Satellite images have detected large wildfires in north Wales, burning around 951 hectares of the Rhinogydd mountains. A firefighting helicopter is being sent to help tackle the fires, while ground crews continue working to control multiple blazes across Wales.
Key Facts
The wildfire in the Rhinogydd mountains, Gwynedd, began earlier in July and has burned about 951 hectares (2,350 acres).
NASA’s FIRMS satellite detected heat from several fires in Wales, including Blaenavon, Presteigne, and Pentre Halkyn.
Natural Resources Wales is deploying a specialist firefighting helicopter to support the response in the Rhinogydd area.
The Welsh government activated crisis management due to the wildfire situation.
Police have warned people not to enter restricted wildfire areas, as it is dangerous and may lead to legal action.
Smoke from the Blaenavon fire has reached as far as Cardiff and caused air quality issues in some areas.
Fires at Rhinogydd and Blaenavon are currently the most serious and remain active, requiring ongoing firefighting efforts.
Emergency services also responded to a fire on Kilvey Hill in Swansea and advised residents nearby to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke.
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The United States has spent nearly $110 billion on its conflict with Iran. Despite saying the conflict is settled, President Trump's administration is asking for an additional $67 billion.
Key Facts
The US has spent almost $110 billion related to the war on Iran.
President Donald Trump's administration is requesting an extra $67 billion in funding.
The administration states that the war is already won or concluded.
The new requested funds would increase the total spending significantly.
This information was reported by Al Jazeera and Emma Withrow.
The cost includes military and related expenses in the conflict with Iran.
The article highlights the growing financial impact of this conflict on the US government.
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Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she sleeps between zero and three hours a night. Her statement has started a discussion about the work culture and long hours often seen in Japan.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi posted on X (formerly Twitter) about her very short sleep.
She said she gets between zero and three hours of sleep each night.
This claim has attracted public and media attention.
The mention of minimal sleep sparked talks about Japan’s demanding work culture.
Japan is known for long working hours and challenges with work-life balance.
The BBC’s Tokyo correspondent Kurumi Mori reported on the reactions.
The topic relates to broader concerns about health and productivity in Japan.
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The Trump administration withdrew subpoenas that would have forced three New York Times reporters to reveal their sources about a story on President Trump’s Air Force One jet from Qatar. A federal judge criticized the government’s legal mistakes, leading to the withdrawal of the subpoenas.
Key Facts
The government had subpoenas for three New York Times reporters to testify about their sources.
The reporters covered a story on President Trump’s Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet.
A federal judge named Arun Subramanian criticized the government’s legal work as sloppy.
The government reluctantly withdrew the subpoenas after the judge’s reprimand.
This is part of a pattern where the Trump administration is targeting journalists to reveal sources.
The Justice Department also recently withdrew subpoenas for reporters from The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal.
The subpoenas were related to national security stories.
The government wants to stop leaks inside the Trump administration.
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune responded to White House criticism about delays in passing the SAVE Act, a election-related bill supported by President Trump. Thune said the Senate needs to find votes and suggested Democrats are blocking the bill. The White House urged quick action before lawmakers leave for recess in August.
Key Facts
The SAVE Act aims to require proof of U.S. citizenship to register for federal elections.
President Trump is pressing Senate Republicans to pass the bill before the August recess.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump's patience is running out over Senate delays.
Senator John Thune said Democrats, not Republicans, are blocking the bill in the Senate.
The bill faces a difficult vote threshold of 60 votes to overcome a Senate filibuster.
President Trump gave a speech criticizing the Senate for stalling the legislation.
The House of Representatives has already approved the SAVE Act.
Thune has generally avoided public conflict with the White House despite pressure from Trump’s allies.
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A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Yassamin Ansari, has asked for a congressional investigation into how the federal government handled the legal cases of Andrew and Tristan Tate. Ansari also requested that Barron Trump give testimony as part of the investigation to examine possible political interference.
Key Facts
Representative Yassamin Ansari wants the House Oversight Committee to investigate the Tate brothers' legal cases and their return to the U.S.
Ansari claims there may have been political interference or improper government conduct related to the Tate brothers.
She has asked for documents from the Justice Department, State Department, and White House, plus visitor records and communications.
