Heavy rain caused severe flooding along the Guadalupe River in Texas, leading to water rescues, evacuations, and at least one death. River levels are rising quickly, but they are still below the extreme height recorded during a deadly flood at Camp Mystic in 2025.
Key Facts
Torrential rain caused a Flash Flood Emergency in Texas Hill Country along the Guadalupe River.
At least one person has died from the flooding, according to Governor Greg Abbott.
Up to 20 inches of rain fell near Kerrville, overwhelming the river.
Water rescues and evacuations are underway; residents are urged to seek higher ground.
Current river levels peaked at 16.90 feet, less than half of the 34.29 feet during the 2025 Camp Mystic flood.
The 2025 Camp Mystic flood killed 27 people at a summer camp and caused over 100 deaths in the region.
Several Texas rivers are in major flood stage, meaning severe flooding and evacuations are ongoing.
Emergency officials warn this flood remains life-threatening despite lower water levels than the 2025 disaster.
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A group of charities, schools, and businesses in Jersey has asked the government to create a special taskforce to address poverty. They say many families are struggling financially due to rising living costs and stagnant incomes, and urgent action is needed to support them.
Key Facts
More than a third of homes in Jersey are facing financial difficulties.
One in four children in Jersey lives in a household with low income compared to others.
The group includes 13 organizations like Caritas Jersey, Jersey Community Foundation, and Mind Jersey.
They sent an open letter to Jersey's government asking for help to tackle poverty.
Families are forced to cut back on essentials such as food and heating or work multiple jobs, affecting their mental health.
The letter warns that without action, Jersey could see fewer people working and more pressure on health and social services.
The group calls for "bold, systemic change," not just small fixes, to build a better support system for families.
Recommendations include better understanding family needs, fixing gaps in current systems, and creating long-term solutions.
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Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson remains the busiest airport in the world for 2025, handling over 106 million passengers. Airports in Asia and the Middle East, like Dubai and Tokyo, are growing fast, closing the gap. The United States has five airports in the world’s top 20 busiest, mostly focused on domestic flights.
Key Facts
Atlanta airport served 106,302,208 passengers in 2025, a slight decline of 1.6% from 2024.
Dubai International Airport is second with 95,192,160 passengers, growing 3.1% from 2024.
Tokyo Haneda rose to third with 91,679,814 passengers, increasing 6.7%.
Global air travel reached 9.8 billion passengers in 2025, 6.5% more than in 2019 before COVID-19.
Five U.S. airports are in the world top 20: Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago O'Hare, Denver, and Los Angeles.
Most major U.S. airports mainly serve domestic travelers (80-95%), except Los Angeles with 68% domestic traffic.
Shanghai Pudong in China jumped to fifth place with 84,994,548 passengers, growing 10.7% due to more international travel.
Europe’s biggest hubs include London Heathrow (7th), Paris Charles de Gaulle (14th), Amsterdam Schiphol (17th), and Madrid-Barajas (18th).
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The US Department of State has approved a nearly $2 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia to help improve its air defenses amid rising tensions involving Iran. The sale includes advanced weapons systems and aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s security and cooperation with US and regional forces.
Key Facts
The US approved a $1.96 billion foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia.
The sale intends to improve Saudi Arabia’s air defense capabilities.
The weapons include up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems, designed to destroy targets with limited collateral damage.
BAE Systems will be the main contractor supplying the weapons.
The sale supports US foreign policy by strengthening a key ally in the Gulf region.
The sale comes as Saudi Arabia faces missile attacks from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis.
Recent attacks by Houthis targeted Saudi airports and threaten vital Saudi facilities.
The US and Iran’s ceasefire has broken down, increasing regional tensions.
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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made major changes in his wartime government, including firing his defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov and replacing his prime minister. The dismissals caused protests across Ukraine and revealed tensions between the defense minister, who pushed modern technology like drones, and traditional military leaders during the ongoing war with Russia.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy removed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and his prime minister in a government reshuffle.
Fedorov, 35, was credited with improving Ukraine’s military by introducing drone technology and modernizing weapons.
Fedorov clashed with Ukraine’s military commander, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, over reforms and technology use.
