President Donald Trump claimed the 2020 election was stolen and said U.S. elections can be rigged. He is pushing for laws that would give the federal government more control over elections and has encouraged efforts to redraw voting maps to favor Republicans. These actions raise concerns about influencing the midterm elections and challenging results that don’t favor his party.
Key Facts
President Trump said the 2020 election was illegitimate and claimed U.S. elections are vulnerable to fraud.
He wants Congress to pass the Save Act, which would let the federal government have more control over elections.
Elections in the U.S. are mainly run by states and local officials, not the federal government.
Some Republican-led states, like Louisiana, have redrawn voting maps to favor Republican candidates after a Supreme Court ruling.
Trump has tried to limit mail-in voting and suggested the US Postal Service might delay or withhold ballots from some voters.
Mail-in voting is more commonly used by Democrats than Republicans in many states.
Voting rights officials worry that false claims and efforts to control voting could undermine trust in elections and cause unrest.
The 2021 Capitol attack, linked to Trump’s denial of his 2020 loss, continues to influence concerns over election-related violence.
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France’s parliament approved a law allowing the use of two pesticides banned in the country because they harm bees. Beekeepers and environmental groups strongly oppose the law, saying it risks bee populations and biodiversity. Farmers support the law, arguing it helps protect crops threatened by pests.
Key Facts
France passed a law permitting the use of pesticides acetamiprid and flupyradifurone under certain conditions.
These pesticides were banned in France but allowed in the EU due to their harmful effects on bees.
Beekeepers warn the pesticides cause high bee deaths and reduce honey harvests.
The law aims to fight aphid diseases that damage crops like sugar beet, apples, hazelnuts, and cherries.
France’s environment minister resigned in protest but later stayed after discussions with President Macron.
The largest French farmers’ union supported the law, calling it a victory for farmers.
Honey production in France has fallen by half since the mid-1990s, partly due to neonicotinoid pesticides.
Environmental groups say the law ignores scientific evidence and harms the environment.
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Three Venezuelan men who were sent to a Salvadorian maximum security prison last year on flights arranged by US companies are suing those aviation firms. They claim the companies acted with the US government to illegally deport them and caused them harm by sending them to a prison known for torture.
Key Facts
The men were deported from the US to El Salvador in March 2023 under President Donald Trump’s administration.
They were held for four months in a Salvadorian terrorism prison called Cecot, where they say they were tortured.
The lawsuit accuses US companies CSI Aviation and GlobalX of violating civil rights and causing emotional distress.
CSI and GlobalX were hired by the Department of Homeland Security to operate the flights.
A federal judge had ordered the flights to return, but the companies allegedly ignored this.
The lawsuit says the companies made large profits from contracts with US immigration agencies.
Human rights attorneys filed the lawsuit in Washington DC on July 17, aiming to hold private companies accountable for the deportations.
The US and Salvadorian governments did not respond to specific claims in the lawsuit by the time of publication.
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Houthi forces in Yemen, supported by Iran, have attacked Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities on the Red Sea, escalating the ongoing regional conflict involving the US, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. This attack follows a breakdown of a truce and comes amid wider tensions impacting global energy supplies and regional stability.
Key Facts
Houthis fired missiles and drones at two major Saudi oil facilities in Jizan and Yanbu on the Red Sea coast.
The conflict is linked to a broader war involving the US and Israel against Iran.
Iran has been targeted by US air strikes after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard attacked tankers near the Strait of Hormuz.
A truce between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis collapsed recently after attacks on Sanaa airport and missile launches.
Saudi Arabia’s Patriot missile defense system intercepted two ballistic missiles aimed at Yanbu’s oil installations.
The blockade risks by Houthis on the Bab al-Mandeb Strait could severely disrupt global shipping and energy trade.
The conflict is contributing to rising energy prices and threatens food security in vulnerable countries.
The broader war also connects with Russia’s conflict in Ukraine, with attacks causing casualties and diplomatic tensions.
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The US military shared videos showing their forces boarding one ship and disabling another tanker. These actions were taken because the tankers tried to break the US naval blockade around Iran.
Key Facts
The US military released videos of their operations on tankers near Iran.
Forces boarded one tanker as part of the operation.
