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Trump administration to grant $12m to groups founded by UK conservatives Jacob Rees-Mogg and Toby Young

Trump administration to grant $12m to groups founded by UK conservatives Jacob Rees-Mogg and Toby Young

July 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The U.S. State Department under President Donald Trump plans to give $12 million to two UK groups founded by Conservative politicians Jacob Rees-Mogg and Toby Young. The money aims to support organizations that promote free speech and cultural values, though some critics question the use of U.S. funds for influencing foreign politics.

Key Facts

  • The Trump administration intends to allocate $12 million to two UK-based groups.
  • $7 million is planned for 878, a think tank founded by Jacob Rees-Mogg and Dr. Radomir Tylecote, focused on cultural themes and reducing mass immigration.
  • 878 was officially set up in the UK in March 2024 and seeks nonprofit status in the U.S.
  • $5 million is planned for Free Speech Union International, linked to Toby Young, which promotes free speech and opposes strict online regulations.
  • The Free Speech Union says it is non-partisan and does not take government money, but critics see it as aligned with conservative causes.
  • Rees-Mogg, Young, and Tylecote spoke at the UK Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), organized by Liz Truss.
  • Some foreign leaders, like Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, expressed concern about U.S. government influence in European politics.
  • The State Department says these grants are still under review and must pass a rigorous vetting process.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Popular Weight-Loss Drug Linked To Improvement in Advanced Liver Disease

Popular Weight-Loss Drug Linked To Improvement in Advanced Liver Disease

July 17, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A widely used drug for diabetes and obesity, semaglutide, may help reduce liver scarring in people with advanced fatty liver disease called MASH. A recent study showed semaglutide improved liver fibrosis even in patients with early cirrhosis, suggesting a new treatment option for this serious liver condition.

Key Facts

  • Semaglutide is a medication commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity.
  • Researchers studied around 700 adults with biopsy-confirmed MASH and moderate to advanced liver scarring.
  • The main goal was to see if semaglutide combined with another drug, zalfermin, could better reverse liver fibrosis.
  • The combination did not work better than placebo, but semaglutide alone significantly improved liver scarring.
  • Improvement was seen even in patients with early-stage cirrhosis where the liver is scarred but still working.
  • MASH is a serious liver disease caused by fat buildup leading to inflammation and scar tissue.
  • It affects an estimated 9 to 15 million adults in the U.S. and is a rising cause of liver failure and transplants.
  • Doctors still recommend weight loss, blood sugar control, less alcohol, and exercise as primary measures alongside medication.
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Newsweek
‘They took our toilet’: How a settlement has squeezed a Palestinian village

‘They took our toilet’: How a settlement has squeezed a Palestinian village

July 17, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

A Palestinian family in Umm al-Khair village, located in the southern West Bank, is facing difficulties due to a nearby new Israeli settlement outpost. The family has limited access to their livestock enclosure and even their outdoor bathroom, as Israeli settlers and soldiers restrict their movements.

Key Facts

  • Umm al-Khair is a Palestinian village in the occupied West Bank near a new Israeli illegal settlement outpost.
  • The outpost was established in September near the family’s home, on land they used for farming and grazing.
  • The family has been blocked from reaching their sheep enclosure multiple times, sometimes only allowed access with Israeli soldiers present.
  • Settlers placed obstacles near the family's outdoor bathroom, including barbed wire, making it hard to reach.
  • The Israeli army declared the area around the bathroom a closed military zone, worsening access challenges.
  • The family must use a neighbor’s toilet, which requires crossing a road used by Israeli settlers; a child was previously injured on this road.
  • Since October 2023, there has been an increase in settler attacks in Umm al-Khair amid wider Israeli military actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
  • Some far-right Israeli political figures support the expansion of settlements in the region.
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Al Jazeera
Oil markets fluctuate as tensions between U.S. and Iran flare

Oil markets fluctuate as tensions between U.S. and Iran flare

July 17, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Oil prices have gone up recently because of rising tensions between the United States and Iran. This situation has made the oil markets unstable as people worry about possible conflict affecting oil supply.