Ansari requested testimony from Barron Trump, although he is not accused of any wrongdoing or involvement.
Andrew and Tristan Tate face criminal charges in Romania, including human trafficking and money laundering; they deny the charges.
The Tate brothers are also wanted by British authorities for extradition on other allegations.
The Tates previously met with U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt in Washington, D.C., a fact Ansari only learned about recently.
Andrew Tate is a former kickboxing champion and online influencer known for controversial views and social media presence.
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The Trump administration is concerned about the fast use of advanced U.S. air-defense interceptors and precise weapons in the Middle East, especially in the conflict with Iran. There are worries this rapid usage could affect America's ability to prepare for other conflicts, like in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Facts
The U.S. is using a large number of advanced air-defense interceptors and precision-guided weapons against Iran in the Middle East.
Stockpiles of these weapons are shrinking faster than they can be replaced.
Defense companies need one to two years to increase production of some high-end missiles like the Tomahawk cruise missile.
U.S. forces are using more GPS-guided bombs and smaller precision weapons instead of long-range missiles.
Iran has targeted Gulf states like Kuwait and Bahrain, damaging critical infrastructure.
U.S. Central Command is managing military operations in the region.
Military officials worry that current missile stocks might not be enough if other conflicts arise, especially involving China.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the U.S. has strong stockpiles and is building more weapons.
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Senator Tina Smith from Minnesota announced her support for Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Senate race. She said El-Sayed is a strong candidate for the U.S. Senate and shared a message on the social media platform X.
Key Facts
Senator Tina Smith represents Minnesota and is a Democrat.
She endorsed Abdul El-Sayed for the Michigan Senate race.
Smith called El-Sayed a fighter in her endorsement.
The endorsement was shared on Thursday morning.
Smith posted a video along with her message.
Abdul El-Sayed is running to become a U.S. Senator for Michigan.
The endorsement was made on the social media platform X.
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A content creator named Tom Christopher carried a bathtub up a mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park, bathed in it, and left it there after people on social media encouraged him to do so. He apologized for the mistake, and park officials were later able to remove the bathtub with help from local rugby players.
Key Facts
Tom Christopher, 25, took a bathtub to the top of Pen y Fan mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
He washed in the tub and initially planned to take it back down the same day.
People on social media asked him to leave the bathtub for photos, leading him to keep it there temporarily.
His decision caused criticism because it affected the environment.
Cardiff Rugby academy players found the bathtub while doing volunteer work and helped park officials remove it.
Christopher called the incident an "honest mistake" and said he should have considered the environment more carefully.
The park reported the case as fly-tipping, which means illegally leaving waste, and Christopher may face a fine.
He said he might do voluntary work to make up for the mistake if fined.
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The community in Hā‘ena, Kauaʻi, has taken control of their local fishing area to protect fish and support traditional Native Hawaiian fishing ways. Since this management began 11 years ago, fish populations around the area have improved and more kinds of fish are being seen again.
Key Facts
Hā‘ena’s coastal waters, from shore to 1 mile out, are designated as a Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area (CBSFA).
CBSFAs help protect fish and support Native Hawaiian fishing traditions.
The area is co-managed by the local community and the state’s Division of Aquatic Resources.
Fish like moi, mullet, palani, kala, and akule have become more plentiful since the CBSFA started.
Community fishermen take only what they need, using traditional methods passed down from ancestors.
The CBSFA faced challenges from commercial fishers and lawmakers but remains active.
Other Hawaiian communities are interested in creating similar protected fishing areas.
Hā‘ena’s reefs host many marine species including octopus, chub fish, and convict tang.
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Pennsylvania lawmakers changed rules about reporting lead in school drinking water during the state budget process. Now, schools only need to report lead levels above five parts per billion, instead of any detectable amount.
Key Facts
Pennsylvania does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water, only to discuss it annually in public meetings.
Before the recent change, schools had to report any amount of lead found to the state.
The new rule, added quietly in budget negotiations, sets the threshold for reporting lead at more than five parts per billion.
Some school groups asked for the change, saying previous rules were unrealistic.
Environmental advocates warn that even low levels of lead are harmful to children and that the change reduces public awareness.
