Andy Burnham will tour the UK in August as he begins his time as prime minister. He plans to visit places affected by industrial changes, like the steel town of Port Talbot, to listen to local communities before setting out his government plans.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham will start a UK-wide summer tour in August during Parliament's break.
The tour aims to hear from people in areas facing industrial changes, such as Port Talbot in south Wales.
Port Talbot lost its last steel blast furnace in September 2024, causing around 2,800 job losses.
Burnham becomes prime minister on Monday and Labour leader on Friday, replacing Sir Keir Starmer.
His message includes shifting power from central government in Westminster to local regions.
Some Welsh politicians worry this could reduce the powers of the Welsh government.
Burnham may also visit Aberdeen, a city important to the UK's energy future.
Parliament may be recalled early for MPs to question Burnham, but hearings were postponed to discuss the Middle East crisis.
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At least five Palestinians were killed in air and tank attacks in Gaza despite an October ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The ceasefire has been violated frequently, with ongoing strikes and restrictions on aid worsening the humanitarian situation.
Key Facts
Five Palestinians died in multiple Israeli attacks across Gaza, including air strikes and tank fire.
The October ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been broken almost every day since it started.
Over 1,100 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began.
Aid deliveries to Gaza remain limited due to Israeli restrictions, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has blocked rebuilding efforts in Gaza before Israel’s October 27 elections.
Netanyahu risks losing power and may increase attacks on Gaza to gain voter support.
The conflict has damaged Israel's international reputation and caused global economic problems.
Reconstruction of Gaza is expected to take at least 10 years and cost over $70 billion but is unlikely to start soon.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky removed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov after six months in the role. This decision led to public protests and criticism in Kyiv.
Key Facts
President Zelensky fired Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Fedorov had been defense minister for six months.
Before this role, Fedorov was Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation.
Fedorov had experience in military technology.
The firing caused public protests in Kyiv.
People reacted strongly against the decision.
Fedorov shared his thoughts about his time as minister on Telegram.
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Ann Widdecombe, a former British MP, was found dead at her home after being attacked on July 8. A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of her murder and possible terrorism-related acts, with police calling it a "targeted attack" and investigating the motive.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on July 9 after an attack.
She was 78 years old and had served as a Conservative MP and as a minister in the 1990s.
A 28-year-old white British man was arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murder and terrorism-related crimes.
Police believe Widdecombe’s killing was a planned, targeted attack.
The suspect’s uncle described him as a quiet, gentle boy and was shocked by the arrest.
The suspect had been living with his father until his father’s recent death.
Neighbors noted the suspect rarely left his home after his father died.
The murder investigation has raised public concern about the safety of political figures.
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Hamas will hold a run-off vote next week to choose its new political leader after recent assassinations of top figures. The final two candidates are Khaled Meshaal and Khalil al-Hayya, and the new leader will serve until 2027.
Key Facts
Hamas is selecting a new political bureau chief after the death of key leaders due to Israeli attacks.
The leadership race has narrowed to Khaled Meshaal and Khalil al-Hayya.
A run-off vote is needed because no candidate received over 50% in earlier rounds.
The winner will replace the current transitional council and lead until 2027.
Only a small, select group is voting this time because of security issues caused by the ongoing war.
The leadership position must include representation from Gaza, where al-Hayya is from.
Hamas plans a full grassroots election across Gaza, the West Bank, and the diaspora in 2025 if security allows.
Analysts say Hamas’s leadership change is now important for wider Middle East politics.
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Large wildfires in Canada are creating thick smoke that is spreading into the United States, causing very poor air quality in many cities, including New York and Chicago. Authorities are warning people to stay indoors and are providing masks and cooling centers to help those affected.
Key Facts
Canadian wildfires are sending hazardous smoke into US states near the Canadian border and the Northeast.
Chicago and Detroit were among the most polluted cities worldwide on July 16, 2026, due to the smoke.
New York City’s air quality was declared unhealthy, with some areas experiencing worse conditions.
