Jens Spahn, the leader of the CDU parliamentary group in Germany, resigned after using a surrogate mother in the United States, which is banned in Germany. His decision to have a child this way caused criticism from his party and opponents, who saw it as a conflict with the party’s position against surrogacy.
Key Facts
Jens Spahn led the CDU/CSU faction in the German parliament.
Germany has a ban on surrogacy, which the CDU supports.
Spahn used a surrogate mother in the US, where surrogacy is allowed.
He and his husband recently welcomed a child through this surrogacy.
CDU Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Spahn’s resignation was necessary for political credibility.
Some party members and opposition politicians criticized Spahn for hypocrisy.
Spahn said balancing his family decision and political role was harder than expected.
Surrogacy laws in Germany remain unchanged and are opposed by the CDU.
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Andy Burnham will become the 59th prime minister on Monday. People who know him say he is kind and determined but question if he has the experience to lead during difficult times.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the mayor of Greater Manchester and soon to be prime minister.
He led a shadow revolt that ousted Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader.
Burnham is known as a friendly and decent person by colleagues.
Some political friends doubt if he can handle the challenges of being prime minister.
He is willing to be tough with others to achieve his goals.
Burnham’s first major policy is to allow new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.
He started his career as a researcher and quickly rose to cabinet positions.
Despite his popularity, some critics say he lacks substance behind his talk.
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Jens Spahn, a top leader in Germany’s conservative Christian Democrat party, resigned after having a baby through a surrogate mother, which conflicted with his party's stance. Surrogacy is banned in Germany, and his decision caused criticism within his party, leading him to step down from his influential political role.
Key Facts
Jens Spahn was the parliamentary leader of Germany’s Christian Democrat party (CDU/CSU).
He and his husband had a child through surrogacy in the United States.
Surrogacy is illegal in Germany, but raising a child born via surrogacy abroad is allowed.
Spahn’s party recently voted to keep the surrogacy ban in place.
After news broke, Spahn faced criticism from his party members and opposition politicians.
Spahn said his family life was now incompatible with his political job.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Spahn’s resignation was necessary and praised his contributions.
Merz said the party’s position against surrogacy would not change despite the incident.
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Cuba is facing frequent power outages due to its old electricity system and a six-month U.S. oil blockade. The country's infrastructure is struggling, causing daily blackouts that affect people's lives, while political tensions and shortages continue to rise.
Key Facts
Cuba’s national electricity grid collapsed three times in 10 days.
The electricity system relies on old and broken power plants.
The U.S. has imposed a six-month oil blockade on Cuba as part of efforts to pressure its communist government.
Blackouts cause problems like lack of water, inability to charge phones, spoiled food, and agitation among residents.
The Cuban government says there is no fuel and no access to parts needed to repair power plants.
U.S. sanctions have pushed foreign companies to leave Cuba, worsening the economy.
Crime rates in Cuba are increasing, and police response times have slowed down.
The number of political prisoners in Cuba is rising, with some detained after protests about blackouts and shortages.
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A bus carrying students and teachers in eastern Uganda crashed, killing 24 people including 23 children and one adult. The accident happened when the driver lost control and hit a large stone, overturning the bus. The Ugandan government has stopped all school trips nationwide to investigate and improve safety.
Key Facts
The bus was carrying pupils and teachers from King David Junior School returning from a trip to Sipi Falls.
The crash took place in Chekwatit village, Kapchorwa district, eastern Uganda.
23 children and one adult died; the adult is believed to be the school’s founder and head.
Several injured children were taken to Kapchorwa General Hospital, with 23 still hospitalized.
Police said the driver lost control, causing the bus to overturn and hit a large stone.
Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports ordered a halt to all school trips for safety checks.
Police will escort school buses to improve student safety during transport.
Uganda has a poor road safety record, with many crashes caused by bad roads, vehicle problems, and speeding.
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Indian police moved activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital in New Delhi after his health worsened during a 20-day hunger strike. Wangchuk is part of the Cockroach Janata Party movement, which demands education reforms and protests against alleged exam paper leaks.
