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Around 12,000 people evacuated in France fires

Around 12,000 people evacuated in France fires

July 23, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

About 12,000 people were evacuated from southwestern France due to wildfires that have destroyed large areas of land. Similar wildfires in Italy and Spain have caused evacuations and deaths, while record high temperatures across Europe continue to increase fire risks.

Key Facts

  • Around 12,000 people were evacuated in the Gironde region of southwestern France.
  • Over 2,000 hectares (about 4,000 acres) of land have burned in the Gironde fires.
  • Two French firefighters died recently while fighting fires near Bordeaux airport.
  • France has banned internal combustion and electric engines in many forest areas to reduce fire risks.
  • In Sicily, Italy, more than 350 fires have occurred, leading to evacuations and one firefighter death.
  • Wildfires in Spain caused evacuations, but most residents were allowed to return home except in one area.
  • Europe has experienced record high temperatures recently, making wildfires more common and severe.
  • A 2023 report identified Europe as the fastest-warming continent, with wildfire damage reaching record levels last year.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories
Thousands of tourists forced to evacuate as fire rages in southwest France

Thousands of tourists forced to evacuate as fire rages in southwest France

July 23, 2026 • France24

Summary

A large wildfire broke out in a pine forest near Le Porge in southwest France, forcing nearly 12,000 people, mostly tourists, to evacuate. Hundreds of firefighters have been working to control the fire that has burned 2,000 hectares since it started on Wednesday.

Key Facts

  • The wildfire began around midday on Wednesday in Le Porge, southwest France.
  • The fire has destroyed about 2,000 hectares of forest, roughly three times the size of Gibraltar.
  • Nearly 12,000 people, including tourists and local residents, were evacuated by Thursday.
  • Flames reached heights of up to 10 meters in some parts.
  • Officials believe the fire may have started accidentally by a brush-clearing machine.
  • France has experienced three heatwaves since May, making wildfires more likely.
  • This wildfire comes soon after another large fire damaged 2,000 hectares of forest near Paris.
  • Hundreds of firefighters are actively fighting the blaze to stop it from spreading further.
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France24
Seinfeld actor apologises to reality star for 'inappropriate' sketch when she was 17

Seinfeld actor apologises to reality star for 'inappropriate' sketch when she was 17

July 23, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

US actor Jason Alexander apologized for a 2012 comedy sketch he did with reality star Courtney Stodden when she was 17. The sketch included inappropriate content involving Stodden, who is now campaigning to end child marriage in California.

Key Facts

  • The sketch was made in 2012 and appeared on Funny or Die.
  • Alexander rubbed a phone on Stodden’s chest and made sexually suggestive comments.
  • Stodden was 17 years old, a minor, when the sketch was filmed.
  • Stodden said she felt alone and could not legally consent to the sketch.
  • Alexander publicly apologized and said he regretted the sketch and any harm caused.
  • Stodden is now 31 and works to pass a law in California making 18 the minimum age for marriage.
  • Stodden married actor Doug Hutchison at age 16, with parental permission, but they divorced in 2020.
  • Marrying under 18 with parental or court approval is still legal in 33 US states.
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BBC Top Stories BBC US
Pride organisers vow to march in Romanian city that has blocked event four years in a row

Pride organisers vow to march in Romanian city that has blocked event four years in a row

July 23, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Campaigners in Oradea, Romania, have been denied permission to hold Pride marches for four years in a row, with local authorities citing technical reasons. Despite the bans, organizers plan to hold the march again in 2026, drawing support from international groups and diplomats who say the issue affects basic rights and democracy.

