China’s economy grew at its slowest pace in over three years, with a 4.3% increase in GDP in the second quarter. While exports, especially in technology and electric vehicles, surged, domestic spending stayed weak, causing concern about job creation and economic balance.
Key Facts
China’s GDP growth slowed to 4.3% in the second quarter, down from 5% in the previous quarter.
Exports rose sharply, with June exports up 27% compared to a year ago, contributing to a trade surplus of $125.6 billion.
Domestic consumption remains low, partly due to losses in the real estate sector and cautious consumer spending after COVID-19.
Many Chinese citizens lost money tied up in property investments, leading to less spending and more saving.
Job creation, especially for people under 25, is not keeping up, causing underemployment and lower incomes.
Experts warn that relying mostly on exports for growth could worsen domestic economic problems.
The government is focusing on reducing debt rather than increasing spending to stimulate the economy.
Average GDP growth for the year so far is about 4.7 percent, and officials are not expected to take major emergency measures.
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A large forest fire in the Fontainebleau Forest near Paris has reignited while firefighters continue to battle the flames. French President Emmanuel Macron visited the area to support the nearly 1,000 firefighters working on the fire, and three people are now facing legal charges as part of the investigation into the cause.
Key Facts
The Fontainebleau Forest fire is considered one of the worst in France since World War II.
About 950 firefighters are actively working to put out the fire and prevent flare-ups.
President Emmanuel Macron visited the forest to show support for the firefighters.
Two workers and their company manager appeared before a judge on charges related to the fire.
Investigations suggest arson may have played a role in starting the fire.
The fire has caused significant damage to the forest area south of Paris.
The fire reignited despite ongoing firefighting efforts and wet conditions following storms.
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Experts say climate change is causing more heavy rains in the US, leading to dangerous flash floods that will become more common and severe. Many areas are not prepared because old infrastructure and building rules do not match the new rain patterns, increasing the risk to people and property.
Key Facts
Climate change is causing heavier rainfall and more frequent flash floods in many US states.
Recent floods affected places like Texas, Alaska, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Warmer air and oceans cause more evaporation, putting more water vapor in the air, which fuels storms and heavy rain.
Flash floods happen especially in hilly areas, cities with lots of concrete, and narrow canyons.
Many US cities still use very old drainage systems that cannot manage extreme rainfall.
Building homes and businesses in flood-prone areas continues, despite risks.
Some places have successfully appealed to federal agencies to change flood risk maps, allowing development in dangerous zones.
Experts call for stronger rules to prevent building in floodplains and for better investment in infrastructure to handle heavy rains.
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Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany is meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss new joint defence projects. This meeting aims to strengthen cooperation after a previous common fighter jet project between the two countries failed.
Key Facts
The meeting takes place near Cologne at a German Air Force base.
The focus is on creating new joint projects in the defence industry.
The cooperation follows the failure of a previous common fighter jet project.
Chancellor Merz is hosting President Macron on the eve of a Franco-German cabinet meeting.
The goal is to improve European defence collaboration between France and Germany.
The summit is part of broader efforts to enhance security and defence in Europe.
Both countries are key players in European defence and want to work more closely.
Defence cooperation is an important topic for both national governments.
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Israel’s parliament has been officially dissolved, setting the date for national elections on October 27. This election is important as it will decide whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, known for hardline policies, will remain in power.
Key Facts
The 25th Knesset completed its full four-year term for the first time since 1988.
The Israeli parliament passed a Party Funding Law to allow political parties to access state funds for their campaigns, confirming the October 27 election date.
Netanyahu’s coalition passed several controversial laws, including changing media regulation and shielding ultra-Orthodox men from military service.
The current coalition is the most nationalist government in Israel’s history.
Public opinion polls show Netanyahu’s Likud party trailing behind the opposition.
The new centrist Yashar party, led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, is gaining popularity and has surpassed Likud in recent polls.
Secular right-wing leader Avigdor Liberman announced his party aims to win and replace the current government in the upcoming election.
The elections come amid public anger over military actions against Iran and other conflicts in the region.
