Andy Burnham became the prime minister of the United Kingdom, promising to end the country’s recent political instability and introduce major changes. He plans to focus on helping people with the cost of living, ending homelessness, and continuing support for Ukraine, while preparing a long-term plan for Britain.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham was confirmed as UK prime minister after meeting King Charles III.
He is the seventh UK prime minister in ten years, following Keir Starmer’s recent removal.
Burnham aims to stop the frequent changes in UK leadership and bring stability.
His first tasks will include ending rough sleeping (homelessness) and addressing cost of living problems.
He plans to introduce a 10-year plan for the country by 2026.
Burnham will speak early with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy to confirm British support.
He also plans an early call with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Burnham has been called the “King of the North” due to his previous role as mayor of Greater Manchester.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Andy Burnham, who is expected to become the UK prime minister, has prioritized ending rough sleeping as his first major policy. He plans to bring ideas from his time as mayor of Greater Manchester to the whole country, focusing on helping poor and vulnerable people and addressing the cost of living.
Key Facts
Burnham announced his goal to end rough sleeping (homelessness on the streets) soon after becoming prime minister.
He previously worked to reduce rough sleeping as mayor of Greater Manchester starting in 2017.
His promise to end rough sleeping is meant to show what type of government he wants to run.
Burnham plans changes in energy policy that may affect commitments to net zero carbon emissions.
He will offer new support measures to help families with the rising cost of living.
Ideas include extending low bus fare caps and possibly taking stronger actions on rent and free travel for young people.
Burnham supports keeping limits on government debt and borrowing.
He aims to develop a new economic model away from central control, privatization, and industrial decline.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Russian strike on an infrastructure site in Odesa, Ukraine, killed three people and injured three others. The attack followed Ukrainian drone strikes on Moscow, during ongoing conflict between the two countries. Additionally, Italy condemned Russia’s expulsion of an Italian military attache, and Hungary launched an investigation into a Chinese carmaker’s investment linked to a former government official.
Key Facts
Russian attack hit an infrastructure facility in Odesa, Ukraine, killing 3 and injuring 3.
Ukraine launched drone strikes on Moscow overnight, resulting in injuries.
Italy condemned Russia for expelling an Italian military attache without explanation.
Italy’s action came after Russia expelled two Russian military attachés accused of spying.
Hungary is investigating a large investment by Chinese electric car company BYD.
The investigation focuses on the role of Péter Szijjártó, a former Hungarian foreign minister now working for BYD.
The probe will review government subsidies, tax breaks, and permits given during the previous Hungarian administration.
Hungary’s prime minister plans to ask chess player Judit Polgár to become the country’s new ceremonial president.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States and Iran have been attacking each other’s military and civilian sites amid rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Both countries’ strikes have hit civilian infrastructure, raising concerns about violations of international law that protects non-military targets in war.
Key Facts
The US and Iran are in a cycle of attacks aiming to stop each other from gaining military control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The US has bombed parts of southern and other areas in Iran; Iran has retaliated by striking US military bases in nearby Gulf countries and Jordan.
Both sides’ attacks have damaged civilian infrastructure such as power plants, bridges, railways, and airports.
At least 50 people in Iran have died and about 500 have been injured since fighting resumed on July 15.
International law, including the 1949 Geneva Conventions, forbids attacking civilian objects unless they are being used for military purposes and destruction provides a clear military benefit.
The United Nations Secretary-General expressed concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure in the region and called them unacceptable.
President Donald Trump has publicly threatened to destroy Iranian civilian infrastructure unless Iran agrees to negotiate.
The war began with US and Israeli strikes in February, hitting multiple civilian sites and causing many deaths, including at a girls’ school.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested in Miami by U.S. Marshals. They will appear in court to respond to rape and sex trafficking charges filed against them in the United Kingdom.
Key Facts
Andrew and Tristan Tate face legal charges in the U.K. for rape and sex trafficking.
They were arrested in Miami by the U.S. Marshals Service.
The brothers will appear in a Miami court regarding these charges.
