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Japan relaxes royal succession rules - but ban on female emperors remain

Japan relaxes royal succession rules - but ban on female emperors remain

July 17, 2026 • World • BBC World

Summary

Japan's parliament has passed a law to ease rules about who can be part of the royal family. The changes allow the imperial family to adopt distant male relatives and let female members keep their royal status after marriage, but women still cannot become emperor.

Key Facts

  • The new law was approved by Japan's upper house and earlier by the lower house.
  • It permits adoption of male relatives over 15 from former imperial branches removed after World War II.
  • Women in the royal family can now retain their royal status after marrying outside the family.
  • The law does not allow women to succeed to the throne, so Princess Aiko, the emperor’s only child, cannot become emperor.
  • Japan’s imperial family is the world’s oldest hereditary monarchy, over 2,600 years old.
  • The current order of succession includes the emperor’s younger brother, his son, and then the emperor’s uncle.
  • The law aims to address the problem of having very few male heirs in the imperial family.
  • Opinion polls show strong public support for allowing a female emperor, but conservative leaders support limiting succession to males only.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories
Texas floods ravage through southwestern areas of state

Texas floods ravage through southwestern areas of state

July 17, 2026 • Us • Al Jazeera

Summary

Severe flooding in the Texas Hill Country has caused at least two deaths and led to the rescue of more than 200 people. Governor Greg Abbott reported that a man and a woman were swept away by floodwaters in separate incidents.

Key Facts

  • The floods occurred in the Texas Hill Country region.
  • At least two people have died due to the floods.
  • Over 200 people were rescued from flood-affected areas.
  • A man was swept away while inside an RV.
  • A woman was swept away while driving her car.
  • Governor Greg Abbott provided information about the flood incidents.
  • The flooding is described as catastrophic, indicating serious damage and danger.
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Al Jazeera
Olympic cyclist admits to driving despite ban after crash that killed wife

Olympic cyclist admits to driving despite ban after crash that killed wife

July 17, 2026 • World • BBC World

Summary

Australian Olympic cyclist Rohan Dennis pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified after police stopped him last month. He was banned from driving for five years following a 2023 incident where his wife, also an Olympic cyclist, died after being hit by his car.

Key Facts

  • Rohan Dennis was banned from driving for five years starting December 2023.
  • He was pulled over last month while driving with two children in the car.
  • Dennis pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified at the Adelaide Magistrates Court.
  • In 2023, Dennis was involved in a car crash that killed his wife, Melissa Hoskins.
  • The court found Dennis reckless but not criminally responsible for her death.
  • Hoskins was on the car when the crash happened during an argument with Dennis.
  • Dennis received a suspended 17-month jail sentence and a two-year good behaviour bond last May.
  • Prosecutors want the case moved to a higher court to handle both the driving offence and bond breach.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories
'I had stage four cancer at 14, now I'm a doctor'

'I had stage four cancer at 14, now I'm a doctor'

July 17, 2026 • Us • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Ellie Waters-Barnes, diagnosed with aggressive cancer at age 14, has graduated as a doctor from Keele University. Her experience with cancer and treatment inspired her to study medicine and gave her a deeper understanding of what patients go through.

Key Facts

  • Ellie was diagnosed with stage four alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of soft tissue cancer, in 2015.
  • She underwent 18 months of treatment including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
  • Treatment side effects caused early menopause and other ongoing health challenges.
  • Despite these challenges, she focused on studying and earned good grades during school.
  • Watching medical documentaries after treatment sparked her interest in medicine.
  • She aims to help patients during their vulnerable times, inspired by her own care experience.
  • Ellie graduated from Keele University and will work at Royal Stoke University Hospital.
  • She describes her cancer experience as a "superpower" that helps her understand patients better.
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BBC Top Stories
EU border chaos feared at Dover crossing as busiest summer weekend looms

EU border chaos feared at Dover crossing as busiest summer weekend looms

July 17, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

The port of Dover in the UK expects heavy traffic and long delays this summer due to new EU border controls called the entry-exit system (EES), which is not working properly because of software problems in France. Many drivers are choosing to holiday within the UK because of flight concerns and border delays, leading to high domestic travel this year.