Key Facts

  • Gas prices have increased due to the situation between the U.S. and Iran.
  • Tensions between these two countries are causing uncertainty in oil markets.
  • Oil markets respond quickly to political conflicts that might disrupt supply.
  • The rising prices affect consumers and businesses dependent on fuel.
  • Media outlets like CBS News and Axios are covering the story closely.
  • The current conflict is part of ongoing strained relations between the U.S. and Iran.
  • Market reactions show how global events can influence energy prices.
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CBS News
Watch: Helicopter rescues kids from Texas floodwaters

Watch: Helicopter rescues kids from Texas floodwaters

July 17, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

A helicopter rescue is underway in Texas to save children affected by floodwaters. A video captures a game warden announcing the rescue of a child.

Key Facts

  • Floodwaters in Texas have caused dangerous conditions.
  • Children are being rescued by helicopter.
  • A game warden is involved in the rescue efforts.
  • The rescue was recorded in a video.
  • Emergency teams are working to bring people to safety.
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The Hill
Diarrhea-causing parasite outbreak possibly tied to iceberg lettuce from Mexico

Diarrhea-causing parasite outbreak possibly tied to iceberg lettuce from Mexico

July 17, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Health officials are investigating an outbreak of a parasite that causes diarrhea. They think the parasite may be linked to iceberg lettuce imported from Mexico.

Key Facts

  • The parasite causes a disease called cyclosporiasis.
  • People who ate iceberg lettuce from Mexico have gotten sick.
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is leading the investigation.
  • Cyclosporiasis spreads through contaminated food or water.
  • The parasite causes symptoms like diarrhea.
  • Officials are trying to prevent more people from getting sick.
  • No specific brands of lettuce have been named yet.
  • The FDA may issue warnings or recalls if needed.
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CBS News
What to know about bad air caused by wildfires and how to protect yourself

What to know about bad air caused by wildfires and how to protect yourself

July 17, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Wildfires produce smoke that can travel far and cause poor air quality in many areas, even across state and national borders. Smoke from Canadian wildfires, for example, can affect cities in the United States, making the air unhealthy to breathe.

Key Facts

  • Wildfire smoke spreads over long distances.
  • Smoke from fires in one state can worsen air quality in other states.
  • Canadian wildfires can send smoke into U.S. cities.
  • Poor air quality poses health risks for people who breathe it.
  • Officials recommend staying indoors to reduce exposure.
  • Wildfire smoke impacts air from the Midwest to the East Coast.
  • Taking precautions can help protect people during wildfire smoke events.
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PBS NewsHour
Where peace talks stand as U.S., Iran continue days of strikes

Where peace talks stand as U.S., Iran continue days of strikes

July 17, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The United States and Iran have been carrying out military strikes against each other while also working on peace talks. The negotiations aim to reach a deal to stop the conflict.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. and Iran are engaged in military strikes on each other.
  • Despite the strikes, both countries continue to negotiate for peace.
  • The talks focus on reaching a possible peace agreement.
  • CBS News reporter Charlie D'Agata is providing coverage of the events.
  • The situation involves ongoing conflict alongside diplomatic efforts.
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CBS News
France blocks access to Polymarket

France blocks access to Polymarket

July 17, 2026 • France24

Summary

France has blocked access to the online prediction market Polymarket after people kept placing bets despite a previous ban on transactions from France. The French gaming regulator says that allowing access to the site counts as illegal advertising and warns of fines.