Key Facts
Sonam Wangchuk is an environmentalist and education reformer on a hunger strike for over 20 days.
He is linked to the Cockroach Janata Party, a viral opposition group focused on education reforms.
The group demands the resignation of India's Education Minister due to exam paper leak allegations.
The protest also calls for changes to the examination system and help for families of students who died by suicide related to exam issues.
Police moved Wangchuk to a government hospital against his and his family’s wishes, citing medical advice and a court order.
The Cockroach Party denies a court order for forcible removal and claims no recent medical check occurred before he was taken.
Police increased security around the protest site at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.
The party plans a march to India’s Parliament, aiming to continue their movement despite the hospital transfer.
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The United States has conducted multiple strikes in southern Iran, hitting a desalination plant and cutting water to 20 villages. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US-allied countries in the Gulf region, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, intensifying the conflict.
Key Facts
US strikes destroyed a seawater pumping station and power transformer at Iran’s Bunji desalination plant, leaving 10,000 people without water.
Iran retaliated by attacking power and water plants in Kuwait and launching missile attacks on Bahrain and Jordan.
Kuwait closed its airspace after the Iranian strikes and reported injuries to firefighters.
Bahrain activated air raid sirens and advised citizens to take shelter.
Jordan intercepted 10 Iranian ballistic missiles and reported attacks on a US base.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed to have destroyed US military targets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.
The US targeted Iranian military sites including surveillance and weapons storage facilities.
President Trump ended a recent peace agreement with Iran and reinstated a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
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Ukrainian drone strikes hit two large warehouses owned by Russia’s online retailer Wildberries in the Tambov and Moscow regions. The attacks killed nine people and injured many others. Moscow’s mayor said over 370 drones targeted the Moscow area.
Key Facts
Ukrainian forces used drones to strike warehouses in Russia.
The warehouses belong to Wildberries, a major Russian online retailer.
The attacks took place in the Tambov and Moscow regions.
Nine people died in the strikes.
Dozens more were wounded.
Moscow’s mayor reported that more than 370 drones targeted the Moscow region.
The events happened in July 2026.
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The U.S. military has increased its attacks on Iran, targeting energy sites, bridges, and a port facility. Iran responded by hitting U.S. bases and infrastructure in nearby areas, increasing tensions between the two countries.
Key Facts
The U.S. struck multiple targets in Iran, including energy infrastructure, bridges, and a port facility.
These military actions aim to pressure the Iranian government.
Iran retaliated by attacking U.S. bases in the region.
Iran also targeted power plants and desalination facilities.
The conflict is escalating and risks turning into a wider confrontation.
These events followed a speech by President Donald Trump related to the election.
Both sides have increased their military activities in the region.
The situation remains tense and unpredictable.
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Europe is facing frequent and dangerous heatwaves that challenge its health and infrastructure. African countries, which have dealt with heat and climate instability for many years, have developed effective strategies that Europe could learn from to adapt better to rising temperatures.
Key Facts
Europe experiences record-high temperatures causing strain on hospitals and transport.
African communities have long adapted to heat, drought, and water shortages with limited funding and resources.
West African architects use design techniques that cool buildings naturally without heavy air conditioning.
Sierra Leone’s “Freetown the Tree Town” program plants many trees to reduce city heat and is funded by carbon credits.
Burkina Faso runs a national heatwave alert system that helps vulnerable people manage heat risks actively.
European cities with old buildings and little green space face similar heat problems to African cities.
Adaptation efforts work best when they involve local people, create jobs, and build strong community support.
Climate adaptation should be prioritized as a key part of climate action, not just a secondary issue.
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The article honors Nelson Mandela’s leadership and legacy, emphasizing that his influence lives on in ongoing struggles for justice and dignity around the world. It highlights Mandela’s humanity, his role as South Africa’s first Black president elected democratically, and the importance of continuing his work through new leadership and global efforts.