The original 2018 law required schools to test or discuss lead, plan to prevent exposure, provide safe water, and have the state share test results publicly.
There have been problems with enforcing and implementing the lead reporting law correctly.
Education officials only recently corrected their guidance to require reporting any detectable lead, which led to pushback and the new relaxed standard.
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The U.S. government is ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for people from Haiti, Honduras, El Salvador, and other countries. TPS is a program that lets people from dangerous or unstable countries live and work legally in the U.S. for a limited time. Many affected immigrants, like those in New Bedford, Massachusetts, face job loss, fear of deportation, and community hardship.
Key Facts
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a legal program allowing immigrants from unsafe countries to work and avoid deportation temporarily.
The U.S. government decided to end TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians as allowed by the Supreme Court in June 2026.
About 22,000 to 45,000 Haitian TPS holders live in Massachusetts.
Hondurans lost their TPS status last year, and Salvadorans’ TPS protection will expire in September 2026.
The end of TPS has led to job losses, fear of immigration raids, and community struggles in places like New Bedford, Mass.
TPS was created in 1990 to protect people fleeing countries affected by war, natural disasters, or unsafe conditions.
Haitian communities have experienced utility bill struggles and fear of leaving their homes due to immigration enforcement.
Pastor Lander Saintelus witnessed increased anxiety and hardship in his church congregation after TPS termination was announced.
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Crime rates in Texas have been falling steadily since 2023, with McAllen reaching its lowest crime levels in 40 years by 2025. This decline is part of a wider trend seen both across the state and nationally in the United States.
Key Facts
Texas crime rates peaked in 2022 and have dropped each year since, with a 13% decrease from 2024 to 2025.
McAllen reported a 21% drop in its crime rate in 2025, marking its lowest level in decades.
Brownsville, another city in the Rio Grande Valley, also saw a 21% decrease in crime in 2025.
McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez attributes the decline to population growth, community involvement, and strong public safety funding.
Increased immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s second term may have contributed to lower crime rates, but experts say it is too early to be sure.
National data show a 21% drop in homicides across major U.S. cities from 2024 to 2025.
Experts note declining crime rates occur in places with and without aggressive immigration enforcement.
Research indicates immigrants tend to commit fewer crimes than the average U.S. population.
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Lawyers for the singer D4vd are questioning how police tested evidence found in his home during a hearing about whether he will go to trial for murder and child sexual abuse. Prosecutors say D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, killed a 14-year-old girl to stop her from revealing their relationship. Burke denies the charges.
Key Facts
D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, faces charges including first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilation of human remains.
Prosecutors claim he fatally stabbed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez last year.
Police found possible blood traces in Burke’s former home and his Tesla car.
Defense lawyers questioned why certain items, like chainsaws in Burke’s garage, were not tested for evidence.
Multiple people lived at the residence, raising questions about other possible DNA sources.
A 14-year-old victim’s passport was found in January 2026 on a road embankment in Santa Barbara.
Cellular data and the Tesla’s system show Burke traveled to the area where the passport was found.
The hearing is expected to finish by early next week.
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Tropical Storm Bertha made a second landfall near the Texas-Louisiana border after hitting southeast Louisiana the day before. The storm moved west across Texas with winds of 45 mph, bringing rain and the risk of isolated flash flooding before weakening and likely dissipating over Central Texas by Friday.
Key Facts
Bertha first made landfall Wednesday afternoon near St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, close to New Orleans.
The storm weakened over land, moved back into the Gulf of Mexico, and regained strength.
It made a second landfall Thursday near Lake Charles, Louisiana, near the Texas-Louisiana state line.
Bertha moved westward across Texas toward Houston with winds around 45 mph.
Most of the heavy rain was south of the storm center, affecting areas along the Texas coast, including Corpus Christi and Port Lavaca.
Isolated flash flooding is possible along the Texas coastline.
The storm is expected to weaken quickly as it moves inland and dissipate over Central Texas by Friday morning.
Dangerous surf and rip currents will likely continue along the northern Gulf Coast due to the storm.
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President Donald Trump announced new import tariffs of 10 to 12.5 percent on goods from 60 countries to target products made with forced labor. These tariffs will start immediately after previous temporary global tariffs expire and aim to protect U.S. workers by discouraging forced labor in international trade.