Zelenskyy said he stepped in to resolve disagreements between Fedorov and Syrskyi.
Fedorov criticized Syrskyi for blocking changes needed for the war, despite successes in recent months.
Two people were killed, and several others injured when Russian missiles hit Kyiv overnight.
Maj. Gen. Yevhen Khmara, head of the security service’s elite forces, will temporarily lead the Defense Ministry.
Zelenskyy emphasized the complicated relationship between Ukraine’s Defense Ministry and military leadership during the ongoing conflict.
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Protests happened in central Kyiv because President Zelenskyy fired Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Many people believe this dismissal could slow down changes meant to improve the military.
Key Facts
The protests took place in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.
They are described as rare, showing they do not happen often.
President Zelenskyy removed Mykhailo Fedorov from the role of Defence Minister.
Fedorov’s dismissal upset many people involved in or supporting military reform.
Military reform means making changes to improve the army’s work and efficiency.
The protests demonstrate some public disagreement with the president’s decision.
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The U.S. State Department has issued Level 4 "Do Not Travel" warnings for 23 countries due to serious dangers like war, terrorism, kidnapping, and political instability. These warnings mean travelers face life-threatening risks and that the U.S. government has limited ability to help Americans in those places.
Key Facts
Level 4 is the highest U.S. travel advisory, meaning people should not travel there for any reason.
Countries on the Level 4 list include Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Ukraine.
Many affected countries face war, terrorism, armed conflict, or political unrest.
Kidnapping and violent crime are common threats in several of these countries.
The U.S. government often cannot provide emergency assistance or consular services in these areas.
Some countries are also on the list due to poor health care or ongoing humanitarian crises.
The advisory helps Americans understand severe risks before planning travel to these dangerous regions.
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Large wildfires are burning across Canada and the western United States in 2026, fueled by extreme weather and climate factors. Hot temperatures, drought, and low snow levels have created tough conditions that make wildfires start earlier, last longer, and spread more easily.
Key Facts
More than 3,500 wildfires have burned about 2.3 million acres in Canada this year.
The U.S. has experienced nearly 40,000 fires, burning over 3.6 million acres, especially in Colorado and Utah.
Smoke from Canadian and U.S. wildfires is affecting air quality in northern and northeastern U.S. states.
Fire seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer than usual.
Low snowpack and early melting in western North America have dried out land before the fire season.
Experts link these extreme fire conditions to human-caused climate change.
Ten large wildfires remain active in Colorado and Utah, with others in several western states.
Firefighters have faced dangerous conditions, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
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London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan is one of 26 new members appointed to the UK's House of Lords. The list includes people from several political parties and some cross-bench members, and these appointments were made before Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer leaves office.
Key Facts
Sir Sadiq Khan has been London Mayor since 2016 and is nominated as a Labour peer in the House of Lords.
Along with 16 Labour members, five Liberal Democrats, three Conservatives, and two cross-bench members were also appointed.
The King formally approves peerages based on the prime minister's advice.
These appointments are political peerages, not resignation honors usually given by departing prime ministers.
Sir Sadiq is currently in his third term as mayor and is not seeking a ministerial role in the incoming government.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation, and Andy Burnham will become prime minister soon.
The appointments include notable figures such as broadcaster June Sarpong and former union chief Christina McAnea.
Some critics, like Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, say the appointments do not reflect wider political representation.
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A fire broke out at an orphanage in Algiers, Algeria, killing eleven people and injuring nineteen others. This happened during a severe heatwave that has caused many fires across the country.
Key Facts
Eleven people died in a fire at an orphanage in Algiers, Algeria.
Nineteen people were injured in the same fire.
The fire occurred during a strong heatwave affecting Algeria.
The heatwave has caused hundreds of fires nationwide.
The orphanage fire is part of a larger problem of fires due to high temperatures.
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Smoke from wildfires in Canada is spreading across many U.S. states, causing warnings about unhealthy air quality. Officials and health experts advise people to check air quality reports regularly and take steps to protect their health, especially if they belong to sensitive groups.
Key Facts
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is affecting air quality from Minnesota and Wisconsin to New York and New England.
