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'It's a hell of a situation': Spain grapples with devastating wildfires

'It's a hell of a situation': Spain grapples with devastating wildfires

July 28, 2026 • World • BBC World

Summary

Spain is dealing with severe wildfires that have forced over 70,000 people to leave their homes and caused many towns to be evacuated or locked down. A heatwave with temperatures near 40°C is expected to make fighting the fires more difficult, but officials say some progress has been made.

Key Facts

  • Multiple wildfires have been burning across Spain for more than a week, especially in the Madrid region.
  • Over 70,000 people have been evacuated, including 56,500 from Madrid alone.
  • Roughly 12 towns are evacuated and 4 remain under lockdown in Madrid.
  • A heatwave is forecast to raise temperatures up to 40°C, increasing fire risks.
  • Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared the affected areas “disaster zones.”
  • Authorities say firefighting efforts have made some progress despite tough weather.
  • Officials warned that the climate emergency is worsening and called for unity in fighting and preventing fires.
  • Some residents are starting to return home as the situation slowly improves.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories
Netanyahu to meet Trump amid growing pressures in US, Israel

Netanyahu to meet Trump amid growing pressures in US, Israel

July 28, 2026 • World • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday. This will be their first meeting since the United States and Israel carried out joint strikes on Iran in late February.

Key Facts

  • The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday.
  • This is the first meeting between the two leaders since the joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran.
  • The strikes took place at the end of February.
  • Netanyahu described the meeting as a “great honor” and a “great responsibility.”
  • The meeting comes amid increasing pressures in both the U.S. and Israel.
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The Hill
2001: A budget odyssey

2001: A budget odyssey

July 28, 2026 • Business • The Hill

Summary

The article says the 1974 Budget Act is not the cause of current budget problems. It suggests that other factors are responsible for today's financial challenges.

Key Facts

  • The 1974 Budget Act sets rules for how the government plans and controls spending.
  • The article argues this act is not to blame for current budget issues.
  • Fiscal woes refer to problems with government money and budgets.
  • Some people think the act causes budget problems, but the article disagrees.
  • The article implies that other reasons are behind today's financial difficulties.
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The Hill
Firefighters say they’ve never seen anything like Spain’s record blaze

Firefighters say they’ve never seen anything like Spain’s record blaze

July 28, 2026 • World • AP News

Summary

A huge wildfire near Madrid, Spain, has burned an area five times the size of Barcelona and forced 25,000 people to evacuate. Firefighters say this is the largest wildfire they have ever seen, and climate change is making wildfires more frequent and intense.

Key Facts

  • The fire has burned 500 square kilometers (193 square miles) near Ávila, west of Madrid.
  • 25,000 people had to leave their homes because of the fire.
  • Firefighters are changing their strategies to focus on saving lives and protecting homes rather than fighting the fire directly.
  • No deaths have been reported from this wildfire.
  • Spanish emergency wildfire brigades work in shifts, spending long hours trying to control the fire.
  • Spain’s large wildfires are becoming more common due to climate change causing longer heat waves and droughts.
  • Firefighters now face 30 to 40 days of extreme fire risk each year, compared to about 15 days before.
  • Recent large fires in Spain also include one in Guadalajara that burned 320 square kilometers (123 square miles).
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AP News
South Korean officials order residents to evacuate after reported white phosphorus leak at US base

South Korean officials order residents to evacuate after reported white phosphorus leak at US base

July 28, 2026 • World • AP News

Summary

South Korean officials briefly evacuated people near the Osan Air Base after a reported white phosphorus leak at the U.S. military base near Seoul. The evacuation order was lifted after cleanup work was completed, and no major injuries or accidents were reported.

Key Facts

  • The leak was reported around 5 p.m. at Osan Air Base, located near Seoul.
  • Residents close to the base were told to evacuate and avoid skin contact with the substance.
  • Authorities set up a safety perimeter 300 to 500 meters from the base and redirected traffic on nearby roads.
  • The evacuation order was lifted a few hours later after cleanup was finished.
  • The U.S. 51st Fighter Wing mentioned a “ground mishap” but did not confirm white phosphorus leakage.
  • U.S. Forces Korea emphasized they are handling the situation carefully and prioritizing safety.
  • White phosphorus is a chemical used in weapons that burns at very high temperatures and can cause serious harm.
  • No major disruptions or injuries have been reported so far.
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AP News
Iraq’s new prime minister in Turkey for talks on pipeline, trade and security

Iraq’s new prime minister in Turkey for talks on pipeline, trade and security

July 28, 2026 • World • AP News

Summary

Iraq’s new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi visited Turkey to discuss building a pipeline to reduce Iraq’s dependence on Gulf oil routes and to talk about security, trade, and infrastructure projects. His visit follows recent trips to the U.S. and Iran and includes meetings with Turkey’s President Erdogan amid Turkey’s efforts to resolve conflict with Kurdish militants in northern Iraq.

