A federal judge, Kathleen Williams, nullified a controversial settlement between Donald Trump and his sons and the government regarding a $10 billion lawsuit over leaked tax returns, citing it was brought for "improper purpose." The judge criticized Trump's legal team for attempting to use the judicial process for a settlement that aimed to confer immunity to Trump and earmark taxpayer funds without a legitimate basis, resulting in sanctions against the lawyers involved. In her 56-page ruling, Williams highlighted the lack of genuine controversy and the unilaterally handled negotiations, emphasizing that her decision blocks any use of the settlement agreement in future proceedings.
The main event for UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25 will feature Magomed Ankalaev facing Bogdan Guskov. At UFC 329, Max Holloway achieved a first-round TKO victory over Conor McGregor, and Paddy Pimblett submitted his opponent only 52 seconds into the first round. Additionally, Gable Steveson won his debut with a first-round knockout, while King Green scored a buzzer-beating TKO against Terrance McKinney.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has offered Nigel Farage a personal meeting with the Home Office's security unit in light of concerns for former MPs' safety following the death of Ann Widdecombe, whose body was found with serious injuries. Counter-terrorism police are investigating Widdecombe's death, which has led to heightened discussions about the security of high-profile politicians, especially those from smaller parties like Reform, with a 28-year-old suspect arrested on suspicion of murder and terrorism. Mahmood emphasized that all MPs are treated equally regarding security protection and that ongoing concerns about threats to politicians are taken seriously, with no evidence of increased risks specifically to Reform UK representatives.
The British government is proposing new regulations to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a threat to national security, which would criminalize any support for the organization and its affiliates. This legislation follows a series of anti-Semitic attacks, including seven incidents attributed to the Iranian-backed Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR), and could impose severe penalties, including life imprisonment for related acts of sabotage. If approved by Parliament, the new powers would also apply to Russia's GRU Volunteer Corps, enabling easier prosecution without needing to establish foreign connections.
Israel will hold national elections on October 27, 2023, marking the first opportunity for citizens to judge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, which resulted in nearly 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians. As Israel's Knesset is set to dissolve on Friday, Netanyahu's far-right government is rushing to pass controversial laws before the election while he faces corruption trial proceedings. Current polling suggests a potential shift in power, with Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief, gaining popularity and leading Netanyahu's Likud party by 24 to 23 seats in recent surveys.
AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd announced plans to close its factory in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, following interest from over 90 residents in a potential contamination legal claim related to the site's historical emissions of PFOA, a type of PFAS linked to health concerns. The factory, which has operated since 1999, reportedly emitted an estimated 49 tonnes of PFOA from the 1950s until 2012, leading to soil contamination that prompted local health advisories, including a study identifying elevated kidney cancer rates in the area. The closure consultation will last at least 45 days and affect all 190 employees and 18 agency staff, amid ongoing investigations and support for compliance with environmental regulations.
A mischievous airline pilot skywrote "I'm bored" over the Dee Estuary in north-west England at an altitude of around 1,100 feet during a test flight on Saturday, after taking off from Liverpool at 11:25am. The pilot spent 20 minutes creating the seven-letter message in tight loops while flying at speeds of just under 100 knots, covering a two-hour journey over Wirral, Cheshire, and North Wales. According to the airline's operation manager, the flight was needed to test a replaced part, and while the route was unauthorized, the pilot, a flying instructor in his 20s, would not face repercussions for the incident.
The case of 11-year-old Lyhanna, who was raped and killed in Fleurance, France, ignited national outrage and protests for child protection reforms after she went missing on May 29; her body was discovered six days later, and the accused, Jerome Barella, 41, already faced prior allegations of child sexual abuse that were inadequately pursued. France experiences about 160,000 annual child sexual abuse cases, with only a 1% conviction rate, and a child is victimized every three minutes, highlighting systemic failures in prioritizing and managing such cases. Following the tragedy, the Justice Minister ordered the review of over 88,000 open child abuse complaints, including 7,452 alleging rape, but critics argue that the unrealistic timeline and chronic underfunding threaten effective resolution.
Israel reportedly made efforts to recruit Iran's former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to lead a new post-Islamic regime after he distanced himself from the current regime, with significant meetings occurring as recently as 2023. David Barnea, then head of the Mossad, personally traveled to Hungary to meet with Ahmadinejad after he was invited to speak at a university, prioritizing this mission even during intense conflict in Gaza. Ahmadinejad, who had previously been known for his extreme anti-Zionist views and Holocaust denial, is now believed to be in custody of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after a series of mysterious events following Israeli military strikes.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the formation of a joint taskforce with the Department of Justice to combat unauthorized leaks of sensitive information to the press, emphasizing that these leaks put lives at risk. The New York Times reported that the Trump administration has issued subpoenas to several of its journalists, compelling them to testify before a federal grand jury regarding articles connected to security concerns about a new Qatari-gifted plane and its security features. Critics, including the National Press Club and the Times’ legal counsel, condemned the subpoenas as a significant threat to press freedom and a move to intimidate independent news organizations.
