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The Ebola outbreak in Congo has reached 2,011 confirmed cases, with 754 deaths reported. Health officials say this is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record and face challenges tracking its spread.
Key Facts
There are 2,011 confirmed Ebola cases in Congo.
The outbreak has caused 754 deaths so far.
About 753 people are still in hospitals or isolation.
A total of 366 people have recovered from Ebola.
The outbreak started on May 15, 2026, and is linked to a rare virus type called Bundibugyo.
Health workers are struggling to trace people who may have been exposed; only 67% of contacts are identified.
The World Health Organization reported that 80% of new cases come from unknown transmission sources, making control difficult.
Congo’s health ministry and international groups are working to respond, but the virus continues to spread quickly.
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Thames Water, the largest water company in the UK serving 16 million customers, says it has enough money to operate until the end of the year while it works on a plan to raise more funds. The company faces high debt and criticism for pollution but reports improved profits and some progress on reducing pollution and meeting performance goals.
Key Facts
Thames Water serves 16 million people in London and southern England.
The company’s net debt increased to £18.5 billion as of March 31, up from £16.8 billion the previous year.
Thames Water reported a profit after tax of £204 million, much higher than £13 million the year before.
Pollution from sewage leaks dropped by 18% in the year to March 31.
Thames Water met 55% of the regulatory performance targets, an improvement from 38% the year before.
The UK government plans legally binding debt limits for water companies in England.
The environment secretary opposed a £10 billion rescue plan for Thames Water, citing consumer cost concerns.
The company could face nationalisation or “special administration” as a temporary state takeover.
Thames Water’s CEO says the company is upgrading its infrastructure, aiming for long-term improvements in service and the environment.
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Joan Sebastián Guerrero, a Colombian man, was fatally shot by an ICE agent during a vehicle stop in Maine. A fundraiser has collected nearly $300,000 to assist with his funeral, legal costs, and returning his body to Colombia.
Key Facts
Joan Sebastián Guerrero was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Biddeford, Maine, on July 13.
The shooting occurred during an immigration enforcement vehicle stop where Guerrero allegedly tried to flee and drove toward an officer.
The ICE officer involved is on administrative leave while an investigation is ongoing.
A GoFundMe campaign raised more than $292,000 to cover funeral expenses, legal fees, and repatriation of Guerrero’s remains.
Guerrero was authorized to work in the U.S. and had a Social Security number.
This shooting is one of three recent fatal incidents linked to federal immigration enforcement in just over a week.
ICE agents have been told to mostly stop vehicle stops until further notice following these incidents.
The Maine Attorney General is investigating the shooting.
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A deep sea expedition off the coast of Canada has created detailed 3D digital models of two historic shipwrecks linked to famous polar explorers Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott. Using advanced underwater imaging technology, the team mapped the wrecks of Shackleton’s Quest and Scott’s Terra Nova to preserve them digitally before the ocean reclaims them.
Key Facts
The shipwrecks of Shackleton’s Quest and Scott’s Terra Nova were found over 1,000 feet below the Labrador Sea.
The expedition started on July 2 and lasted 21 days, led by John Geiger of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS).
The submersible Alvin, known for visiting the Titanic wreck, was used to explore the shipwrecks.
Both Quest and Terra Nova were important ships in early 20th-century polar exploration.
Shackleton died on the Quest during an Arctic expedition in 1922; the Quest sank in 1962 and was discovered in 2024.
Terra Nova carried Scott’s team during their 1910 South Pole attempt; after Scott’s death, the ship was used in seal fishing before sinking in 1943.
A Canadian company, Voyis, provided technology to create precise 3D digital twins of the shipwrecks.
The project aims to preserve the ships digitally as physical wrecks will eventually deteriorate underwater.
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Police in Prince George’s County, Maryland, arrested a man who stole a kitten named Magnolia and took her to a local bank during an attempted robbery. The man tried to use the kitten to distract the bank staff but was caught, and the kitten was safely returned to a rescue shelter.
Key Facts
The suspect stole Magnolia, a 3.5-month-old kitten, from an adoption area in a Pet Supplies Plus store in Beltsville.
He brought Magnolia into a nearby PNC bank and asked the manager to hold her while demanding money with a note.
