UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited the Sednaya prison in Syria, the first time a UN leader has done so since 2009. Sednaya prison is known for harsh conditions and reports of torture and killings under the Assad government.
Key Facts
Antonio Guterres is the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
He visited Sednaya prison in Syria during an official trip.
This is the first visit to Syria by a serving UN chief since 2009.
Sednaya prison was a main detention center under the Assad regime.
The prison gained a reputation for serious human rights abuses, including torture and killings.
Thousands of people were reportedly held and suffered at Sednaya.
The visit highlights ongoing international attention to Syria’s human rights situation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he plans to attend the United Nations meeting in New York City despite threats from Mayor Zohran Mamdani to arrest him. The mayor later said he does not have the legal power to arrest Netanyahu over an International Criminal Court warrant.
Key Facts
Netanyahu intends to visit New York City for the UN General Assembly this fall.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani threatened to arrest Netanyahu based on an ICC warrant accusing him of war crimes.
Mamdani later admitted New York City lacks the legal authority to carry out the arrest.
Netanyahu called the charges "bogus" and said he is not worried about the arrest threat.
Mamdani criticized Netanyahu and called him a "war criminal" due to the Gaza conflict.
The Gaza conflict began after a Hamas attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to many casualties.
Two recent stabbings in New York targeted a Jewish man and an Asian man, with hate crime charges filed.
Mamdani supports Palestinian rights and opposed Israel's military actions in Gaza during his mayoral campaign.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Pentagon website lists four U.S. service members killed in Jordan and Iraq in July as "Overseas Operations Casualties," separate from 14 killed in the war with Iran. The Defense Department said the website had errors causing confusion in casualty numbers and is working to fix them.
Key Facts
Four service members died in July in Jordan and Iraq and are listed separately from those killed in the war with Iran.
Four names briefly appeared under the Iran war casualties but were later removed from that list.
The 14 other service members are recorded as killed in Operation Epic Fury, the name for the war with Iran.
The four who died are 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, and Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton.
The Pentagon blamed "site errors" and a "temporary data disruption" for the casualty listing problems.
Nearly 100 service members have been injured since July 7; most injuries are minor concussions.
The Pentagon has not briefed reporters about the Iran war casualties or injury details since May.
The Pentagon continues to update its casualty database and promises more updates in the future.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Australia will test a new national emergency alert system called AusAlert on Monday, 27 July at 2pm AEST. The test will send a loud siren and a pop-up message to most mobile phones, tablets, and some smartwatches across the country to prepare for future emergencies.
Key Facts
AusAlert is a new system to send emergency warnings to phones during disasters like fires, floods, or health crises.
Unlike previous alerts sent by text messages, AusAlert uses mobile towers to send a loud alert and a pop-up notification.
The national test will happen at 2pm AEST on 27 July 2026, with different times adjusted for each Australian time zone.
The alert sound will last about 10 seconds and cannot be silenced, even if phones are on silent or “do not disturb.”
Phones made after 2019 and some smartwatches and tablets will receive the alert; some older phones may not.
The system was created following the 2019-20 bushfires, when many people missed emergency texts due to network problems.
AusAlert allows local warnings for specific areas, like flood zones, and national broadcasts for widespread emergencies.
Existing emergency systems will still be used alongside AusAlert as an additional tool.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A strong heatwave has caused more than 40 million people across the central and southern United States to face extreme heat warnings. Temperatures have reached dangerously high levels, causing health risks and disrupting activities, while authorities advise people to stay cool and hydrated.
Key Facts
Over 40 million people in central and southern U.S. are under extreme heat warnings.
Heat indexes reached above 100°F (38°C) from Minnesota to Mississippi, and parts of the southwest saw highs around 120°F (49°C).
The heat is caused by a weather pattern called a heat dome, which traps hot air in one area.
Rapid City, South Dakota, recorded a record high of 112°F on Saturday.
Some events, like a horse race in Minnesota, were canceled due to the heat.
Severe storms, flash flooding, and hail were also a risk near the Great Lakes because of moist air around the heat dome.
Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with health conditions are at higher risk of heat-related illnesses.