Key Facts

  • France’s national gaming authority, ANJ, blocked Polymarket’s website in France.
  • This action follows a November 2024 ban on financial transactions to Polymarket from France.
  • Polymarket lets users bet on the outcomes of future events with real-time updated odds.
  • ANJ says accessing and promoting unauthorized betting sites is a criminal offense with fines up to 100,000 euros.
  • Visits from French internet addresses to Polymarket increased to over 578,000 last month despite the ban.
  • Problems linked to prediction markets include a hacking case involving French weather data and federal charges against a US soldier for betting with classified information.
  • Several European countries, like Germany, Italy, and Spain, also restrict or block access to prediction markets.
  • France still allows legal online sports betting.
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France24
France orders internet providers to block access to Polymarket prediction site

France orders internet providers to block access to Polymarket prediction site

July 17, 2026 • France24

Summary

France has ordered its internet providers to block access to Polymarket, an online site where people bet on future events. This follows an earlier ban on financial transactions to the site because visits from France kept increasing despite the ban.

Key Facts

  • France's national gambling regulator ANJ instructed internet providers to block Polymarket's website.
  • Polymarket is a prediction market where users place bets on the outcomes of future events.
  • France already banned financial transactions to Polymarket in November 2024.
  • Visits to Polymarket from France grew to over 578,000 last month despite the ban.
  • ANJ said advertising an illegal betting site is a crime with fines up to €100,000 ($114,000).
  • Problems linked to prediction markets include hacking of weather probes and misuse of classified information.
  • Other European countries like Germany, Italy, and Spain also restrict access to such prediction markets.
  • France allows online sports betting but restricts other online betting platforms like Polymarket.
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France24
Ukraine suffers port attacks as protests persist over defence shake-up

Ukraine suffers port attacks as protests persist over defence shake-up

July 17, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Russia launched deadly drone attacks on Ukrainian ports and vessels, killing several people including civilians and crew members on foreign ships. Meanwhile, Ukrainians protested for a second day against President Zelenskyy’s removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was popular for his role in modernizing the military.

Key Facts

  • Russian drone strikes hit port infrastructure in Mykolaiv, damaging three foreign-registered vessels and killing two Ukrainians aboard one ship.
  • A drone attack in Kherson killed one woman and injured six others; an attack in Odesa killed one man.
  • Russia and Ukraine have increased attacks on military vessels in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, important for grain exports.
  • Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported hitting 24 Ukrainian military vessels in one week; Ukraine claims to have struck 12 Russian vessels the same day.
  • Ukraine also attacked a Russian oil refinery in the Yaroslavl region.
  • Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov was removed by President Zelenskyy, causing protests demanding his return.
  • Fedorov had conflicts with military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and questioned Ukraine’s military leadership after his exit.
  • Yevgeniy Khmara, head of Ukraine’s security service, was named acting defence minister; former Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko was appointed to the defence and security council.
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Al Jazeera
Donning protective kit for a first glance at the Bayeux Tapestry

Donning protective kit for a first glance at the Bayeux Tapestry

July 17, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

The Bayeux Tapestry, a 70-meter-long embroidery from the 11th century, has been brought from northern France to the British Museum in London. This is the first time in over 900 years that the tapestry, which shows events before the Battle of Hastings in 1066, has returned to the UK. The museum plans to display it to the public starting in September.

Key Facts

  • The Bayeux Tapestry is almost 1,000 years old and measures 70 meters long.
  • It illustrates events leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England.
  • The tapestry was transported under police escort from a secret location in France.
  • It arrived in London last week, under the cover of darkness.
  • The British Museum will start showing the tapestry to visitors in September.
  • This is the first time the tapestry has been in the UK in more than 900 years.
  • The tapestry is believed to have been created in England originally.
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BBC Top Stories
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson to appeal child sex abuse convictions

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson to appeal child sex abuse convictions

July 17, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), has been convicted of 18 sex abuse charges involving two women when they were children. He is currently in prison awaiting sentencing and has filed an appeal against his convictions with the Court of Appeal in Belfast.

