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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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A 16-year-old student in Brisbane allegedly stabbed a 17-year-old schoolmate and was charged in children’s court. The court heard the accused faced months of racist abuse and threats, which may have led to the attack that caused serious injuries.
Key Facts
The accused is a 16-year-old student from Brisbane.
The alleged victim is a 17-year-old student who was stabbed multiple times.
The stabbing caused life-threatening injuries, including damage to the victim’s liver.
Police say the attack may have been planned and linked to a social media post.
The defense said the accused had been bullied and racially abused for months online and at school.
Racist and threatening messages were presented in court as evidence of the abuse.
The accused was granted bail with conditions.
The next court hearing is scheduled for September 3.
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A Russian strike on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa killed three people and damaged buildings. At the same time, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv to announce plans to strengthen cooperation between European and Ukrainian defense industries.
Key Facts
The Russian attack targeted the Black Sea port city of Odesa, killing three people and injuring three more.
Residential buildings and port infrastructure used for fuel storage were damaged.
Russia said it used precision-guided weapons and attack drones in its strike on Odesa and nearby ports.
Four Russian vessels carrying cargo for the Ukrainian military were hit in the ports of Chornomorsk and Dnipro-Buh.
Ukrainian forces struck 20 Russian vessels in the Black Sea, including 17 oil tankers and two gas tankers.
Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv to announce new efforts to integrate European and Ukrainian defense industries.
Russia has increased attacks on Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, which are important for trade and the war economy.
Recent drone attacks in the region killed two people and damaged a civilian vessel registered under the Marshall Islands flag.
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Experts warn that new buildings in England could overheat dangerously without improved government standards and climate-focused planning. Research shows many local plans lack effective cooling strategies, which puts vulnerable people at risk during heatwaves linked to climate change.
Key Facts
Around 2,700 people died in heatwaves in England and Wales during May and June.
Only about half of local building plans require cooling or ventilation to prevent overheating.
Nearly all councils plan to include green features like trees, but only a quarter use tools to ensure enough green space.
The "future homes standard" starting in 2028 aims to regulate home temperature but excludes buildings like hospitals and care homes.
Permitted developments, such as office-to-home conversions, often lack proper ventilation and can overheat easily.
England has one of Europe’s lowest levels of tree cover, with many urban areas having less than 10% tree shade.
Trees help cool neighborhoods, and low-income areas suffer most from a lack of tree cover.
Planning experts highlight a gap between climate goals and actual cooling measures in new building projects.
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Some electric vehicle (EV) drivers have been fined for parking while charging their cars at public chargers. The fines occur because some car parks treat charging as parking and require payment or have restrictions during store opening hours, which is not always clearly communicated.
Key Facts
EV drivers received fines, often between £70 and £100, for parking while charging their vehicles.
Some car parks, like those at supermarkets, consider charging as parking and restrict it outside store hours.
Apps from charging companies sometimes direct drivers to chargers without showing parking restrictions.
Signage at charging points or car parks often does not clearly explain parking rules or fees.
One driver had a charge canceled after complaining about unclear information.
Charging companies say landowners decide parking rules and are responsible for displaying them.
Another driver was fined for paying only the charging fee, not the parking fee, which he was not clearly told about.
Car park operators say drivers must understand and follow the parking terms and pay accordingly.
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Scientists have found that a blood test measuring a protein called p-tau217 can predict the risk of developing Alzheimer’s-related memory and thinking problems up to 10 years before symptoms appear. This test could help doctors identify at-risk people earlier and improve chances for prevention and treatment.
Key Facts
The blood test measures p-tau217, a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Older adults with very high p-tau217 levels had about a 78% chance of cognitive decline within 10 years.
The study tracked nearly 2,700 healthy adults, average age 70, for about five years.
Elevated p-tau217 levels better predicted Alzheimer’s risk than brain scans or genetic tests alone.
P-tau217 relates to brain changes seen in Alzheimer’s, including tau tangles and amyloid beta buildup.
Early detection via this test could allow doctors to offer personalized prevention like managing blood pressure and sleep.
Experts warn the test must be paired with counseling and fair access to avoid anxiety and discrimination.
The test may help speed up clinical trials to find treatments that delay or prevent Alzheimer’s.
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Catherine Turnbull, a woman diagnosed with sleep apnoea, has received a new treatment called hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) at Great Western Hospital in the UK. This implanted device helps keep her airway open during sleep by moving her tongue forward, improving her breathing and sleep quality.
Key Facts
Sleep apnoea is a condition where breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep.
Symptoms include waking often, loud snoring, gasping, feeling tired, and trouble concentrating.
Traditional treatment uses a CPAP machine, which some patients find hard to tolerate.
HGNS is a new treatment where a small device is implanted in the chest and activates a nerve to move the tongue forward.
The device is controlled by a remote switched on before sleep.
Great Western Hospital is one of five UK trusts offering HGNS, mainly for patients with severe cases who cannot use CPAP.
Around 125,000 people worldwide have received HGNS surgery.
Sleep apnoea can cause distress, affect work and driving, and lead to relationship problems due to symptoms like brain fog and loud snoring.
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The UK is considering a new law called the Representation of the People Bill, which could change voting rules and limit big political donations. The bill’s discussion was delayed by the incoming prime minister, Andy Burnham, to allow his team to review it, especially amid concerns about large donations affecting UK politics.
Key Facts
The Representation of the People Bill aims to extend voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds and adjust voter registration rules.
Nigel Farage received a £5 million donation from a billionaire in Thailand, which sparked questions about big money in UK politics.
Andy Burnham, the new prime minister, paused the bill’s debate to review its contents before passing it into law.
A large donation of £9 million was made to the Reform UK party, which is unusually high compared to typical donations.
Many Members of Parliament worry that large donations may be harming the fairness of the political system.
The death of politician Ann Widdecombe has raised concerns about politicians’ security and the effects of party finance rules.
Reform UK’s funding mainly comes from a small group of wealthy donors.
The bill’s delay gives the new administration time to possibly change the law on political donations.
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President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will bomb Iran’s civilian infrastructure if an agreement is not reached soon. Meanwhile, US forces are already carrying out bombings along Iran’s southern coast, affecting local communities.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iran’s civilian infrastructure unless a deal is made by next week.
The US is currently bombing locations along Iran’s southern coastline.
The bombings are impacting communities living in that coastal region.
The article focuses on the effects of these attacks on the diverse population there.
The situation is part of ongoing tensions between the US and Iran.
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France’s National Assembly is set to approve a law allowing adults with incurable illnesses to receive medication to end their own lives. The bill has been debated for many years and now faces review by France’s Constitutional Council before becoming final.
Key Facts
The law permits assisted dying for adults with incurable and painful conditions.
Patients must be able to make clear, informed decisions and be suffering from unbearable pain.
A doctor must confirm the patient’s eligibility and oversee the process.
The patient usually takes the lethal medication themselves, with some help allowed if they cannot.
The bill passed the lower house but was rejected by the Senate; the lower house has final authority.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu requested the Constitutional Council to review the law.
Opposition comes mainly from right-wing politicians and some religious and anti-euthanasia groups.
The law’s supporters describe it as balanced, while opponents warn of potential abuses.
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