Key Facts

  • The new EU entry-exit system (EES) requires travelers to be photographed and fingerprinted at the border.
  • The automated system at Dover to speed up EES checks is not working due to software issues in France.
  • French border police will manually register non-EU travelers, which may cause long queues.
  • Around 7,500 cars are expected to cross from Dover to France on Friday and 10,000 on Saturday.
  • Drivers are advised to use main roads and arrive no earlier than two hours before their ferry time.
  • Eurotunnel’s automated kiosks are also not working, but they do not expect delays.
  • More than 14 million drivers are expected on British roads this weekend, the busiest summer weekend since 2022.
  • Flight delays, higher airfares, heatwaves, and border controls have encouraged many Britons to take domestic holidays instead of traveling abroad.
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Guardian World
Weatherwatch: How English summer clouds can warn of trouble ahead

Weatherwatch: How English summer clouds can warn of trouble ahead

July 17, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

Certain types of clouds seen in the English summer sky, called mackerel skies and mare’s tails, can signal bad weather is coming. These clouds form when a warm front or storm system is approaching, causing changes in moisture and wind at high altitudes.

Key Facts

  • Mackerel skies are made of cirrocumulus or altocumulus clouds arranged in patchy rows that look like fish scales.
  • Cirrocumulus clouds are white and wispy; altocumulus clouds are thicker and grey.
  • Mare’s tails, or cirrus uncinus, are high clouds shaped like a horse’s tail with hooked, wispy plumes.
  • Both cloud types indicate a warm front or low-pressure storm is coming soon.
  • Warm fronts push moisture high in the sky, creating these cloud patterns.
  • Mackerel skies form from turbulence; mare’s tails form from ice crystals stretched by wind differences at various heights.
  • An old English saying advised sailors to lower their sails when seeing these clouds because strong winds usually followed.
  • These cloud signals help predict changes in the weather.
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Guardian World
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Taking salsa classes can improve mental health, Oxford study suggests

Taking salsa classes can improve mental health, Oxford study suggests

July 17, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

A study from the University of Oxford found that young adults who took salsa dance classes for eight weeks showed larger improvements in depression, social anxiety, and daily happiness compared to those who did not. The research suggests salsa could be a helpful, enjoyable activity to support mental health, but it is not a replacement for medical treatment.

Key Facts

  • The study involved 121 young adults aged 18 to 24 with mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
  • Participants were randomly assigned to either salsa classes or a control group with no dance intervention.
  • Mental health was measured before, during, and after the eight-week program using questionnaires.
  • Salsa participants reported greater reductions in depression and social anxiety symptoms than the control group.
  • Daily happiness levels increased more in the salsa group than in the non-dancing group.
  • Salsa combines physical activity, social interaction, music, structure, and playfulness, which may help make social contact easier.
  • Researchers suggest salsa could be offered as an optional wellbeing activity alongside other treatments but not as a stand-alone therapy.
  • Similar studies show that social activities like karate, art classes, and book clubs can also improve mental health in young people.
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Guardian World
Burnham's 'Manchesterism' got him to No 10 - but will it work for the UK?

Burnham's 'Manchesterism' got him to No 10 - but will it work for the UK?

July 17, 2026 • Us • BBC Business

Summary

Andy Burnham, who has been mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 to 2026, developed a plan called "Manchesterism" that mixes free markets with strong social support to grow the city's economy. As he prepares to become the UK prime minister, the question remains whether his approach can be used to improve the entire country.

Key Facts

  • Andy Burnham was blocked from standing for parliament by Labour’s ruling executive five months ago but returned in June.
  • Burnham has ambitious plans for Manchester, including hosting major sports events like the women’s football World Cup final in 2035.
  • Manchester has become the fastest-growing city economy in the UK.
  • "Manchesterism" promotes a balance between free markets and social cooperation, rooted in the city’s history.
  • The 1996 IRA bombing led to major reconstruction efforts transforming Manchester’s city center and economy.
  • Local government played a key role by investing public money to reduce risks for private investors to rebuild brownfield industrial sites.
  • The council was flexible about affordable housing requirements to encourage investment.
  • There is debate about whether Burnham’s city-focused model can be adapted for national use.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories
Key takeaways from Donald Trump’s controversial speech on election security

Key takeaways from Donald Trump’s controversial speech on election security

July 17, 2026 • Us • Al Jazeera

Summary

President Donald Trump gave a primetime speech accusing the government and China of election data breaches and alleged efforts to cover up problems with U.S. elections. He did not provide clear proof of wrongdoing but claimed a "deep state" conspiracy tried to hide information. Experts and critics said his claims lacked solid evidence.