Key Facts
The Nelson Mandela Foundation has promoted Mandela’s legacy for 27 years.
Mandela was South Africa’s first Black president elected in a democratic election.
Mandela inspired millions through his fight against oppression and his dedication to justice.
He is recognized as a symbol of hope and solidarity globally, not just a historical figure.
Mandela described himself as a “sinner who keeps on trying,” showing his humility.
The Mandela Foundation launched the Global Leadership Forum to continue his mission.
Current global challenges include corruption, rights violations, and ongoing forms of apartheid.
The article stresses the need for new leaders to follow Mandela’s example in fighting for dignity.
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Mia Tidy, a 25-year-old woman from the U.K., experienced many unusual health symptoms from a young age that were often dismissed as normal by doctors and family. After starting nursing school and researching her symptoms, she was diagnosed with several complex conditions, including hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS).
Key Facts
Mia Tidy experienced symptoms like chronic constipation, joint flexibility, skin sensitivity, bruises, dizziness, and migraines since childhood.
She had seven miscarriages by age 20, which she originally thought were normal for her family.
Doctors often told her she was “a young healthy female” and did not take her symptoms seriously.
While studying nursing, she learned about hEDS, a connective tissue disorder that matched many of her symptoms.
She used ChatGPT to identify possible diagnoses based on her symptoms, which included hEDS, POTS (a heart rate disorder), and MCAS (an immune disorder).
Tidy underwent many medical tests before receiving final diagnoses of multiple conditions affecting her autonomic nervous system, immune system, digestion, and circulation.
Her conditions require different treatments because they affect various parts of the body.
She now advocates for herself to ensure doctors listen to and address her health concerns.
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Over 800 wildfires are burning across Canada, causing thick smoke and poor air quality in parts of Canada and some U.S. states before the World Cup final. President Donald Trump has blamed Canada’s forest management and threatened to impose more tariffs.
Key Facts
More than 800 wildfires are active across Canada.
About 190 fires are burning in northern Ontario.
The increase in wildfires is mainly linked to climate change.
Thick smoke from the fires is making air quality hazardous in parts of Canada and U.S. states including Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, and New York.
The smoke is affecting the environment just before the World Cup final.
President Donald Trump criticized Canada’s forest management for the fires.
Trump threatened to add more tariffs on Canadian goods as a response.
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India successfully launched its first private-sector orbital rocket, the Vikram-1, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This rocket carried customer payloads into low-Earth orbit, making India the third country to achieve this feat through a private company.
Key Facts
The Vikram-1 rocket is 22 meters tall and has three stages.
It launched from Sriharikota and placed payloads into a 450 km (280-mile) low-Earth orbit.
India is the third country to launch an orbital rocket by a private company.
Vikram-1 can carry up to 350 kg (772 lb) of payload and has robotic arms to clear space debris.
The rocket carried experimental equipment, a lab-grown diamond, and a small 18-carat gold sculpture.
The rocket test validated all key flight systems including propulsion and navigation.
Skyroot Aerospace, founded in 2018, built the rocket and is India’s first space startup valued at $1 billion.
India’s national space program has a history of achievements, including launching 104 satellites on one rocket in 2017 and a successful moon landing in 2023.
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The article looks into the salt industry in India, which has grown rapidly. It focuses on the people who work in this industry and the challenges they face.
Key Facts
India has a large and growing salt industry.
Many workers are involved in producing salt, which is a common seasoning worldwide.
The article examines the supply chain, meaning how salt is made and moved from workers to consumers.
It highlights the difficult working conditions faced by salt workers.
The investigation aims to show the human side of salt production, beyond just the final product.
Salt is an important part of daily life and food around the world.
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Ukrainian drone attacks overnight killed at least eight people and wounded over 60 in Russia, hitting warehouses, an oil depot, and residential buildings. The strikes targeted military and energy-related facilities in regions near Moscow and farther east, as part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts against Russian forces.