The robbery attempt failed, no one was hurt, and the suspect was arrested.
Magnolia was found safe inside the bank manager’s office after the arrest.
The suspect had visited the store daily for about two weeks before stealing the kitten.
Magnolia was still waiting to be adopted and is cared for by the rescue group Beltsville Community Cats.
The rescue group invited the public to apply to adopt Magnolia via email.
Police and rescue workers responded quickly once the theft was reported.
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England and Argentina will play a World Cup semifinal match, renewing a strong rivalry linked to the 1982 Falklands War. The competition is intensified by Argentina's ongoing claim to the islands and recent oil discoveries near the Falklands.
Key Facts
England and Argentina have a long soccer rivalry connected to the 1982 Falklands War.
The war lasted 74 days and resulted in hundreds of deaths on both sides, with Britain winning.
Argentina’s 1986 World Cup win over England was seen as symbolic revenge for the war.
The upcoming World Cup match is their first meeting since 2002 in the tournament and first overall since 2005.
Argentine players have publicly referenced the Falkland Islands during this World Cup, despite FIFA rules against political messages.
The Falklands, called Las Malvinas in Argentina, have fewer than 3,700 people living there.
New oil projects near the islands could bring significant wealth, with production expected to start in 2028.
The Sea Lion oil project is the largest deep-water oil development in the South Atlantic outside Brazil.
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The United States carried out air, drone, and naval strikes on several military targets in southern Iran near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded by attacking U.S. military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, leading to continued tensions despite a recent ceasefire agreement.
Key Facts
The U.S. military operation lasted seven hours and targeted dozens of sites in southern Iran.
The strikes occurred alongside a renewed U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Iran reported explosions and activated air defenses in multiple southern cities and islands.
The IRGC claimed it attacked U.S. facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, damaging a major U.S. naval base and destroying aircraft shelters.
Jordan intercepted and destroyed three Iranian ballistic missiles.
This conflict escalation happened less than a month after a ceasefire extension and an agreement to hold talks.
President Donald Trump said attacks would continue until he decides to stop and threatened to target Iranian infrastructure like power plants and bridges.
The U.S. deployed around 21 naval vessels to enforce the blockade near the Strait of Hormuz.
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv to announce plans for new projects to connect the defense industries of Europe and Ukraine. The visit came after military parades involving European and Ukrainian forces, while fighting continued with drone strikes on Russian ships and Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports.
Key Facts
Ursula von der Leyen is in Kyiv to present new ideas for closer cooperation between European and Ukrainian defense industries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and von der Leyen both attended a military parade in Paris on Bastille Day.
Ukraine reported its drones struck 20 Russian ships in the Black Sea overnight.
Russia launched attacks on Ukrainian ports in Odesa and Chornomorsk.
Serbia’s President Aleksander Vučić traveled to Kyiv despite his country’s close ties with Moscow.
EU ambassadors in Brussels are trying to finalize the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, with disagreements over some measures like a price cap on Russian oil.
Germany’s politician Friedrich Merz plans to hold a press conference regarding government matters.
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Darline Graham has been officially sworn in as a temporary U.S. Senator for South Carolina after the death of her brother, Lindsey Graham. Lindsey Graham served more than 20 years in the Senate and was known for supporting Israel and backing action against Iran.
Key Facts
Darline Graham is Lindsey Graham’s sister.
She was sworn in to temporarily take over his U.S. Senate seat.
Lindsey Graham was a senator from South Carolina.
He served in the Senate for over 20 years.
Lindsey Graham strongly supported Israel.
He advocated for measures against Iran.
This change happened because of Lindsey Graham’s death.
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Keir Starmer is holding his last Cabinet meeting and final session as Leader of the Opposition in the UK Parliament. Meanwhile, Andy Burnham is close to becoming the new Labour Party leader and is expected to announce his team soon.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer chairs his final Cabinet meeting and attends his last Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) session today.
Tony Blair once described his last day in Parliament as a time for respect and no serious debate, but today’s session may be more contentious.
The government blocked a Tory attempt to delay the parliamentary summer recess for Andy Burnham to speak.
The official start of the parliamentary recess is tomorrow, despite opposition attempts to change it.
