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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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The University of Melbourne changed its rules on protests after pro-Palestine sit-ins and office occupations in 2024. These changes include banning outsiders from protesting on campus, no camping allowed, and stricter speaking and posting rules to avoid conflict and protect people on campus.
Key Facts
Pro-Palestine protests at the University of Melbourne in 2024 led the university to change its protest policies sharply.
The protests included a sit-in demanding the university cut ties with Israel and weapons companies.
The university’s interim vice-chancellor, Prof Glyn Davis, said they worked to avoid violence and consulted with police regularly.
Some protests involved harassment and heckling, but not behavior officially classified as antisemitic or racist under university policy.
Jewish professor Steven Prawer’s office was occupied by protesters, causing concerns about safety and misbehavior.
New rules now ban outsiders from protesting on campus, forbid camping, and restrict indoor protests; breaking these rules can lead to suspension or expulsion.
The university used wifi surveillance during protests but later changed its privacy rules to warn users when monitoring occurs.
Further rule changes may come, including requiring people to put their names on posters to reduce offensive material and protect academic freedom.
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Parts of south-east England have hosepipe bans in place because of high water use during recent heatwaves and dry weather. More than eight million homes must avoid using hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars, and filling pools to protect water supplies. The UK is watching water levels closely, as hotter, drier summers are expected with climate change.
Key Facts
Hosepipe bans affect over eight million households in parts of south-east England.
Bans stop using hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars and windows, and filling pools.
Drought means long periods without rain; water scarcity means supply does not meet demand.
Five water companies in England have introduced hosepipe bans due to high water demand.
Some regions in England are in "prolonged dry weather" status but not declared drought.
Reservoir levels in Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland are healthy; England's reservoirs are average.
South-east England relies more on groundwater, which responds slowly to weather changes.
Climate change is expected to cause drier summers in the UK in the future.
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A British man named Craig Foreman, jailed in Iran on spying charges, has been given two extra years added to his 10-year sentence. He and his wife Lindsay, who are both in prison, deny the accusations and have been on hunger strike due to poor treatment and health concerns.
Key Facts
Craig and Lindsay Foreman were arrested in Iran in January 2025 while traveling by motorcycle.
Both were sentenced to 10 years in prison for alleged spying, which they deny.
Craig Foreman’s sentence was extended by two years without a lawyer, translator, or chance to defend himself.
The couple has been on hunger strike since May because they were not allowed to call their families.
Craig has lost about 16 kg (35 lbs), and Lindsay is experiencing dizziness and tremors.
UN human rights experts said their trial did not meet fair standards and called for their release.
The UK government advises against all travel to Iran due to risks of detention.
The UK appointed a new envoy to help British nationals detained abroad, hoping to improve the Foremans’ situation.
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A Green-led council in London plans to stop working with the UK Home Office on immigration raids after finding evidence that government officials wanted to use health inspection data to identify restaurant workers without legal status. The council will vote on a motion to review its practices and end cooperation with immigration enforcement efforts aimed at deporting people.
Key Facts
Lewisham council, led by the Green party, wants to ban cooperation with the Home Office on immigration raids.
Officials found an email showing Home Office officials asking for help with joint visits to enforce immigration rules.
The council wants to review all its systems related to spending and data sharing to prevent involvement in immigration enforcement.
The Green party plans to create a network of "sanctuary boroughs" in London where migrants can live without fear of raids.
The Home Office says it works collaboratively with local councils to fight immigration crime.
Since President Trump’s election in 2024, immigration raids have increased by 77%, with arrests up 83%.
Labour government increased immigration raids as it faces pressure to take stricter action.
Critics say immigration raids affect only a small portion of unauthorized workers and are costly and complex.
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Labour’s Work and Pensions Secretary, Pat McFadden, said the government plans to change welfare by offering more help for people with health problems to find work rather than just giving benefits. The government is reviewing reports that showed the current system is not working well and will respond with a plan this autumn.
Key Facts
The government wants to focus on helping people with health conditions get jobs instead of only giving benefits.
About 4 million people in England and Wales claim the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for health and disability support.
Two major reports look at youth unemployment and disability benefits, calling for big changes.
The final recommendations from these reports are expected this autumn.
Pat McFadden is working with other departments to prepare a government response.
The government faces financial challenges, including rising welfare costs and defence spending pressures.
Labour’s new leader, Andy Burnham, is expected to support welfare reform as a priority.