Another tanker was disabled by the US military.
These tankers were accused of trying to break the naval blockade of Iran.
CENTCOM (US Central Command) said 12 commercial ships were redirected.
Two tankers were disabled for not following orders.
The blockade aims to control shipping near Iran.
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Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) models are becoming more popular in the United States because they are cheaper and perform well. U.S. companies and developers are using these Chinese AI systems despite political tensions and accusations of unfair practices.
Key Facts
Chinese AI startups like Moonshot and Z.ai have launched advanced AI models that compete with U.S. products.
Moonshot’s Kimi K3 and Z.ai’s GLM-5.2 are examples of Chinese AI tools used for tasks like managing calendars and emails.
These Chinese AI models are often more affordable than those from U.S. companies.
Some U.S. firms, like Coinbase, have switched to using Chinese AI to reduce costs.
The U.S. government accuses Chinese companies of using secret methods to copy technologies from U.S. AI firms.
China denies these claims and calls them baseless.
U.S. technology restrictions limit China’s access to some advanced AI chips and tools.
Despite tensions, Chinese AI models continue to gain users globally, including in the U.S.
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A group called "Socialists in Schools" is campaigning to run candidates against eight Labor Party members in Victoria’s state election, including Education Minister Ben Carroll. They want changes like stopping public money going to expensive private schools and fully funding things like school uniforms and trips.
Key Facts
"Socialists in Schools" are a group opposing the current education department in Victoria.
They plan to run candidates for every lower house seat in Victoria.
Brendan Laws is challenging Education Minister Ben Carroll in the Niddrie district.
Their campaign calls for ending public funding to high-fee private schools.
They want to abolish the Naplan testing system.
They demand full public funding for school uniforms, excursions, materials, and lunches.
The group argues the Victorian public school system has been underfunded for many years.
They believe working-class students are increasingly left behind while wealthy private schools get more money.
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Thousands of people in Tunisia protested in the capital, Tunis, demanding that President Kais Saied resign. The protests mark five years since Saied declared a state of emergency, suspended parliament, and took control by ruling through decrees.
Key Facts
President Kais Saied declared a national emergency in Tunisia five years ago and later dissolved parliament.
Since then, he has ruled by decree, limiting political freedoms and controlling the government.
Thousands marched in Tunis to call for Saied’s resignation and to protest poor living conditions and political repression.
The protests included demands for the release of political prisoners jailed since Saied took emergency powers.
Opposition parties and independent groups united in protest against Saied’s rule, saying it reversed Tunisia’s democratic progress.
Saied’s government has dismissed judges, cracked down on media, and arrested opposition leaders.
One notable prisoner is Rached Ghannouchi, a leading political figure sentenced on terrorism charges who is in poor health.
President Saied says his actions fight corruption and maintain order, denying that freedoms have been restricted.
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Left-wing Democrats, led by figures like Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are supporting progressive candidates in key races such as Michigan's Senate primary. The party is divided between progressive and moderate wings as it tries to win back voters who supported President Donald Trump in 2024 and aims to regain control of the Senate.
Key Facts
Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez held a rally in Detroit supporting Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
El-Sayed’s platform includes universal healthcare under "Medicare for All," ending immigration enforcement, and stopping U.S. aid to Israel.
El-Sayed’s opponent in the Democratic primary is Haley Stevens, a moderate with strong political experience and corporate funding.
Michigan is a key battleground state that voted for Joe Biden in 2020 but for President Trump in 2024.
The Senate seat is open and important for Democrats to regain control of the Senate and counter President Trump’s agenda.
Some voters support progressive policies but are unsure if left-wing candidates can win general elections.
Moderate Democrat Haley Stevens has endorsements from Michigan’s governor and current Senator.
Other progressive candidates, like Francesca Hong in Wisconsin, are also competing in important midwestern races for governor.
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Iran criticized Ukraine for attacking one of its commercial ships and called Ukraine’s top diplomat to protest. Iran said one sailor died and asked the United Nations Security Council to take action, warning the attack might make the ongoing war worse.
Key Facts
Iran says Ukraine attacked one of its commercial ships.
One Iranian sailor was killed in the attack.
Iran summoned Kyiv’s top diplomat to express its protest.
