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England’s new government announced it will cap single bus fares at £2 starting in January, down from £3. The government says the policy is fully funded through £454 million, mostly from changing climate finance investments to loans and budget savings.
Key Facts
The new £2 bus fare cap in England will start in January.
The cap lowers the current maximum bus fare from £3 to £2.
The government claims the policy is backed by £454 million in funding.
About £400 million comes from switching some climate finance investments into loans.
The rest of the money comes from cuts in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero budget.
A cut to VAT on household electricity bills from October will be paid for by cancelling a digital ID scheme.
Some critics say the digital ID scheme was never funded, questioning how the government will pay for new policies.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the government is confident all new spending is fully funded and fiscal rules will be followed.
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Winnie Ama, a singer from Belfast, was invited to perform her original song in an alien language for the new Supergirl movie. This was her first acting role, where she played a singing alien in a bar on the alien planet Bilquis.
Key Facts
Winnie Ama was performing in a bar when the film director invited her to join the Supergirl movie.
She had to translate her song "What Are We" into an alien language created by a language expert.
The alien language specialist also worked on famous fictional languages like Klingon from Star Trek.
Winnie’s character sings in an alien bar during a scene where Supergirl visits the planet Bilquis.
It took about four hours each day to apply makeup and costume for her alien role.
The Supergirl film centers on the superhero’s mission to save her dog, Krypto.
The movie is directed by Craig Gillespie and stars Milly Alcock as Supergirl and Jason Momoa as bounty hunter Lobo.
Winnie said the film shows Supergirl as a real person with emotions, not a typical superhero.
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A large amount of smoke from wildfires in western Ontario, Canada, is expected to continue spreading over many parts of the U.S. Midwest and Northeast through August. The smoke, driven by weather patterns like the jet stream, is causing poor air quality, which can affect the health of millions of people.
Key Facts
As of July 22, 2026, Canada has about 900 active wildfires burning, with nearly 3,950 fires having burned over 3.3 million hectares this year.
Western Ontario is a major source of the smoke affecting the United States.
Many fires are in remote areas, making firefighting difficult; rain is limited and expected to provide only minor relief.
Weather patterns, especially the jet stream, are pushing smoke southeast into the U.S., where it will continue for weeks.
States across the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast are experiencing haze and unhealthy air conditions.
Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles called PM2.5, which can harm lungs and heart when inhaled.
Health experts warn that the smoke can cause coughing and increase risks of respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
Significant improvement in air quality may not come until cooler weather and rainstorms arrive in late August or fall.
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Thousands of young people are protesting in Delhi, India, demanding changes in education and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protests continued despite police using force, and opposition leaders joined in, calling for government accountability after a harsh police crackdown.
Key Facts
The protests are led by a group called the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), inspired by a controversial remark made by India’s chief justice.
Protesters want education reforms and the resignation of Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Police used batons and tear gas, injuring at least 60 people during the protests.
Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, joined the protests and marched to Prime Minister Modi’s house.
Rahul Gandhi and other opposition members were briefly detained by the police during their protests.
The Congress party says the government refused to allow a debate on education reforms in parliament.
Minister Pradhan accused the Congress of using students for political gain and said the government is committed to education reforms.
Protesters remain at the main protest site, Jantar Mantar, with a continuous sit-in despite the police dismantling their stage and tents.
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Morocco has asked Italy to explain the death of a Moroccan man, Abderrahim Fakir, who died during his arrest in Bologna. The incident sparked protests and clashes between police and demonstrators, while Italian authorities have opened an investigation into the case.
Key Facts
Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan living in Italy since childhood, died after police tackled him to the ground in Bologna.
Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances and responsibility for Fakir’s death.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for a rigorous and impartial inquiry, condemning violence against police during related protests.
Clashes during protests injured 54 police officers and 11 demonstrators.
Police were reportedly responding to neighbors' concerns about Fakir's unusual behavior, describing it as a “psychiatric episode.”
