By lunchtime today, the UK will have its fifth prime minister in four years, with Andy Burnham set to take office. Burnham aims to lead differently from recent leaders and focus on issues like the cost of living and energy bills.
Key Facts
The UK has had five prime ministers in four years: Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer, and now Andy Burnham.
Andy Burnham will officially become the prime minister today.
Burnham plans to continue a leadership style similar to when he was mayor of Greater Manchester.
Keir Starmer will step down and give a farewell speech before meeting the King to resign.
Key cabinet appointments will be announced, including a minister focused on artificial intelligence.
Important cabinet roles like chancellor and home secretary will be appointed soon.
Burnham’s government will focus on immediate issues such as the cost of living and energy bills.
Burnham may try new ways to communicate with the public, including question and answer sessions.
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A U.S. soldier died in northern Iraq while safely detonating unexploded explosives from an Iranian drone. The death is part of ongoing fighting between the U.S. and Iran, which has intensified after a ceasefire collapsed, leading to attacks and counterattacks in the Gulf region.
Key Facts
The soldier died on July 18 during a controlled explosion of leftover explosives from a downed Iranian drone.
Another U.S. service member was slightly injured in the same incident.
This brings the total U.S. military deaths in the conflict with Iran to 17 since February 28.
Iran and the U.S. have been attacking each other for eight consecutive nights.
Iran uses low-cost "Shahed" drones for attacks; these drones cost about $30,000 each but are hard to stop.
The U.S. attacked sites inside Iran, including near a nuclear plant under construction.
Iran retaliated with drone attacks on U.S. bases in Kuwait, and Bahrain and Jordan intercepted Iranian missiles.
The conflict has caused many deaths and disrupted global energy supplies.
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A fast-moving wildfire in southern France near Draguignan forced about 150 people to leave their homes. More than 600 firefighters and several water-dropping aircraft worked to control the fire, which burned nearly 200 hectares and damaged or destroyed multiple homes.
Key Facts
The wildfire occurred in the Var region near the town of Draguignan.
Strong winds and dry plants helped the fire spread quickly.
About 10 homes burned fully, and nine others were damaged.
One firefighter was slightly injured while fighting the fire.
Around 615 firefighters, five Canadair water bombers, four helicopters, and two other aircraft helped fight the blaze.
The fire burned about 200 hectares (nearly 500 acres) before it was mostly contained.
Authorities evacuated 150 people and provided shelter in a community hall and school.
Roads and train services in affected areas were temporarily closed due to the fire.
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A farmer in Colombia tried to stop growing coca, the plant used to make cocaine, by joining a government program designed to help farmers switch to legal crops. However, due to lack of promised support and challenges like floods and poor roads, many farmers, including him, have returned to growing coca, which remains widely cultivated in Colombia.
Key Facts
Perea, a Colombian farmer, stopped growing coca and planted legal crops like cassava and plantain.
He joined a government crop substitution program aiming to help farmers abandon coca cultivation.
The program promised financial aid and technical support but failed to deliver fully.
Difficult conditions like poor roads and frequent floods made selling legal crops hard.
Coca cultivation in Colombia is at record levels, covering over 250,000 hectares.
About 70% of the world’s cocaine supply comes from Colombia’s coca plants.
The substitution program (PNIS) was created as part of a 2016 peace deal with the Farc guerrilla group.
Many farmers say the government treated them poorly and did not live up to its promises.
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President Donald Trump arrived at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina by helicopter. His daughter Ivanka shared a video showing the helicopter flying over the stadium just before the game started.
Key Facts
The event was the final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The teams playing were Spain and Argentina.
President Trump traveled to the event on Marine One, the official presidential helicopter.
Ivanka Trump posted a video showing the helicopter flying over the stadium.
The stadium is located in the New York/New Jersey area.
The video was taken shortly before the match began.
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Anderson Cooper reports on the annual migration of millions of monarch butterflies from Mexico northward in spring. The butterflies spend the winter in high-altitude forests in Mexico and face challenges like weather during their journey.
