hyde, has been charged with aggravated arson and dangerous driving in connection with a significant moorland fire near Dovestone reservoir in Greater Manchester, where fireworks were launched before the blaze. The fire, part of a series of wildfires that have affected over 240 hectares (600 acres) of woodland and moorland, has caused smoke to blanket large areas of Manchester and prompted advisories for residents to stay indoors. Currently, 19 wildfires are burning across England and Wales, with a warning from authorities about the heightened fire risk due to prolonged heatwaves linked to climate change.
La Liga has rescheduled the opening matches for Barcelona and Real Madrid due to several key players from both clubs participating in the FIFA World Cup semifinals, which include France versus Spain and England versus Argentina. Barcelona's first match will now be against Elche on August 23, and their original opener against Athletic Bilbao has been postponed to August 27, while Real Madrid’s game against Real Sociedad has been moved to August 26. Notable players involved include Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and England's Anthony Gordon, as well as Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
France and Spain, both unbeaten in the 2026 World Cup, face off in the semifinals with France having outscored opponents 14-2 and Kylian Mbappe tying for the tournament scoring lead at eight goals. Spain's Lamine Yamal, who turned 19 before the match, boasts a history of defeating France in prior competitions, while Spain has outscored rivals 10-1 since their opening draw. The semifinal, taking place in Dallas, marks a historic meeting as it’s the first World Cup since 1990 featuring four former champions.
A Sudanese court has sentenced Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, to death for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, alongside 15 other RSF senior figures. The ruling comes amidst an ongoing civil war that began on April 15, 2023, resulting in the displacement of millions and a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by RSF's ethnic targeting in West Darfur. The United Nations has warned that approximately half a million civilians risk large-scale atrocities as fighting intensifies in strategically important locations like el-Obeid, while Hemedti's whereabouts remain unknown as he was tried in absentia.
A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen experienced a dramatic incident when a passenger, Ljubisa Karović, was almost sucked out of a broken window due to an engine failure, leaving him outside the plane up to his chest for about two minutes. His wife, Svetlana Grković, and other passengers rushed to help pull him back inside as he lost consciousness multiple times, and he is currently hospitalized in Greece with serious injuries. The flight, which dropped 9,000 feet in altitude within minutes, is under investigation by the Hellenic Air and Rail Safety Investigation Authority, while Ryanair stated the plane returned safely to Thessaloniki after the incident.
Konstantin Sokolov, a Russian-born private equity investor and one of 36 donors to Trump's ballroom project, has been appointed to chair a new State Department enterprise fund managing over $200 million for a trade corridor in Central Asia. The $201 million Tripp+ fund aims to promote strategic private sector development across several countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, and is named after a 27-mile trade route benefiting these regions. Sokolov has contributed over $12 million to Republican campaigns during Trump's second term and is a significant shareholder in Armenia's largest telecommunications company, but details on his compensation or how he will benefit from the fund remain unclear.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s overhaul of the US Preventive Services Task Force has stalled updates on critical topics, including new evidence for helping children quit tobacco, due to the Trump administration's cancellation of task force meetings since March 2025. Fourteen topics under consideration, including cervical cancer screening and perinatal depression, have been delayed, highlighting the public health implications of this inaction. Significant changes have occurred within the task force and related agencies, including dismantling anti-smoking initiatives and the FDA's tobacco regulation leadership, amid political controversies and financial influences.
The Conservative Party has denied accusations of purging centrists after Lord Gavin Barwell lost the party whip due to conduct issues, despite his criticism of Kemi Badenoch's approach to net zero policies. Barwell expressed concern that such decisions reflect an "intolerance of criticism" and could alienate potential voters, noting the party's struggle to improve opinion poll ratings despite Badenoch's rising personal ratings. A Conservative source attributed Barwell's expulsion to broader conduct problems rather than ideological disagreements, emphasizing the importance of discipline and mutual respect within the party.
Research by geologist David Montgomery indicates that while macronutrient levels in food have remained stable over the decades, micronutrient levels, particularly minerals such as iron and zinc, have declined due to modern farming practices like the "dilution effect." This effect occurs when crops are bred for higher yields without increasing their nutrient absorption, leading to lower nutrient density per crop. Montgomery advocates for regenerative farming techniques that restore soil health and biodiversity to enhance nutrient levels and phytochemical production in food, ultimately improving both health benefits and flavor.
Former British politician Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, England, on July 9, with police noting she had sustained "serious injuries" and was believed to have been attacked on July 8. A 28-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of murder, but was later rearrested by counterterrorism police on suspicions related to acts of terrorism. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to determine the motive behind the attack, after new information emerged in the case.
The ongoing conflict has escalated as the US conducted strikes on Iran for a third consecutive day, targeting locations such as Bushehr and Bandar Abbas, while Iran retaliated by attacking two tankers in the strait of Hormuz and targeting Bahrain and Jordan, where four missiles were intercepted. Since the beginning of the US strikes, at least 28 people have been killed in Iran, while Iranian attacks resulted in one Indian seafarer death and 10 wounded, prompting protests from India and threats of retaliation from the UAE. President Trump proposed a 20% toll for ships passing through the strait to cover security costs, a move that contradicts long-standing norms of free navigation and has raised concerns over potential escalation towards all-out war.