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Iran says it has received offers to help mediate the conflict and believes talks are still ongoing. Iran also strongly criticized US attacks on its civilian infrastructure.
Key Facts
Iran says it received mediation proposals from several parties.
Iran insists that diplomatic efforts are still active despite ongoing conflict.
Iran condemned US strikes targeting civilian infrastructure.
The conflict involves the United States and Iran, with tensions continuing.
Iran emphasizes the importance of negotiations to resolve the situation.
The article does not specify which parties offered mediation or details about the attacks.
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British prosecutors charged 28-year-old Joshua Kerry with murder in the death of former politician Ann Widdecombe. Police are still investigating his motive, including possible political or terrorist reasons.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe, 78, a former member of the UK Parliament and reality TV contestant, was found dead in her rural home on July 9.
Police said she was attacked on July 8 and suffered serious injuries in what they call a targeted and brutal attack.
Joshua Kerry was arrested on July 11 in northern England and charged with murder and suspected terrorism-related acts after new evidence was found.
Authorities are exploring whether the killing had political or terrorist motives given Widdecombe’s public profile.
Widdecombe was known for her socially conservative views and served as a minister during the 1990s Conservative government.
She also appeared on TV shows like "Strictly Come Dancing" and was active in Brexit Party and Reform UK.
The attack has raised concerns about the safety of politicians, following previous murders of UK MPs in recent years.
Investigators have over 800 lines of inquiry and are continuing a complex investigation into the case.
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The FDA continues to link a Cyclospora outbreak to Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, despite retracting an earlier positive test result. At least 1,644 people have fallen ill, and the FDA and CDC advise avoiding the recalled lettuce products while investigations continue.
Key Facts
The FDA initially reported a positive Cyclospora test on Taylor Farms lettuce but later said it was a false positive.
Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico tied to the outbreak.
At least 1,644 people have become sick, with the actual number possibly higher.
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes stomach illness and diarrhea.
The FDA uses multiple methods, including tracking illness patterns and food shipments, to find outbreak sources.
Taco Bell removed the affected lettuce from its restaurants following the recall.
The FDA said the false positive does not change the evidence supporting the recall.
The investigation is still ongoing, and the FDA is looking into other possible sources and related illness clusters.
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California's governor's office disputed a news report about a no-bid diaper contract awarded to Baby2Baby, calling parts of it false. After 66 days of requesting records, the state posted documents showing the contract was legally exempt from the usual competitive bidding required for state contracts.
Key Facts
California gave Baby2Baby a diaper contract without a normal competitive bidding process.
The state's contract database labeled the deal "NON-COMPETITIVELY BID."
State law typically demands public advertising, scoring, and protests in competitive bids, but exemptions are allowed and this contract used one.
Governor Newsom said the deal went through a competitive bidding process, but officials later clarified he was not using the formal legal definition.
Records released after 66 days showed no scoring sheets or clear evaluation criteria for the selection.
The governor’s office disputed claims that they delayed releasing the documents to hide information and said they needed more time to process the requests legally.
The number of applicants reported varies between 11, 14, and 15, and some supposed applicants did not meet with the agency.
The news outlet updated its story where additional facts were confirmed but maintained parts where the records did not support the governor’s office claims.
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he will not support any candidate right now in the race to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. Usually, Thune and other Republican leaders help choose who the party backs for Senate seats.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham passed away, leaving an open Senate seat in South Carolina.
John Thune is the Senate Majority Leader and a Republican from South Dakota.
Thune told reporters he is not endorsing any candidate for the South Carolina Senate primary at this time.
Republican leaders often decide which candidates to support in important Senate races.
Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, has been sworn in as a temporary replacement.
The South Carolina Senate seat is open for a full term election.
The decision on endorsements could affect the GOP primary outcome.