Key Facts

  • Ali al-Zaidi is Iraq’s new prime minister and this is his third foreign visit since taking office.
  • The talks in Turkey focus on a pipeline from Iraq to Turkey to help safely export Iraqi oil.
  • Discussions also cover security, trade, energy, transportation, and water management between Iraq and Turkey.
  • After meeting President Trump, Iraq signed about $60 billion in deals with U.S. companies, including alternative oil shipping routes.
  • One proposed pipeline would connect southern Iraq (Basra) to western Iraq (Haditha) and then to ports in Turkey and Syria.
  • Turkey is working to end a long conflict with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has operated mainly in northern Iraq.
  • The PKK announced disarmament last year and Turkey plans laws offering amnesty to some fighters to support the peace process.
  • The PKK is considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU and has been involved in a conflict costing tens of thousands of lives since 1984.
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AP News
Gunmen kill high-ranking Taliban official in Afghanistan in rare targeted attack

Gunmen kill high-ranking Taliban official in Afghanistan in rare targeted attack

July 28, 2026 • World • AP News

Summary

Gunmen killed a senior Taliban official, Zabihullah Amiri, in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province. The attackers were stopped by security guards, with one killed and the other captured, and an investigation is ongoing.

Key Facts

  • Zabihullah Amiri was the director of information and culture in Badakhshan province.
  • He was shot by two gunmen while traveling from a local district to the provincial capital Faizabad.
  • Security guards fired back quickly, killing one attacker and capturing the other.
  • Targeted killings of senior Taliban officials have been rare since the Taliban took control in 2021.
  • In December 2024, the refugee minister Khalil Haqqani was killed in a suicide bombing in Kabul.
  • In June 2023, Badakhshan’s deputy governor and his driver were killed in a car bomb; the Islamic State’s local group claimed responsibility.
  • Earlier in 2023, the governor of Balkh province was killed in a bomb attack on his office.
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AP News
'I'm Mandy Burnham' - Quaker chaplain is lookalike for new prime minister

'I'm Mandy Burnham' - Quaker chaplain is lookalike for new prime minister

July 28, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A woman from Swansea named Emma Roberts has gained attention online for looking very similar to the new UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham. She has embraced the comparison by changing her social media name to "Mandy Burnham" and has posted viral videos about the resemblance.

Key Facts

  • Emma Roberts is from Swansea and is a Quaker chaplain who usually shares religious content online.
  • People on TikTok noticed she looks like Prime Minister Andy Burnham, especially because of her eyebrows and glasses.
  • Her posts about the resemblance have gone viral, with some videos reaching around 250,000 views.
  • She has changed her social media name to "Mandy Burnham" after people suggested it.
  • Emma said the prime minister seems like a good communicator and a decent person, but joked about his tea-making skills.
  • Her partner calls her "Mandy," and even her mother agrees she looks very similar to Andy Burnham.
  • Emma hopes to meet the prime minister and possibly chat with him on TikTok someday.
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BBC Top Stories
Horses Gallop Through French Streets to Escape Wildfire Flames

Horses Gallop Through French Streets to Escape Wildfire Flames

July 28, 2026 • World • Newsweek

Summary

Wildfires in southwestern France and parts of Spain are forcing hundreds of thousands of people to leave their homes. Horses were released from stables in France to escape the flames, and large areas of forest have burned in both countries as firefighters work to control the fires.

Key Facts

  • Western Europe had its hottest June on record, worsening wildfires in France and Spain.
  • About 330,000 people were evacuated due to the fires.
  • In Biscarrosse, France, stable staff released around 10 horses to let them escape on their own.
  • The stables’ fences, shelters, and storage were destroyed by the fire.
  • Around 42,000 hectares (about 104,000 acres) burned in the Gironde region of France in six days.
  • French President Emmanuel Macron called the fires near Bordeaux the toughest since World War II.
  • Spain declared a national emergency for wildfires for the first time.
  • Fires in Spain have burned 590 square miles this year, six times more than last year.
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Newsweek
Seattle pays tribute to food festival shooting victims

Seattle pays tribute to food festival shooting victims

July 28, 2026 • Us • BBC US

Summary

A shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival on Sunday killed three people and injured four others. The city held a candlelight vigil to honor the victims and called for an end to gun violence.