Key Facts

  • Jeffrey Donaldson was convicted on 22 June 2026 of 18 counts of child sex abuse, including one count of rape.
  • The cases involve two female victims who were children at the time of the crimes.
  • Donaldson’s wife, Eleanor Donaldson, was found to have aided and abetted his offenses.
  • Donaldson is being held in Maghaberry Prison ahead of his sentencing.
  • He has formally asked to lose his knighthood and resigned from the Privy Council.
  • His legal team filed an appealing request with the Court of Appeal on 17 July 2026.
  • The appeal may challenge jury instructions and the trial process related to his wife’s involvement.
  • Any decision on hearing the appeal is expected around September 2026.
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BBC Top Stories
Peter Falconio murder: British expert says he has identified a ‘most likely’ burial location

Peter Falconio murder: British expert says he has identified a ‘most likely’ burial location

July 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A British expert who helped search for Peter Falconio, a backpacker murdered in Australia in 2001, says he has found the most likely place where Falconio’s body was buried. This site is an abandoned racetrack near where the attack happened at Barrow Creek in Australia’s Northern Territory.

Key Facts

  • Peter Falconio and his partner Joanne Lees were attacked in 2001 by Bradley John Murdoch in Australia.
  • Falconio was shot dead; Lees was tied up but escaped.
  • Murdoch was convicted of Falconio’s murder in 2005 but never said where he hid the body; he died in prison last year.
  • Police have searched a huge remote area without success for Falconio’s remains.
  • Dr. Mark Harrison, a British police expert, used criminal profiling and site analysis to narrow down possible burial places.
  • Harrison and retired FBI profiler Kathy Canning-Mello identified three likely spots, with a disused racetrack as the top candidate.
  • The racetrack is close to the attack site and offers the most likely place to hide the body.
  • The investigation focuses on understanding Murdoch’s intentions and behavior to find the burial spot.
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Guardian World
My fiancee stood by Voice of America. America must stand by her.

My fiancee stood by Voice of America. America must stand by her.

July 17, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The article discusses the case of Ulviyya, who is currently detained in Azerbaijan. It calls for the U.S. government to take action, warning that silence could have wider implications beyond Azerbaijan.

Key Facts

  • Ulviyya is currently in detention in Azerbaijan.
  • The article urges the U.S. government to respond to her case.
  • It suggests that staying silent might have consequences beyond Azerbaijan.
  • The author has a personal connection to the case through their fiancée.
  • The situation relates to human rights and international relations.
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The Hill
Southern Water fined £7m after illegally dumping sewage off Kent coast

Southern Water fined £7m after illegally dumping sewage off Kent coast

July 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Southern Water was fined over £7 million for illegally releasing untreated sewage into the sea off the Kent coast between 2019 and 2021. The company pleaded guilty to 13 offenses related to these illegal discharges and failures to promptly report them to authorities. The judge described Southern Water’s actions as a serious and repeated breach of environmental laws, causing harm to the environment and local communities.

Key Facts

  • Southern Water dumped untreated sewage off Kent’s coast between 2019 and 2021.
  • The company admitted guilt for 13 offenses, including illegal discharges and late reporting to authorities.
  • The total fine imposed was approximately £7.1 million.
  • Some sewage discharges went unreported for more than 24 hours, violating environmental permit rules.
  • Southern Water failed to maintain essential equipment, such as a standby pump at Margate’s station.
  • The judge noted Southern Water had a long history of environmental violations dating back to 1999.
  • Untreated sewage included solid waste and caused pollution and beach closures in Kent.
  • Southern Water was previously fined £90 million for similar offenses in nearby regions.
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Guardian World
Iran proves it can still inflict damage despite waves of US attacks

Iran proves it can still inflict damage despite waves of US attacks

July 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Iran and the United States have been in a wave of military attacks against each other for six days, with both sides hitting important locations. Despite US claims of weakening Iran’s military, Iran still has strong missile capabilities and continues to strike US allies and oil tankers in the Gulf region.