Key Facts
Monarch butterflies migrate south to Mexico in fall and return north in spring.
Millions of butterflies roost in pine and fir trees at about 11,000 feet elevation.
The migration is natural and mysterious because butterflies follow a path they have never traveled before.
Filming the migration took three years of planning and depended heavily on weather conditions.
In 2025, cloudy and cold weather initially kept the butterflies grounded.
When the sun finally came out, millions of monarchs took flight, revealing their orange wing colors.
The butterfly reserve is closed to tourists during the roosting period to protect the butterflies.
Guide Court Whelan described the monarch migration as one of the most impressive animal gatherings he has seen.
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The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) will hire an independent group to create a way for people to confidentially share information about Jeffrey Donaldson during his time in the party. Donaldson, a former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader, was convicted last month of multiple child sex abuse charges and plans to appeal. Both the UUP and DUP are reviewing their links to Donaldson and their safeguarding policies.
Key Facts
Jeffrey Donaldson was convicted of 18 counts of child sex abuse, including rape.
He was a UUP member from 1985 to 2003 before joining the DUP.
The UUP found no complaints about Donaldson during his membership but will investigate further.
The UUP is setting up an independent, confidential process to gather more information about Donaldson.
The UUP leader, Jon Burrows, started a quick review to establish facts about Donaldson in their party.
Donaldson's legal team plans to appeal the convictions.
The DUP is also conducting an independent review of Donaldson’s time in their party.
Both parties aim to learn lessons and improve trust through openness and accountability.
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Monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles each year from Canada and the northern U.S. to a forest in central Mexico to spend the winter. Their population in Mexico has dropped by 70% in the last 30 years, but millions still cluster in high mountain fir and pine trees to rest and survive the cold months.
Key Facts
Monarch butterflies travel from Canada and the northern U.S. to mountains in Michoacan, Mexico, for winter.
They rest in fir and pine trees about 11,000 feet high in a protective forest canopy.
Around 66 million monarchs were counted in the forest but their numbers have declined 70% over 30 years.
The butterflies cluster tightly on tree branches, causing the branches to bend.
Monarchs enter a hibernation-like state called roosting, staying still with wings closed.
They survive the winter by feeding on nectar before migrating, which helps them stay hydrated and warm.
Monarchs are sensitive to sound and carbon dioxide, reacting to potential predators nearby.
Many butterflies fall to the ground during cold nights but can be revived by warming up their muscles.
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Monarch butterflies travel every year from Canada and the United States to a remote area in Mexico to spend the winter. After wintering there, millions of these butterflies begin their long journey back north.
Key Facts
Monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles from Canada and the U.S. to Mexico.
They spend the winter in a specific remote location in Mexico.
The migration has been happening for thousands of years.
Tens of millions of monarchs take part in this annual journey.
The butterflies only begin traveling back north after wintering in Mexico.
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This CBS News report covers two main topics. First, it highlights exonerees—people who were wrongly convicted—and survivors working together to heal. Second, it explores the mystery behind the migration of monarch butterflies.
Key Facts
The report features exonerees and survivors joining efforts for healing.
Exonerees are people who were proven innocent after being convicted.
The story emphasizes emotional and community healing processes.
It also examines monarch butterflies and their long migration journey.
Monarch migration is a natural phenomenon that scientists continue to study.
The report was aired on July 19, 2026.
The program is available on the CBS News app and online platforms.
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The United States and Iran have exchanged missile and airstrikes after US troops were killed in the Middle East. The conflict has escalated with attacks in countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, raising concerns about a wider regional war.
Key Facts
A US service member died in Iraq during a controlled detonation of a downed Iranian drone.
The US launched airstrikes aimed at punishing Iran for killing US troops.
Iran fired missiles toward Jordan, and Jordan intercepted three missiles.
