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Iran and Oman held talks to manage shipping traffic safely through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway where tensions between the U.S. and Iran remain high. Iran reported progress in these talks, but clashes and military strikes continue in the region.
Key Facts
Iran and Oman discussed ways to regulate safe shipping in the Strait of Hormuz while respecting their sovereignty.
The Omani delegation left Tehran but ongoing political and technical talks continue between the two countries.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key location of conflict involving U.S. and Iranian forces.
President Donald Trump ordered major joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran in February 2026.
U.S. and Iran delegations started negotiations in June to try to end the conflict, but fighting continues.
The Israel Defense Forces intercepted two drones near the Jordanian border, origin under investigation.
The U.S. confirmed the death of Staff Sgt. Angel Rampersad in an Iranian attack on a base in Jordan.
Several U.S. service members killed in these attacks received posthumous promotions.
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Iran's foreign ministry called in the French ambassador to Tehran to complain about two French diplomats who were briefly detained in Iran. Iran accused the diplomats of interfering in its internal affairs, while France said the diplomats were intimidated and one was physically abused.
Key Facts
Iran summoned the French ambassador to protest the actions of two French diplomats detained earlier in July.
Iranian officials said the diplomats interfered in Iran's internal matters under the pretense of civil society engagement.
Iran claimed these actions violated the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, an international treaty about diplomatic conduct.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reported the diplomats were held for several hours, questioned, and one was physically mistreated.
The diplomats were eventually released and returned to the French embassy in Tehran.
The incident heightened tensions between Iran and France over diplomatic conduct and interference claims.
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Climate activist Greta Thunberg participated in a rally in London to support a student movement in India. The students had protested in New Delhi, which resulted in the resignation of India’s education minister.
Key Facts
Greta Thunberg is a climate activist known globally.
She joined a demonstration in London.
The rally supported a student movement in India.
The student movement was led by youth opposing the current government.
Their protests happened in New Delhi, India’s capital.
The protests led to the education minister stepping down.
The political party mentioned is the Cockroach Janta Party.
The event shows international support for the student cause.
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez thanked Layan Al Quqa, a young artist from Gaza, for creating a mural of him. The mural celebrates the friendship between Spain and Palestine.
Key Facts
Pedro Sanchez is the Prime Minister of Spain.
Layan Al Quqa is a young artist living in Gaza.
She painted a mural featuring Prime Minister Sanchez.
The mural honors the friendship between Spain and Palestine.
Sanchez publicly expressed gratitude for the artwork.
The message reflects solidarity and acknowledgment of the Palestinian people.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning to call up between 300,000 and 500,000 new soldiers for the war in Ukraine, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This move comes as Russia faces high military losses and declining public support for the conflict.
Key Facts
Putin is expected to start mobilizing new troops at the beginning of October.
Russia has been involved in the war in Ukraine for over four years.
Previous mobilization of 300,000 reservists in 2022 caused protests and many people fled Russia.
Only about 25% of Russians support continuing the war, based on a recent poll.
Russia is losing over 1,000 soldiers daily in Ukraine, according to estimates.
Russia did not meet its army recruitment targets for the first three months of 2026.
Russian authorities increased bonuses to encourage military enlistment.
The mobilization will happen around the time of parliamentary elections in Russia.
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Oil prices fell about 6% after the United States paused attacks on Iran, reducing fears of a conflict that could limit global oil supply. The pause in fighting followed 13 days of strikes and helped bring Brent crude prices below $91 a barrel.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil price dropped below $91 per barrel, down 6%.
The US and Iran paused hostilities after nearly two weeks of fighting.
Iran stopped retaliatory attacks after two nights without US missile strikes.
The conflict began after attacks by Iran-aligned Houthis on Saudi oil tankers.
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for Gulf oil exports, increasing market sensitivity.
Energy company shares, including BP and Shell, fell due to lower oil prices.
US military officials advised President Trump that bombing Iran had limited effects.