Key Facts

  • US forces launched missile attacks on Iranian ports and infrastructure along the Gulf of Oman.
  • Iran struck power and water plants in US allied countries Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, with damage including a fire at a desalination plant vital for Kuwait’s water supply.
  • The US claimed Iran’s weapons were reduced by 91%, but leaked intelligence shows Iran regained control of most of its missile sites and stockpiles.
  • Several oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman were hit by missile attacks, causing casualties and raising oil prices.
  • The US reimposed a naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman, reducing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to the lowest levels since May.
  • The US discussed possible military escalations, including bombing nuclear sites or capturing strategic islands, but has no clear exit strategy.
  • The US military deployed 2,200 marines to enforce the blockade but faces challenges in holding territory if it captures strategic sites.
  • Tensions remain high with no diplomatic resolution in sight, increasing risks of further conflict.
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Guardian World
Germany to join French nuclear exercise in bid to boost defence cooperation

Germany to join French nuclear exercise in bid to boost defence cooperation

July 17, 2026 • France24

Summary

Germany will join a French nuclear military exercise later this year to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said. This decision follows the collapse of a joint fighter jet project and aims to boost European defense collaboration amid ongoing security challenges.

Key Facts

  • Germany will participate in a French-led nuclear exercise scheduled for later this year.
  • The move supports NATO’s nuclear deterrence strategy, which both countries still uphold.
  • France is one of Western Europe’s two nuclear powers and will keep control over nuclear decision-making.
  • The Franco-German joint fighter jet project, Future Combat Air System (FCAS), collapsed earlier in 2026 due to disagreements.
  • Germany and France plan to continue developing a cloud technology originally part of the failed jet project.
  • Both countries held joint defense talks at an air base near Cologne to strengthen collaboration.
  • The talks took place amid concerns about Europe’s defense in the face of Russia’s threat and decreased U.S. support under President Donald Trump.
  • Germany will join a military maneuver initiated by France this autumn as part of a coalition supporting Ukraine.
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France24
Mother of Henry Nowak killer jailed for removing knife from murder scene

Mother of Henry Nowak killer jailed for removing knife from murder scene

July 17, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

The mother of Vickrum Digwa, who killed 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton, was sentenced to three years in jail for hiding the murder weapon. Digwa was given a life sentence with a minimum of 21 years for stabbing Nowak. The case also raised concerns about police treatment of Nowak at the crime scene.

Key Facts

  • Vickrum Digwa stabbed 18-year-old Henry Nowak with a 21cm knife on December 3, 2025, and was sentenced to life imprisonment with at least 21 years.
  • Digwa’s mother, Kiran Kaur, was found guilty of helping him by removing and hiding the murder weapon among other weapons in their home and was jailed for three years.
  • Police found the knife a week after the stabbing during a search of the family home.
  • Nowak was handcuffed and restrained by officers at the crime scene while he was dying, leading to an investigation into police conduct.
  • Bodycam footage showed Nowak asking for help and saying he had been stabbed before becoming unresponsive.
  • The police apologized to Nowak’s family for how he was treated after the stabbing.
  • Digwa claimed he carried the knife as part of his Sikh faith, but the Sikh Federation said the knife was not a religious kirpan.
  • Digwa admitted in a police van recording that he stabbed Nowak several times.
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BBC Top Stories
Brenda Fricker, Oscar winner for My Left Foot, dies aged 81

Brenda Fricker, Oscar winner for My Left Foot, dies aged 81

July 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Brenda Fricker, the first Irish woman to win an Oscar for acting in the film *My Left Foot*, has died at the age of 81. She was known for her versatile roles in Irish, British, and American films and published a memoir in 2025 revealing her experiences with sexual abuse.

Key Facts

  • Brenda Fricker was the first Irish female Oscar winner for acting, winning best supporting actress for *My Left Foot* in 1989.
  • In *My Left Foot*, she played the mother of Christy Brown, a man with cerebral palsy.
  • Fricker was born in Dublin in 1945 and started her career as an art editor before acting.
  • She had roles in TV shows like *Coronation Street* and *Casualty*.
  • Fricker appeared in films such as *The Field*, *A Man of No Importance*, *Home Alone 2*, and *Veronica Guerin*.
  • Her last acting role was in the film *The Swallow*.
  • In 2025, she shared her story of sexual abuse in a memoir, including an assault that happened during *Coronation Street*.
  • Fricker was married to Barry Davis from 1979 to 1988.
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Guardian World