Key Facts

  • President Trump said China hacked 220 million U.S. voter records during the 2020 election cycle.
  • China denied interfering in U.S. presidential elections.
  • Voter registration information is often public and sometimes sold by states legally.
  • Declassified documents partly supported concerns about China's interest in voter data but did not confirm hacking.
  • Trump accused a "deep state" or shadow government of hiding election-related information from him.
  • His speech did not repeat false claims that he won the 2020 election but aimed to raise doubts about its security.
  • Democrats criticized Trump for misleading the public and lowering trust in election systems before the 2024 midterms.
  • Presidential daily intelligence briefings usually include selected high-priority information and are not comprehensive disclosures.
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Al Jazeera
US bombards Iran in sixth-straight night of attacks

US bombards Iran in sixth-straight night of attacks

July 17, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

The United States carried out airstrikes on Iran for the sixth night in a row, targeting civilian infrastructure such as bridges and an airport. These attacks show an expansion of U.S. military actions deeper into Iran.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. launched air attacks on Iran for six nights consecutively.
  • Targets included civilian structures like bridges and an airport.
  • The strikes took place deeper inside Iranian territory than before.
  • The U.S. had previously warned it would take such actions.
  • These attacks represent a significant military escalation against Iran.
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Al Jazeera
The 85-year-old living in her own art installation

The 85-year-old living in her own art installation

July 17, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Sue Kreitzman is an 85-year-old artist who began creating art later in life after careers as a teacher, cookbook author, and TV chef. She lives in her colorful London home filled with her artwork, which she calls an art installation, and also mentors others, offering a safe space for people, including those from the LGBT community.

Key Facts

  • Sue Kreitzman was born in New York and did not succeed in school art classes.
  • She started seriously making art at age 58 after working in other professions.
  • Her London home is decorated with her paintings and sculptures on walls, tables, and corridors, creating a living art installation.
  • Kreitzman has a housekeeper and a curator, Jaime Freestone, who helps organize and care for the artwork.
  • She creates custom neck shrines, unique wearable sculptures with personal meaning.
  • Kreitzman’s home is considered a safe space for LGBT people and others seeking mentorship.
  • She prefers exchanging art with friends instead of selling it and believes her pieces have deep personal meaning.
  • Kreitzman describes her style as colorful and unconventional, working outside traditional art rules.
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BBC Top Stories
Trump's dark warning on U.S. elections: 4 takeaways

Trump's dark warning on U.S. elections: 4 takeaways

July 17, 2026 • Us • Axios

Summary

President Trump gave a speech claiming U.S. elections have many weaknesses that foreign countries and unauthorized immigrants are exploiting. He promoted a new law requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and revisited concerns about the 2020 election.

Key Facts

  • President Trump said China stole election data and created ballots for Joe Biden but did not provide proof this affected the election.
  • He accused intelligence agencies of hiding information about China's actions during his first term.
  • Official U.S. intelligence found no evidence that foreign interference changed any part of the 2020 voting process.
  • Trump claimed about 278,000 unauthorized immigrants were on voter rolls in key states but gave no proof they voted.
  • Experts say unauthorized immigrants usually avoid voter registration, and no widespread illegal voting has been found.
  • Trump warned of cybersecurity risks in election systems but did not say any votes were changed because of them.
  • As president, Trump cut funding to agencies that protect election security and reduced support for election guidance.
  • Critics say Trump's calls to remove ineligible voters might be aimed at helping Republicans and could discourage some voters.
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Axios
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Israeli settlers attack Sinjil town in occupied West Bank

Israeli settlers attack Sinjil town in occupied West Bank

July 17, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Israeli settlers attacked the outskirts of Sinjil, a town in the occupied West Bank. Residents report ongoing Israeli military raids and road closures that isolate the town.