Key Facts

  • Oradea is a city in western Romania with about 180,000 people.
  • Since 2023, local authorities have blocked Pride events every year using legal or technical excuses.
  • Organizers have offered many alternative routes and dates, but each time the city says no.
  • The mayor’s party describes itself as liberal, conservative, and Christian democratic but has not commented on the banning.
  • 152 organizations from 30 countries urged local officials to allow the march safely and according to EU law.
  • Organizers see the bans as a threat to basic rights like peaceful assembly, not just LGBT rights.
  • The planned 2026 march will go ahead without permission, as it did in 2025 when hundreds attended despite fines.
  • Several diplomats and the Romanian ombudsman are expected to join the march this time.
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Guardian World
Map Shows Where Extreme Heat Dome To Hit Millions With 100F This Weekend

Map Shows Where Extreme Heat Dome To Hit Millions With 100F This Weekend

July 23, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Millions of people in the central and western United States are expected to face very high temperatures this weekend due to a heat dome. This weather pattern traps hot air, causing temperatures to rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in many areas, increasing health risks.

Key Facts

  • A heat dome is causing extreme heat across the Southwest and Plains, including California, Arizona, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
  • Temperatures may reach up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in California’s Coachella Valley and parts of the desert Southwest.
  • Cities like Phoenix expect highs between 107 and 116 degrees, while Tucson could see 105 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Southern California’s Inland Empire may have temperatures up to 110 degrees, with night temperatures staying in the 70s, which reduces nighttime cooling.
  • Northern states like the Dakotas and Midwest cities such as Kansas City, Minneapolis, and Chicago will also see temperatures near or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • The heat dome is caused by a strong high-pressure system that traps hot air and suppresses clouds and rain.
  • The heat dome may last several days or weeks, increasing risks of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
  • Older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and people with health problems are most at risk during extreme heat.
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Newsweek
Andy Burnham's plan to collaborate with social media creators

Andy Burnham's plan to collaborate with social media creators

July 23, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham plans to use more social media and work with online creators to share his messages. He will post casual, less polished videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram to reach younger and harder-to-reach voters.

Key Facts

  • Burnham's team wants to create more authentic and spontaneous social media content.
  • The focus includes collaborations with online influencers who have large followings.
  • Influencers are seen as trusted voices by people who rarely watch TV or read newspapers.
  • Burnham appeared on popular influencer Max Klymenko’s TikTok series about job history.
  • Klymenko’s audience is mostly young adults aged 18 to 30, younger than regular TV viewers.
  • Sir Mo Farah also posted videos with Burnham that reached millions on multiple platforms.
  • The strategy is led by Abby Tomlinson, who managed Burnham’s digital work during his campaign.
  • This approach continues a trend from previous governments to engage with online creators.
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BBC Top Stories
Indian activist Wangchuk sets conditions to end hunger strike

Indian activist Wangchuk sets conditions to end hunger strike

July 23, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk is on a hunger strike. He says he will stop the strike if the government promises not to use force or punish students protesting about a medical exam scandal.

Key Facts

  • Sonam Wangchuk is an Indian activist.
  • He is currently on a hunger strike.
  • Wangchuk wants the government to promise no police force will be used against student protesters.
  • He also wants the government to promise not to punish the students.
  • The student protests are about a scandal related to a medical exam.
  • Protesters want the education minister to resign.
  • Wangchuk’s hunger strike will end if the government agrees to his conditions.
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Al Jazeera
Photos: Gaza’s shelter crisis

Photos: Gaza’s shelter crisis

July 23, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

People in Gaza face a serious housing crisis after more than two and a half years of heavy bombing. Most homes are damaged or destroyed, forcing families to live in tents or makeshift shelters while lacking basic supplies like water and electricity.

Key Facts

  • Over 92% of homes in Gaza are damaged or destroyed, according to the United Nations.
  • More than 850,000 people need emergency shelter help.
  • Many families are living in tents or shelters made from scrap materials.
  • Children are sleeping in torn tents, and rodents live near damaged homes.
  • Israeli restrictions limit the entry of materials needed to fix or build new shelters.
  • Humanitarian groups cannot provide enough aid because of these restrictions.
  • Housing problems existed even before the bombing due to a six-month blockade before a ceasefire in October 2025.
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Al Jazeera
Travellers panic as US attacks Iran-Iraq border crossing

Travellers panic as US attacks Iran-Iraq border crossing

July 23, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

A US strike targeted the Shalamcheh border crossing between Iran and Iraq. The attack caused panic among travelers and resulted in two deaths and 11 injuries.