Officials advised people, especially in New York, to minimize outdoor activities and used emergency measures like free masks and cooling centers.
Midwest cities like Chicago and Toledo recorded air quality levels in the "hazardous" category, above 700 on the air quality index.
A Major League Soccer game in Chicago was postponed because of the smoke.
Over 130 active fires are burning in northwestern Ontario, Canada, with around 60 out of control.
Canadian authorities have requested extra help to fight the fires, expecting poor air quality to last for several days.
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Smoke from many Canadian wildfires has caused very bad air pollution in several large U.S. cities, including Chicago, Detroit, and New York. Officials have warned people to stay indoors, wear masks, and the situation is expected to last for several days.
Key Facts
Over 130 wildfires are active in northwestern Ontario, Canada, with at least 60 out of control.
Smoke from these fires has spread to U.S. cities near the Canadian border and the Northeast.
Chicago and Detroit were among the most polluted cities globally on July 16, 2026.
New York’s air quality reached levels harmful to everyone, prompting health warnings.
Masks and cooling centers were offered to help people cope with unhealthy air and heat.
The air quality index in parts of the Midwest exceeded 700, which is considered "hazardous."
Outdoor events, including a Major League Soccer game in Chicago, were postponed due to the pollution.
Authorities expect the smoke to remain a problem for at least two more days and possibly longer.
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Drones carrying explosives were shot down over Erbil, a city in Iraq. Explosions happened near the U.S. consulate, and security forces intercepted multiple drones to prevent possible attacks.
Key Facts
Several drones were detected flying over Erbil, Iraq.
Some of these drones were carrying explosives.
Security forces shot down at least one explosive-laden drone.
Kurdish authorities reported that coalition forces intercepted a total of eight drones.
The explosions occurred close to the U.S. consulate in Erbil.
Eyewitness videos show several drone interceptions and explosions.
The incident involved both local Kurdish and international coalition forces working together.
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The United States increased its air strikes on Iran amid rising tensions. In response, Iran launched attacks on U.S. bases and facilities in the Middle East.
Key Facts
The U.S. carried out air strikes on Iran overnight.
These actions intensified already growing tensions between the two countries.
Iran responded by attacking U.S. military bases and facilities in the Middle East.
The situation involves military actions on both sides.
The news was reported by CBS News correspondent Charlie D'Agata.
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A man named Daniel Sean James is accused of killing Kirandeep Kaur, a young mother, by stabbing her while she was asleep with her husband and baby in their home in west London. He also allegedly attacked another man before breaking into Kaur’s home, and he was arrested after injuring himself trying to escape.
Key Facts
Daniel Sean James, 46, is charged with murder, attempted murder, and possessing a blade.
The victim, Kirandeep Kaur, was 24 years old and asleep with her husband and three-month-old baby.
The incident happened on Uxbridge Road in Hayes, west London.
Before breaking into Kaur’s home, James allegedly stabbed a man in his 20s in the back on the street.
James broke into Kaur’s home around 7:50 a.m. while the family was asleep.
Kaur’s husband woke up to her scream and saw someone leaving their bedroom.
Kaur was stabbed in the chest and was declared dead at 8:26 a.m.
James broke both his ankles jumping out of a window and was caught by police.
He appeared in court by videolink and his plea hearing is scheduled for October 1.
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The UK government has announced large cuts to its foreign aid budget, reducing direct support to some African countries by up to 90% over the next few years. The government plans to focus more on funding global organizations like the World Bank instead of giving money directly to individual countries.
Key Facts
UK aid to some African countries like Mozambique and Malawi is set to drop by 90% by 2029.
Other countries such as Rwanda and Sierra Leone face cuts of around 80%, while Somalia’s aid reduces by nearly half.
The UK government made these cuts to help increase spending on defense.
Labour’s government aims to fund multilateral donors, seen as more efficient, instead of direct bilateral aid.
Charities warn these cuts could harm projects that help vulnerable communities facing conflict and climate challenges.