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A woman named Sam Ramsdell discovered a hidden door in the barn of her 200-year-old farmhouse in Maine. Behind the door, she found many old items that had been untouched for about 100 years, including bottles, tools, toys, and coins. She is working with a local historian to learn more about these artifacts.
Key Facts
Sam Ramsdell moved back to Maine in 2023 and started renovating an 1820 farmhouse once owned by Captain William Bucknam.
She found a secret door in the barn floor that had been overlooked for at least a century.
Inside, she discovered nearly 250 intact bottles from 1840 to 1920, old shoes, inkwells, children's toys, coins, jewelry, farm tools, and animal bones.
Some bottles may be worth $200 to $400 each, according to a local historian.
The items help reveal details about the daily lives of the farmhouse’s original owners.
Ramsdell does not plan to sell the finds but keeps them to learn more about the history of the house.
The discovery is ongoing, and she expects to find more as she continues exploring under the barn.
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Smoke from large wildfires in Canada has caused poor air quality in some U.S. cities, including Chicago and New York. Officials in both countries advise people to stay indoors and wear masks to protect their health.
Key Facts
About 5.9 million acres have burned in Canadian wildfires this season.
Smoke from these fires has traveled south into the United States.
Cities like Chicago and New York are experiencing heavy smoke in the air.
The smoke has made air quality dangerous and similar to the effects of smoking cigarettes all day.
Officials recommend staying indoors when possible.
Wearing masks is suggested to reduce breathing in harmful smoke particles.
The wildfire smoke also affects areas in Canada, lowering air quality there as well.
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A new photo of Queen Camilla was released to celebrate her 79th birthday. She announced a plan to give every Year 6 child in the UK a special edition of the book *Impossible Creatures* by Katherine Rundell to promote reading.
Key Facts
The photo shows Queen Camilla in a blue dress at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland.
The Queen supports children's literacy and reading through various public efforts.
Every Year 6 (England) and P6 (Scotland) child in the UK will receive a special edition of *Impossible Creatures* this Christmas.
Each book includes a personal message from the Queen calling it a “brilliant fantasy.”
The program is partnered with the National Literacy Trust, which the Queen supports as patron.
This announcement is part of the National Year of Reading 2026 effort to encourage daily reading.
Recently, the Queen met author JK Rowling to discuss their shared interest in children's books.
The Queen also supports the BBC’s 500 Words writing competition for children.
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The United States has carried out airstrikes on transport infrastructure in Iran, including bridges, between July 17 and 18. Despite escalating military actions, the White House says it still wants to pursue diplomacy with Iran.
Key Facts
US airstrikes targeted transport facilities in Iran, such as bridges.
These strikes took place overnight between July 17 and 18, 2026.
The attacks mark increased conflict after fighting resumed near the Strait of Hormuz over a week ago.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway important for global shipping.
The White House maintains that diplomatic talks with Iran remain possible.
The conflict involves exchange of strikes between the US and Iran.
President Donald Trump has threatened further strikes on bridges and power plants in Iran.
The situation follows ongoing tensions and military actions in the Middle East.
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Ukraine's defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, was removed from his position after six months in office. His efforts to reform the military caused conflicts with the top general, and his dismissal has triggered protests across Ukraine.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Fedorov served as Ukraine’s defence minister for six months.
He tried to modernize and reform Ukraine’s military.
Fedorov clashed with the top general, whom he criticized as outdated and slow.
His disagreements with military leadership led to his removal from the post.
The dismissal caused protests in many parts of Ukraine.
The situation reflects tensions within Ukraine’s military leadership during ongoing conflict.
President Volodymyr Zelensky approved the defence minister’s dismissal.
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Germany has called again for the European Union to send a force to Lebanon to replace United Nations peacekeepers who plan to leave by the end of the year. The goal is to prevent a security gap in southern Lebanon while allowing Israeli troops to withdraw and stopping Hezbollah from regaining control.
Key Facts
The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) will end after 48 years by the end of 2024.
