Thousands of people protested in Kyiv for a second day after President Volodymyr Zelensky fired Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Fedorov was popular for using drones in the war and clashed with traditional military leaders before being replaced by a security service chief.
Key Facts
Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov was dismissed by President Zelensky.
Thousands gathered in Kyiv, many showing support for Fedorov with flags and signs.
Fedorov served about six months and pushed to modernize Ukraine’s military using new technology like drones.
He frequently disagreed with the army’s top commander Oleksandr Syrsky.
Fedorov criticized military bureaucracy and questioned Ukraine’s chances in the war under current army leadership.
President Zelensky said he wants unity but had to make the tough choice during wartime.
Yevgeniy Khmara, head of Ukraine’s SBU security service, was named acting defence minister.
A poll showed Fedorov was one of Ukraine's most trusted public figures in June 2026.
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Millions of people in areas with poor and dangerous air quality have been advised to stay indoors. The article discusses updated forecasts that predict when the air will improve.
Key Facts
Many areas are experiencing unhealthy and hazardous air due to smoke.
Millions of people have been told to limit outdoor activities.
Authorities advise staying inside for safety.
Updated weather forecasts provide a timeline for when air quality may improve.
The smoke likely comes from nearby wildfires or other sources.
The situation affects health, especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
Officials are monitoring the air quality closely to provide ongoing advice.
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The Space Development Agency (SDA) was set up in 2019 to speed up the U.S. military’s use of space technology. After delays and issues, SDA is now launching its satellites, but the Pentagon plans to close the agency and move its work into the Space Force to make buying and managing space systems more efficient.
Key Facts
SDA was created to bypass slow Pentagon processes and quickly deploy military satellites.
Its main job is to build a network of hundreds of satellites to detect and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles from low-Earth orbit.
This new satellite system is called the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).
Older missile-warning satellites orbit much higher, are costly, less sensitive to smaller missiles, and more vulnerable to attacks.
SDA faced delays, production issues, and problems with the first batches of satellites after launching prototypes in 2023.
The Pentagon will fold SDA into the U.S. Space Force’s procurement system to streamline missile-warning satellite development under the Golden Dome program.
The Golden Dome missile shield is a top priority for President Trump’s administration.
The latest launch added more data relay satellites to the constellation, aiming to deliver quick, worldwide missile tracking data to military forces.
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Boris Nadezhdin, a critic of President Vladimir Putin who opposed Russia's war in Ukraine, was found guilty of showing "extremist symbols." This conviction will stop him from running in Russia's parliamentary elections scheduled for September 2024. The case reflects the government’s effort to limit opposition voices ahead of the vote amid growing public dissatisfaction caused by fuel shortages and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Key Facts
Boris Nadezhdin was convicted for briefly showing a picture of Alexei Navalny in a 2023 online video.
Navalny was a jailed Russian opposition leader who died in February 2024.
Nadezhdin will not be allowed to run for parliament this year because of the conviction.
He previously tried to run for president in 2024 but was disqualified due to invalidated signatures.
The Kremlin’s ruling party aims to keep control of the parliament in the face of mild opposition.
Nadezhdin has been labeled a “foreign agent” by the Russian Justice Ministry, which restricts his political activity.
The Russian government has increased repression of dissent since the Ukraine war began in 2022.
Many critics, activists, and independent media have been jailed or forced to leave Russia because of these policies.
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Many Ukrainian soldiers are upset about the removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov by President Zelensky. Soldiers and veterans admire Fedorov’s efforts to modernize Ukraine’s military and use new technology but feel frustrated by the decision and the old military leadership style.
Key Facts
Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov was removed from his position by President Zelensky during a government reshuffle.
Soldiers and wounded veterans expressed anger and confusion about this decision.
Fedorov was known for promoting military innovation, especially the use of drones in combat.
Under Fedorov’s leadership, a system called "Army of Drones: Bonus" rewarded soldiers for destroying enemy targets.
Some soldiers feel the military leadership still follows old Soviet-style methods, which resist new ideas.