Bahrain sounded air raid sirens after being targeted by Iranian attacks; it hosts the US Fifth Fleet.
Kuwait experienced damage to its water and power plants due to Iranian strikes.
Iran's forces claimed to have targeted US bases in Kuwait with drones.
Israel warned it would respond strongly to any Iranian attack; it and Jordan intercepted an Iranian missile launched toward Jordan.
The conflict has increased tensions after a recent ceasefire deal between the US and Iran failed.
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Five members of a family died after a sudden flash flood hit a canyon in southern Utah while they were hiking. The victims included Captain Spencer Long of the Provo fire department, his wife, and their three sons; their daughter, who was not with them, survived.
Key Facts
The incident happened on Friday in a red rock canyon near Bicknell, Utah.
Heavy rains caused the flash flood that swept through the area.
The victims were a fire captain, his wife, and their three sons.
The family had arrived at Sunglow campground for a day hike.
The daughter's survival was confirmed; she was not with the group during the flood.
Bodies were found between Friday night and Saturday.
Provo Fire Department confirmed the identity of the victims on social media.
The wife co-founded a medical spa, and a fundraiser was created to support the surviving daughter.
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Pauline Hanson should not criticize Australia when she is overseas. He emphasized that representatives of the country should speak positively about Australia while abroad. Albanese also launched a large international air combat exercise involving many countries.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Albanese criticized Pauline Hanson for speaking negatively about Australia during her European tour.
Hanson attended the CPAC conference in London and recorded a podcast with far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Albanese said it is important for all Australian representatives to promote pride in the country when abroad.
Independent Schools Australia is starting a campaign to ask for more government funds for private schools.
Data shows most private schools get more funding than recommended, while public schools get less.
Albanese opened Exercise Pitch Black 2026, a major international air combat training event held in Darwin.
About 100 aircraft and 2,500 personnel from 20 countries, including the US, Japan, and India, are taking part.
The exercise aims to improve military cooperation and promote peace and stability in the region.
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Israeli ministers and lawmakers joined a march near Gaza to demand rebuilding Jewish settlements that were evacuated in 2005. The march went against a military order restricting their movement due to concerns some might cross into Gaza, a territory controlled by Palestinians.
Key Facts
Israeli cabinet members and parliamentarians participated in a march near Gaza.
They demanded the rebuilding of three Jewish settlements removed in 2005.
The Israeli army declared the area a closed military zone for 24 hours to prevent the marchers from entering Gaza.
About a few hundred to 10,000 people attended, according to different sources.
The march was supported by Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Likud party, despite his official stance against resettling Gaza.
Some participants bypassed military checkpoints to reach the Gaza border fence.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, both sanctioned by European countries, took part in the march.
A Palestinian analyst said the settlement efforts continue because Israel has not faced consequences for past actions.
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Police in New Delhi have banned a planned march on the Indian parliament by supporters of the youth-led Cockroach Janata Party. The protest is linked to calls for the resignation of the education minister following leaks of exam papers and the forced hospitalisation of hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk.
Key Facts
The Cockroach Janata Party is a youth-led opposition movement in India.
The group planned a march on parliament on July 20, the start of the monsoon session.
Police banned assemblies of more than five people near parliament, limiting protests to a designated site called Jantar Mantar.
The protest demands the education minister’s resignation over exam paper leaks affecting millions of students.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike and was moved to a government hospital against his will.
Wangchuk’s wife and lawyers requested his transfer to a private hospital, but the government opposed it.
Authorities say Wangchuk is stable but has altered blood parameters and is receiving treatment with family access.
The Cockroach Janata Party insists the planned march will continue despite the ban.
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U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the United States will keep making sure ships can safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz after fighting between the U.S. and Iran began again. He also said President Trump is seeking diplomatic ways to reduce the conflict.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route between the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea.
Fighting resumed between the U.S. and Iran more than a week ago.
The U.S. wants to keep traffic moving safely through this important waterway.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright spoke about the situation in an interview on ABC News.