Experts say the climate crisis, caused by burning fuels, is making extreme heat events more frequent and intense.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said that peace between Iran and the United States depends on Israel stopping its attacks on Lebanon. He also expressed support for Hezbollah and the people of southern Lebanon, where Israel's attacks have concentrated.
Key Facts
Khamenei stated on social media that peace with the U.S. requires ending Israeli aggression against Lebanon.
Iran sees protecting Lebanon’s borders and ending Israeli attacks as key conditions for peace.
Khamenei supports Hezbollah and considers defending them a strategic priority for Iran.
A U.S.-Iran agreement signed in June linked peace to Israel stopping attacks on Lebanon, but it has collapsed.
Lebanon and Israel agreed to a U.S.-mediated framework for Israeli withdrawal, but Israel has delayed and resisted leaving some zones.
Southern Lebanon continues to experience Israeli military actions, including shelling and bulldozing.
Recent fighting has killed thousands in Lebanon and dozens in Israel; UN peacekeepers report Israel violated ceasefire agreements many times.
Mojtaba Khamenei is the son of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and took over after his assassination.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
BBC radio and TV programs created for South Asian migrants helped them adjust to life in the UK starting in the late 1960s. These shows provided language lessons, advice, music, and cultural connection for new arrivals and their families in places like West Yorkshire.
Key Facts
The BBC made radio and television programs specifically for South Asian immigrants in the UK.
Early programs included language teaching, such as "Look, Listen and Speak" to help migrants learn English.
Shows like "Nai Zindagi Naya Jeevan" featured music and cultural content that brought families together.
Many South Asian families moved to Yorkshire for jobs in industries like textiles.
These programs helped reduce feelings of loneliness by providing familiar language and culture.
Families often gathered on Sundays to watch these shows and share traditional food.
The programming has impacted three generations of South Asian families in the UK.
Presenters like Anita Bhalla worked to integrate Asian broadcasting into broader BBC roles.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Oil prices dropped after the United States and Iran paused their military attacks in the Persian Gulf for two days. Brent crude oil fell to about $92 per barrel, down from a high of $102 reached last week, as fears of war disruptions eased.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil prices fell 4.9% to $92.02 per barrel following a pause in attacks by the U.S. and Iran.
Oil prices had surged to $102 per barrel last week due to increased fighting and worries about shipping disruptions.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical shipping route for a fifth of the world’s oil supply and has been affected by the conflict.
Alternative shipping routes are also under attack, such as Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
Higher oil prices have contributed to increased gasoline prices in the U.S., currently averaging $4.11 per gallon.
Rising oil costs can raise prices for shipped goods worldwide and slow consumer confidence in the U.S. economy.
The recent oil price rise has increased concerns about inflation and led traders to expect a possible Federal Reserve interest rate hike.
Higher interest rates could cool inflation but may also slow down economic growth by making borrowing more expensive.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Pentagon changed how it counts U.S. casualties in the Iran war by replacing the previous category "Operation Epic Fury" with a new one called "Overseas Operations." This change reduced the reported number of U.S. soldiers killed and wounded, and it is unclear exactly what the new category includes. The update follows a debate in Congress about authorizing continued military action in Iran.
Key Facts
The Pentagon lowered the reported U.S. deaths in Operation Epic Fury from 18 to 14.
Dozens of wounded soldiers previously counted were removed from the tally.
The Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS) now uses “Overseas Operations” to track casualties instead of Operation Epic Fury.
It is unclear if “Overseas Operations” counts only Iran war casualties or other events as well.
Since the war began, at least 624 U.S. troops have been wounded.
The Pentagon has not clearly explained the changes or responded to media requests.
The Trump administration considers Operation Epic Fury ended in May, treating new fighting as a separate conflict.
The House of Representatives passed a resolution requiring congressional approval for further military involvement in Iran, but the Senate blocked it.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A survey showed that most people in the UK would choose a sure £50,000 over a 50/50 chance to win £1 million. Women were more likely than men to pick the guaranteed amount, and younger people were more willing to take the risk than older people.
Key Facts
73% of 4,600 UK adults chose the guaranteed £50,000 in the survey by YouGov.