Key Facts

  • The US launched a strike at the Shalamcheh border crossing.
  • The crossing is located between Iran and Iraq.
  • Two people died because of the strike.
  • Eleven people were injured.
  • The news was reported by the Iranian Mehr Agency.
  • The incident caused fear and panic among travelers in the area.
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Al Jazeera
India’s Modi promises fast-track courts for exam fraud fuelling protests

India’s Modi promises fast-track courts for exam fraud fuelling protests

July 23, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the creation of fast-track courts to quickly punish people involved in exam paper leaks. This comes amid large youth protests in New Delhi over cheating in medical school entrance exams and demands for the Education Minister’s resignation.

Key Facts

  • Protests started after reports of cheating in national medical school entrance exams.
  • Demonstrators have camped on a major road near India’s Parliament for several days.
  • Modi said protecting the youth’s future is a top priority and promised swift punishment.
  • The protests are led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth movement demanding reforms.
  • The CJP wants Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign and want financial aid for families of students who died by suicide after exam cancellations.
  • Police used tear gas and batons to break up protests, and some metro stations were closed near the protest site.
  • The CJP claims outsiders caused violence to disrupt peaceful protests.
  • Smaller protests also happened in other big Indian cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Patna.
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Al Jazeera
EU signs off on 21st package of sanctions against Russia – Europe live

EU signs off on 21st package of sanctions against Russia – Europe live

July 23, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The European Union has agreed on its 21st package of sanctions against Russia to weaken its ability to continue the war in Ukraine. The sanctions include bans on Russian banks, crypto firms, and oil traders, with a focus on limiting Russia’s oil revenue and targeting ships helping Russia evade sanctions. Greece secured a special exemption related to liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport, allowing it to continue some business until 2027.

Key Facts

  • The EU adopted its 21st package of sanctions against Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
  • The sanctions ban transactions with 32 additional Russian banks, some crypto companies, and oil trading platforms.
  • The EU froze the oil price cap adjustment for one year to stop Russia from benefiting from higher oil prices.
  • For the first time, the sanctions target vessels that help Russia’s "shadow fleet" avoid restrictions.
  • Greece blocked the sanctions at first but agreed after securing a one-year exemption for LNG transport contracts signed before the war.
  • The exemption protects Dynagas, a major Greek company transporting Russian LNG.
  • The package includes the most sanctions on individuals in the past four years.
  • A ban on Russian ex-combatants entering the EU was discussed but appears delayed for now.
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Guardian World
🔴 War in Ukraine: EU agrees 21st round of sanctions on Russia

🔴 War in Ukraine: EU agrees 21st round of sanctions on Russia

July 23, 2026 • France24

Summary

The European Union has agreed on its 21st set of sanctions against Russia due to the war in Ukraine. This package includes a one-year freeze on the price cap for Russian oil and exemptions for certain gas transfers and shipping activities.

Key Facts

  • EU ambassadors reached a political agreement on the 21st sanctions package against Russia.
  • The sanctions focus on key sectors: energy, financial services, cryptocurrency, and trade.
  • A 12-month freeze on the Russian oil price cap is included in the package.
  • There is a one-year exemption allowing Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to be transferred to third countries, with automatic renewal.
  • Greece received a special exemption for one of its shipping firms to continue transporting Russian Arctic LNG.
  • Many proposed bans, like a visa ban on Russians who fought in Ukraine and some import bans, were postponed or removed after member states’ objections.
  • Bulgarian, Portuguese, and French objections led to the removal of measures targeting Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill and bans on certain fish imports.
  • The sanctions package will now be finalized through a written approval process.
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France24
Scottish police officer was rapist who attacked women over 14 years

Scottish police officer was rapist who attacked women over 14 years

July 23, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A Scottish police officer named Alan Greer was found to have raped at least nine women over 14 years while off duty. His crimes were discovered after a victim from 2012 came forward, leading to a major police investigation that revealed many more victims and evidence of abuse throughout his career.