Germany wants the EU to create a new mission to avoid a security vacuum in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL leaves.
The proposed EU force would help Lebanon’s military and support Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran, continues attacks across the border into northern Israel.
Israel currently controls some areas in southern Lebanon due to ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
There are ongoing US-backed peace talks between Lebanon and Israel to reduce hostilities.
Lebanon has agreed to the idea of an EU-led mission to support security in the region.
The new EU mission would likely focus on training and support, not direct peacekeeping on the ground like UNIFIL.
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A major wildfire has been burning for three days in the Cairngorms area of Scotland, spreading over nearly four miles and causing evacuations of homes, businesses, and campsites. Firefighters and volunteers continue to work to contain the fire, which has burned about 300 hectares of land, while authorities warn people to avoid the area and stay safe.
Key Facts
The wildfire started near Ryvoan Bothy close to Nethy Bridge on Wednesday morning.
By Thursday afternoon, the fire had spread across 3.7 miles (6 km).
Evacuations include homes, businesses, ski resorts, and campsites in Glenmore Forest Park.
Firefighters have worked through the night and continue to fight the fire with six engines and specialized equipment.
About 300 hectares (740 acres) of land have burned so far.
Volunteers from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) have helped using vehicles and hoses.
There are no reports of injuries or casualties.
Authorities warn people not to visit the affected areas and keep following safety advice due to ongoing risk.
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Energy prices began rising after Iran increased attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, while the U.S. military struck Iranian targets. China’s large oil reserves and reduced imports helped keep global oil prices from rising too quickly despite the conflict.
Key Facts
Iran attacked ships near the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for oil shipments.
The U.S. military resumed daily strikes on Iranian targets amid rising tensions.
Despite disruption, global oil prices did not spike to expected historic levels.
China cut its crude oil imports by 41.3% compared to the previous year.
China used its strategic petroleum reserves, which hold about 1.2 billion barrels of crude oil.
China is the world’s largest crude oil buyer, accounting for 20% of global traded oil last year.
Nearly half of China’s oil comes from the Middle East, including discounted oil from Iran.
China’s use of reserves and lower imports helped stabilize the global oil market during the conflict.
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Mel Brennan worked inside Concacaf during a time of corruption led by Jack Warner and Chuck Blazer. He helped investigators uncover wrongdoing and believes that football has survived past corruption scandals and will continue to do so under current leadership.
Key Facts
Mel Brennan was an executive at Concacaf during the corrupt leadership of Jack Warner and Chuck Blazer.
Brennan became a secret source for FBI and journalists investigating football corruption.
Concacaf offices were located in Trump Tower, where some officials lived or worked close to Donald Trump’s residence.
FBI raids in 2015 targeted Concacaf and Fifa officials due to widespread corruption.
Brennan says the corrupt leaders were opportunists, not criminals, and feared exposure.
Concacaf was seen as less competent than other football organizations, making corruption easier to detect.
Football has survived previous corruption scandals involving Sepp Blatter, Warner, and Blazer, and Brennan believes it will survive current issues with Gianni Infantino.
Media sometimes avoided deep investigation to maintain access, contributing to the problem.
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Chinese officials and experts see President Trump’s approach to U.S.-China relations as more cooperative compared to prior policies. They note that reducing trade conflicts and pausing arms sales to Taiwan have eased tensions and helped China’s position globally, while raising concerns about impacts on U.S. power and influence.
Key Facts
After a rocky start, U.S.-China relations have improved during President Trump’s second term, according to Chinese officials and academics.
Trump’s approach focused on transactions rather than ideological or technology competition.
Trump reduced tariffs and relaxed export controls on advanced AI chips to China.
Arms shipments to Taiwan were paused, shifting military balance toward Beijing.
China mourns the U.S. withdrawal from some international diplomacy groups, where China may gain influence.
Chinese experts see Trump’s policies as beneficial to China’s global standing.
Trump’s policies may weaken U.S. alliances and hurt long-term American competitiveness.
The easing of tensions offers potential benefits but also risks reducing U.S. global power.
