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The UK regulator Ofcom is investigating TikTok to see if it properly protects children from harmful content by checking their ages accurately. Ofcom is concerned that TikTok’s current methods might be letting many children see dangerous things online, and the investigation could lead to fines or other penalties.
Key Facts
Ofcom is formally investigating TikTok over concerns about protecting children from harmful content.
TikTok uses age checks that involve users entering their birth date and technology that guesses age from other information.
Ofcom worries these methods may fail to correctly identify many children, exposing them to harmful content like self-harm, suicide, and pornography.
If TikTok is found not complying with the law, it could face fines up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue.
The UK government plans to introduce a social media ban for under-16s next year, increasing demands for effective age verification.
Ofcom also doubts other platforms’ age-checking methods and suggests they switch to more reliable approaches.
Research shows 1 in 10 teenagers aged 15-17 still use popular dating apps despite age checks.
Ofcom found many pornography sites in the UK have no age checks, and search engines often link to these sites without restrictions.
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The US military shared video of air strikes in Iran targeting coastal defense systems and missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media said explosions happened in Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, and Chabahar.
Key Facts
The US carried out strikes across Iran on a Wednesday.
Targets included coastal defense systems and missile infrastructure.
The strikes focused near the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
Iranian news reported explosions in three places: Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, and Chabahar.
The US military released video footage of the strikes.
The Strait of Hormuz is important for global oil transport.
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The US military carried out air strikes on several locations in Iran, including near Tehran, targeting military sites to reduce Iran’s threat in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran launched attacks on US military assets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and other nearby countries, escalating tensions in the region.
Key Facts
The US carried out strikes on Iranian military sites, including command centers, air defenses, missile and drone facilities, and coastal surveillance.
The US targeted Bandar Abbas, Greater Tunb Island, and other locations close to the Strait of Hormuz.
An oil tanker trying to reach Iran’s Kharg Island was disabled by the US Navy as part of a naval blockade.
Iran retaliated by striking US military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan with missiles and drones.
Jordan intercepted eight Iranian missiles, and Iraq reported drone attacks near US facilities in Erbil.
A hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, was evacuated after being hit during the US strikes.
Iranian officials warned of a larger military conflict and threatened to stop all energy exports from the Middle East in response to the US blockade.
At least 35 people have died, and over 300 were injured in the recent wave of attacks that started the previous Wednesday.
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Greece has started using four small satellites with thermal imaging to help predict and fight wildfires. These satellites monitor temperature, humidity, and terrain to detect fires early, track their spread, and guide firefighting efforts more precisely.
Key Facts
The Hellenic Space Center in Athens operates four satellites orbiting 550 km above Earth.
These satellites are Greece’s first with thermal imaging, which can see heat through smoke to locate fires.
The satellites help predict where wildfires may start within hours by monitoring ground temperature and humidity.
They provide maps of vegetation and elevation to show how fires might spread.
Satellites send real-time images about fire fronts even at night, aiding early firefighting actions.
Greece plans to launch seven more satellites with multi-spectral sensors to monitor forest health and detect fires.
Greece faces about 10,000 forest and field fires annually, requiring advanced technology for faster response.
Older methods relied on patrols and lookout posts, which are slower and less efficient than satellite monitoring.
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The United States military has launched new strikes on Iran targeting military and coastal sites to limit Iran's ability to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by attacking US military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan with missiles and drones, leading to a rising cycle of retaliation between the two countries.
Key Facts
The US conducted strikes against Iranian command centers, air defenses, missile and drone sites, and coastal surveillance facilities.
Targets included Bandar Abbas, a key naval port near the Strait of Hormuz, and Greater Tunb island.
Iran reported explosions and activated its air defenses across multiple cities, including Tehran and southern coastal areas.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down a US MQ-9 drone over Khuzestan province.
Iran claims it attacked US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, focusing on missile batteries, radar, and fuel tanks.
Kuwait intercepted 4 cruise missiles and 21 drones launched by Iran.
Jordan intercepted 8 Iranian missiles and rejected claims of US base damage.
This conflict escalates despite a recent ceasefire agreement and plans for negotiations between the US and Iran.
