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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A Cyclospora outbreak in the U.S. has caused over 1,600 confirmed cases across 34 states, with Michigan hardest hit. A patient shared that severe stomach cramps and loss of appetite were worse symptoms than diarrhea. Officials suspect shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico as a possible source, and a recall is planned.
Key Facts
The CDC reports 1,645 confirmed Cyclospora cases and 141 hospitalizations in 34 states, with no deaths.
Michigan has the highest number of reported cases.
Shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico, produced by Taylor Farms, is potentially linked to the outbreak.
Taco Bell advised consumers to avoid shredded iceberg lettuce in five states due to the outbreak.
Affected patient Chase Strangio experienced severe stomach cramps, appetite loss, and fatigue.
Cyclospora symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and weight loss.
Treatment typically involves prescription antibiotics.
Taylor Farms is preparing a recall of products linked to the outbreak.
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This article shows 20 important photos from recent world events, including conflicts, natural disasters, political changes, and health crises. The images come from places like Gaza, Jerusalem, Venezuela, Ukraine, France, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Key Facts
In Gaza City, Israeli airstrikes hit areas including a blacksmith’s workshop, causing damage and danger to civilians.
Israel will hold national elections on 27 October, following recent attacks by Hamas.
In the West Bank, violence from Israeli settler extremists is expected to continue until the election.
Venezuela faces public anger after earthquakes killed nearly 4,500 people and caused building collapses.
Ukraine’s president dismissed his defence minister in a government reshuffle amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
French firefighters are battling large wildfires near Paris during a heatwave, highlighting concerns about climate change.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues; a treatment trial has started but no approved drug yet exists.
The photos capture a wide range of issues impacting people’s lives around the world today.
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A strong earthquake of magnitude 7.3 hit the border between southern Mexico and Guatemala on Friday, shaking buildings in nearby countries but causing no immediate reports of serious damage or deaths. A tsunami warning issued after the quake was lifted within about an hour.
Key Facts
The earthquake occurred near the coast of Chiapas, Mexico, close to the Guatemala border.
The quake had a magnitude of 7.3 and a depth of about 9 miles.
At least five aftershocks followed, ranging from magnitude 5.1 to 6.
The shaking was felt as far as Mexico City, Guatemala City, and El Salvador.
A tsunami warning was issued but later canceled after no significant waves were detected.
Authorities reported no severe damage or casualties shortly after the event.
Local residents in affected areas evacuated buildings calmly during the quake.
The region is known for frequent earthquakes, some of which have been deadly in the past.
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Andy Burnham is set to become the new Prime Minister of the UK, promising to focus on economic growth across all areas of the country. Jon Culshaw, a well-known comedian and impressionist, talks about his experience of portraying Burnham and brings insight into Burnham’s public image.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham will be the UK’s new Prime Minister, following Sir Keir Starmer’s final Prime Minister’s Questions.
Burnham aims to promote growth in every area of the UK but has not yet shared detailed plans.
He has increased his public presence through interviews with Gary Lineker and Andrew Marr, and by being active on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok.
Burnham is seen by supporters as authentic and connected to people beyond the political center in Westminster.
He was Culture Secretary in the late 2000s and known for advocating justice for Hillsborough disaster victims.
Jon Culshaw is a comedian and impressionist who often impersonates political figures and has portrayed Burnham.
The article includes background on Burnham’s style and public image as reflected through Culshaw’s impressions.
The main focus is on Burnham’s political transition and public portrayal, not on detailed policy specifics.
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Andy Burnham has been chosen as the new leader of Britain’s Labour Party. He is expected to become the next prime minister and wants to change the country's political and economic direction.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham was elected leader of the Labour Party in the UK.
Labour is the current governing party in Britain.
Burnham’s election clears the path for him to become prime minister soon.
He promised to lead a new direction for the country.
Burnham said Britain needs to move away from 40 years of old policies.
His leadership marks a potential change in Britain’s government plans.
The announcement was made publicly after the party vote.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping said artificial intelligence (AI) development should be a global effort, not controlled by any one country. He criticized U.S. restrictions on technology sharing and announced that China will expand AI cooperation with many developing countries and international groups.
Key Facts
Xi said AI development should be a "symphony of global cooperation," not dominated by a single nation.
He criticized the U.S. for using national security concerns to limit technology sharing with China.
China plans to work with groups like ASEAN, the African Union, BRICS, and others on AI projects.
China will offer 30 countries access to its AI meteorological tool that provides early warning systems.
Xi promised 5,000 AI training opportunities for developing countries over the next five years.
A new World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, based in Shanghai, was formed with 29 countries including Russia and Pakistan.
This new organization is seen as China’s response to the U.S.-led AI alliance called Pax Silica.
China showcased its AI innovations, including Huawei’s powerful AI computing system.
China’s five-year science plan prioritizes AI development through 2030.
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The Bayeux Tapestry, a nearly 1,000-year-old artwork telling the story of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, has been moved from France to the British Museum in London. French and British experts found the tapestry to be in excellent condition after carefully transporting and inspecting it.
Key Facts
The Bayeux Tapestry is an 11th-century embroidery that tells the story leading up to the Norman Conquest in 1066.
It has been temporarily moved from the Bayeux Museum in Normandy, France, to the British Museum in London.
French and British conservators worked together to check and protect the tapestry before it is displayed in September.
The tapestry is 70 meters long and about 50 centimeters high, made of colored yarn embroidered on linen.
It was transported carefully, with protective padding, and shows no signs of damage.
French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard praised the careful handling and said the tapestry remains in a "wonderful state."
British Museum chair George Osborne highlighted the joint effort of French and British experts to preserve the tapestry.
Experts believe the original creators were likely in England, possibly Canterbury, and their work shows impressive detail and skill.
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