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The US military carried out airstrikes in southern Iran for the sixth night in a row. They destroyed an important bridge and a maritime control tower, causing at least seven deaths.
Key Facts
The US military targeted southern Iran with airstrikes.
These strikes have continued for six nights in a row.
A key bridge was destroyed during the attacks.
A maritime control tower was also destroyed.
At least seven people were killed in the strikes.
The strikes are part of ongoing military actions involving the US and Iran.
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Severe thunderstorms with large hailstones have hit parts of Europe during a record heatwave, causing flooding and damage in countries like France, Germany, and Poland. Meanwhile, heavy monsoon rains in Bangladesh have caused deadly floods and landslides, affecting about a million people.
Key Facts
Large hailstones up to 7 cm in diameter fell in southeastern France, damaging cars, buildings, and vineyards.
Flooding and strong winds caused road and tram closures in Wrocław, Poland, with warnings issued to stay indoors.
Storms in France were expected to bring 30-50 mm of rain, with some places receiving more.
In Bangladesh, monsoon rains caused flooding and landslides that killed at least 53 people, including schoolchildren and a teacher.
About one million people in Bangladesh have been affected, with many living in government shelters.
Cox’s Bazar refugee settlement in Bangladesh was evacuated due to flooding.
Chattogram district recorded 412.3 mm of rain in 24 hours, the highest July rainfall in 42 years.
Bangladesh’s low-lying geography and many rivers increase its risk of flooding during heavy rains.
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Wildfires in northern Minnesota and Canada are producing heavy smoke that is affecting air quality across the U.S. Midwest and Northeast, as well as parts of Canada. Experts link the increase in wildfire smoke to human-caused climate change, which is making fires more frequent and severe.
Key Facts
Wildfire smoke has created poor air quality warnings in cities like New York, Chicago, and Toronto.
The smoke comes from large fires burning in northern Minnesota and Canada.
Climate change, caused by human activity, is increasing both the number and intensity of wildfires.
From 2020 to 2024, exposure to harmful wildfire smoke in the U.S. was four times higher per person than from 2006 to 2019.
The fires have destroyed homes and harmed local tourism industries.
Hot, dry weather is helping the fires continue and raises the chance of new fires starting.
Smoke may spread to other areas, potentially moving southward in the coming week.
Experts suggest that more people will need to adjust to “smoke season” in addition to traditional “fire season.”
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China denied President Donald Trump's claim that it stole 220 million American voter records to influence the 2020 U.S. election. The Chinese Foreign Ministry called the accusation baseless and urged the U.S. to stop blaming China and focus on improving their relationship.
Key Facts
President Trump accused China of illegally taking sensitive voter data from the 2020 U.S. election.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the U.S. accusations are without facts and meant to harm China’s reputation.
A 2021 U.S. intelligence report found no evidence that China influenced the 2020 election results.
China said it has no interest in and has never interfered with U.S. elections.
China criticized the U.S. for spying on other countries and harming cybersecurity globally.
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in May but made little progress on major issues.
Trump invited Xi to visit Washington in September to continue talks.
The U.S. and Chinese governments had not responded to requests for comments after the news story broke.
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Iran launched missile and drone strikes on several countries in the Gulf region as the United States continued air attacks on Iran for a sixth night. Countries including Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Jordan, and Syria took defensive measures amid rising tensions between the US and Iran.
Key Facts
Iran fired missiles and drones at Gulf states and other nearby countries overnight.
The US conducted air strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure, including telecommunications, railways, and a bridge in Hormozgan province.
Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Jordan, and Syria activated defenses against these Iranian attacks.
Qatar raised its security threat level after explosions in the capital Doha but later returned to normal.
Iranian forces claimed to have attacked US military sites in Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and Syria.
US coalition forces shot down eight explosive drones over Erbil in northern Iraq without casualties.
Jordan intercepted and destroyed three Iranian missiles entering its airspace with no reported injuries.
China and Pakistan urged both sides to stop fighting and return to diplomatic talks to maintain the recent tentative ceasefire.
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