McFadden is a possible candidate for chancellor, but is currently focused on welfare issues.
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Heating oil customers in the UK who had their orders cancelled and then faced higher prices during the Middle East war will receive up to £350 in compensation. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that around 1,700 customers were affected and some suppliers have agreed to repay the difference, while others may face legal action.
Key Facts
About 1,700 heating oil customers had their orders cancelled and had to pay more later or go without fuel.
Heating oil prices in the UK rose sharply (up 92% at the peak in April) due to the Middle East conflict.
Some customers paid between £150 and £350 more for heating oil after cancellations.
The CMA investigated and contacted suppliers, leading some to agree to compensate customers.
Customers who did not buy more oil will have their original orders honored at the agreed price.
The CMA is prepared to take legal action against suppliers who refuse to compensate customers.
Around 1.5 million UK households, mostly in rural areas without access to mains gas, rely on heating oil.
The CMA recommends new rules for heating oil suppliers, including a supplier register and better customer protections.
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A T. Rex skeleton called ‘Gus’ sold for a record $50.1 million at a New York auction. The dinosaur is about 70 million years old and almost 80% complete.
Key Facts
The skeleton’s nickname is ‘Gus.’
It sold for $50.1 million including auction fees.
The final bid before fees was $43 million.
The skeleton is around 70 million years old.
It is nearly 80% complete.
The sale set a new record for dinosaur skeleton auctions.
The auction took place in New York.
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Officials in a Japanese town are looking for a bear that broke into an elderly couple’s home and their fridge. The same bear may be responsible for about 14 break-ins in the area, including homes and a shop, where it took food like doughnuts and sweets.
Key Facts
The bear is an Asiatic black bear spotted in Shizukuishi, a town in north-eastern Japan.
An 87-year-old man found the bear inside his kitchen with the fridge open and food scattered.
Authorities suspect one bear caused 14 break-ins in two weeks.
Officials have set traps, put up electric fences, and started patrols to keep people safe.
The bear has been caught on camera trying to open a farmhouse door and has raided a farm for cattle feed.
A farmer uses a homemade Japanese mustard mix to try to keep the bear away.
The bear has repeatedly entered one house five times for cookies, sugar, and fried dough sweets called karinto.
Experts say shrinking rural populations make bears less afraid of humans, causing more break-ins and attacks.
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Flights at Ronald Reagan National Airport were stopped for several hours because of security measures during Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington, D.C. This caused over 100 flight cancellations and many delays. The visit came amid tensions related to the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict.
Key Facts
Flights were paused at Reagan National Airport from 11 a.m. to about 3 p.m., causing delays of over 300 flights and cancelling at least 126.
Security was tightened to protect Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi during his visit.
Prime Minister al-Zaidi met with President Donald Trump, who invited him to an unscheduled lunch.
The Iraqi leader’s visit occurs during a U.S. war with Iran and efforts to disarm pro-Iranian militias in Iraq.
Al-Zaidi became prime minister after President Trump threatened to withdraw U.S. support if a pro-Iran candidate won.
The U.S. government is concerned about possible Iranian threats on American soil.
The Defense Secretary briefed some members of Congress about a $1.5 trillion military budget aimed at addressing threats.
Recent plots involving drones and attacks in the U.S. have raised security worries during this tense period.
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A boat carrying about 20 adults capsized near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay on July 14, 2026. One man died, three people are missing, and several others were rescued and treated for injuries. Authorities continue to search for the missing passengers.
Key Facts
The boat, named Volare, was a 50-foot cabin cruiser based in Stockton, California.
The boat sank after being hit by a wave while carrying mostly family members.
One adult male was taken ashore injured and later pronounced dead despite CPR efforts.
Three people were hospitalized and reported in stable condition.
Authorities believe the passengers were holding a memorial service on the boat when it sank.
The San Francisco Fire Department first received a call about a fire on the boat, but no fire evidence has been found.
The U.S. Coast Guard and local responders, including rescue swimmers and scuba divers, are searching for three missing people.
The incident happened around 3:30 p.m. local time on July 14, 2026.
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The U.S. Marine Corps criticized Florida congressional candidate William Upham after he said President Donald Trump "must be killed" in a video. Upham is no longer a Marine, and the Marine Corps said his statement breaks the oath he once took and does not show Marine values.
Key Facts
William Upham, a Florida candidate, posted a video stating President Trump "must be killed."