A video shows Fakir asking for help as officers pressed him face down for several minutes.
Fakir’s family and local officials called for justice and truth about his death.
The case has drawn comparisons to the 2020 killing of George Floyd in the United States, where police restraint led to death.
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A recent Gallup poll found that nearly one in four American workers stay in jobs they want to leave because they fear losing health insurance. Rising health care costs and changes to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid have made health insurance less affordable and harder to get outside of employer plans.
Key Facts
About 24% of workers with employer health insurance feel "trapped" in their jobs due to health coverage concerns.
This is an increase of 8 percentage points since 2021, affecting roughly 23 million adults.
Workers with medical debt or high stress from health costs are even more likely to stay in unwanted jobs.
Changes made by President Trump’s administration ended some ACA subsidies and reduced Medicaid eligibility, causing insurance premiums to rise.
Premiums for marketplace health plans are expected to increase again due to rising medical costs.
People with chronic illnesses and women are more likely to stay in jobs for health insurance benefits.
Women often need health coverage more due to medical care related to pregnancy and childbirth.
Many Americans report delaying life events or choosing between health care and other essentials because of cost.
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The NHS trust in Nottingham is being investigated for corporate manslaughter after Valdo Calocane, a patient previously diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, fatally attacked three people in June 2023. Calocane, who had been treated and sectioned multiple times by the trust before being discharged in 2022, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and is now in a high-security hospital.
Key Facts
Valdo Calocane killed Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates in June 2023.
Calocane was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and had been treated by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
He was sectioned, meaning detained for mental health treatment under the Mental Health Act, four times during two years of care.
Calocane was discharged in September 2022 after missing appointments and being "lost" by the care team.
The NHS trust is being investigated for corporate manslaughter by Northumbria Police on behalf of Nottinghamshire Police.
Nottinghamshire Police has faced criticism for how it handled interactions with Calocane and the investigation into the attacks.
A public inquiry into the events has finished hearing evidence and will complete later this year.
Calocane pleaded guilty to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility and is under an indefinite hospital order in a secure facility.
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Two men convicted of killing police officer Andrew Harper in 2019 may be eligible for early release under a new government law. Harper’s mother expressed strong upset, calling the potential early release an insult, while officials said the law aims to reduce prison overcrowding but will exclude the most dangerous criminals.
Key Facts
PC Andrew Harper died in 2019 after being dragged by a car during a burglary chase.
Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, both 17 at the time, received 13-year sentences for manslaughter.
These two men might be eligible for release halfway through their sentences due to a new Sentencing Act starting in September 2026.
The driver, Henry Long, got a 16-year sentence and will not qualify for early release under the act.
Harper’s mother received an official letter about the possible early release and said it felt like an insult.
The government says the law does not apply to the most dangerous offenders, such as those with life or extended sentences.
Police groups have criticized the early release plans, saying it is disrespectful to victims and unsafe for communities.
Harper’s Law, passed after his death, increases sentences for killing emergency workers but does not apply retroactively.
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The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) says it cannot fully rebuild the Mackintosh Building, which was damaged by fires in 2014 and 2018, without more money. The restoration costs have risen to £265 million due to inflation and economic factors, and the school now seeks outside investment and government help to continue.
Key Facts
The Mackintosh Building was heavily damaged by two fires, one in 2014 and another in 2018.
The Glasgow School of Art originally planned to restore the building exactly as it was.
New financial information shows the school cannot afford to restore it fully by itself.
Rising construction costs and economic instability have increased the restoration expense to £265 million.
The restoration depends on uncertain external funding sources, widening a significant funding gap.
The school hopes to find investors and government support for the project.
Plans now include removing scaffolding to improve the site’s look and help stabilize the building.
Some experts criticize the delay and call for a full, faithful restoration of the building as a cultural treasure.