Key Facts

  • The attack was carried out by Israeli settlers at the edge of Sinjil.
  • Sinjil is located in the West Bank, a region under Israeli occupation.
  • Residents say the town is frequently subjected to military raids.
  • Road closures block access, making the town isolated.
  • Physical barriers like iron gates and earth mounds surround Sinjil.
  • These conditions have caused tension and clashes in the area.
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Al Jazeera
Trump alleges 'shocking vulnerabilities' in US election security ahead of midterms

Trump alleges 'shocking vulnerabilities' in US election security ahead of midterms

July 17, 2026 • Us • BBC US

Summary

President Donald Trump gave a speech claiming China interfered in the 2020 election and that US voting systems have serious weaknesses. He said he declassified files showing China’s involvement and accused states of not reporting security problems, but US intelligence agencies have said China did not interfere.

Key Facts

  • President Trump spoke from the White House about election security and alleged Chinese interference in 2020.
  • He claimed China acquired personal information from 220 million voters and targeted data in 18 states.
  • Trump said he declassified intelligence files that support his claims, but did not show evidence that China altered votes or voting machines.
  • US intelligence reports, including from 2021, concluded China did not interfere in the 2020 election.
  • The Chinese Embassy denied any interference in US elections.
  • Democrats said Trump’s speech aims to create doubt about the security of the upcoming midterm elections.
  • Trump also alleged vulnerabilities in voting machines exposed to Russia, China, and Iran.
  • He mentioned a Michigan investigation into voter fraud tied to Democrats but offered no proof of vote tampering.
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BBC US BBC Top Stories BBC World
Key Takeaways From Donald Trump's Speech Debunked

Key Takeaways From Donald Trump's Speech Debunked

July 17, 2026 • Us • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump delivered a prime-time speech claiming that the 2020 election was vulnerable to interference and that China hacked a large amount of U.S. voter data. He called for tougher election security rules and a new investigation into the 2020 election, despite multiple investigations finding no evidence of widespread fraud.

Key Facts

  • President Trump alleged China accessed 220 million U.S. voter files in what he called the largest election data breach in history.
  • He claimed the U.S. election system is broken and vulnerable to interference.
  • Trump called for tougher election security measures and renewed investigations into the 2020 presidential election.
  • Multiple court cases and investigations, including by Republican and Democratic officials, found no evidence of fraud that could have changed the 2020 election result.
  • Independent audits and recounts confirmed the legitimacy of the 2020 election and Joe Biden’s victory.
  • A 2022 report by conservative legal experts stated there was no proof of election fraud sufficient to affect outcomes.
  • Some Republican officials, including Senator Tommy Tuberville, expressed doubts about the 2020 election results.
  • Democratic Senator Mark Warner said he believes President Trump fears losing a fair election in 2024.
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Newsweek
‘There’s this deep mystery of what, actually, is this thing?’: the philosopher inside Google DeepMind AI – podcast

‘There’s this deep mystery of what, actually, is this thing?’: the philosopher inside Google DeepMind AI – podcast

July 17, 2026 • Technology • Guardian Tech

Summary

A podcast episode discusses the work of a philosopher who studies Google DeepMind's artificial intelligence (AI). The philosopher explores difficult questions about what AI really is and how it thinks.

Key Facts

  • The podcast features a philosopher working with Google DeepMind AI.
  • The philosopher tries to understand the nature of AI and its processes.
  • There is a discussion about the "deep mystery" of what AI truly is.
  • Google DeepMind is a company that develops advanced AI systems.
  • The episode aims to explain the challenges in understanding AI in simple terms.
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Guardian Tech
Cyclist Rohan Dennis pleads guilty to driving with suspended licence after crash that killed wife

Cyclist Rohan Dennis pleads guilty to driving with suspended licence after crash that killed wife

July 17, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

Rohan Dennis pleaded guilty to driving while his license was suspended after a crash that caused the death of his wife, Melissa Hoskins. He faces possible jail time for breaking the terms of a court order following the incident.