Staff at Rwampara General Hospital in Ituri province, the epicenter of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), went on strike due to unpaid wages, halting operations amid a crisis that has seen 1,926 cases and 702 deaths. The outbreak has spread to five provinces, and steep economic impacts have pushed nearly one million people into poverty according to the United Nations. Authorities are attempting to address the payroll issue as the World Health Organization stresses the need for an accelerated response to control the outbreak, complicated by local violence and misinformation.
A wildfire in Bédar, south-eastern Spain, has left 13 people dead, including British man Malcolm Timbrell's wife Annette and 12 friends and neighbors, after quickly spreading and forcing residents to flee. Malcolm, 70, became separated from the group while trying to save their cats, witnessed them attempt to walk in front of the advancing fire, which was moving at over 20 kilometers per hour, and later found himself among a few survivors hiding in a car while four other vehicles combusted. Local authorities reported at least three British fatalities, with a 93-year-old woman among the victims, and acknowledged failures in emergency alerts leading to criticisms from the local British expatriate community.
President Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of a naval blockade on Iranian ports and a 20% charge on all cargo shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that it will remain open for other countries. Asserting US control, Trump claimed the US would act as "THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT," while Iran firmly rejected any US interference and threatened to respond to cooperation with the US as an act of war. The Strait of Hormuz is vital for global trade, with approximately 25% of the world's oil and 20% of liquefied natural gas passing through it, but Iran has effectively restricted passage following recent US-Israel strikes.
A 2,000 lb (900 kg) bull bison charged at 65-year-old Carl Isom-McDaniel in Yellowstone National Park, injuring him after tossing him in the air during an encounter while he was attempting to take a photo. The National Park Service emphasizes that bison have caused more injuries in Yellowstone than any other animal, advising visitors to stay at least 25 yards (23 m) away from them, especially during the peak breeding season in July. Witnesses noted that Isom-McDaniel was conscious and in good spirits despite his injuries, as summer sees nearly 60% of annual park visitation.
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating United Auto Workers (UAW) president Shawn Fain over allegations that he pressured another union official to provide benefits to his fiancée and sister and retaliated against the official when he refused. Fain, who was elected in March 2023, claims these accusations are part of an election interference strategy by his rival Rich Boyer, who has reportedly fed false allegations to the union's independent monitor, Neil Barofsky. The UAW, which called for a ceasefire in Gaza in 2023, has also faced scrutiny from Barofsky, leading Fain to accuse him of holding a personal grudge due to the union's anti-war stance.
An Omaha man has been charged with driving under the influence in a crash that resulted in the death of a 10-year-old child. The man is currently held on bond, though specific amounts or conditions were not reported. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about drunk driving and its devastating consequences on families and communities.
President Trump announced that the U.S. will reinstate a blockade on Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz, allowing other countries to pass but imposing a 20% toll on their cargo. He claimed this toll is to reimburse the U.S. for ensuring safety and security in that region, which has recently seen a rise in conflict with ongoing exchanges of fire between U.S. and Iranian forces. This announcement follows a shaky ceasefire and marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations.
A fire at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar in Bangkok killed at least 27 people and injured 73 others, with 25 of the injuries classified as critical. The fire broke out shortly before midnight, allegedly due to an electrical short circuit, and initial findings suggest that some exits may have been obstructed, trapping many victims in windowless bathrooms. This incident marks the deadliest nightclub fire in Thailand since the 2009 Santika Club disaster, which resulted in 67 fatalities.
Tom Cruise stars in the upcoming Alejandro González Iñárritu film "Digger," where he plays an eccentric oil baron attempting to save the world from an ecological disaster that his company caused. The trailer showcases Cruise's transformation with a grey combover and pot belly, marking his least recognizable role since 2008's "Tropic Thunder," and the film's supporting cast includes notable actors such as John Goodman and Riz Ahmed. Iñárritu, who conceived the idea for "Digger" shortly after winning an Oscar for "The Revenant," spent around ten years developing the project, stating it blends absurdity, danger, and comedy.
Donald Trump has endorsed Darline Graham Nordone, Lindsey Graham's sister, for appointment as a temporary replacement senator following Lindsey Graham's death on Saturday. He described this appointment as a "fabulous tribute" and urged South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to make the choice, which would cover the term ending in January. A special Republican primary to select Graham's permanent successor is scheduled for August 11.