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Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old Black teenager, was found dead after going missing during a boat trip near Mississippi on July 4. His family is working with local prosecutors to examine his cellphone for clues as they seek more transparency in the investigation.
Key Facts
Nolan Wells went missing after a boat trip to Horn Island with friends on July 4.
He was reported missing by his mother early on July 5.
Rescuers found his body in waters near the island the following day.
Wells’ cellphone was recovered from a friend’s home, but his family says some messages appeared erased.
Authorities said no foul play is suspected so far, but the autopsy results are pending.
Family hired civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, known for representing families in racially sensitive cases.
Nearly 200 people were at the July 4 event, with Wells one of few Black attendees.
District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath promised to present the investigation to a grand jury when it is complete.
Wells’ funeral is scheduled for July 20, with security planned to keep the event peaceful.
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Many young people in Beijing are choosing to leave the city because life has become too expensive and stressful. The slowing economy, housing problems, and tough job market are pushing them to seek better opportunities and a higher quality of life elsewhere.
Key Facts
Beijing’s population grew from 11 million in 1990 to nearly 22 million today, attracting many migrants seeking success.
China’s rapid economic growth has slowed, affected by real estate troubles and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Property prices dropped, causing financial losses for families who invested heavily in housing.
The pandemic led people to save more and spend less, shrinking business opportunities and jobs.
Wang Lei, a 29-year-old who moved to Beijing in 2020, left his real estate job due to market problems and now freelances while co-owning a small bar.
Young people on social media use the hashtag “escaping Beijing” to discuss leaving due to high costs, competition, and uncertain career futures.
A work culture known as “996”—working 9 am to 9 pm six days a week—has become less popular among younger generations.
Leaving Beijing used to be seen as failure, but attitudes are changing as many seek better life balance and lower living costs outside the city.
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President Trump announced a 25% tariff on many goods from Brazil, aiming to address what his administration calls unfair treatment of U.S. companies by Brazil. Some important products like coffee and beef are exempted to reduce the effect on American consumers.
Key Facts
The tariffs target Brazilian products due to Brazil’s trade barriers against U.S. tech and payment companies.
Brazil is accused of limiting U.S. ethanol access, not protecting intellectual property properly, and favoring other countries with tariffs.
The U.S. also criticizes Brazil for weak enforcement against illegal deforestation, which gives Brazilian producers a cost advantage.
This action follows a year-long investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the U.S. to impose tariffs to counter unfair trade practices.
Exemptions cover products not made in the U.S. or that would harm U.S. supply chains or the economy.
Although the U.S. has a trade surplus with Brazil, the tariffs focus on specific trade barriers, not the overall trade balance.
Tariffs will start on July 22, with ongoing negotiations between the two countries expected to continue.
Tensions exist between President Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, influencing the trade conflict.
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New data shows that Generation Z is facing higher inflation than other age groups, with prices for goods they buy rising nearly 40% since 2018. One main reason is Gen Z’s higher spending on quick-service restaurants, where prices have gone up over 50%, compared to the general market increase of about 34%.
Key Facts
Generation Z includes people born from 1997 to 2012, currently aged about 14 to 29.
Since January 2018, prices for items Gen Z buys have increased by 39.4%, compared to a 33.8% increase nationally.
Quick-service (fast food) restaurant prices have risen 54%, much more than the overall 33.8% increase.
Gen Z spends more money on eating out and takeout than other generations and plans to do so even more through 2026.
The higher inflation for Gen Z is influenced by their spending habits, especially on dining out and value retailers.
Low-income consumers also face higher inflation and have less ability to adjust their spending.
Rising food prices and climate factors like El Niño may continue to push inflation up in the future.
The inflation measures include everyday goods such as groceries, household items, and health and beauty products.
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On his last full day as Labour party leader, Keir Starmer finalized the nationalization of British Steel, a company previously owned by a Chinese firm and partly under public control. While making this decision, Starmer visited Ukraine to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and prepare for the transition to Andy Burnham as the new Labour leader and Prime Minister.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is stepping down as Labour party leader and will be replaced by Andy Burnham.