The case involves serious criminal accusations from another country (the U.K.).
The arrest shows cooperation between U.S. and U.K. law enforcement.
The charges relate to crimes involving sexual violence and exploitation.
No further details about the court proceedings or evidence were provided in the article.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A female bald eagle named Jackie, missing for several days near Big Bear Lake in California, has likely been found alive but injured after a fight with other eagles. Wildlife rescuers are caring for the eagle, while her partner is seen guarding their young chicks at the nest.
Key Facts
Jackie, a female bald eagle, disappeared from the live nestcam for several days.
The eagle was spotted on the ground after a brief fight with two younger eagles.
Video shows Jackie defended herself but could not fly far due to injury.
San Dimas Raptor Rescue found and took care of the injured bird.
It is believed the injured eagle is Jackie, mother of two chicks named Sandy and Luna.
Jackie and her partner Shadow have lived in the nest since 2016 and successfully raised chicks annually.
The eagle habitat is near a proposed luxury development called Moon Camp, which conservation groups oppose.
The area supports rare plants and animals and is important for the bald eagle family.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Fighter jets intercepted several planes trying to fly in restricted airspace over Bedminster and East Rutherford, New Jersey. NORAD reported that more than 10 private planes entered the restricted area, with three of them being chased by military jets that also used flares.
Key Facts
Fighter jets blocked planes flying in a temporarily restricted area over Bedminster and East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Over 10 private (general aviation) planes entered the restricted airspace on Sunday.
Three planes were intercepted by North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) aircraft.
NORAD released a statement about the incidents and the interceptions.
Flares were used by the military jets during the interception.
The restricted airspace was temporary, meaning it was closed only for a short time.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Andy Burnham has become the new UK prime minister, replacing Sir Keir Starmer. Burnham’s first priorities include ending rough sleeping and addressing the cost of living, with a new plan for the economy to be announced later this year.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham became UK prime minister after Sir Keir Starmer resigned.
He is the fourth UK prime minister in five years and the seventh since 2016.
Burnham wants to end rough sleeping and is allocating an additional £340 million over five years for this.
A new 10-year plan for Britain's economy, focusing on public control of essential services, will be released later this year.
Burnham plans to address the cost of living starting with announcements on Tuesday.
He aims to change the education system to help young people find work and build more council homes.
The UK will maintain defence spending commitments while following budget rules.
Burnham will soon appoint a new cabinet, including key positions like chancellor, foreign secretary, and home secretary.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two U.S. soldiers, aged 19 and 25, were killed in an Iranian strike on a U.S. base in Jordan, according to the Pentagon. One more service member is still missing after the attack.
Key Facts
The attack happened on a U.S. base located in Jordan.
The two soldiers who died are Isabella Gonzales (19 years old) and Tyler James Feehan (25 years old).
The Pentagon confirmed their identities.
A third U.S. service member is missing in action after the strike.
The attack was carried out by Iranian forces.
CBS News reporters Charlie D'Agata and Nikole Killion provided updates on the situation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukraine launched more than 400 drones targeting Moscow on July 20, 2026, in a large attack on Russia’s capital. This happened shortly after Russia carried out missile strikes on Kyiv and other cities in Ukraine as part of ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
Ukraine fired over 400 drones toward Moscow on July 20, 2026.
The attack came just hours after Russia launched ballistic missiles at Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
Both countries are involved in a continuing cycle of strikes against each other.
The Ukrainian attack focused on Russia’s capital city, Moscow.
Russia targeted several cities in Ukraine with missile bombardments.
This event is part of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Each side is responding to attacks from the other with retaliatory strikes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Andy Burnham has become the new leader of the UK's Labour Party during a time of political and economic challenges. Experts say his success depends on boosting the economy, managing migration effectively, and improving the UK's relationship with the European Union without causing political conflicts.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the new leader of the UK's Labour Party as of mid-2026.
Britain's political debate is currently influenced by structural challenges rather than just political ideas.
Burnham needs to focus on restoring economic growth to increase government funding.
Rebuilding public trust in the government's handling of migration is a key issue.