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House Republicans raised $17.6 million in June, giving them $92.7 million in cash for their campaign efforts, more than House Democrats. Although Democrats raised more in the full second quarter, Republicans have a cash lead going into the midterm elections, partly because of a recent Supreme Court ruling that allows more coordination in spending.
Key Facts
House Republicans' campaign group (NRCC) raised $17.6 million in June.
The NRCC has $92.7 million in cash on hand for campaigning.
Democrats’ campaign group (DCCC) has $79 million in cash available.
In the full second quarter, Democrats raised $37.4 million, more than Republicans' $35.4 million.
Twenty-five Republican incumbents were outraised by Democratic challengers in this period.
A recent Supreme Court ruling lets national party committees spend without limits in coordination with candidates, boosting Republican fundraising power.
Both parties say they are preparing strong campaigns for the November midterm elections.
The fundraising advantage for Republicans has not yet led to better individual candidate fundraising results.
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Five people died after trying to help a swimmer who was struggling in the Scioto River near Powell, Ohio. The tragedy began when one person went into the water and others jumped in to assist, but they all got into trouble.
Key Facts
Five people died in the Scioto River near Powell, Ohio.
The group had gathered by the river on Sunday.
One person went swimming and started struggling.
Others jumped in to help but also got into trouble.
Two women were found and died at the hospital on Sunday.
Three men’s bodies were found in the river on Monday.
A frightened child ran to the road for help and was found by a motorist.
Two children under 10, including the child who sought help, were placed with family services.
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Andy Burnham became the new UK prime minister and promised to bring hope back to Britain. He named John Healey as chancellor and plans to ease the cost of living by cutting energy bills and bus fares. Burnham also spoke with President Trump, Ukraine’s leader, and the EU chief, showing his international focus.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the UK’s sixth prime minister in 10 years.
John Healey was unexpectedly appointed chancellor and is seen as a reliable choice.
Burnham promised new policies to lower energy bills and bus fares to help with the cost of living.
He plans to consider borrowing more money for infrastructure but wants to manage the economy carefully.
Burnham made his first calls as prime minister to President Donald Trump, Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and EU leader Ursula von der Leyen.
Ed Miliband became foreign secretary, and Shabana Mahmood stayed at the Home Office.
Burnham removed some members loyal to the previous leader Keir Starmer and appointed Louise Haigh as first secretary of state and head of the Cabinet Office.
Yvette Cooper will lead health and social care reforms, while Pat McFadden remains at the Department for Work and Pensions.
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Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited Algeria for the first time in four years to improve relations between the two countries. The visit followed a dispute caused by Spain’s support of Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara, which angered Algeria. Both leaders discussed energy, migration, and investment as they worked to restore ties.
Key Facts
Pedro Sanchez visited Algeria on July 20, 2026, marking his first visit in four years.
Relations soured in 2022 when Spain shifted from neutrality and supported Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara.
Algeria backs the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara.
Algeria had suspended a 2002 friendship treaty, recalled its ambassador, and froze some banking operations with Spain due to the dispute.
Algeria is Spain’s largest natural gas supplier this year.
During the visit, Algeria reactivated the friendship treaty and began restoring commercial ties.
Leaders discussed energy cooperation, encouraging Spanish investment in Algeria, migration issues, and Western Sahara.
Both leaders described talks as positive and saw the visit as a step toward rebuilding partnership.
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A U.S. federal judge has temporarily blocked the $110 billion merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros Discovery. This pause follows a lawsuit by 12 states worried the merger would reduce competition and hurt movie theaters and viewers.
Key Facts
The merger deal is worth $110 billion.
A coalition of 12 states, including California and New York, filed a lawsuit to stop the merger.
The states say merging the two studios could harm movie theaters, cable distributors, and audiences.
Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros claim the merger would improve streaming services.
Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín issued a 14-day temporary restraining order blocking the merger.
The judge expressed concern that undoing the merger later would be very difficult if it is allowed now.
The merged company would control over a quarter of major film releases and include popular franchises like Harry Potter and Batman.