Key Facts

  • Alan Greer was a police officer in Scotland who died by suicide in May 2024.
  • He attacked at least nine women over 14 years, including sex workers.
  • The first victim reported an attack from 2012, prompting a large anti-corruption inquiry.
  • Police found that Greer monitored the victim’s crime file after her report.
  • Searches of his devices uncovered thousands of explicit images and videos.
  • Five sex workers were seriously assaulted, and two female officers were photographed improperly.
  • Police said no early warning signs were missed but Greer would fail security checks now.
  • The investigation continues to identify more victims.
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Guardian World
Top US and Russian diplomats discuss Ukraine war in Manila

Top US and Russian diplomats discuss Ukraine war in Manila

July 23, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Top US and Russian diplomats met briefly in the Philippines to discuss the war in Ukraine and other issues. Russia said it remained open to a political solution, while the US emphasized the need to end the conflict and discussed broader relations.

Key Facts

  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met in Manila during an ASEAN meeting.
  • The meeting lasted just over 30 minutes and focused on the Ukraine war and US-Russia relations.
  • Russia expressed readiness for a political settlement and referred to proposals made by Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in 2025.
  • Lavrov criticized continued weapons supplies to Ukraine and condemned what he called destabilizing actions by European countries.
  • The US State Department said the discussion included ending the Russia-Ukraine war and other issues like the Middle East conflict.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with US envoys about restarting stalled peace talks.
  • Trump has supported Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian energy sites, which have increased recently.
  • The war continues to affect US-Russia cooperation on other global issues.
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Al Jazeera
China Stages Military Drills in Key Trade Waters After Rubio Warning

China Stages Military Drills in Key Trade Waters After Rubio Warning

July 23, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

China has started two days of live-fire military drills in the Taiwan Strait, a key waterway for global trade. This move comes after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned China not to disrupt trade flows in the area.

Key Facts

  • China began live-fire military exercises near Dongshan Island in Fujian province.
  • The drills last for two days and take place in the Taiwan Strait.
  • Marco Rubio met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Manila before the drills started.
  • Rubio warned that no country should block trade or travel in international waters like the Taiwan Strait.
  • Taiwan is a self-ruled democracy claimed by China as its territory.
  • Taiwan is a major U.S. trade partner and an important supplier of microchips.
  • China often sends warships and law enforcement vessels around Taiwan to show control.
  • Rubio said China’s military actions go against the spirit of strategic stability agreed by President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in May.
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Newsweek
Politician’s claim Earth’s magnetic poles could flip if NT doesn’t use more groundwater criticised by experts

Politician’s claim Earth’s magnetic poles could flip if NT doesn’t use more groundwater criticised by experts

July 23, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A Northern Territory minister claimed that using underground water could prevent the Earth’s magnetic poles from flipping. Experts rejected this, saying the poles flip due to processes deep in the Earth’s core, not from groundwater changes. The government is promoting new data center projects in the NT that use significant water and energy resources, raising concerns about environmental impacts.

Key Facts

  • NT Minister Robyn Cahill said using groundwater might stop the Earth’s magnetic poles from flipping.
  • Experts, including scientists and environmental groups, said this claim has no scientific basis.
  • Earth’s magnetic poles flip roughly every hundreds of thousands of years due to deep Earth processes, not surface water.
  • The last major magnetic pole flip happened about 780,000 years ago and takes thousands of years to occur.
  • The NT government wants to make the region a hub for large data centers (called hyperscalers).
  • These data centers need a lot of water and power to operate and cool their equipment.
  • One new project announced will use gas power to generate up to 2 gigawatts, enough to power about 2 million homes.
  • Environmental groups worry that using groundwater for data centers could harm local water supplies and ecosystems.
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Guardian World
'I am still alive': Indian activist on hunger strike for 26 days loses 11kg

'I am still alive': Indian activist on hunger strike for 26 days loses 11kg

July 23, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for 26 days to support the Cockroach Janta Party's call for education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. After losing 11 kilograms and being hospitalized, Wangchuk refuses to end his fast until the government promises no force will be used against protesting students.