Key Facts
Eight people died and more than 60 were injured in Russian territories after Ukrainian drone attacks.
Ukrainian drones struck two warehouses of the Russian online retailer Wildberries in Kotovsk and Elektrostal.
An oil depot in Noginsk was damaged, causing evacuation of a maternity hospital and a nearby residential building.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said the attacked facilities were used to supply parts for drones and navigation equipment for Russia.
Seven night shift workers died in the Kotovsk warehouse hit, with 25 others injured.
A drone hit a kindergarten in Elektrostal, starting a fire that was later put out.
A residential building in Vladimir was damaged by drone fire, but no casualties occurred.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported intercepting 379 Ukrainian drones across 19 regions and nearby waters overnight.
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A dog owner’s experience with his pet swallowing an electronic AirTag highlights a common risk: dogs often swallow dangerous objects quickly, which can cause serious health problems. Experts say pet toys made from materials that cannot be digested are the main cause of blockages in dogs’ stomachs and intestines, and owners should watch their pets closely and seek immediate veterinary help if swallowing occurs.
Key Facts
A dog swallowed an AirTag, a small electronic tracking device, while playing and required emergency veterinary attention.
Dogs are naturally curious and explore by putting things in their mouths, which can lead them to swallow harmful items.
The Center for Pet Safety says most dangerous blockages come from pet toys made of indigestible materials with added flavors or scents.
Symptoms of swallowing a dangerous object include not eating, vomiting, lethargy, no bowel movements, and a painful belly.
Even if a dog looks normal after swallowing something, owners should contact a vet immediately.
Early treatment may include making the dog vomit or using an endoscope to remove the object without surgery.
Puppies are especially at risk because they do not know what is safe to chew or swallow.
Owners should supervise dogs closely and use containment methods like crates when dogs are unattended.
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Drill music, a fast and often intense style of hip hop, has recently become very popular in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This music, which used to be mostly heard online, is now common in bars and nightclubs, especially among young people.
Key Facts
Drill is a style of hip hop known for its fast beats and sometimes violent lyrics.
The genre grew popular on social media in Ethiopia last year.
Recently, Drill music has spread widely across Addis Ababa's streets.
It is now played in many mainstream bars and nightclubs.
Young people, especially Generation Z, are a big part of Drill’s growing fan base.
Some believe this rise is linked to uncertainty about politics and the economy among youth.
Ethiopia is a conservative country, and not everyone supports Drill music.
The report was made by journalist Tom Canetti.
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Ukrainian drone strikes on western Russian cities have killed at least eight people and wounded many others, targeting warehouses used for drone and navigation equipment production. At the same time, Russia launched attacks on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, resulting in casualties and damage to facilities.
Key Facts
Ukrainian drones attacked two warehouse facilities owned by Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer, killing at least eight people and wounding dozens.
One warehouse was in Kotovsk, where seven night-shift workers died and 25 were wounded, many with shrapnel injuries.
Another warehouse in Elektrostal was hit, killing one person and injuring 37.
A drone strike also caused a fire at an oil depot in Noginsk, injuring two people.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said the warehouses were important for supplying parts used in Russia’s drone and navigation equipment.
Russia attacked Odesa’s port, killing one person, wounding three, and damaging infrastructure.
Russia also attacked a ship flying the Antigua and Barbuda flag near Odesa.
These attacks come amid ongoing fighting in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, now in its fifth year.
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The United Nations refugee agency and the Ethiopian government have opened a new centre in Addis Ababa to help refugees. The centre offers free legal advice and helps refugees access important services and documents, aiming to improve their chances of finding jobs.
Key Facts
The new refugee support centre is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital.
It provides free legal advice to refugees.
The centre helps refugees deal with government paperwork and obtain necessary documents.
One goal is to help refugees find work more easily.
Ethiopia hosts over one million refugees, making it the third-largest refugee-hosting country in Africa.
The project is a joint effort between the UN refugee agency and the Ethiopian government.
The centre aims to improve the overall support available to refugees in Ethiopia.
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