Gradually redefining the UK’s post-Brexit ties with the EU is important but must avoid reopening divisive political debates.
Expert Tim Bale from Queen Mary University highlights these three main challenges for Burnham.
The article mentions other UK political events and figures like outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The discussion takes place in the broader context of the UK’s ongoing political and economic situation after Brexit.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iran attacked desalination plants in Kuwait twice, causing fires and damage that affected water and electricity. Iran also reported a U.S. strike on one of its desalination plants. These attacks threaten the Gulf region’s main source of drinking water and have increased tensions between the countries.
Key Facts
Iran attacked and damaged desalination plants in Kuwait over a weekend, causing fires and power outages.
Kuwait asked residents to reduce water and electricity use due to these attacks.
Iran also reported that the U.S. struck one of its desalination plants, cutting off water for about 10,000 people.
Desalination plants convert seawater into fresh water and supply most of the Gulf states with drinking water.
Around 90% of Kuwait’s drinking water comes from desalination plants; in Qatar, it is about 99%.
These plants are expensive to run and consume a lot of energy, often linked to nearby power stations.
Damaging desalination plants can harm civilians and is considered a serious escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Experts warn that damage to these plants could cause health problems and force people to leave their homes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
James Desborough, accused of killing two men and hiding their bodies in a Cornish woodland, strangled a cellmate in prison while awaiting trial. Police found bone fragments and body parts near his cabin, and evidence showed he tried to cover up the deaths by accessing the victims’ bank accounts.
Key Facts
James Desborough is on trial for allegedly murdering Claudio Aquilino and Daniel Coleman.
He was previously convicted of killing a cellmate, Steven Kempster, in a Devon prison by strangulation.
Police found burnt bone fragments believed to be Aquilino’s and parts of Coleman’s body in a shallow grave near Desborough’s cabin.
Desborough allegedly accessed the victims’ bank accounts to make it look like they had disappeared elsewhere.
Desborough told a forensic biologist he enjoyed dismemberment scenes from the TV show Dexter.
Both alleged victims had mental health problems and lived at a homeless accommodation with Desborough.
Desborough denies killing Aquilino and Coleman but admits preventing their lawful burial.
Items like knives, saws, axes, and a camouflage suit were found at Desborough’s cabin.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Large wildfires have spread across the Var region in southern France, forcing many people to leave their homes. More than 600 firefighters are working to control the fires amid a heatwave with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius.
Key Facts
Wildfires are burning in the Var region of southern France.
Many residents have been evacuated to keep them safe.
Over 600 firefighters have been deployed to fight the fires.
The area is experiencing a heatwave with temperatures above 40°C (104°F).
An orange heat alert was issued for July 20, 2026.
Hot, dry weather conditions are making it harder to control the blaze.
The fires are fast-moving and dangerous for local communities.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to protect people and property.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Khalil al-Hayya, a veteran Hamas leader and negotiator, has been elected as the new chief of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. He replaces Yahya Sinwar and will lead Hamas from bases in Qatar and Turkey, while maintaining influence in Gaza.
Key Facts
Khalil al-Hayya led indirect ceasefire talks with Israel during the Gaza war.
He was chosen as Hamas chief by a large majority through a secret election.
Hayya is a founder of Hamas and a former Muslim Brotherhood official.
He survived multiple Israeli assassination attempts, including one in 2025 in Doha.
Hamas's former leader Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israeli forces in 2024.
Hayya has ties with Hezbollah, Arab countries like Qatar and Egypt, and Iran, Hamas’s main supporter.
He has a conservative and pragmatic style and is respected by Hamas military and political leaders.
Hayya studied Islamic law and spent time in Israeli prisons in the 1990s.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Khalil al-Hayya, a founding member of Hamas, has been chosen as the group’s new leader. He is known as a respected and careful veteran who survived a recent Israeli attack that killed some members of Hamas, including his son.
Key Facts
Khalil al-Hayya was elected as Hamas’s new leader, replacing the late Yahya Sinwar.