President Trump is looking for diplomatic solutions to avoid further conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz is crucial for global oil shipments.
The U.S. has a military presence nearby to protect shipping lanes.
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A U.S. service member died during the controlled explosion of an Iranian drone in northern Iraq, raising the total U.S. deaths in the conflict to 17. Following attacks by Iran targeting U.S. allies in the Middle East, the U.S. launched airstrikes against Iran's military sites, while Jordan protested to Iran over missile strikes on its territory.
Key Facts
A U.S. service member died in northern Iraq during a controlled detonation of an unexploded Iranian drone.
The total number of U.S. military deaths in the Iran conflict has reached 17.
Iran fired missiles towards Jordan in retaliation for U.S. strikes.
Jordan summoned Iran's top envoy to protest attacks on its territory.
The U.S. conducted airstrikes targeting Iranian Revolutionary Guard sites and military facilities.
Iran's strikes have targeted U.S. allies like Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, triggering air defense responses.
The U.S. attacks aim to reduce Iran's ability to control the Strait of Hormuz and punish the Revolutionary Guard.
Iran claims a U.S. strike hit a nuclear power plant construction site, and the International Atomic Energy Agency is investigating.
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Mount Olympus in Greece, known as the home of the ancient Greek gods, is being considered for inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage List for its cultural and natural importance. The site combines mythology, ancient history, rich wildlife, and beautiful landscapes, and Greece hopes the designation will help protect and promote it worldwide.
Key Facts
Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece, rising to 2,918 meters (9,573 feet).
It is famous in Greek mythology as the home of the 12 Olympian gods, including Zeus.
There is an ancient open-air sanctuary on one of its lower peaks, dating back to the Hellenistic period (323–30 B.C.).
The mountain features religious sites important to Christian Orthodox tradition, like the high-altitude chapel of Prophet Elias.
Mount Olympus has diverse plants and animals, including some species found only there.
Greece first applied for UNESCO World Heritage status for Mount Olympus in 2014.
The nomination will be discussed at the UNESCO committee meeting in Busan, South Korea, at the end of July.
Becoming a World Heritage site would recognize Mount Olympus’s global cultural and natural value and help protect it.
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The US military reported the death of another service member in Iraq during the handling of a downed Iranian drone, amid ongoing airstrikes on Iran following attacks that killed American troops in Jordan. Iran fired missiles toward Jordan, raising concerns about the conflict spreading to nearby Israel, as tensions between the US and Iran escalate with repeated strikes on military and civilian targets.
Key Facts
A US service member died in Iraq while detonating a downed Iranian drone.
US forces launched airstrikes targeting Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in response to attacks that killed American troops.
One US service member is still missing after attacks in Jordan; unidentified remains have been found.
Since the conflict began, 17 US service members have died.
Iran fired missiles toward Jordan, causing neighboring countries to activate air defenses.
Israel warned that missile fire near Jordan could lead to spillover into Israeli territory.
The US targeted Iran’s military sites aimed at controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route.
Iran reported at least 50 people killed and over 500 wounded in US strikes.
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Andy Burnham will become the United Kingdom’s next prime minister and will face many challenges including a weak economy, low popularity for his party, and a recent diplomatic dispute with China. He needs to manage limited government spending options while addressing public demands for better living standards and services.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham was recently elected Labour leader and will become UK prime minister.
The UK has had seven prime ministers in the last ten years, showing political instability.
The UK economy has barely grown in the last 20 years and is in a difficult situation.
Labour’s popularity has fallen, trailing a right-wing party called Reform UK in polls.
The government must raise any new spending through taxes, not borrowing, due to high debt costs.
Burnham’s past work includes a bus fare cap system in Manchester, but scaling it nationwide is uncertain.
The UK government fully nationalized British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant, angering China and causing diplomatic tension.
External factors like the war in Ukraine, Brexit, and global relations will impact Burnham’s leadership.
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