The UK government has nationalized British Steel to protect jobs and the steel industry.
British Steel was previously owned by Chinese company Jingye and partly under public control before nationalization.
Starmer visited Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on his last day in office.
Andy Burnham is expected to appoint Shabana Mahmood as his chancellor, replacing the previous favorite Ed Miliband.
Other political events included testimonies on defence investment and a variety of government statements before the parliamentary summer recess.
The nationalization law received royal assent shortly before this move was announced.
British Steel is seen as important for the UK’s industrial strength and economy.
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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new annual testosterone test for military members aged 30 and older. The test will be part of the regular health checkup, and any treatment after testing will be the service member's choice.
Key Facts
The testosterone screening applies yearly to all US service members aged 30 and over.
Service members under 30 can choose to take the test if they want.
The screening is added to the mandatory periodic health assessment.
Treatments like testosterone replacement therapy would remain voluntary.
The initiative aims to maintain the natural physical ability of soldiers.
Testosterone levels naturally drop about 1% per year after age 30 or 40.
The Defense Department must report to Congress on testosterone treatments and testing under the 2025 defense bill.
Some Democratic lawmakers criticized the program and called for hormone screening to include women in the military.
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A fire broke out at an orphanage near Algiers, Algeria, killing at least 11 people and injuring 19 others. The cause of the fire is unknown, and efforts to control the blaze are ongoing amid a severe heatwave affecting the region.
Key Facts
The fire occurred in an orphanage located in the Mohammadia district, a suburb of Algiers.
At least 11 people died, and 19 were injured due to the fire.
The country’s civil defence is still working to extinguish the fire.
Authorities have not yet determined what started the fire.
Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb visited the injured at the hospital.
Algeria is experiencing a heatwave with temperatures causing nearly 1,000 fires in one week.
The photo in the article shows firefighters battling a previous fire in Algeria.
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov just before British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Kyiv. This decision has caused protests with over 1,000 people opposing the move, saying Fedorov was popular and seen as a symbol of openness and progress.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Defence Minister, was dismissed by President Zelenskyy.
Over 1,000 people protested in Kyiv against Fedorov’s removal.
Protesters say Fedorov represents innovation, transparency, and has been successful in his role.
There are allegations of conflict between Fedorov and Ukraine’s military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi, linked with accusations of corruption.
Fedorov is 35 years old and many see him as a potential future leader in Ukraine.
Fedorov helped improve Ukraine's military capabilities, including the use of drones against Russian targets and improving procurement to save money.
He announced successful testing of a new ballistic missile with better accuracy and lower cost.
The firing of Fedorov has caused political tension just as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits Kyiv.
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The UK media regulator Ofcom has started an investigation into TikTok to check if the app properly protects children and stops them from seeing harmful content. Ofcom is focusing on how TikTok guesses users' ages using technology and whether these methods are strong enough.
Key Facts
Ofcom is investigating TikTok's child safety measures after concerns were raised earlier this year.
The UK government plans to ban children under 16 from several social media platforms.
TikTok uses “age inference” technology to estimate a user’s age based on their behavior and video watching habits.
Ofcom doubts that age inference is reliable enough to prevent children from accessing inappropriate content.
Social media companies must use “highly effective” ways to check users’ ages according to UK rules.
TikTok says it enforces age-appropriate rules using expert advice and advanced tech.
TikTok claims it has spent billions on online safety since it started in the UK eight years ago.
Ofcom had previously criticized TikTok for not being safe enough for children in a report from May 2026.
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Large protests broke out across Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Fedorov, known for modernizing Ukraine’s military during the war with Russia, resigned amid the changes, causing concerns about military stability.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Fedorov was Ukraine’s Defence Minister for six months before being removed.
Protests occurred in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, and other cities demanding his reinstatement.
Protesters sang the national anthem and waved Ukrainian and EU flags.
Fedorov helped reform the military during the ongoing Russian invasion.
No official reason was given for his removal as part of a government reshuffle by President Zelensky.
Deputy commander of Ukraine’s air force, Pavlo Yelizarov, resigned in protest.
The changes also included the removal of the prime minister, with no replacements named yet.