21% preferred the 50/50 chance to win £1 million, while 6% were undecided.
82% of women chose the sure £50,000 compared to 63% of men.
Younger people (age 18-24) were more likely (28%) to take the risk than those over 65 (11%).
£50,000 is more than the average annual full-time salary in the UK.
People tend to avoid risk because losing a guaranteed amount feels worse than missing out on a larger prize.
Historically, investing £50,000 around 38 years ago in a global fund could have grown to £1 million today, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk preference changes depending on the amount of money involved; smaller amounts often encourage more risk-taking.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Some of the driest areas in the UK missed rain before a new heatwave arrives, with temperatures expected to reach up to 35°C (95°F) in parts of England. Wales is in drought, and large areas of England are close to it, while health warnings have been issued for heat-related risks.
Key Facts
Northern and western UK had some rain over the weekend; southern parts mostly did not.
Wales has officially entered drought status.
Southern, central, and eastern England are in prolonged dry weather, just before drought is declared.
Temperatures will peak around 35°C (95°F) in south-east England during the heatwave.
Heat health alerts are active from July 28 to July 31 in many regions, warning vulnerable people of risks.
Scotland and Northern Ireland will have cooler, rainy weather with temperatures in the high teens or low twenties °C.
Driest areas like central, southern, and eastern England have had very little rainfall this month.
Wisley in Surrey recorded 39 days without rain as of July 26, well below normal rainfall levels for July.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Girlguiding has introduced a new uniform design for the first time since 1990. The updated uniform emphasizes comfort, practicality, and allows members to express their individuality by only requiring a top from the new collection to be worn.
Key Facts
The new uniform design was created after gathering feedback from thousands of Girlguiding members aged 6 to 16.
Members only need to wear a top from the new range to be considered in uniform.
The new collection includes 30 clothing items and 15 accessories, with prices starting at £12 for a T-shirt.
The design includes features such as hidden pockets, thumb holes on sleeves, and badge sashes that can double as cross-body bags.
The redesign focuses on practicality, comfort, and sustainability.
Girls can keep wearing the old uniform until theirs needs replacing.
A survey found that 93% of girls felt more comfortable when they could choose their own style.
Girlguiding ambassador Angellica Bell said the new uniform allows girls and volunteers to showcase their individuality.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Families of the 29 military personnel killed in the 1994 RAF Chinook helicopter crash in Scotland want Andy Burnham to order a new independent review of the disaster. They believe there was a cover-up and that important information about the helicopter's safety was hidden.
Key Facts
The Chinook HC2 helicopter crashed on the Mull of Kintyre in 1994, killing 29 military personnel.
The two pilots were first blamed but cleared in a 2011 inquiry that did not find the crash cause.
Former Defence Secretary Liam Fox supports a new independent review because he suspects a cover-up.
Families argue the Ministry of Defence may have given incorrect details about the helicopter’s airworthiness.
A recent court ruled families cannot sue the MoD as their claim was filed too late.
The Chinook Justice Campaign, representing many victims’ families, plans to take the case to the European court of human rights.
Families ask Andy Burnham to meet them and start a transparent review separate from the Ministry of Defence.
The families reference a new law called the Hillsborough law that demands honesty from public officials during investigations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Economists warn that rising oil prices caused by conflict in the Middle East could force the Bank of England to increase interest rates later this year. If oil prices stay above $90 to $100 a barrel, inflation may rise, pushing the central bank to raise rates to control the economy.
Key Facts
Oil prices spiked above $100 a barrel due to renewed fighting in the Middle East but dropped slightly to around $96.
The Bank of England currently holds interest rates at 3.75%, with a decision expected to maintain this level at its upcoming meeting.
Economists say if oil prices remain high, inflation in the UK could increase significantly, leading to higher interest rates.
At $90 a barrel, markets anticipate about one and a half rate increases; at $100, potentially two increases of 0.25%.
Rising gas and oil prices may increase costs for food and transport, pushing inflation higher.
The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted oil shipping channels, contributing to price increases.
The Bank of England's monetary policy committee is cautious but prepared to raise rates if energy prices keep rising.