Iran asked the UN Security Council to respond to the incident.
Iranian officials warn the attack could escalate the war.
The incident was reported from Tehran by Al Jazeera’s Tohid Asadi.
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Two men climbed over the glass wall at the top of Seattle’s Space Needle and parachuted down from the 605-foot structure. The Seattle Police Department is looking for them and says they face trespassing charges.
Key Facts
The two men entered the Space Needle by buying tickets at about 8:50 p.m. on Friday.
They were seen on security cameras at the top observation deck before going into a restroom.
After putting on helmets, they climbed over the glass wall and jumped off with parachutes.
The men have not been found or identified by the police.
They are described as white men in their late 20s.
The Space Needle stands 605 feet tall and has a glass observation deck open to the sky.
BASE jumping is an extreme sport where people jump from buildings, antennas, bridges, or cliffs and use parachutes.
The men are facing charges for trespassing.
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Hurricane Genevieve became a Category 1 hurricane in the Pacific Ocean southwest of Mexico and is expected to grow stronger but stay far from land. Another storm, Hurricane Fausto, is a Category 2 hurricane moving toward the Hawaiian Islands but is expected to weaken soon.
Key Facts
Genevieve's winds reached 80 mph, making it a Category 1 hurricane.
It is about 500 miles southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, moving west-northwest at 15 mph.
No warnings or watches are in place for the Mexican coast from Genevieve.
Swells from Genevieve may cause dangerous surf and rip currents on Mexico’s southwestern coast and southern Baja California Peninsula.
Hurricane Fausto has winds of 100 mph, classifying it as a Category 2 hurricane.
Fausto is located about 1,060 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii, moving west at 13 mph.
Fausto is expected to weaken to a tropical storm but could still create dangerous surf near Hawaii.
Residents in Hawaii are advised to watch Fausto’s progress.
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Zimbabwe is working to develop local industries that process and manufacture minerals instead of just exporting raw materials. The government has restricted exports of unprocessed minerals like lithium to encourage investment in local processing plants, but smaller miners are concerned about their ability to join in because of high costs and limited resources.
Key Facts
Zimbabwe has banned exports of unprocessed lithium ore since 2022 to promote local processing.
The government wants to build industries that make lithium batteries and solar panels in the country.
The first lithium sulphate plant in Africa is being built in Zimbabwe.
Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe’s lithium carbonate plant is nearly finished, bringing over $1.1 billion in foreign investment.
Supporters say local processing creates jobs, skills, and keeps more money in Zimbabwe.
Smaller miners face challenges like expensive processing plants, unreliable electricity, and lack of funding.
Smaller producers worry they may be left out if the government does not provide support.
One solution suggested is a toll-smelting system where public or industry groups help with processing costs.
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Large wildfires near Bordeaux in southwestern France have forced about 200,000 people to leave their homes. The fires have burned around 98,000 hectares and caused the closure of Bordeaux Airport. France has asked for international help to control the fires.
Key Facts
About 200,000 people were evacuated near Bordeaux due to wildfires.
The fires have destroyed roughly 98,000 hectares of land.
Bordeaux Airport has been closed because of the fires.
Firefighters are actively working to stop the spread of the flames.
France has requested help from other countries to fight the fires.
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In 1979, Catina Salarno, a college freshman, was shot and killed at the University of the Pacific. Her family has since worked for decades to keep her killer in prison and raise awareness about victims' rights.
Key Facts
Catina Salarno was found unconscious and bleeding on her first day of college in 1979.
Her parents, Harriet and Mike Salarno, and her sisters were deeply affected by her death.
The family has been involved in legal efforts since 1990 to prevent the release of Catina’s killer.
Harriet and Mike worked as juvenile commissioners to support young people in San Francisco.
Catina was known as a kind and caring older sister and was close to her sisters Regina and Nina.
The Salarno family had a strong, middle-class background with a focus on faith, family, and community.
Catina had a girlfriend/boyfriend relationship with Steven Burns, a nearby neighbor’s son and athlete.
The family's story has been featured in news programs like "48 Hours" to highlight their journey for justice.
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A South African couple saw a rare gathering of nearly 300 humpback whales, called a "supergroup," off the coast of South Africa. This large group shows that humpback whale numbers are rebounding after international whaling bans since 1986, though new dangers, such as conflicts involving Iran, could threaten them.