He helped lead ceasefire talks with Israel to stop the Gaza war.
Hayya survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Doha in 2025 that killed several people, including his son.
He has strong ties with Hamas’s allies such as Hezbollah, Qatar, Egypt, Algeria, and Iran.
Hayya has a religious education and holds a doctorate in Islamic law.
He spent several years in Israeli prisons in the 1990s and survived other assassination attempts.
Hayya led Hamas’s parliamentary group after their 2006 election win.
After Sinwar’s death, Hamas was temporarily led by a five-member council, which will now be dissolved.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Some countries are using extreme weather events like heatwaves and floods to spread false information and confuse the public. A French report says Russia and the United States send misleading messages about climate issues in Europe to create instability and influence opinions on European climate policies.
Key Facts
Extreme weather events in Europe, such as heatwaves in France and floods in Spain, are increasing.
Foreign governments, especially Russia and the United States, spread false information related to climate crises.
A false claim links the U.S. HAARP scientific program to causing European heatwaves; this has no scientific proof.
The French think tank IRIS released a report in May 2026 about climate disinformation and its security risks.
The disinformation often targets European efforts to reduce carbon emissions, like the European Green Deal aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.
Russia and the U.S. are fossil fuel exporters and may benefit if Europe slows down its climate goals.
Disinformation aims to create distrust and confusion, such as false emergency numbers and death tolls during the 2024 floods in Valencia, Spain.
These tactics may further political tensions, especially related to the ongoing conflict involving Russia and Ukraine.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Hamas has chosen Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader after Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israel in 2024. Hayya, who survived an Israeli air strike in 2025, leads the group’s Gaza faction and won a close election against Khaled Meshaal amid debates about Hamas’s future strategy.
Key Facts
Khalil al-Hayya replaced Yahya Sinwar as Hamas’s leader after Sinwar’s death in October 2024.
Hayya leads Hamas from exile and is part of the group’s harder line post-Gaza war that began in 2023.
He survived an Israeli air strike in Qatar in September 2025, which killed five others including one of his sons.
Hayya served as Hamas’s chief negotiator in indirect ceasefire talks with mediators in Egypt and Qatar.
In the leadership vote, Hayya narrowly defeated former leader Khaled Meshaal in a two-round election.
Hamas has been weakened by the Gaza war, losing many leaders and facing destruction in Palestinian areas.
There is a division in Hamas between a group wanting a tougher stance (Hayya’s supporters) and those favoring a more political approach (Meshaal’s supporters).
Hamas refuses to disarm without political guarantees for Palestinian statehood and security protections against Israel and rival groups.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Toronto International Film Festival will feature world premieres of movies starring Helen Mirren, Seth Rogen, and Chris Rock. The festival includes a variety of films, from thrillers and comedies to dramas, many directed by well-known filmmakers and featuring notable actors.
Key Facts
Helen Mirren stars in A Talent for Murder, playing author Patricia Highsmith.
Seth Rogen appears in Babies, a comedy-drama directed by his wife about unexpected parenting.
Chris Rock wrote, directed, and stars in Misty Green, a comedy about a director helping an actor’s career comeback.
The festival will premiere I Play Rocky, a drama about Sylvester Stallone’s famous movie, directed by Peter Farrelly.
Courteney Cox’s directorial film Evil Genius, based on a true crime story, will debut.
Rebel Wilson’s Girl Group, about a singer making a comeback, will premiere after delays.
Other premieres include films starring Amanda Seyfried, James McAvoy, Lily James, and Antonio Banderas.
The festival occurs after the Venice film festival and has previously premiered Oscar-winning movies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Andy Burnham, previously the Mayor of Manchester, has become the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He has been involved in politics for many years, and the BBC explores his political background and record.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham was Mayor of Manchester before becoming Prime Minister.
He has a long career in politics.
The BBC produced a program to explain who he is and what he stands for.
The program is available for 11 months on BBC iPlayer.
It offers insight into his political views and achievements.
The show is about 23 minutes long.
The BBC featured this content as part of its news coverage on UK politics.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