General Oleksandr Syrskyi is viewed by some as representing the old-fashioned military approach.
Protests have taken place in Ukraine in response to Fedorov’s removal, but soldiers at the front remain focused on fighting.
Soldiers are cautious about speaking openly on political matters because of military rules.
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Heavy rain and strong winds in central and southern Chile caused at least three deaths and forced hundreds of people to leave their homes. President Jose Antonio Kast traveled to one of the hardest-hit areas to check on the damage and the government's response.
Key Facts
At least three people died due to storms in different parts of Chile, including Negrete, Temuco, and Santiago.
Hundreds of people have been displaced and are staying in shelters.
The Biobio region is one of the most affected areas.
Around 158 people are isolated by rising water, mainly in the Coquimbo region.
Schools in some parts of Chile closed on Friday because of the floods.
The state mining company Codelco stopped operations at its Andina mine due to bad weather.
About 257,000 people lost electricity, mostly in southern areas.
President Kast has promised government support for those impacted by the floods and is visiting affected regions.
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Andy Burnham has been officially named leader of the UK's Labour Party and is set to become prime minister next week. He promises to bring hope to the public, unify his party, and shift power from central government to local communities.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham was declared leader of the British Labour Party on Friday.
He is the only candidate after the previous prime minister, Keir Starmer, resigned amid party rebellion.
Burnham secured nominations from 379 out of 403 Labour lawmakers in the House of Commons.
Burnham aims to restore hope and purpose to the government and end internal party conflicts.
He plans to transfer more political power from London to local cities and regions.
Burnham will become prime minister after winning a special election to enter Parliament.
Challenges Burnham faces include a weak economy, high living costs, and stretched public services.
He pledges to fix neglected political issues like social care access for the elderly and disabled.
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Researchers in Japan developed a blood test that detects early-stage pancreatic cancer by measuring gene activity in immune cells. This test identified 90% of early cases, outperforming the current standard marker, which only detected 10%.
Key Facts
Pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates, with a five-year survival rate around 13% in the U.S. and 8.5% in Japan.
Early-stage pancreatic cancer makes up only 2-3% of diagnoses because it is hard to detect before symptoms appear.
The new blood test measures gene activity in immune cells that change when pancreatic tumors are present.
This gene expression test detected 9 out of 10 early-stage pancreatic cancer cases in the study.
The standard tumor marker CA19-9 detected only 1 out of 10 early cases.
A combined test using both gene activity and CA19-9 detected 60% of cases with high accuracy.
Experts say the test is promising but needs validation in larger and more diverse groups of patients.
Early detection could increase chances for surgery and improve survival rates.
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Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), plans to appeal his conviction for sexual offences against two children. He was found guilty of 18 offences dating from 1985 to 2008 and is awaiting sentencing in prison.
Key Facts
Jeffrey Donaldson was convicted of 18 sexual offences involving two children.
The offences happened between 1985 and 2008.
Donaldson denies the charges, which include rape and indecent assault.
He was found guilty by a jury at Newry crown court last month.
Donaldson is currently held in Maghaberry prison, awaiting sentencing in September.
His legal team has filed papers to appeal the conviction with the court of appeal in Belfast.
His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, was found to have helped him but was deemed unfit for trial due to mental health reasons.
The DUP has launched a review into what party members knew about Donaldson’s behavior, and the Northern Ireland assembly is reviewing allegations from his time as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
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Germany will join a French nuclear military exercise for the first time this year to improve their shared defense strategy, said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. This move is part of efforts to strengthen European security and cooperation, while Germany remains committed to NATO's nuclear protection.
Key Facts
Germany’s military will take part in a French nuclear drill later this year.
The cooperation may lead to a new shared defense approach, but it is still early to decide.
This effort aims to increase European defense independence amid doubts about U.S. commitment to NATO.
Germany remains committed to NATO’s nuclear sharing and protection system.
U.S. nuclear bombs are stored in Germany as part of NATO’s defense setup.
France is the only European Union country with nuclear weapons since the UK left in 2020.
French and German warplanes recently conducted a joint refueling exercise as a sign of their cooperation.