The foreign secretary explained the UK will still work hard on development but in new ways with partners.
The UK will chair the G20 next year, which includes major countries like China and India.
Some politicians want to restore aid spending to previous levels tied to 0.7% of the UK’s national income.
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Iranian officials have reportedly asked Yemen’s Houthi rebels to block the Red Sea if the U.S. attacks Iran’s energy sites. This request aims to disrupt a key maritime route in response to potential U.S. military actions.
Key Facts
Iran requested Yemen’s Houthis to block the Red Sea in case of U.S. strikes on its energy facilities.
The Red Sea is a crucial passage for international shipping and energy transport.
Two senior Iranian sources and a regional contact confirmed the request to Reuters.
The Houthis are a Yemeni armed group involved in regional conflicts.
The discussions about this request happened within Iranian leadership circles.
The move would be a strategic response to potential U.S. military action targeting Iran’s energy sector.
Blocking the Red Sea could impact global trade and energy supplies.
U.S. actions against Iran’s energy sites have been a topic of ongoing tension.
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French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Fontainebleau forest near Paris after wildfires burned about 10% of the forest area. He said the fire will take weeks to fully put out and promised to replant the damaged forest. Police have arrested several people suspected of starting the fire, including a volunteer firefighter.
Key Facts
Wildfires affected at least 10% of the 20,000-hectare Fontainebleau forest.
President Emmanuel Macron visited the site to assess the damage.
The fire is expected to take several weeks to be completely extinguished.
Macron pledged to replant the forest after the fire.
Several arrests have been made in connection with the fire.
One arrested person is a volunteer firefighter who has been formally investigated.
Authorities suspect the fire was started intentionally by arsonists.
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Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has been made a member of the House of Lords by Labour leader Keir Starmer just before Starmer’s planned resignation. Khan will continue as mayor and has said he does not want a government minister role, focusing instead on his current term and London’s future.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer appointed Sadiq Khan to the House of Lords shortly before stepping down as Labour leader.
Sadiq Khan is the current mayor of London and has served since 2016.
Khan has said he wants to focus on his mayoral duties and does not wish to join the government cabinet.
He is the first Muslim mayor of a major Western capital.
Khan has led London through major events like the Covid pandemic and terrorist attacks.
Khan received a knighthood last year.
Some other regional mayors, like Ben Houchen, also serve in the House of Lords while holding mayoral office.
Starmer has appointed many new members to the House of Lords to rebalance it, which has been dominated by Conservatives.
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French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu visited Morocco to strengthen the partnership between the two countries, focusing on security, counterterrorism, and energy cooperation. They agreed to explore projects for exporting renewable electricity from Morocco to France while facing new allegations that Morocco used Pegasus spyware to spy on French officials.
Key Facts
French PM Lecornu called the relationship between France and Morocco "exceptionally positive" and at a "turning point."
The two countries signed an "enhanced exceptional partnership" to deepen cooperation.
France and Morocco aim to increase energy cooperation, including exploring ways to export renewable electricity from Morocco to France.
Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch emphasized shared goals and restored trust between the two nations.
A media consortium reported that Morocco used Pegasus spyware to target French officials, including Lecornu.
Pegasus spyware can secretly read messages, track locations, and turn on cameras and microphones on phones.
Morocco denied the spying accusations and has asked for proof.
These spying reports caused some tension during Lecornu’s visit, limiting the press conference to brief statements without questions.
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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy defended his choice to remove Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov after tensions with the military’s top leader. This decision caused protests in Kyiv and concern from foreign partners during a visit by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Key Facts
Zelenskyy said there was a difficult relationship between Defence Minister Fedorov and Ukraine’s military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Zelenskyy chose to support Syrskyi, leading to Fedorov’s dismissal.
Over 1,000 people protested in Kyiv, showing their support for Fedorov and demanding Syrskyi’s removal.