Key Facts
Nearly 300 humpback whales formed a "supergroup" seen off South Africa in December 2026.
The whales were counted by photographing their tails, as each whale's tail pattern is unique.
This is possibly the largest group of humpback whales ever recorded.
Humpback whale numbers in the southern hemisphere have grown from fewer than 10,000 during heavy whaling to over 100,000 today.
The International Whaling Commission monitors whale populations and enforces the whaling ban that started in 1986.
Humpbacks usually travel alone or in small groups but form supergroups in areas with lots of food like small fish and krill.
Whale sightings are increasing in many parts of the Southern Hemisphere.
Experts warn that conflicts like the war involving Iran could bring new threats to whales in the region.
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Brazil refused visas to two U.S. officials who wanted to visit before Brazil’s October elections. The Brazilian government said the officials intended to question the election’s legitimacy, a claim the U.S. State Department denied.
Key Facts
Brazil denied visas to Riley M. Barnes and Samuel Samson, U.S. State Department officials.
The two officials had applied for visas on July 20 and were denied on July 26.
Brazil’s Foreign Ministry accused the officials of trying to cast doubt on Brazil’s upcoming elections.
The U.S. said the officials were visiting to discuss election integrity, religious freedom, and freedom of expression.
Brazilian President Lula da Silva is running for reelection against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.
Flávio Bolsonaro’s family has close ties to President Donald Trump’s administration.
The U.S. recently labeled Brazil’s biggest drug gangs as terrorist groups, a move Lula opposes.
The U.S. imposed tariffs on many Brazilian exports, accusing Brazil of unfair trade and labor practices; Brazil denies these claims.
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Israeli forces arrested over 70 people in the West Bank after clashes that resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and four Palestinians. The Israeli military conducted searches at more than 300 locations in the area during this operation.
Key Facts
Over 70 people were detained by Israeli forces in the West Bank.
The arrests followed violent clashes in a northern Palestinian village.
Two Israeli soldiers and four Palestinians died in the violence.
The Israeli military searched more than 300 locations to find those involved.
The events happened overnight from Friday to Saturday.
The military described the detainees as connected to the clashes.
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Brazil’s government refused visas to two U.S. officials who planned to visit for talks about the upcoming Brazilian elections. This decision reflects rising political tensions between Brazil and the United States ahead of Brazil's October elections.
Key Facts
Brazil denied visas to two U.S. State Department officials, Riley M. Barnes and Samuel Samson.
The officials intended to travel to Brazil between July 27-30 to discuss election integrity, religious freedom, and freedom of expression.
Brazil’s Foreign Ministry did not publicly explain the reason for the visa denial.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is seeking reelection and will face Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, whose family has ties to President Donald Trump’s administration.
The Trump administration recently labeled Brazil’s largest drug trafficking groups as terrorist organizations, a move opposed by President Lula.
The U.S. also increased tariffs on thousands of Brazilian exports, citing unfair trade and forced labor concerns, which Brazil denies.
The U.S. State Department described the planned visit as routine and denied allegations that it aimed to interfere in Brazil’s elections.
Sen. Bolsonaro has echoed previous unproven claims by his father about fraud in Brazil’s electronic voting system.
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The Australian Labor Party (ALP) is facing pressure to change its policy to allow voluntary assisted dying (euthanasia) through telehealth services. While the new party platform supports this change, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prefers euthanasia discussions to happen face-to-face due to concerns about medical safety and misuse.
Key Facts
The ALP’s national conference updated its platform to support voluntary assisted dying via telehealth.
The change would overturn an old law banning euthanasia consultations through telehealth.
Labor MPs would have a conscience vote, meaning they can vote according to their personal views.
Prime Minister Albanese supports assisted dying but wants face-to-face assessments to protect patients.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and independent Kate Chaney plan to introduce private bills to advance telehealth euthanasia access.
Current federal law criminalizes encouraging suicide over telecommunications, with fines up to $300,000.
Advocates argue telehealth access is needed for people in rural areas or with mobility problems.
Labor’s updated platform promises to remove legal barriers to telehealth for end-of-life care while keeping clinical safeguards.
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