A multimillion-dollar T. rex skeleton, nicknamed "Gus," is set to be auctioned by Sotheby's in New York with an estimated price of $20 million to $30 million, highlighting concerns among palaeontologists about the impact of private fossil ownership on scientific research. Discovered in South Dakota over a three-year period and believed to be around 67 million years old, Gus represents a trend where dinosaur fossils are increasingly treated as commodities, making it difficult for museums and researchers to access important specimens. Experts fear that as auction prices rise beyond museums' capabilities—citing the previous record sale of a stegosaurus for $44.6 million—valuable fossils may become less available for scientific study.
As Sweden approaches its general election, a significant political gender gap has emerged, with surveys indicating that twice as many men support the far-right Sweden Democrats compared to women, while female support for the Social Democrats surpasses male support by 10 percentage points. If only women voted, the left-leaning bloc, led by the Social Democrats, would secure 64% of the vote, while the right-leaning parties would attract 51% if only men voted. This trend reflects a long-standing shift since the 1970s, where men increasingly favor right-wing policies, driven by economic concerns and lower taxes, while women continue to lean towards parties that support the welfare state due to their caregiving responsibilities.
France's coach Didier Deschamps confirmed that Kylian Mbappe is available for their World Cup semifinal against Spain, despite him skipping part of training due to a minor ankle injury. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is also back in contention after recovering from a hamstring issue, which strengthens France's central play against Spain's possession strategy. Deschamps emphasized that France's approach would not solely be defensive; the team aims to balance possession and counterattacks to gain control in the match.
Thai authorities are investigating the deadly fire at a Bangkok bar that claimed at least 30 lives and injured over 70 people, with preliminary findings indicating negligence due to locked exits and flammable decorations contributing to the rapid spread of flames. Survivors reported that many victims were trapped in restrooms as they tried to flee, while the stage was engulfed in flames within seconds, resulting in two members of the performing band, Thotsakan, losing their lives. The bar was registered as a "restaurant with live music," exempting it from using fire-retardant materials, prompting authorities to review safety regulations for similar venues following a tragic history of fires linked to the owner.
Oil prices have reached a one-month high, with Brent crude rising 2 percent to $84.91 a barrel, following three days of renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran, which led to a more than 50 percent drop in shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. A total of 57 vessel transits were recorded from Friday through Sunday, down from an average of roughly 130 daily before the conflict escalated. The ongoing tension has depleted emergency oil stockpiles, raising concerns that prices may spike to $100 a barrel if the situation worsens.
The US conducted its third consecutive night of strikes against Iran, following President Trump's announcement of reinstating a blockade of Iranian shipping in the Gulf and imposing a 20% fee for transiting vessels. In a related incident, Iranian cruise missiles targeted two Emirati oil tankers in the strait of Hormuz, resulting in one crew member's death and eight injuries. Oil prices surged, with Brent crude rising 2% to $84.98 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate climbing 2.1% to $79.79, amid increasing uncertainty regarding energy flows through the strategic waterway.
Victoria police have arrested a 20-year-old man alleged to be a "high-ranking" member of a criminal syndicate linked to an overseas leader, orchestrating multiple arson attacks and other crimes in Melbourne's hospitality sector. The arrest is part of Operation Eclipse, which began on April 27 and targets organized crime syndicates, with incidents including a mistaken-identity kidnapping in Malvern on April 14 and an attempted aggravated home invasion in Doncaster on April 28. The police emphasize that these crimes represent a significant shift towards "crime as a service," where criminal tasks are assigned via encrypted communications.
Chipotle Mexican Grill is opening its first restaurant in Mexico this week, marking a significant milestone for the company, which operates over 4,100 outlets globally. The new location in Nuevo León is part of a strategy to expand into the Mexican market while collaborating with local operator Alsea, with plans to enter Mexico City by 2027 and open up to 370 new restaurants worldwide this year. The announcement has generated mixed reactions on social media, drawing comparisons to other US chains like Taco Bell and Domino's Pizza, which have previously struggled to find success in their countries of origin.
Police in Australia have released new photographs related to the 2001 murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio, who was shot and whose remains have never been found. The killer, Bradley Murdoch, died in prison last year, and a reward of up to A$500,000 is offered for information leading to Falconio's remains. Falconio's girlfriend, Joanne Lees, escaped after being bound with cable ties and has been left without closure, as emphasized by Northern Territory Police Force Commissioner Martin Dole.
Hungary's parliament has approved a constitutional amendment to remove President Tamas Sulyok from his ceremonial position, passing the measure with 139 votes in favor and only 6 against. The amendment aims to erode the influence of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban's allies and introduces judicial reforms, a body to investigate financial abuses, and a 12-year term limit on lawmakers. Following the Tisza Party's landslide victory in April 2026, which ended 16 years of Orban's Fidesz party dominance, new Prime Minister Peter Magyar intends to ensure that Sulyok is removed promptly, threatening impeachment if he does not sign the amendment within five days.