The protests reflect public dissatisfaction and fears of instability during a critical time in the war.
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The UK government has taken full control of British Steel to keep its steelworks in Scunthorpe open and save 4,000 jobs. This move, backed by the new Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Act, ended the ownership of Chinese company Jingye, which had threatened to close the plant.
Key Facts
British Steel was nationalized 15 months after the government first intervened to stop its closure.
The steelworks in Scunthorpe produces primary steel from iron ore, making it the UK's last facility of this kind.
Jingye, the previous Chinese owner, had threatened to abandon the plant without preserving key equipment.
The government will appoint an independent expert to decide if Jingye should receive compensation.
The Labour government recalled Parliament to pass the Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Act, allowing the takeover.
The government aims to protect skilled jobs and maintain a vital part of the UK’s industrial base.
Future plans include moving towards producing “green steel” with cleaner, less polluting technology.
The steelworks may require over a billion pounds for upgrades and decarbonization in the coming years.
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The United States is placing 25% tariffs on certain imports from Brazil, starting July 22, due to unfair trade practices found during a yearlong investigation. Some products, like coffee and beef, are exempted from these tariffs. The U.S. government says this action aims to protect American workers and companies.
Key Facts
The U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on some Brazilian imports from July 22, 2026.
Certain Brazilian goods like coffee, beef, oranges, oil, and aerospace parts are exempt.
The tariffs respond to findings of unfair trade practices by Brazil, including weak anti-corruption measures and unfair tariffs.
The investigation lasted one year and was directed by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
The U.S. has had a trade surplus with Brazil for many years despite these issues.
Negotiations between the U.S. and Brazil over these trade issues have not resolved the conflicts so far.
These tariffs are imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, a law that allows the U.S. to act against unfair trade.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized the tariffs and suggested internal Brazilian politics played a role.
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The US has launched new airstrikes against Iran, targeting military sites including coastal defenses and missile storage. Iran responded by firing missiles and drones at US allies Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. Pakistan called for both sides to stop the violence and return to negotiations based on a previous agreement.
Key Facts
The US disabled an oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz after it ignored warnings during a naval blockade.
US strikes hit Iranian port Bandar Abbas and missile sites on Greater Tunb Island.
For the first time in this conflict, strikes were reported near Iran’s capital, Tehran.
Iran retaliated by attacking Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan with missiles and drones.
Iranian officials reported at least seven soldiers killed and hundreds wounded from the US strikes.
Explosions were reported in multiple Iranian cities, including those hosting missile and nuclear facilities.
Pakistan urged both the US and Iran to end violence and resume talks per a memorandum of understanding signed earlier in 2023.
President Donald Trump stated that Iran should behave properly but did not set a deadline for further military actions.
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Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US military bases in nearby Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. In response, the US carried out airstrikes on multiple sites in Iran to reduce its ability to threaten ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
Iran attacked US military bases in Gulf countries such as Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
The US responded with strikes on command centers, air defense sites, and surveillance facilities in Iran.
The US military targeted locations including Bandar Abbas port and Greater Tunb Island.
Explosions and air defense activations were reported in Tehran during the US strikes.
Kuwait intercepted drone attacks, and Bahrain advised citizens to stay safe after the attacks.
Iran also claimed to have targeted US communication systems and fuel storage in Jordan.
The US disabled an oil tanker heading toward an Iranian port under blockade.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran to behave or face more military action and threatened to target Iran’s energy infrastructure if talks did not resume.
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Sam Neill, a well-known actor from New Zealand, died at the age of 78 due to pneumonia. His manager confirmed this and said Neill had been free of cancer at the time of his death.
Key Facts
Sam Neill died of pneumonia in a Sydney hospital.
He was 78 years old when he passed away.
Neill had previously battled angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a type of cancer, but was cancer-free when he died.
The news was confirmed by his longtime manager, Philip Grenz.
A private memorial will be held at Neill’s farm in New Zealand, per his wishes.
Neill was known for his roles in movies like Jurassic Park, The Piano, and the TV series Peaky Blinders.
Tributes came from colleagues and fans recognizing his long career.
The information was shared to correct false reports about his death.
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