Higher interest rates would aim to slow inflation but could also act like a tax on economic growth.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Artist Amy Sherald showed her large triptych painting called "Ecclesia" at the Whitney Museum in New York. The artwork features Black figures on floating watchtowers and is inspired by history, film, and personal reflection. Sherald used bigger brushes and scaffolding to paint this complex and spiritual piece, which took about six months to complete.
Key Facts
"Ecclesia" is a triptych, meaning it has three connected paintings.
Each painting shows a Black person in bright clothing on a watchtower floating in a bright blue sky.
Sherald was inspired by medieval triptychs and a scene from the film "The Grand Budapest Hotel" by Wes Anderson.
The paintings are very large, requiring scaffolding and large brushes to work on.
Sherald took half a year to finish the triptych.
This work is part of her retrospective exhibition at the Whitney Museum.
Sherald said the exhibition reflects her art ideas from the past 20 years and marks a new start for her.
The painting is described as a spiritual moment, symbolizing looking toward the future.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) helps Americans get money if they are injured by certain vaccines through a simplified legal process without having to prove fault. COVID-19 vaccines are not included in this program but are instead covered by a different, more limited program for emergency medical treatments called the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP).
Key Facts
Vaccines have saved over 150 million lives in the last 50 years but can rarely cause side effects.
The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program started in the 1980s after lawsuits threatened vaccine production.
VICP protects vaccine makers from most lawsuits while compensating injured people without needing to prove negligence.
The program covers 16 vaccines, including flu and HPV vaccines, but not COVID-19 vaccines.
COVID-19 vaccines fall under the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP), created for emergencies under the PREP Act.
CICP is more restrictive, with a shorter time to file claims and limited compensation options compared to VICP.
VICP uses special judges and allows compensation for pain and suffering; CICP is an administrative program with fewer benefits.
Funding for VICP comes from a small tax added to each dose of recommended childhood vaccines.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Amy Sherald is an artist known for painting Michelle Obama’s official portrait. After many years of working without much attention and surviving a rare heart condition, she is now one of the most recognized painters in the United States.
Key Facts
Amy Sherald is the painter of Michelle Obama’s official portrait.
She spent many years painting without much public recognition.
Sherald survived a rare heart condition.
She is currently 52 years old.
She is considered one of America’s most celebrated painters.
The interview was featured on the CBS news program "60 Minutes."
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Amy Sherald is a well-known American painter recognized for her portraits of Black Americans. Her work gained widespread attention after she painted the official portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama, and she often depicts her subjects looking directly at the viewer to create a meaningful connection.
Key Facts
Amy Sherald painted the official portrait of Michelle Obama.
She has become one of America’s most celebrated painters, with several major museum exhibitions.
Sherald canceled a Smithsonian exhibition due to concerns about censorship pressures during the Trump administration.
Her portraits often show Black Americans looking directly at the viewer to create an exchange.
Sherald finds her subjects through photographs, using people she encounters and thrift store clothing.
One of her controversial portraits is of Breonna Taylor, a woman killed by police in a 2020 raid.
Her style emphasizes presence and personal stories rather than traditional portrait naming or settings.
Sherald had a show at the Whitney Museum of American Art, fulfilling a long-held dream.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The price of home heating oil in Northern Ireland has increased sharply in the past three weeks, rising by nearly £100 for 500 litres. This rise is linked to increased conflict between the US and Iran, which has affected global oil prices and may keep them high until talks resume.
Key Facts
The cost of 500 litres of home heating oil rose from £346.59 to £445.37 in three weeks, an increase of 29%.
About two-thirds of households in Northern Ireland use home heating oil, the highest in the UK.
Prices previously peaked at £612.37 per 500 litres in April and dropped to £346.59 earlier this month.
The recent price rise followed US military actions against Iran and attacks on oil tankers near a critical shipping route.
Some families are worried about the impact of rising heating oil costs, especially with winter approaching.
Alternative heating options like gas have become similarly expensive for some users.
Experts expect high oil prices to continue until diplomatic talks between the US and Iran restart.
The rising cost is creating financial strain for households and those on fixed incomes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