An ICE agent shot and killed a 26-year-old Colombian national during an immigration enforcement operation in Biddeford, Maine, on July 13, 2026, after the vehicle he was in allegedly attempted to flee, prompting the officer to discharge his weapon. Following the incident, protests erupted in Biddeford, with demonstrators demanding accountability, while the agent involved has been placed on leave and an investigation is underway by the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general. The Colombian Embassy has requested clarification regarding the circumstances of the incident, which has also drawn scrutiny from local politicians, including Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, who called for a thorough investigation.
Hamish Tait, a Sydney childcare worker, has been charged with 329 offences involving the alleged abuse of 136 children over a 16-year span, including 162 counts of producing child abuse material and 81 counts of filming without consent. He worked in 62 early childhood education facilities and has been linked to offences at five locations, with police having contacted 121 affected families but still identifying 22 victims. This case follows a troubling trend in Australia, with notable incidents of childcare abuse, including a 2024 case involving 307 offences by another worker in Queensland.
Actor Sam Neill, best known for his role as Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, passed away at the age of 78, with his family describing his death as "sudden and unexpected." Neill had recently announced that he was cancer-free following treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which he had been diagnosed with in March 2023, and he had continued to receive monthly chemotherapy. Tributes poured in from various figures, including New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who hailed Neill as "one of the greats," and Hollywood stars like Laura Dern and Anthony Albanese, who celebrated his contributions to film and his character as a friend and gentleman.
A rapidly intensifying El Niño weather pattern is expected to bring significant flooding, disease, and drought to vulnerable communities in East Africa and Asia, with countries like Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan at high risk. The US Climate Prediction Center reports an 81 percent chance that this El Niño could be one of the strongest since 1950, likely peaking between October and December, while the World Bank warns that rice yields could fall by 20 to 50 percent in the hardest-hit regions. Aid organizations are urging immediate funding for preventive measures to address the anticipated crises exacerbated by ongoing conflicts and diminishing aid resources.
Japan acknowledges an increasing need to counter foreign espionage, particularly after a New York Times report labeled it a "den of spies" for Russia, citing that 90% of Russian missiles and drones contain Japanese components. Chief government spokesperson Minoru Kihara emphasized the necessity for heightened vigilance against foreign intelligence threats, while Japan's parliament has approved new legislation to create a national body aimed at coordinating intelligence activities. The report also highlighted that many expelled Russian spies from Western countries have relocated to Japan, exploiting its favorable tech environment and weak espionage laws established post-World War II.
Nadiem Makarim, cofounder of Gojek and former Indonesian education minister, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for allegedly abusing his authority in a corruption case involving the procurement of over 1 million laptops, leading to purported state losses of $120 million. Critics claim the prosecution lacks evidence and argue that Makarim's conviction represents political retribution by President Prabowo Subianto's administration, potentially damaging investor confidence in Indonesia. Following the verdict, concerns arose that foreign investors could rethink capital commitments due to the legal uncertainties and perceived risks in the country's judicial system.
The US government has refunded $81 billion in Trump-era tariffs after the Supreme Court ruled the tariffs illegal, significantly up from $5 billion refunded during the same period last year. This fiscal year, which began in October 2025, saw an increase in the deficit to $1.367 trillion, a 2% rise, alongside a $1 trillion expenditure on interest payments and a 5% increase in military spending. While the current 10% global tariff is set to expire on July 24, the White House is preparing new duties related to issues of forced labor enforcement and industrial capacity.
In Kenya's Samburu County, community health volunteer Eroi Lemarkat races against time to investigate cases of acute flaccid paralysis, as there have been no recorded polio cases since 2013, but vaccine-derived strains can still circulate in under-immunised areas. To successfully detect the poliovirus, health workers need to collect two stool samples within 14 days of paralysis onset, and a missed case can allow unnoticed transmission, particularly in remote communities. Winning the trust of nomadic families is crucial, as health workers must engage local leaders to reassure communities about the need for stool samples; otherwise, families may move away before a sample can be collected.
An open letter signed by over 200 economists and AI researchers, including 16 Nobel laureates, urges policymakers and technology leaders to act quickly to mitigate the economic impact of artificial intelligence, warning it may lead to changes larger than the Industrial Revolution within a much shorter timeframe. The letter highlights potential risks such as significant job displacement, as evidenced by Amazon's recent layoff of approximately 14,000 workers, and calls for the creation of incentives and institutions to ensure AI benefits society. Additionally, the United Nations has cautioned that AI could exacerbate global inequality, leaving poorer nations at a disadvantage compared to wealthier ones.
Donald Trump has signed an executive order reducing the size of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in Utah by “close to a million and a half acres each,” allowing the land to be opened for development by the oil and gas industry. This action, reminiscent of a similar reduction during his first term in 2017 that was later reversed, has drawn criticism from environmental advocates and tribal representatives who argue it undermines legal protections under the Antiquities Act. Tribal leaders express that these sites are culturally significant, holding histories and traditions, and have voiced their heartbreak over the federal government's decision without adequate consultation with the affected tribes.