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is open to talks to end the conflict with Iran but believes Iran is not serious about negotiations. Meanwhile, the US has conducted attacks on Iran for 11 nights in a row, and tensions remain high over control of the Strait of Hormuz and threats against Iranian nuclear sites.
Key Facts
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US wants positive talks with Iran if Iran honors its commitments.
Rubio claims Iran is not serious about negotiating a peaceful end to the conflict.
The US has launched attacks on Iran for 11 consecutive nights, causing explosions in different areas.
Rubio opposes Iran controlling the Strait of Hormuz, an important waterway for global energy transport.
Iran rejects US threats and says it will retaliate if its nuclear facilities are attacked again.
Recent attacks have caused 50 deaths and wounded 500 people, according to Iranian health officials.
Rubio emphasized the importance of US relations with Southeast Asian countries as part of broader security and economic interests.
The US warns that Iran’s control of international waterways would set a dangerous global precedent.
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Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy fired the army chief and appointed a new general to lead a reorganization of the military. Meanwhile, EU ambassadors are meeting to try to finalize a new set of sanctions against Russia, but some member states have concerns about the impact on their own economies.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy fired Ukraine’s army commander Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Zelenskyy appointed Maj Gen Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new head of Ukraine’s armed forces.
Zelenskyy also offered a prominent government role to Mykhailo Fedorov, the recently dismissed defence minister.
The changes come amid nationwide protests in Ukraine demanding Fedorov’s reinstatement.
Ukraine launched attacks on Russian logistics hubs supplying military equipment.
EU ambassadors in Brussels are trying to approve the 21st package of sanctions against Russia.
Some EU countries worry sanctions might harm their own economies.
Proposed measures on Russian fishing, visas for Russian citizens, and sanctions on a Russian religious leader were dropped or opposed.
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Explosions and fires were reported in Tehran and Behbahan, Iran, during a series of US military strikes. The US said it completed 11 days of consecutive attacks on Iran.
Key Facts
Explosions were heard over Tehran, Iran’s capital city.
Fires broke out in Behbahan, a city in southwestern Iran.
The incidents followed US missile attacks.
The US military reported completing 11 straight days of strikes on Iran.
The strikes are part of ongoing military actions between the US and Iran.
Air defenses in Iran were activated during these events.
The report does not mention casualties or further details about targets.
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city cannot arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. He called on the U.S. federal government to take action instead, as they have the legal power to do so.
Key Facts
Mayor Mamdani planned to arrest Netanyahu if he attended the UN General Assembly in New York.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024, accusing him of war crimes related to the war in Gaza.
Mamdani said New York City does not have the legal authority to enforce the ICC warrant.
He urged the federal government to join the ICC and execute the warrant.
President Donald Trump stated publicly that Netanyahu will not be arrested in the U.S.
Israeli officials deny the war crime accusations, including targeting civilians and restricting aid.
The Israeli ambassador to the UN criticized Mamdani, telling him to focus on serving New Yorkers.
Netanyahu faces accusations from the ICC of using starvation as a method of warfare and crimes against humanity.
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A documentary reveals that the French army secretly used chemical weapons during the Algerian war of independence, violating international law. The film shows evidence from archives and testimonies that France attacked Algerian fighters and civilians with poison gas between 1956 and 1959.
Key Facts
The French army used chemical weapons in Algeria during the independence war, against international rules.
Evidence includes a 1956 letter from a French army commander mentioning chemical weapons use.
France created a Special Weapons Unit in late 1956 to use CN2D gas on Algerian fighters in caves.
Around 8,000 to 10,000 chemical attacks happened, but only 440 have been documented so far.
One attack in March 1959 killed about 150 civilians at Ghar Ben Shatouh.
France did not officially ban chemical weapons until 1993, decades after Algeria became independent.
The chemical used, CN2D gas, was also employed by France in World War I.
The 1925 Geneva Protocol prohibits the use of chemical weapons, which France broke during this conflict.