The protests were one of the few large anti-government demonstrations since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Kyiv, met Zelenskyy, and expressed strong support for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy gave Starmer Ukraine’s highest foreign award, the Order of Freedom.
Starmer praised Ukrainian drone strikes and said the war’s momentum was shifting away from Russia.
Fedorov accused military leaders of blocking reforms and favoring loyalty over effective decisions.
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Andrew Marr discusses Andy Burnham’s upcoming role as the leader at Number 10 Downing Street. The conversation covers uncertainties about Burnham’s cabinet choices and his plans to handle economic problems that challenged the previous Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
Key Facts
Andrew Marr interviewed Andy Burnham before Burnham takes charge of the UK government.
Burnham is preparing to become Prime Minister and lead from Number 10 Downing Street.
There is uncertainty about who Burnham will appoint to his cabinet, the group of senior government officials.
Burnham will face economic challenges similar to those encountered during Keir Starmer’s time as Prime Minister.
The interview is featured on the BBC Newscast podcast, presented by Adam Fleming.
Newscast offers daily political news analysis and can be accessed on smart speakers and online.
The content is produced by a BBC team including Jack Maclaren, Shiler Mahmoudi, Beth Pritchard, Ben Andrews, Chris Gray, and Sam Bonham.
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A new study by the University of Southern California found that young, non-smoking lung cancer patients often eat healthier diets than the general population. Researchers suggest pesticide residues on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains might play a role in lung cancer, but the findings are still early and need more research.
Key Facts
The study focused on people diagnosed with lung cancer by age 50, most of whom never smoked.
These patients scored higher on the Healthy Eating Index, meaning they ate more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains than average Americans.
Researchers suspect pesticide residues on non-organic produce might be an environmental risk factor for lung cancer.
Earlier studies show farmworkers exposed to pesticides have higher lung cancer rates.
Lung cancer is usually linked to older adults, smokers, and men, but rates are rising in young non-smokers, especially women.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with 2.5 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths in 2022.
Experts caution that the fruits and vegetables themselves are not likely causing cancer, but the pesticides used in farming might.
More research is needed to understand the possible link between healthy diets, pesticides, and lung cancer in young non-smokers.
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A British minister has asked FIFA to investigate after Argentina’s World Cup players displayed a banner saying "The Falklands are Argentinian" during their match against England. The UK government says political messages are not allowed in football and wants FIFA to look into the matter.
Key Facts
Argentina’s players showed a banner claiming the Falkland Islands belong to Argentina after beating England 2-1 in the World Cup semifinal.
British Business Minister Peter Kyle called this a serious break of FIFA’s rules, which ban political messages at games.
The UK prime minister’s office supported the call for an investigation by FIFA.
The Falklands conflict happened in 1982 when Argentina invaded the islands and the UK took back control after a brief war.
Argentina still claims the islands, which the UK governs as a British overseas territory.
Argentina’s Vice President called the English "usurping pirates" before the match, raising tensions.
Argentina’s foreign minister said Buenos Aires filed a formal protest over a British warship near the Falklands, accusing the UK of illegal actions.
FIFA has not yet responded to the calls for investigation.
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A new Pew Research poll shows that China is viewed more favorably than the United States in 27 out of 36 countries surveyed. President Donald Trump’s global trust rating is lower than both Chinese leader Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden.
Key Facts
The survey covered 36 countries and over 42,000 people from February to May 2026.
China is preferred to the U.S. by major U.S. allies like Germany, Turkey, and Sweden.
Mexico and Canada favor China over the United States, by 59% to 40% and 44% to 33%, respectively.
Only six countries strongly favor the United States: Japan, South Korea, India, the Philippines, Israel, and Poland.
Confidence that President Trump will "do the right thing regarding world affairs" dropped from 31% to 21%.
Confidence in Xi Jinping rose from 25% to 31%.
Trump’s favorability rating is 16 percentage points below President Biden’s lowest rating from 2024.
The poll reflects shifting global opinions with declining views on the U.S. and improved views on China.
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