France has invited several European countries, including Germany, to join its nuclear cooperation initiative.
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Ukraine's Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov was removed after six months due to disagreements with military leaders, causing protests during an ongoing war with Russia. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stepped down and was replaced by Andy Burnham as Labour leader, amid concerns about the party's direction.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Fedorov served as Ukraine’s Defence Minister for six months.
Fedorov was credited with improvements in both the battlefield and anti-corruption efforts.
He clashed with Ukraine’s military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi over war strategy.
President Zelensky dismissed Fedorov as part of a government reshuffle for unity.
Ukraine continues active military operations targeting Russian refineries and ships.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned after criticism of his leadership style.
Andy Burnham, a Labour politician, was named new Labour leader and likely next PM.
The changes come at a sensitive time for both Ukraine’s war effort and UK politics.
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Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune visited Germany, where the two countries signed 30 agreements to strengthen business and energy ties. Algeria recently began exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Germany for the first time, helping Europe reduce its dependence on Russian gas.
Key Facts
President Tebboune received a formal welcome in Berlin and met with German leaders including Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Algeria’s state energy company Sonatrach shipped the first LNG tanker to Germany’s Wilhelmshaven terminal.
Germany and Algeria signed 30 agreements covering energy, green hydrogen, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and technology.
Algeria supplies about 18.5% of the EU’s natural gas imports, second after Norway.
The EU banned Russian gas imports starting March 2026 due to the war in Ukraine, increasing reliance on other suppliers like Algeria.
Algeria also has important raw materials including oil, natural gas, and rare earth elements.
Tebboune promised reliable gas deliveries to Germany and Europe amid disruptions affecting other suppliers like Qatar.
The US is forecasted to become the EU’s main gas supplier in 2026, overtaking Norway.
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A large landslide struck the outskirts of Chongqing city in southwestern China, killing at least eight people and leaving 34 missing. The disaster buried homes, forced over 1,100 people to evacuate, and prompted a large rescue effort amid unstable conditions.
Key Facts
The landslide happened on July 17, 2026, at about 9:08 a.m. in Pengshui County near Chongqing.
More than 10 residential buildings were buried by rocks and soil.
At least eight people died, 34 are missing, and 10 were rescued, including two seriously injured.
Over 1,100 people were evacuated from the affected area.
More than 800 rescue workers are searching for survivors despite risks of further landslides.
Water, electricity, and gas were cut off within 1 kilometer to prevent additional problems.
Chinese President Xi Jinping requested authorities to investigate the cause of the landslide.
Over 8,000 disaster relief items like tents and emergency kits were sent to support affected residents.
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A strong magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mexico on July 17, 2026, causing a tsunami warning for parts of the Pacific coast. No deaths or major damage have been reported, but authorities advised people to stay away from beaches and remain alert to possible aftershocks.
Key Facts
The earthquake occurred near Puerto Madero, Mexico, at a depth of about 15 km (9 miles).
The US Tsunami Warning System issued a warning, later lifted after waves up to 0.3 meters (1.1 feet) were recorded.
Mexican and Guatemalan officials reported no serious damage or fatalities so far.
Some local government offices in Chiapas, Mexico, were temporarily closed as a precaution.
The quake was felt in Guatemala and El Salvador, causing evacuations but no reported casualties.
Aftershocks ranging from magnitude 4.7 to 6 have followed the main quake.
NOAA warned of minor tsunami waves along several Pacific coasts in Central and South America.
Authorities urged people near the coast to stay cautious and follow official instructions.
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The United States and Iran have resumed fighting shortly after trying to make a deal to end their conflict. The latest violence started when Iran fired on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. responded with attacks on parts of Iran’s southern coast.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran recently signed an agreement aimed at ending their war.
Fighting started again after Iran fired on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global shipping.
The U.S. attacked targets along Iran’s southern coast in response.
President Donald Trump informed Congress that fighting has resumed.
Trump said military strength is necessary for any talks with Iran.
Iran refuses to give in to U.S. threats or aggression.