Key Facts

  • Three people died in the shooting: Junior Cee Niko Semo (19), Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba (44), and Ashley Whitehead (56).
  • Police say the shooting was a gunfight and suspect Junior Cee Niko Semo was involved.
  • One suspect is in custody, while another suspect remains free.
  • The food festival is an annual event attracting about 350,000 people each year.
  • Villalba was described as a devoted husband and father of three; his family set up a GoFundMe for funeral expenses and support.
  • Whitehead died in surgery after being shot while waiting in line with her daughter; her family also launched a GoFundMe.
  • Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson condemned the violence and said no parent should have to bury their child.
  • Washington Governor Bob Ferguson expressed shock at the shooting during a community celebration.
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BBC US BBC World
Map Shows States Under Emergency Order to Stop Blackouts

Map Shows States Under Emergency Order to Stop Blackouts

July 28, 2026 • Us • Newsweek

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order authorizing the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) to use extra power resources across 17 states to prevent blackouts during extreme heat. This action allows SPP to run backup power plants as needed to keep electricity flowing until August 3.

Key Facts

  • The emergency order was issued on July 26 by Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
  • It covers all or parts of 17 states, including Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, and Colorado.
  • SPP manages electricity transmission over about 732,000 square miles with 85,000 miles of power lines.
  • The order lets SPP operate backup power plants as a last resort to keep the grid stable.
  • The emergency order is designed to prevent blackouts during a severe heat wave increasing electricity demand.
  • Over 35 gigawatts of unused backup power is available nationwide to support the grid.
  • Extreme heat is forecasted to continue across the Central and Southern U.S., with temperatures reaching above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas.
  • The order expires at 11:59 p.m. CDT on August 3.
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Newsweek
Multiple deaths in Japan mall collapse after 7.1-magnitude earthquake

Multiple deaths in Japan mall collapse after 7.1-magnitude earthquake

July 28, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 struck southwestern Japan near Kashima town, causing the collapse of a floor in the Aeon shopping mall. Many people died or were trapped inside, and emergency services are responding to rescue victims. The quake also caused injuries, damaged houses, and disrupted train services, but there were no reports of issues at nearby nuclear power plants.

Key Facts

  • The earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu.
  • The Aeon shopping mall’s second floor collapsed, trapping many people inside.
  • At least 50 people were taken to hospitals with injuries.
  • Twelve houses collapsed, with several people trapped inside.
  • A tsunami advisory was issued but later lifted, with no widespread tsunami threat.
  • Train services, including the high-speed Shinkansen, were suspended after the quake.
  • There were no irregularities reported at the Sendai and Genkai nuclear power stations.
  • Japan experiences frequent earthquakes and is located on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a region active with earthquakes and volcanoes.
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France24
Where do the US-Iran talks to end the war stand?

Where do the US-Iran talks to end the war stand?

July 28, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

President Donald Trump said there is a good chance to reach an agreement with Iran to end the ongoing war. This statement followed a recent pause in airstrikes against Iran.

Key Facts

  • President Trump expressed optimism about a possible deal with Iran to stop the war.
  • Airstrikes on Iran were paused over the past weekend.
  • The talks aim to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
  • The situation involves US-Iran relations and military actions in the Middle East.
  • This update comes amid ongoing violence and tensions in the broader region.
  • The news report was released on July 28, 2026.
  • Additional related conflicts and tensions continue nearby, including in the West Bank and Red Sea.
  • The report is part of ongoing coverage of Middle East issues.
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France24
Fatal Shooting in ICE Operations

Fatal Shooting in ICE Operations

July 28, 2026 • Us • Al Jazeera

Summary

ICE, the agency responsible for immigration enforcement, has been involved in shootings that killed two people recently in different states. President Donald Trump is continuing his efforts to deport many undocumented migrants, increasing ICE’s funding and staff, while the agency faces questions about how well its agents are trained and screened.

Key Facts

  • ICE has killed two people in recent weeks during operations in two different states.
  • There are allegations of abuse inside ICE detention centers, which the agency denies.
  • President Donald Trump is promoting mass deportations, focusing on so-called hardened criminals.
  • ICE has received billions of dollars in extra funding under President Trump’s administration.
  • A recruitment campaign increased ICE’s staff by 12,000 officers in the past year.
  • Some of the recent shooting victims were not the intended targets of ICE operations.
  • Concerns have been raised about whether ICE agents are properly vetted and trained.
  • These issues have led to increased public and political scrutiny of ICE’s practices.
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Al Jazeera
Who dares ridicule Gianni Infantino as the World Cup boss creates global peace? Not me: is it you? | Marina Hyde

Who dares ridicule Gianni Infantino as the World Cup boss creates global peace? Not me: is it you? | Marina Hyde

July 28, 2026 • World • Guardian US

Summary

FIFA President Gianni Infantino responded strongly on Instagram to criticism of his handling of the World Cup. He denied that U.S. President Donald Trump influenced decisions regarding player Folarin Balogun and faces a U.S. House investigation over his ties with Trump.