Key Facts
New tariffs range from 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 trading partners.
Tariffs target goods linked to forced labor that enter U.S. markets.
The tariffs start at 12:01 a.m. Friday after previous temporary tariffs expire.
The U.S. Trade Representative says these tariffs cover about 99% of U.S. imports.
Countries with some forced-labor restrictions face a 10% tariff; others face 12.5%.
Some products like oil, gas, fertilizer, and goods under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement are exempt.
This action follows a Supreme Court ruling that rejected previous broad global tariffs under a different law.
The tariffs rely on a law that allows the president to respond to unfair foreign trade practices.
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Edinburgh has introduced a tourist tax of 5% on accommodation costs for visitors staying overnight. The tax aims to raise about £50 million yearly to help fund city improvements such as housing, culture, and policing.
Key Facts
The tourist tax started on Friday and applies to hotels, B&Bs, self-catering, and certain other accommodations.
Visitors pay an extra 5% fee on their accommodation cost, capped at five nights.
The tax is collected by accommodation providers and passed to the City of Edinburgh Council.
Exemptions include homeless people in emergency housing, those at risk of abuse, refugees, and some disabled people. Exempt individuals pay initially but can claim the tax back.
Only overnight visitors pay the tax; day visitors to festivals and events are not charged.
The tax was approved by the Scottish government in 2024 and by the Edinburgh Council in early 2025.
Edinburgh joins other European cities like Amsterdam and Paris in charging a visitor levy.
The tax coincides with Edinburgh’s busy summer festival season involving major cultural events and attracts millions of attendees.
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President Trump’s administration will start new tariffs on goods from 60 countries accused of using forced labor. These tariffs range from 10% to 12.5% and aim to push trading partners to stop unfair labor practices and protect U.S. workers.
Key Facts
Tariffs of up to 12.5% begin Friday on goods from 60 countries linked to forced labor issues.
Vietnam and China face the full 12.5% tariff rate; 17 countries like the UK, Canada, and Mexico face a 10% rate.
The European Union and some others will have tariffs adjusted to reach either 10% or 12.5%.
Some products are exempt, including oil, gas, steel (already covered by other tariffs), and goods under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal.
These forced labor tariffs replace earlier 10% tariffs that expired, which were ruled illegal by the Supreme Court.
The new tariffs use a law called Section 301, which requires investigation and allows longer-lasting tariffs.
Other ongoing investigations could lead to more tariffs on countries involved in unfair trade practices.
The administration says these tariffs protect U.S. manufacturing and prevent unfair competition caused by forced labor.
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A bill is advancing in the U.S. House of Representatives aimed at reducing how much data centers cause Americans' electric bills to increase. Lawmakers want to respond to growing concerns over the large power use of AI infrastructure like data centers.
Key Facts
The bill targets the effects data centers have on electricity costs for regular people.
Data centers use large amounts of electricity to run AI and other technology services.
There is public and political pushback against the rapid growth of these AI facilities.
Lawmakers are debating ways to limit electricity rate increases linked to data centers.
The measure is gaining support in the House of Representatives.
AI infrastructure is expanding quickly, raising concerns about energy use and costs.
The bill aims to balance technology development with fair electricity pricing for consumers.
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Lawyers representing President Donald Trump's administration withdrew subpoenas that aimed to force New York Times reporters to testify about stories on security issues with the new Air Force One plane. A federal judge questioned the subpoenas, and the Justice Department admitted some mistakes in how they were issued but said the investigation into leaks would continue.
Key Facts
President Trump's lawyers issued subpoenas to New York Times journalists over reports about Air Force One security.
The reports said the new plane, a gift from Qatar, lacked advanced security features.
The Secret Service advised President Trump to use a different plane after a NATO summit.
A federal judge questioned why subpoena requests included journalists' families.
The Department of Justice acknowledged errors in how the subpoenas were served.
The subpoenas would have required journalists to appear before a grand jury.
The Justice Department said the leak investigation is still ongoing.
The new Air Force One jet, a $400 million Boeing 747-8, was donated by Qatar and unveiled by President Trump.
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