Experts from various institutions are discussing the situation and its implications.
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In Gaza, many women have lost limbs due to Israeli bombings during the ongoing conflict. A women's amputee football team helps these women recover physically and mentally by playing football together and supporting each other.
Key Facts
More than 5,000 people in Gaza have had limbs amputated due to Israeli bombing since October 7, 2023.
The Palestine Association Women’s Amputee Football Team includes 11 players, mostly with lower-limb amputations.
The team provides physical rehabilitation and emotional support to women who lost limbs in the war.
23-year-old Farah Abu Qinas lost her left leg after a bombing and joined the team to regain confidence.
Other players, like Rozan Khaira and Aisha al-Abadla, have different disabilities from war injuries or birth conditions.
The team helps members rebuild a sense of purpose, confidence, and belonging.
Fouad Abu Ghalyon is the president of the Palestine Amputee Football Association and helped create the team.
The women use prosthetics and other aids to participate in football matches on an artificial turf field.
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China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that President Trump's claims about China interfering in the 2020 U.S. election are completely false. The Chinese government officially denied these accusations in a public statement.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump claimed that China interfered in the 2020 U.S. election.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called these claims "pure fabrication."
The Chinese government officially denied any involvement in the election.
CBS News reported on China’s response to President Trump’s allegations.
The report was presented by CBS News correspondent Anna Coren.
The denial came through a spokesperson speaking on behalf of China’s government.
The news was shared to clarify the Chinese government’s position publicly.
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The European Union has proposed slowing down the planned cuts to carbon emission limits for businesses to give them more time to reduce pollution. The plan would allow some industries to get emission permits until 2038 instead of 2034 if they invest in cleaner technology, but the changes must still be approved by EU countries and lawmakers.
Key Facts
The EU wants to relax rules in its emissions trading system (ETS) to slow the rate of emission cuts for businesses.
Some industries could receive permits to emit carbon until 2038, four years longer than previously planned.
The ETS requires companies to buy permits for the carbon dioxide they emit, encouraging cleaner technology investment.
The EU plans to reduce the yearly cap on emission permits more slowly: 3.7% per year from 2031 and 1.7% from 2036, instead of the current 4.3%.
Free emission permits will continue until 2038 for companies investing in decarbonisation, instead of ending in 2034.
The changes aim to meet the EU’s goal of cutting carbon emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels.
Some EU countries, like Poland, want even weaker rules, while environmental politicians warn the plans could cause more pollution.
The proposals still need approval from all EU member states and the EU’s lawmaking bodies, a process that could take about a year.
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The United States and Iran have been in talks to resolve tensions, but the discussions seem to have stopped as violence continues. Both countries have exchanged attacks for six nights in a row, increasing concerns about the conflict.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran are involved in ongoing negotiations.
Recent talks have not made progress and appear to be at a standstill.
There have been six consecutive nights of attacks between the U.S. and Iran.
Jonathan Wachtel, a global affairs analyst, commented on the situation.
The violence and lack of progress raise worries about the conflict escalating.
The information was discussed on CBS News, highlighting international tension.
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Three U.S. cities—Detroit, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.—had some of the worst air quality in the world due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. The smoke spread across the Midwest and Northeast, causing unhealthy air levels and health warnings. Other heavily polluted cities included Kinshasa, Delhi, and Jakarta.
Key Facts
Detroit had the worst air quality among major cities with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 240, labeled "very unhealthy."
Chicago and Washington, D.C., also had high AQI readings of 199 and 172, respectively.
Smoke from wildfires in northern Ontario spread south, affecting many U.S. states around the Great Lakes and Northeast.
The pollution measured, PM2.5, consists of tiny particles that can harm lungs and enter the bloodstream.
The poor air quality was caused mainly by the wildfire smoke, not by the cities’ usual pollution levels.
Health officials advised people in affected areas to stay indoors or wear quality masks outdoors.
Dense smoke reduced visibility near Detroit and some nearby lakes, leading to warnings and alerts.
New York City canceled outdoor activities and opened cooling centers due to unhealthy air combined with high temperatures.
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