At least three Palestinians have been killed and 15 others wounded in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip, with notable incidents including a drone strike that killed 28-year-old Osama Naim Shamlakh and injured nine civilians. Since October 2023, Israeli forces have conducted repeated attacks, resulting in over 73,000 Palestinian deaths, with 1,108 fatalities and 3,578 injuries attributed to ceasefire violations alone. Additionally, Israel has been expanding its control of territory in Gaza, moving concrete blocks closer to key routes and escalating tensions in the region.
Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, announced a campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court (ICC), claiming it infringes on US military and law enforcement operations and poses risks to American sovereignty. He emphasized the potential consequences for US officials, stating they could face prosecution or imprisonment for defending their country, while plans include pressuring nations to abandon the ICC, with possible sanctions or travel bans as punishments. Legal experts argue Rubio misrepresents the ICC’s authority, which only investigates crimes in countries that are parties to the Rome Statute, emphasizing that the US has not ratified this treaty and thus falls outside its jurisdiction.
Idaho's strict abortion ban, which prohibits the procedure at all stages of pregnancy, is set to be challenged in the November election through a ballot measure that would restore reproductive freedom if passed. The initiative, led by Idahoans United for Women & Families, successfully gathered over 100,000 signatures, exceeding the required 70,725, and would reinstate the ability to obtain an abortion until around 21 weeks gestation. As of now, Idaho is one of six states without exceptions for the health of the woman or girl, and the outcome of this vote could significantly impact the state's legal landscape regarding abortion rights.
UK consumers increased spending by 1.9% year-on-year in June, driven by the World Cup and summer heat, though this remains below the 3% inflation rate. Pubs reported significant boosts in sales, with a 244% increase in card transactions during England's draw with Ghana and an anticipated 6 million extra pints sold during the semi-final against Argentina, translating to a potential £385 million benefit to the economy. Online non-food sales rose by 5.1% compared to last year, propelling the online penetration rate to 39%, while high street sales suffered a 1.1% decline.
UK children are projected to become one of the unhealthiest generations in decades, with child health outcomes declining or stalling across all 12 key indicators analyzed, including vaccination rates, obesity, and mental health disorders. Only 84% of UK children receive the two doses of the MMR vaccine by age five, falling short of the World Health Organization's 95% target and making the UK the poorest performer among G7 nations; additionally, the UK has one of the highest asthma-related mortality rates in Europe. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) emphasizes the urgent need for government action and investment to address significant health inequalities affecting children, particularly those from deprived backgrounds, as 12% of parents believe that child health has improved over the last decade.
Andy Burnham supported the government's controversial asylum bill, which aims to tighten the appeals system and was passed by 264 votes to 90, despite opposition from 14 Labour MPs. The legislation seeks to address issues with small boat crossings and proposes replacing immigration judges with independent adjudicators to expedite decisions, while also targeting Article 8 of the European convention on human rights to reduce successful asylum appeals. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood highlighted that Labour's actions have led to a 55% increase in the arrest of people smugglers and the highest volume of asylum decisions in 24 years, while the number of individuals in asylum hotels has decreased by nearly 30%.
The US has initiated its third consecutive night of military strikes on Iran, coinciding with President Trump’s announcement of a maritime blockade that includes a 20% tariff on cargoes passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes aim to reduce Iran's capacity to attack civilians and commercial shipping, while the US Navy plans to enforce the blockade, threatening interception of vessels not complying with the new regulations beginning Tuesday night. The price of Brent crude oil rose 7.8% to $81.92 a barrel amidst concerns over disruptions to global oil supply, with Iran's Revolutionary Guard warning that any US actions would be met with significant resistance.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone as the interim senator to succeed her late brother, Lindsey Graham, ensuring the Republican majority remains at 53 in the 100-member Senate. Nordone, who lacks formal political experience but has accompanied her brother at campaign events, will serve until January 3 and aims to continue his legacy, especially in support of Israel and US policies. President Trump endorsed her appointment, calling it a "fabulous tribute" and will lead to Republican primaries next month to replace Graham, who had been nominated for re-election earlier this year.
The fatal shooting of a motorist by an immigration agent in Maine on July 13, 2026, is part of a troubling trend, with at least nine deaths linked to immigration enforcement since Donald Trump's return to office. Witness accounts of this incident challenge the government's claim that the motorist was trying to harm officers, leading to an ongoing FBI investigation. The article also discusses other recent shootings, including the death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo on July 7 in Houston, raising calls for independent investigations amid conflicting narratives between federal officers and witnesses.
Northern Territory police have reopened evidence boxes and released new photographs related to the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio on the 25th anniversary of his disappearance, which occurred on July 14, 2001. Bradley John Murdoch was convicted of Falconio's murder but died on July 15, 2025, without revealing the location of Falconio's remains, leaving his family without closure; a $500,000 reward is still offered for information leading to their discovery. Police commissioner Martin Dole emphasized the importance of any potentially relevant information and stated that the investigation would remain open until Falconio's remains are found.