Rising oil prices raised concerns about inflation and possible interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve.
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A man and a woman died after being rescued from the sea near Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall. Emergency teams found them in trouble in the water and confirmed their deaths at the scene.
Key Facts
The incident happened at about 9:45 PM on Sunday near Fistral Beach.
HM Coastguard was alerted around 9:30 PM.
Rescue teams from Newquay, Padstow, and St Agnes joined the search.
Lifeboats from Newquay RNLI and a coastguard helicopter helped in the rescue.
Both victims were confirmed dead by Devon and Cornwall Police at the scene.
The families have been informed, and a coroner's file will be prepared.
Fistral Beach is a popular surfing spot known for major competitions.
Police expressed sympathy for the victims’ families.
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Elizabeth Waddell, a 44-year-old American woman from North Carolina, has gone missing while on vacation in Grenada. She was last seen near Grand Anse Beach, and local police, along with volunteers, are searching for her.
Key Facts
Elizabeth Waddell disappeared on Wednesday near Grand Anse Beach in St. George’s, Grenada.
She was on vacation with a friend and staying at Hideaway Waterfront Apartments.
Waddell was last seen going for a swim; she left a towel on the pier but did not return.
Police and volunteers, including divers and St. George’s University students, are conducting a search.
Her husband is traveling to Grenada to assist with the search efforts.
Grenadian police have asked locals to report any information about her to the police stations.
The U.S. State Department said they are aware and offer support to Americans missing abroad but refer investigation questions to Grenadian authorities.
Waddell is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall with short blond hair.
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will be sent to eligible Americans on Friday, July 31, 2026, which is one day earlier than usual. SSI is a federal program providing monthly help to elderly, blind, or disabled people with limited income, with a maximum payment of $994 per person in 2026.
Key Facts
SSI payments help people who have low income and are elderly, blind, or disabled.
Around 7.3 million Americans receive SSI benefits as of June 2026.
SSI payments are funded by general federal taxes, not based on work history or payroll taxes.
Payment day moves earlier if the 1st falls on a weekend or federal holiday.
The maximum monthly SSI payment is $994 for individuals and $1,491 for couples in 2026.
Other Social Security payments, like retirement benefits, will be paid on different dates in August 2026, based on beneficiaries’ birthdays.
The Social Security trust fund is projected to run out by the end of 2032, which could cause automatic benefit cuts of about 22% starting in 2033 if Congress does not act.
People who do not receive their payment on time should wait three extra mailing days before contacting the Social Security Administration.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he will attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of encouraging hatred because Mamdani promised to enforce an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Netanyahu for war crimes.
Key Facts
Benjamin Netanyahu is the Prime Minister of Israel.
Netanyahu plans to go to the UN General Assembly in New York.
The UN General Assembly is a large meeting of countries held yearly.
Zohran Mamdani is the mayor of New York City.
Mamdani said he will enforce an ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu.
The ICC issued the warrant accusing Netanyahu of war crimes.
Netanyahu accused Mamdani of promoting hate because of this decision.
The ICC (International Criminal Court) is a court that investigates serious crimes like war crimes.
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The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the military is growing quickly, changing how wars are fought. Traditional arms companies, new defense startups, big tech firms, and advanced AI labs are all involved in developing AI tools for military use, from training soldiers to controlling drones.
Key Facts
The military is shifting from relying mainly on physical weapons to using software, such as AI-driven drones and decision-making tools.
The UK signed a 15-year, $2.7 billion deal to train soldiers using AI, led by Raytheon UK.
NATO awarded contracts to companies including Anduril, Palantir, and a French joint venture to provide AI platforms for managing air command and control.
The Pentagon’s 2014 strategy focused on AI as key to future warfare; recent contracts show increasing investment in AI technology.
Eight leading tech companies received contracts to deploy AI on classified Pentagon networks aiming to create an “AI-first” military.
The military AI industry includes four groups: traditional defense contractors (“defense primes”), defense startups (“neoprimes”), big tech companies, and advanced AI labs.