Key Facts

  • Gianni Infantino is the president of FIFA, the international soccer governing body.
  • Infantino posted a lengthy message on Instagram defending the World Cup against critics.
  • He apologized to fans who missed the event and challenged those spreading hate or false rumors.
  • Infantino denied that President Trump influenced FIFA’s decision about player Folarin Balogun’s participation.
  • A House judiciary committee Democrat has opened an investigation into Infantino’s relationship with President Trump.
  • Infantino’s public response is seen as part of a trend where leaders and founders actively engage with audiences through social media.
  • The article discusses how modern leaders often spend significant time posting online to stay visible.
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Guardian US
Facemasks return as French southwest air charges in fire smoke

Facemasks return as French southwest air charges in fire smoke

July 28, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

Large wildfires in southwest France are creating heavy smoke that is harmful to people's lungs. Many people in cities near the fires are buying face masks, so the French government is sending more masks to places like Bordeaux and giving them for free.

Key Facts

  • Wildfires are burning in the countryside of southwest France.
  • These fires are producing thick smoke that may be toxic.
  • The smoke is causing health concerns, especially for breathing.
  • People in nearby cities are buying many face masks to protect themselves.
  • FFP2 masks, which filter small particles well, are in high demand.
  • French pharmacies are running low on these masks.
  • The government is quickly sending extra face masks to affected areas.
  • Masks are being distributed free of charge in places like Bordeaux.
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France24
What to know about the red fire retardant being used against wildfires

What to know about the red fire retardant being used against wildfires

July 28, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

Firefighters in southern France are using a red chemical fire retardant dropped from planes to slow down wildfires. While this chemical helps control fires, it can also harm nature and people.

Key Facts

  • The red fire retardant is a chemical used to stop or slow forest fires.
  • Planes drop the retardant over burning or at-risk forest areas.
  • Firefighters consider it an important tool against fast-spreading wildfires.
  • The retardant can have negative effects on the environment and human health.
  • These wildfires are occurring amid a heatwave in southern France.
  • French authorities are also working to protect evacuated areas from theft during the fires.
  • The fires have sparked conversations about how forests in France are managed.
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France24
Tate’s attorney says allegations ‘puts a target on their backs’

Tate’s attorney says allegations ‘puts a target on their backs’

July 28, 2026 • Us • Al Jazeera

Summary

Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested in the United States after British authorities charged them with crimes including rape and human trafficking. Their lawyer, Joseph McBride, said these serious allegations could make them targets in jail.

Key Facts

  • Andrew and Tristan Tate face 38 new charges from British authorities.
  • The charges include rape and human trafficking.
  • The Tate brothers were arrested in the United States.
  • Their attorney is named Joseph McBride.
  • McBride said the allegations increase risks for the brothers while in jail.
  • The case involves serious criminal accusations from two countries.
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Al Jazeera
French police look to avoid burglaries in evacuated areas as firefighting continues

French police look to avoid burglaries in evacuated areas as firefighting continues

July 28, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

Large wildfires are burning in southwest France, destroying 42,000 hectares of land. Many people have been evacuated, and firefighters are still working to control the fires. Police are also trying to stop burglaries in the empty homes.

Key Facts

  • Wildfires are ongoing in the Gironde area of southwest France.
  • About 42,000 hectares (over 100,000 acres) have been damaged by the fires.
  • Thousands of residents have been evacuated from affected areas.
  • Some fire zones have been stabilized, but the danger remains.
  • French police are guarding evacuated areas to prevent burglaries.
  • Firefighters continue their efforts to put out the fires.
  • The situation is linked to a heatwave causing dry and hot conditions.
  • Local volunteers are helping fire crews in some affected towns.
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France24
Roman port dug up behind woman's home

Roman port dug up behind woman's home

July 28, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Archaeologists discovered the remains of about 12 Roman buildings on land behind a woman’s home in Brough, East Yorkshire. The site is thought to be the location of a Roman trading port connected to the town of Petuaria, an important settlement during Roman times.

Key Facts

  • The land owner, Melanie Stanford, was surprised by the size of the Roman settlement found on her property.
  • The buildings were likely used to store goods brought ashore from ships.
  • The site lies near the Humber estuary and was well placed for trade with York and mainland Europe.
  • The town of Brough is believed to be the ancient Roman town of Petuaria, capital of the local Parisi tribe.
  • The dig is part of the Petuaria ReVisited Project, which started in 2018 to learn more about the Roman history of the area.
  • Archaeologists have also found Roman pottery, animal bones, oyster shells, a forum, and a theatre nearby.
  • Ground-penetrating radar helped locate the buildings before excavation began.
  • University archaeology students and local volunteers have joined the dig to explore the site.
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BBC Top Stories
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