Upham was medically discharged from the Marines in May 2025 and is no longer an active member.
The Marine Corps publicly condemned Upham's comments, saying they violate his oath and Marine values.
Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao also said Upham does not represent Marine values or ethos.
Upham called President Trump the "anti-Christ" and a "false Messiah" in his video.
Upham qualified on June 9 as a write-in candidate for Florida’s 5th Congressional District.
The district includes parts of Northeast Florida such as Jacksonville and St. Augustine.
The incident adds to concerns about violent political speech and threats against elected officials in the U.S.
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that every U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest team will now have at least one officer wearing a body camera. This decision follows two recent fatal shootings by ICE agents who were not equipped with body cameras.
Key Facts
DHS said having body cameras for ICE officers is a top priority nationwide.
Two recent fatal shootings occurred in Houston, Texas, and Biddeford, Maine, involving ICE agents without body cameras.
More than half of ICE field offices already have body cameras, with the rest expected to receive them within 60 days.
Delays in providing body cameras were partly blamed on funding gaps during recent government shutdowns.
President Trump’s administration had initially proposed cuts to the body camera program, but Congress approved $20 million to fund it.
ICE has temporarily paused most vehicle stops during enforcement to provide additional training to agents.
DHS acknowledged the men shot were in the U.S. illegally but were not the intended targets of operations.
A Democratic congresswoman said she will hold ICE leadership accountable for delivering body cameras to all agents by the end of July.
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The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) is investigating allegations that Catholic Schools NSW made undeclared political donations exceeding legal limits. Experts and politicians are calling for audits to ensure taxpayer funds used by Catholic schools are spent properly and not directed toward political purposes.
Key Facts
Catholic Schools NSW is under Icac investigation for alleged undisclosed and excessive donations to the Liberal party.
The donations are said to have been approved by the Catholic Schools NSW chief executive, Dallas McInerney, possibly to influence party membership.
Catholic Schools NSW oversees nearly 600 schools and receives about 80% of its funding from federal and state governments, totaling around $3.8 billion in 2024.
If found to serve a political purpose, Catholic Schools NSW risks losing its charity status and tax exemptions.
Education experts stress the need for joint audits by state and federal governments to check proper use of public funds.
The NSW government plans to wait for Icac’s initial findings before ordering any separate audit.
The NSW Greens have called for stopping all public funding to Catholic Schools NSW during the investigation.
Legal and political figures emphasize stricter rules and transparency for private schools receiving public money.
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The City of Yarra council in Melbourne has ended its agreement with Lime, the largest electric bike operator in Australia, after nearly six years. The decision followed concerns about users blocking footpaths, dumping bikes, and unsafe riding, with Lime given 30 days to stop its operations in the area.
Key Facts
The City of Yarra includes suburbs like Fitzroy, Richmond, and Carlton North.
Lime’s shared ebike scheme started as a one-year trial but lasted almost six years.
About 614 Lime ebike trips were made daily in the area since January 2025.
Lime earned around $2.5 million from operating in Yarra, but the council received no income.
The council voted not to renew Lime’s contract and will reopen the tender for a new operator.
Some councillors wanted to keep shared ebikes due to their affordability and environmental benefits.
Issues included users blocking footpaths, dumping ebikes, and riding under the influence.
Lime expressed disappointment with the decision, calling the disruption unnecessary.
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A Victorian minister, Melissa Horne, publicly asked for assurances that no wrongdoing happened on a hospital construction project after reports claimed government interference related to a union dispute. This statement contrasts with Premier Jacinta Allan, who denied the claims and refused to launch a royal commission into corruption just months before the state election.
Key Facts
Minister Melissa Horne called for confirmation from the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority that no improper contractor removals occurred on health projects.
The allegations involve pressure to remove a plastering contractor from the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear hospital due to conflicts with the CFMEU union.
Premier Jacinta Allan denied the allegations, saying there is no evidence to support them.
Horne emphasized the government has already taken steps to prevent illegal conduct on infrastructure projects, including stronger oversight and a dedicated police taskforce.
The dispute between the contractor and subcontractor was described as a private matter resolved through mediation, without government involvement.
The police taskforce reportedly lacks full power to investigate all corruption claims related to large building projects.
The controversy highlights a split within the Victorian government on handling corruption allegations ahead of the November election.
The hospital project was completed in 2024, before Horne became health infrastructure minister.
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