Key Facts

  • Rohan Dennis drove while disqualified, which is against the law.
  • His wife, Melissa Hoskins, died after being hit by Dennis’s vehicle near their home in Adelaide in December 2023.
  • Dennis was previously sentenced in May 2025 to a suspended 17-month jail term and banned from driving for five years.
  • He also agreed to a two-year good behaviour bond costing $100, warning him he could be jailed if he broke the bond.
  • Dennis was caught driving again in June 2025 with two children in the car, leading to his vehicle being taken by police.
  • He pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified in Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday.
  • Dennis will appear in district court in September for breaching the good behaviour bond.
  • Melissa Hoskins was an Olympian cyclist who won medals in 2012 and 2016, and Dennis is also a world champion cyclist.
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Guardian World
Trump falsely alleges voting machines are "vulnerable" and "easily compromised"

Trump falsely alleges voting machines are "vulnerable" and "easily compromised"

July 17, 2026 • Us • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump claimed in a speech that U.S. voting machines are vulnerable to hacking, citing declassified intelligence. Experts and official reports say U.S. voting systems are well protected, rarely connected to the internet, and backed up by paper ballots that can be checked by hand.

Key Facts

  • President Trump said voting machines and ballot-counting systems are "extremely exposed to attack" and easy to compromise.
  • The intelligence he cited involved a company called Smartmatic, which is mostly not used in the U.S. except in Los Angeles County.
  • Smartmatic stopped working in Venezuela in 2017 after reporting false turnout numbers by the government there.
  • U.S. voting machines are not connected to the internet and are closely guarded and tested before and after elections.
  • Paper ballots or receipts back up almost all U.S. voting machines, allowing audits and hand recounts.
  • In Georgia’s 2020 election, ballots were counted three times, all confirming Joe Biden’s win over President Trump.
  • A 2020 National Intelligence Council memo said foreign countries have the ability to attack election infrastructure but found it would be difficult to change outcomes on a large scale.
  • Intelligence reports from 2021 said no foreign group tried to alter the technical voting process in the 2020 U.S. election.
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CBS News
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Marines board tanker amid blockade of Iranian ports as US expands strikes with attacks on bridges

Marines board tanker amid blockade of Iranian ports as US expands strikes with attacks on bridges

July 17, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

US Marines boarded a ship in the Gulf of Oman to enforce a naval blockade of Iran's ports, part of a broader US campaign targeting Iran. The US has also carried out airstrikes on bridges in Iran, leading to tensions and missile attacks in nearby Gulf countries.

Key Facts

  • The US military began a naval blockade of Iran’s ports starting Tuesday at 8 pm GMT.
  • US Marines boarded the tanker M/T Wen Yao to ensure it followed the blockade rules.
  • US Central Command redirected three commercial ships attempting to break the blockade.
  • The US fired on and disabled an oil tanker that tried to run the blockade.
  • The US expanded airstrikes against Iranian infrastructure, including bridges near Bandar Abbas.
  • Iran responded by firing missiles at Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, which host US forces.
  • Iran’s state media reported casualties and damage in multiple provinces and near the Strait of Hormuz.
  • There are increased security alerts and attacks in Gulf countries, with civilians urged to take shelter.
  • Iran has asked its ally, the Houthis in Yemen, to be ready to close the Red Sea oil route if US attacks its energy infrastructure.
  • Pakistan is trying to support negotiations between the US and Iran but says talks are difficult.
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Guardian World
China rebukes UK over nationalisation of British Steel

China rebukes UK over nationalisation of British Steel

July 17, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

The UK government took full ownership of British Steel, a major steel producer, to protect national interests after the company was losing money. China criticized this move, saying it harms Chinese investors’ confidence and violates agreements.

Key Facts

  • British Steel is the only primary steel producer in the UK and supports about 2,700 jobs.
  • The Chinese company Jingye bought British Steel in 2020 for £70 million ($94 million).
  • Jingye was losing about £700,000 ($942,000) daily by 2025.
  • In early 2025, Jingye said the steel furnaces were not financially sustainable and stopped key material orders.
  • The UK government took operational control of British Steel in April 2025 and fully nationalized it in June 2025.
  • The UK plans to appoint an independent valuer to decide if Jingye should be compensated.
  • China’s Ministry of Commerce said the nationalisation harmed Jingye’s rights and Chinese companies’ confidence in the UK.
  • China urges the UK to respect the China-UK Investment Protection Agreement and protect Chinese investors’ rights.
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Al Jazeera
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