A dozen states, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, are suing to block Paramount's proposed $111 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, citing concerns over higher prices, lower quality, and reduced content for audiences. The merger would consolidate ownership of several major entertainment properties, including competing movie studios, streaming services, sports programming, and news divisions, while Paramount plans to take on $80 billion in new debt which could lead to significant budget cuts. The lawsuit highlights the states' commitment to preserve fair market competition and their opposition to what they view as "rigged markets."
The European Commission has launched the "Team Gaza Initiative," a billion-dollar aid and reconstruction fund aimed at helping Gaza recover from over two years of war, with an initial package of almost 900 million euros. Despite this effort, the funding is significantly less than the estimated $71 billion needed for Gaza’s long-term recovery, including $26.3 billion in the next 18 months alone for essential services and infrastructure. Since the ceasefire last October, at least 1,100 Palestinians have been killed, while the overall death toll from the conflict has reached at least 73,000, prompting urgent calls for humanitarian access and political engagement.
Horses were evacuated from an equestrian centre near Paris as the Fontainebleau wildfire continues to spread, burning across 800 hectares in the forest 40 miles (60 km) southeast of the city. Firefighters have been battling the blaze, which officials have described as "virulent" and of "exceptional scale," and Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has indicated it may have been deliberately set. The Paris region is currently experiencing its third heatwave of the year during a summer marked by record-breaking temperatures across several European countries.
A bipartisan coalition of US state attorneys general, led by California's attorney general Rob Bonta, has filed a lawsuit to block the $110 billion merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros Discovery, claiming it would harm competition and lead to higher prices for consumers. The lawsuit was supported by 11 states, including Arizona, Massachusetts, and New York, and argues that the merger could result in thousands of job losses and negatively impact content quality for audiences. As the companies involved aim for a closing date of September 30, they may face additional financial burdens due to a "ticking fee" of $0.25 per share if the deal is not finalized by then.
Volkswagen Group's CEO Oliver Blume announced plans to cut up to 100,000 jobs, doubling the previously stated figure of 50,000, in response to a sharp decline in profits and increased competition, particularly from Chinese brands. The company's operating profit fell from €22.6 billion in 2023 to just €8.9 billion in 2024, with sales in China dropping by 26% in the first half of the year. In late 2024, VW reached an agreement to cut 35,000 jobs at its namesake brand by 2030, alongside another 15,000 across other brands, although there are suggestions that the final number of job cuts may be lower than the 100,000 stated.
A shooting involving US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Biddeford, Maine, resulted in one fatality, occurring just six days after an ICE agent shot and killed a 52-year-old Mexican national in Houston, Texas. Following the Biddeford incident, Maine Representative Chellie Pingree expressed her concerns on social media, questioning the circumstances of the shooting and the presence of ICE in Maine. The previous shooting incident in Houston has led to protests and growing scrutiny over ICE's actions, as the agency faces allegations of inadequate transparency regarding the events that transpired.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned Cuba's Ministry of Tourism along with two state-owned companies, GEMAR and GECOMEX, amid escalating tensions between Havana and Washington, giving companies until August 12 to wind down contracts. These sanctions follow an executive order that enables U.S. asset freezes related to entities supporting Cuba's government, coinciding with severe electricity blackouts affecting over 10 million people due to a U.S. oil blockade. Cuba's Foreign Affairs Minister described the sanctions as "an act of collective punishment," highlighting that previous U.S. embargoes caused $8 billion in damages from March 2025 to February 2026.
The UK has signed a significant trade deal with Switzerland, allowing British travellers to use e-gates at Swiss airports and eliminating mobile roaming charges for tourists, with an estimated boost of £5.2 billion to UK exports annually. The agreement also establishes a permanent services mobility deal, enabling UK businesses to operate in Switzerland for up to 90 days without a work permit and allowing employees to transfer to Swiss work for up to five years. Approximately 800,000 Britons visit Switzerland each year, and the two countries engaged in over £30 billion in services trade in 2025, making Switzerland the UK's sixth-largest services export market.
Counterterrorism police have taken over the investigation into the murder of 78-year-old veteran politician Ann Widdecombe, following “new information and evidence” that suggests a potential terrorism link. A 28-year-old man, previously arrested for murder, has been rearrested on suspicion of terrorism-related activities, and the police are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry regarding the motivations behind the attack. Widdecombe's death has raised safety concerns for British MPs, as she is the third politician killed in the past decade, prompting the Reform Party to enhance security measures by providing 24-hour protection to its members.
A British couple, Pete and Fran Gillam, were confirmed among the 13 victims of deadly wildfires in Spain, with authorities using DNA to identify remains as many are too badly burned. The fire spread rapidly through the village of Bédar, where the couple lived, prompting their daughter's frantic search after receiving a text from her mother about their evacuation plans, but they were not heard from again. Authorities reported that 10 formal missing persons reports have been filed, and officials believe there could be at least four more British victims, as the region continues to grapple with extreme heat and climate conditions contributing to the wildfires.