The next court hearing about the merger is scheduled for August.
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The Trump administration announced plans to revoke U.S. citizenship from 10 people accused of crimes or lying during the citizenship process. The individuals faced charges such as child sexual abuse, fraud, and identity theft, and the government is working to increase such denaturalization cases.
Key Facts
The government aims to strip citizenship from people who allegedly committed crimes or immigration fraud to become citizens.
Revoking citizenship requires stricter rules than canceling visas, so such cases are usually rare.
The 10 people include six from Mexico, and one each from Cuba, Pakistan, Peru, and Poland.
Some accused committed child sexual abuse before or while applying for citizenship.
Others allegedly used fake documents, false statements, or concealed crimes related to healthcare fraud and drug offenses.
One accused admitted to a Medicare fraud scheme involving nearly $900,000.
The Department of Justice and Homeland Security announced the cases on a Monday, with more expected.
Officials say people who cheat to get citizenship will face legal consequences under President Donald Trump’s administration.
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Luke Gulbranson, known from the TV show Summer House, is running as a Democrat for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District to challenge Republican Pete Stauber. His campaign focuses on economic issues, healthcare, and support for working-class families in the region.
Key Facts
Luke Gulbranson is a former reality TV star from Bravo’s Summer House.
He announced his run for Congress in April 2024 in Minnesota’s 8th District.
The 8th District includes northeastern Minnesota, a region historically working-class and linked to mining and unions.
Gulbranson’s campaign highlights protecting Medicare, Social Security, and supporting union jobs.
He grew up in a family that relied on public assistance like welfare and Medicaid.
Gulbranson aims to represent working-class voters frustrated with Washington politics.
His donors include some well-known individuals, though overall contributions are smaller than the Republicans’.
Before politics, he worked in business, coached youth hockey, and pursued ventures like maple syrup and a beer brand.
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Nearly 100 U.S. service members were injured in Iranian airstrikes on military bases in the Middle East this month. Most of the injured troops have returned to duty, and most injuries were mild concussions.
Key Facts
About 100 U.S. service members were injured since July 7, 2026.
96% of the injured service members have returned to work.
Most injuries were minor concussions.
The Pentagon confirmed these details through Chief Spokesman Sean Parnell.
The incidents occurred during airstrikes by Iran on U.S. bases in the Middle East.
The Pentagon considers the troops eager to resume their duties.
The situation is part of an ongoing conflict involving Iran and U.S. forces.
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Senate Democrats asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for details about his plan to test military members' testosterone levels. They want to know the scientific reasons, costs, and effects of the policy, especially how it will affect women and if it might lead to unsafe supplement use.
Key Facts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered testosterone level tests for all military members aged 30 and older.
Testing for troops under 30 will be optional.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) will be voluntary for all ages.
The policy is not yet fully implemented, with details and start dates unclear.
Senators questioned the policy’s scientific proof, costs, and risks.
Concerns include possible discrimination against women and pressure on troops to self-medicate with supplements.
The Pentagon aims to finish a detailed plan by August 15, 2026.
This directive is part of Hegseth’s focus on improving military fitness and health standards.
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Khalil al-Hayya has been elected as the new leader of Hamas after nearly two years without a single head following the assassination of the former chief. Al-Hayya is seen as a practical leader who might continue current policies and could open doors for negotiations involving the United States.
Key Facts
Khalil al-Hayya won the Hamas leadership election by one vote, getting 35 out of 69 votes.
The previous Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, was assassinated in October 2024.
Al-Hayya had been part of a five-member leadership council managing Hamas since then.
He is considered a pragmatist and has experience negotiating ceasefires and prisoner swaps.
Al-Hayya was involved in talks with Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, representatives linked to US President Donald Trump.
He has ties to Iran but also maintains a balanced approach between Iran and Arab states.
Hamas has faced leadership losses recently, including assassination attempts and strikes.