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Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was released after being detained during large student-led protests over recent exam paper leaks and the education system. The protests, organized mainly by students and the social media group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), call for the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Key Facts
Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders were detained during a protest outside Prime Minister Modi’s residence in New Delhi.
The protests followed a leak of medical school exam papers, causing over two million students to retake exams and linked to at least 12 student suicides.
Protesters demand educational reforms, government accountability, and the resignation of Modi and the education minister.
Police used tear gas and batons to stop protesters marching to parliament, injuring around 60 civilians and 118 police officers.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a student and social media movement, has rapidly gained millions of followers in two months.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk supported the protests by starting a hunger strike before being moved to a hospital by police and later to a private hospital after a court order.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused Gandhi of using students for political disruption but said the government is committed to reforms and accountability.
Protests occurred in multiple cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with hundreds continuing to camp at a New Delhi protest site.
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Mr Motivator, a well-known TV fitness figure from the 1990s, visited a care home in Huddersfield to lead a fitness class for elderly residents. The session focused on gentle exercises designed to improve movement and wellbeing, with an emphasis on the importance of staying active in later life.
Key Facts
Mr Motivator is 73 years old and still leads fitness sessions with energetic movements.
He led a chairobics (chair aerobics) session for nine residents at Lindley Park Care Home.
The care home has 61 beds and provides care for people with dementia.
Physical activity for older adults is recommended by the NHS to improve health.
Research shows many people over 55 do not get enough exercise.
Bailey Greetham, aged 23, runs a business providing fitness classes in care homes.
The fitness sessions aim to help residents regain independence and improve mood.
Participants enjoyed the session and appreciated the opportunity to move and socialize.
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President Donald Trump compared the deaths of U.S. service members in the Iran conflict to the death tolls of past U.S. wars. His comments came after 18 soldiers died in about four months in Iran, and sparked criticism from some public figures.
Key Facts
President Trump posted on Truth Social comparing death tolls from the Iran conflict and Venezuela to wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, and Korea.
The Iran conflict has lasted about 145 days with 18 U.S. service members killed.
The Afghanistan War lasted 20 years with 2,000 U.S. deaths; the Iraq War lasted 9 years with 4,600 deaths.
The Vietnam War lasted over 19 years with 58,220 U.S. deaths, and the Korean War lasted just over 3 years with 36,574 deaths.
President Trump’s post appeared to defend his record on military conflicts abroad.
Some critics, including Marjorie Taylor Greene and California Governor Gavin Newsom, said Trump was disrespectful to the soldiers who died.
The Iran conflict started on February 28 when the U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran.
The story is ongoing and may be updated with new information.
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that if Iran is allowed to control the Strait of Hormuz and charge ships a fee, it would create a risky situation. He said this could lead to serious problems not only in the Middle East but around the world.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio is the US Secretary of State.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway used for global shipping.
Iran wants to control the Strait and charge fees to ships passing through.
Rubio called this move a "dangerous precedent."
He believes this could cause problems beyond the Middle East region.
The Strait of Hormuz is important for transporting oil and other goods.
Controlling such a key route can affect global trade and security.
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Ukrainian drones have again attacked warehouses of Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries, injuring 10 people. Ukraine says these warehouses are used to supply parts for Russian drones and military equipment.
Key Facts
Ukrainian drones struck Wildberries warehouses in Krasnodar and Stavropol overnight.
10 people were injured and workers had to be evacuated.
This is the second attack in four days; previous strikes hit warehouses in Tambov and Elektrostal, killing 8 and injuring 62.
Ukraine claims these warehouses supply components for Russian drones and navigation gear.
Wildberries owner Tatyana Kim expressed sadness over the attacks but emphasized continuing work.
Ukrainian officials say the strikes aim to disrupt Russia’s military supply chain and logistics.
Such attacks may affect the Russian economy and public support for the war.
Wildberries’ website has reportedly been used by Russian volunteers to buy military gear.
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