Key Facts

  • Sonam Wangchuk is an Indian education activist on hunger strike for 26 days.
  • He supports the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which demands education reforms and the resignation of Minister Pradhan.
  • Wangchuk has lost 11 kg and has been hospitalized in the ICU but remains stable.
  • Thousands continue to protest in Delhi despite a police crackdown that injured many.
  • Government officials, including Health Minister JP Nadda, have visited Wangchuk and asked him to end his fast.
  • Wangchuk says he will end the strike only if the government assures no violence against students.
  • The protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar will continue until Minister Pradhan resigns.
  • Students blame Pradhan for exam paper leaks and want him to take responsibility.
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BBC World
What is the mosquito-borne disease Sri Lanka is using drones to fight?

What is the mosquito-borne disease Sri Lanka is using drones to fight?

July 23, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Sri Lanka is facing its worst dengue outbreak in nearly ten years, with over 77,000 infections and 56 deaths this year. The government is using military drones to find and remove mosquito breeding sites to control the spread of the disease.

Key Facts

  • Dengue fever is caused by a virus spread through Aedes mosquito bites.
  • Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water like buckets and flowerpot trays.
  • Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and rash; severe cases can cause internal bleeding or death.
  • There are four strains of dengue virus, and infection by one does not protect against the others.
  • Sri Lanka’s dengue surge is linked to a cyclone that left debris, creating more mosquito breeding grounds.
  • Military drones scan rooftops for breeding sites, and police inspect homes to reduce mosquito populations.
  • Over 11,000 mosquito breeding sites have been cleared recently, with fines issued to over 4,000 locations.
  • Hospitals are overwhelmed, and mild cases are advised to recover at home; a universal vaccine is not yet available.
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BBC Top Stories
Between hope and fear: Yemenis react to Houthi blockade on Saudi Arabia

Between hope and fear: Yemenis react to Houthi blockade on Saudi Arabia

July 23, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

The Houthi group in Yemen announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia and claimed to have attacked two Saudi ships. This move has raised fears among many Yemenis of a return to intense fighting and worsening shortages, while supporters see it as resistance against Saudi control.

Key Facts

  • The Houthi military announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia.
  • The Houthis said they attacked two Saudi ships to enforce this blockade.
  • Houthis justify their actions as a response to a Saudi blockade on rebel-held areas in Yemen.
  • Many Yemenis worry this could lead to more fighting and worsen the humanitarian crisis.
  • About 20 million people in Yemen currently need humanitarian aid according to the United Nations.
  • Houthi supporters see the blockade as a way to push back against Saudi influence.
  • Supporters of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government accuse the Houthis of following Iran’s orders.
  • Ordinary civilians fear the conflict will increase prices, reduce fuel, and hurt daily life.
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Al Jazeera
Girl 'youngest' to have conscious brain surgery for condition

Girl 'youngest' to have conscious brain surgery for condition

July 23, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A 15-year-old girl named Tilly Phillips had a special type of brain surgery called a conscious craniotomy to treat a dangerous tangle of blood vessels that caused her seizures. Surgeons woke her briefly during the 12-hour operation to map important brain areas and safely remove the problem, helping reduce her seizures and improve her quality of life.

Key Facts

  • Tilly Phillips was 15 when she had the surgery and is now 16.
  • The surgery treated an arteriovenous malformation, a harmful tangle of blood vessels in her brain.
  • The operation lasted 12 hours and was done at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.
  • Surgeons woke Tilly for about 30 minutes to check brain functions like speech and movement during the surgery.
  • After surgery, Tilly experienced memory and speech difficulties but has improved with therapy.
  • Before surgery, Tilly had about three seizures a day; these have since reduced a lot.
  • She stayed about a week in the hospital and took her GCSE exams at home during recovery.
  • The hospital says Tilly is the youngest known patient to have this kind of brain surgery.
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BBC Top Stories