Andy Burnham is expected to announce his new Labour Cabinet team on Monday.
Other events today include a Reform UK press conference, a BBC leadership hearing, and Labour’s Greater Manchester mayor candidate launching a manifesto.
Dan Jarvis, the UK Defence Secretary, is visiting Yorkshire this afternoon.
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E. Jean Carroll received over $5.6 million following a civil court case that found President Donald Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation. Carroll shared the news online and made a sarcastic comment about Alina Habba, who was one of Trump’s lawyers in the case.
Key Facts
Carroll was awarded $5 million by a jury in 2023, plus additional interest, totaling about $5.6 million.
The money was first sent to Carroll’s lawyers and then transferred to her.
Carroll posted a message celebrating the payment and thanked her lawyers.
She made a pointed, sarcastic comment directed at Alina Habba, Trump’s attorney during the lawsuit.
President Trump appealed the verdict multiple times, but the courts upheld the original decision.
The case involved claims of sexual abuse and defamation by President Trump against Carroll.
Newsweek contacted both Carroll and Habba for their comments on the situation.
The story is ongoing and may be updated with new information.
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Smoke from wildfires in Canada is spreading into the United States, causing air quality alerts in several states. Health officials warn that the smoke can make breathing harder, especially for children, older adults, and people with lung or heart problems.
Key Facts
Canadian wildfires are producing large smoke clouds moving south into the U.S.
States like Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado, New York, and possibly Illinois have air quality alerts.
Massachusetts and other New England states are seeing hazy skies from the smoke.
The National Weather Service issued warnings about fine particle pollution called PM2.5 in the smoke.
PM2.5 can cause breathing problems and worsen asthma or heart conditions.
Sensitive groups include children, elderly people, and those with existing health issues.
The smoke traveled hundreds of miles from the wildfire areas.
The situation is ongoing and officials are monitoring air quality closely.
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India has quickly moved to require petrol with 20 percent ethanol (E20) at fuel stations to reduce oil imports and support cleaner energy. Many vehicle owners report lower fuel efficiency and changes in car performance since using E20, sparking debate about the fast pace of this fuel change and its effects on older cars.
Key Facts
India made E20 petrol mandatory nationwide starting last year.
The government aims to increase ethanol blending from 10% to 20% by 2025, earlier than the original 2030 goal.
Ethanol blend is intended to cut crude oil imports, reduce greenhouse gases, and help farmers by increasing demand for crops like sugarcane and maize.
Many car owners report lower fuel mileage and weaker car performance after using E20 fuel.
The government’s attorney general called the rollout an “experiment,” causing public concern and controversy.
Some officials acknowledge the drop in fuel efficiency but continue to support the policy.
Questions remain about how E20 affects older vehicles not built for high ethanol blends.
Opposition parties have raised concerns about conflicts of interest involving government ministers with ties to ethanol companies.
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Rushanara Ali, a former democracy minister, criticized the current elections bill as too cautious and incomplete. She urged the new prime minister, Andy Burnham, to make stronger changes, including banning cryptocurrency donations and regulating social media to prevent harassment and misinformation during elections.
Key Facts
Rushanara Ali helped write the elections bill but resigned last August because she felt it was too limited.
The bill lacks strong measures on harassment, intimidation, online hatred, and voting reform.
The bill’s progress was delayed to prioritize debate on a different law, giving Burnham time to revise it.
Many Labour MPs want a national commission to propose a more representative voting system.
Ali supports banning cryptocurrency donations outright instead of the government’s temporary pause.
Concerns about crypto donations increased after unknown large gifts to Reform UK from crypto entrepreneurs.
Labour MPs want tougher rules to stop disinformation and harassment on social media during elections.
Lucy Powell proposed social media companies follow similar election restrictions as traditional broadcasters.
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Dr. Hassan Khalil Almukayed, a vascular surgeon in Gaza, was detained by Israeli forces in October 2024 without being charged. He is one of at least 15 Palestinian doctors held by Israel during the conflict, and families say they were misled by Israeli promises that doctors would be safe.
Key Facts
Dr. Hassan Almukayed worked at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza during the 2024 conflict.
He was arrested by Israeli soldiers who promised doctors they would not be harmed or arrested, but the promise was broken.