Experts say al-Hayya’s election likely means continuity, not major changes in Hamas strategy.
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Senator Darline Graham announced she will run for a full term in the U.S. Senate seat once held by her late brother, Lindsey Graham. She shared her decision during an interview on Fox News.
Key Facts
Darline Graham is the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
Lindsey Graham previously held a U.S. Senate seat from South Carolina.
Darline Graham said she will run to fill her brother’s Senate seat for a full term.
She made her announcement on a Fox News interview with Sean Hannity.
The interview statement was shared publicly before it aired on TV.
The decision was announced from Columbia, South Carolina.
This election is to replace the seat Lindsey Graham previously occupied.
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Senegal has decided to support former president Macky Sall’s candidacy to become the next United Nations Secretary-General. This is a change from their previous position, after Sall met with the current Senegalese president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, in Dakar.
Key Facts
Macky Sall was president of Senegal from 2012 to 2024.
Senegal’s government had earlier refused to back Sall due to accusations of deadly political repression and covering up negative economic information during his time in office.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye took office in 2024 with a platform opposing Sall’s legacy.
Sall visited Dakar for the first time since leaving office and meeting with President Faye in July 2026.
Following this visit, Senegal announced full support for Sall’s candidacy to be UN Secretary-General.
Senegal’s foreign ministry asked its diplomats to promote Sall’s bid to UN member countries.
The African Union’s rotating presidency, held by Burundi, nominated Sall earlier in 2026, but about 20 African countries initially did not support him.
Sall’s supporters welcomed him in Dakar, while critics continue to demand accountability for deaths during his presidency.
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A new report says the Pentagon hid information about injuries to U.S. military members after Iran launched attacks. The strikes killed two people in Jordan and caused damage to U.S. helicopters.
Key Facts
The Pentagon did not publicly report dozens of injuries to U.S. service members.
The injuries happened after a series of Iranian attacks.
Two individuals were killed in Jordan related to these strikes.
Several U.S. officials confirmed the unreported harm but spoke anonymously.
The attacks also damaged multiple American helicopters.
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John Healey, now the UK chancellor, previously criticized the Treasury for not properly funding the military's modernization plans. As chancellor, he faces the challenge of increasing defense spending to meet government goals, while balancing other financial demands.
Key Facts
Healey resigned as defense secretary last month, citing insufficient funding for Britain's armed forces.
The Defense Investment Plan (DIP), meant to modernize the military, was delayed by almost a year due to funding issues.
Healey said the Treasury's offer of an extra £13.5 billion was not enough to keep the country safe.
The government aims to raise defense spending to 3% of the UK's GDP by 2030, but no clear timeline was given under previous leadership.
According to forecasts, defense budgeting would need to grow from £63 billion to about £90 billion annually by 2030 to meet this target.
Increasing defense budgets may require tax rises or other funding methods, such as defense bonds, though some see bonds as borrowing.
Without more money, key military projects like drones, uncrewed ships, air defense, and long-range weapons remain underfunded.
As chancellor, Healey now has the power to work on plans to meet and possibly increase defense spending targets.
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In the Yemeni city of Taiz, a husband and wife team run a fast-food restaurant together, which is unusual due to traditional gender roles and the ongoing civil war. The wife manages the restaurant daily, helping the business grow despite economic difficulties, while the husband serves as head chef.
Key Facts
The husband and wife run Abu Sultan, a fast-food restaurant in Taiz, Yemen.
They serve burgers, fries, pizzas, and fried chicken, which is new for the area.
Taiz has been affected by siege and fighting during Yemen’s civil war.
Traditionally, Yemeni women manage the home and rarely work outside it.
The wife handles restaurant management and customer relations.
The couple sees their work as a partnership without a boss-subordinate relationship.
The husband previously worked in Saudi Arabia and brought the fast-food business idea back to Yemen.
The wife’s leadership and hospitality skills have helped attract repeat customers.
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