Defense primes like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman integrate AI into existing weapons and systems, such as AI tools for fighter jets and targeting cameras.
Startups like Shield AI build autonomous AI pilots for drones and military aircraft.
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UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham plans to reform the country’s adult social care system to prevent collapse of the National Health Service (NHS). Some political parties, including the Conservatives and Reform UK, have said they will oppose reforms if they include tax increases.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham aims to use his political influence to fix England’s social care system quickly.
Burnham has not promised to complete full reform before the next election, recognizing it may take up to a decade.
He has a working majority in Parliament, so he does not need Conservative support to pass social care laws now.
The Tory and Reform UK parties oppose any reform involving new taxes or increased borrowing.
Burnham may propose a “care levy,” a new tax to fund social care, but details are uncertain.
A government review on social care, led by Louise Casey, will report sooner than initially planned.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey hopes to support Burnham’s reform plans if they are acceptable to his party.
Conservative politician Kemi Badenoch says her party opposes tax rises and wants spending cuts instead but is open to working with Labour on other reforms.
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Eleanor Drage, an AI ethicist, explains that artificial intelligence (AI) is created through human work and materials, not magic. She argues that we should focus less on scary stories about AI and more on practical ways to make AI safer and fairer, such as giving people more control over their data and regulating AI development better.
Key Facts
AI is made through extensive human labor, using materials from mines and factories.
The idea of “the cloud” is just someone else's computer storing data.
AI “hallucinations” are errors caused by mistakes in data or system problems.
Tech companies often prioritize profit and power over ethical AI development.
Drage highlights risks like biased AI in hiring and law enforcement.
The focus on AI causing an apocalypse distracts from urgent issues like climate change and inequality.
Drage supports more community-driven AI projects, though some examples she gives are modest.
She stresses the importance of understanding what intelligence really means in AI discussions.
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The deputy commissioner of New South Wales police opposed arming the private Jewish security group, Community Security Group (CSG), saying police should protect all community members. Some Jewish groups want CSG armed at events after a terror attack, but police warn it could cause unfair treatment or friction between groups.
Key Facts
CSG provides security for Jewish events and operates with trained volunteers but has not been armed at recent events.
NSW Premier Chris Minns considered allowing CSG to carry guns after the Bondi terror attack in 2024.
Deputy Commissioner David Hudson said police, not private groups, are responsible for community protection.
Hudson prefers a “user pays” model where police presence is paid for by event organizers rather than arming private security.
Police oppose any group being given special security privileges, fearing it would create division or appear as favoritism.
Jewish community leaders argue armed protection is necessary for safety at open-air events.
The royal commission’s interim report found no legal gaps to prevent shootings but recommended better police coordination at Jewish events.
Police response to the Bondi attack was quick, but officers on scene lacked specialist training to deal with terrorism.
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Many people, especially younger ones, are using apps like Merlin Bird ID to identify birds by their looks or sounds. Developed by Cornell University, Merlin Bird ID has grown to recognize around 11,000 bird species and has been downloaded millions of times worldwide.
Key Facts
Megan Szostak, a bird enthusiast, uses Merlin Bird ID, an app that helps identify birds by sight and sound.
Merlin Bird ID was created by Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology and launched in 2014.
The app has been downloaded 42 million times in total, with 12 million downloads in 2026 alone.
It can identify about 11,000 bird species, which is nearly all the species known in the world.
The app uses artificial intelligence (AI) and data from bird watchers globally to improve identification.
Some experts warn not to rely fully on these apps for official bird sightings as they can make mistakes.
Other bird identification apps, like Birda, are also seeing increased downloads recently.
Younger people and Generation Z are becoming more interested in birdwatching, often sharing their experiences on social media.
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Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina after Argentina’s President Javier Milei insulted Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and other officials at a political event in São Paulo. Argentina’s ambassador was also called in to discuss these statements. Milei criticized Lula and Brazilian institutions during the launch of right-wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro’s presidential campaign.