Almukayed has been held in Israeli detention for nearly 21 months without any charges.
He was initially detained at Israel’s Sde Teiman prison for seven months.
At least 15 Palestinian doctors from Gaza are currently detained by Israel.
Another detained doctor, Hussam Abu Safia, has been held for over 18 months and reportedly faces severe abuse.
The United Nations has called for the immediate release of imprisoned Palestinian doctors.
Dr. Almukayed’s family remains displaced in southern Gaza, unaware he does not know his father has passed away.
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Thames Water made a profit of £113 million for the year ending March 2026, after increasing customers' bills by 40%. The company’s debt rose to £18.5 billion, and it said it has enough funding to operate until late 2026.
Key Facts
Thames Water returned to profit after a previous loss of £1.51 billion.
Customer bills were raised by 40% last year.
The company’s net debt increased from £16.8 billion to £18.5 billion.
Thames Water funds its business using debt and its own cash.
A government rescue plan was rejected in June.
The rejected plan involved forgiving £9.4 billion of debt in exchange for leniency on pollution fines.
Thames Water says it has enough money to continue operating until the fourth quarter of 2026.
Chris Weston is the CEO of Thames Water.
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A pontoon boat sank near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, resulting in one death and three people missing. Sixteen others were rescued after the boat capsized during a memorial service.
Key Facts
The boat was a three-deck pontoon vessel carrying mostly family members.
It sank on Tuesday near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco.
One person rescued from the water later died.
A dog on the boat also died.
Three injured people were hospitalized after falling from the boat.
Rescue teams used divers, helicopters, and boats to search for the missing people.
The search took place near the western side of the Golden Gate Bridge and continued overnight.
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed search and rescue efforts were ongoing.
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In July 2016, a group within the Turkish military tried to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government but failed. The event killed many people and led to big changes in how the military and civilian leaders work together in Turkiye.
Key Facts
The coup attempt began on July 15, 2016, and involved tanks and fighter jets.
About 250 people died and over 2,200 were injured during the coup attempt.
Thousands of civilians, police, and loyal soldiers stopped the coup within hours.
Turkiye’s military had a history of intervening in politics, including coups in 1960, 1980, and other actions in 1971 and 1997.
Founders of the Turkish Republic intended for the military to stay out of politics.
After the coup attempt, the government accused Fethullah Gulen’s group (FETO) of planning it and took legal action against many involved.
Military schools were replaced and the armed forces came under greater civilian control.
Experts say another military coup is unlikely in Turkiye today.
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A large moorland fire near Dove Stone Reservoir in Greater Manchester has merged with another fire several miles away at Tintwistle Moor. Firefighters expect to be on site for several days due to dry, windy conditions and limited rainfall.
Key Facts
The fire near Dove Stone Reservoir began on Saturday, July 12, 2026.
It joined with a fire that started on June 24 at Tintwistle Moor near Glossop.
Firefighters are using helicopters, drones, and aircraft to fight and monitor the fire.
About 70 firefighters, 11 fire engines, and 4 wildfire units are involved in the effort.
Dry weather and strong winds are causing the fire to spread.
A 20-year-old woman, Shania Care-Slede, has been charged with arson and dangerous driving.
The fire has been declared a major incident by local authorities.
Local groups, like Micklehurst Cricket Club, have been providing food and drinks to firefighters.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the creation of a new office to oversee artificial intelligence (AI) in Australia. He promised strong protections for Australian artists, writers, musicians, and journalists to keep control over their work and be paid when AI uses it. The government will also set strict rules for energy use and location of large data centers that support AI.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Albanese said Australian creative works must not be used by AI companies without permission and payment.
The government will create an office to manage AI policies and protect creators’ rights.
Large tech companies like OpenAI will not get free access to Australian content for training AI models.
Copyright law reforms are being discussed to clarify creators’ control over their work in the AI age.
The government will impose new rules on data centers about land use, power and water consumption, and cost impacts on consumers.
The Australian Recording Industry Association supports licensing deals to compensate artists for AI use of their music.
AI companies like Anthropic recognize the importance of complying with Australia’s emerging AI regulations.
The government plans binding standards to govern AI development and data center operations.
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