Key Facts
Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina because of insults by Argentina’s President Javier Milei against Brazil’s President Lula and others.
Milei called Lula a "convict" and "thief" without naming him directly at a political event in São Paulo.
Milei also insulted Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
Brazil summoned Argentina’s ambassador to discuss these insults.
Argentine President Milei spoke at the event nominating Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
Milei accused Brazil, Mexico, and the U.S. Democratic Party of trying to undermine Argentina with a "negative campaign," without giving proof.
Milei claimed Justice Moraes blocked his visit to Jair Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest for a 2022 coup plot conviction.
Brazil’s ambassador Julio Bitelli was expected to return home shortly after the recall.
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UK rapper Yung Filly, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, is on trial in Western Australia for allegedly assaulting a woman after a 2024 concert. He denies the charges and says the interaction was consensual and the "vibes were good" between them.
Key Facts
The alleged assault happened in September 2024 after a concert in Hillarys, a suburb of Perth, Australia.
Yung Filly pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including sexual penetration without consent, assault, and strangulation.
He admitted to putting his hand on the woman’s waist but denied inappropriate touching.
The woman was 20 years old at the time of the incident.
The trial started a week before Yung Filly gave testimony at the District Court of Western Australia.
Yung Filly explained that his security guard took the woman’s phone to protect privacy.
The court heard they had consensual sex before the alleged violence occurred.
Yung Filly is a UK rapper and YouTube personality with millions of social media followers.
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A mix of a wet winter, very little rain since spring, and several record heatwaves has made wildfires in France and Spain start easily and spread quickly. These fires are hard to control because dry plants and strong winds help the flames grow and move unpredictably. Meanwhile, heavy rain and melting glaciers in parts of South Asia have caused deadly floods.
Key Facts
Wildfires in France and Spain have been fueled by dry plants caused by drought and heatwaves.
About 90% of wildfires start because of human activity, often in dry grass, pine needles, and small twigs.
Fires can grow into larger plants and roots that burn longer and can create strong winds.
Changing wind directions made some fires in France spread in unexpected ways.
Storms brought little rain to the affected areas, sometimes making fires worse by creating strong gusts of wind.
Europe is expected to face more heatwaves and dry weather, increasing wildfire risks in August.
Heavy rain and melting glaciers have caused flooding and landslides in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, killing at least 180 people.
Some regions received up to 250mm of rain in one day, nearly half of London’s yearly average rainfall.
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Germany has approved arms export licenses worth nearly 800 million euros to Israel in the first five months of 2026, mostly in April and May. Over 60% of the value is linked to a major maritime project, likely a submarine capable of launching nuclear weapons, marking a significant increase in German military support to Israel.
Key Facts
Germany approved arms export licenses to Israel worth about 800 million euros ($913 million) in early 2026.
This amount exceeds exports to Israel over the previous 20 months combined.
Most licenses were granted in April and May 2026.
Over 60% of the exported arms value is for one major maritime project, probably a submarine named INS Drakon.
INS Drakon is a nuclear-capable Dolphin II-class submarine handed over to Israel recently.
The submarine might have a system to launch nuclear-tipped missiles while submerged.
Germany helps finance about 30% of the costs of this submarine and others planned in the future.
Germany’s arms exports to Israel have faced criticism and legal concerns amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza.
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President Donald Trump posted an image on Truth Social showing himself going back in time to save George Washington, with Mount Rushmore in the background. This image is part of a series of AI-generated pictures he shared recently, some of which include other public figures.
Key Facts
President Trump shared an AI-generated image on Truth Social showing him saving George Washington.
The image has a fictional movie style and shows Mount Rushmore behind them.
Trump posted other AI images over the weekend, including one mixing CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins with influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
The picture of Trump and Washington is not the first; he has shared similar themed artwork before.
These posts followed comments Trump made about Collins and Mulvaney at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.
The images use artificial intelligence technology to create or combine pictures.
This story is still developing and may be updated with more details.
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