The worst pollution is in the Great Lakes region, including Detroit, Minneapolis, and Chicago.
Fine particles called PM2.5 from the smoke can enter lungs and bloodstream, increasing health risks.
Air quality warnings have been issued to advise people to limit outdoor activities.
Officials suggest using N95 masks outdoors when smoke levels are high.
People with asthma, heart disease, or other health conditions should take extra care.
Real-time air quality maps are available online from sources like windy.com and the EPA's AirNow website.
Symptoms from smoke exposure can include coughing, wheezing, headaches, and eye irritation; severe symptoms require medical attention.
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Minneapolis currently has the worst air quality in the world among major cities because of thick smoke from wildfires nearby. Officials are warning people to stay indoors due to hazardous air conditions caused by many fires burning in northern Minnesota and Ontario, Canada.
Key Facts
Minneapolis' air quality reached an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 460, well above the hazardous level of 300.
Detroit also had one of the worst air qualities in the world alongside Minneapolis.
Wildfires are burning in Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota.
Hot, dry, windy weather and lightning have made the fires spread quickly.
Over 183 wildfires were active in Ontario, Canada, sending smoke to the U.S. Midwest.
Rain forecasted is too light to stop the fires, which may burn until fall.
First responders are evacuating residents and visitors to keep them safe.
Firefighters from both the U.S. and Canada are working together to fight the fires.
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A court in Genoa, Italy, sentenced the former CEO of the country’s main highway operator to 12 years in prison for the collapse of the Morandi bridge in 2018, which killed 43 people. The trial involved 57 defendants and focused on charges including manslaughter, negligence, and safety violations tied to the bridge's poor maintenance.
Key Facts
The Morandi bridge in Genoa collapsed on August 14, 2018, killing 43 people.
Giovanni Castellucci, former CEO of Atlantia (the company that operated the bridge), received a 12-year prison sentence.
Castellucci was convicted of vehicular homicide and negligence.
Michele Donferri Mitelli, former head of maintenance, was sentenced to 11 years; Antonino Galata, former CEO of the engineering firm SPEA, got five years and six months.
A total of 32 people were convicted, with sentences ranging from nearly 2 to 12 years; others were found not guilty or had charges expire.
The trial lasted four years and included accusations of manslaughter, neglecting transport safety, and falsifying documents.
The bridge had been deteriorating for years, with experts warning about its condition but needed repairs were not made.
Prosecutors said delayed maintenance and ignored warnings caused the collapse, while the defense blamed hidden construction defects.
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The traditionalist Catholic group Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) warned against unquestioning obedience to the pope, listing what they see as errors by recent popes. This came shortly after the Vatican excommunicated four SSPX bishops for being ordained without approval, leading the group to begin appealing the decision.
Key Facts
SSPX posted a video urging Catholics to question papal authority if it contradicts traditional Church teachings.
The group claims recent popes have made serious errors on topics like same-sex blessings, religious diversity, the death penalty, and Marian titles.
The SSPX was critical of reforms from the Second Vatican Council, which introduced many changes to Catholic practice.
On July 1, SSPX ordained four bishops without the pope’s permission in Switzerland.
Pope Leo XIV excommunicated those bishops, the consecrators, and SSPX members formally following the group.
SSPX appealed the excommunications shortly after they were announced.
The group disagrees with Pope Francis approving blessings for same-sex couples but says these do not change Church teaching on marriage.
SSPX rejects Pope Francis’s view that religious diversity is willed by God, seeing it as contradictory to Catholic doctrine.
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Scientists named a new dinosaur that is valued at $50 million. The article also mentions other world events, including Sir Keir Starmer’s last session as UK Prime Minister and ongoing tensions between the US and Iran.
Key Facts
A new dinosaur worth $50 million received an official scientific name.
Sir Keir Starmer participated in his last Prime Minister’s Questions before leaving office.
The US and Iran continue to have conflicts involving verbal attacks and military actions.
Film critics praised the movie The Odyssey this week.
The article includes a quiz about recent news events.
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Giovanni Castellucci, the former head of Italy’s motorway company, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in the 2018 collapse of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa, which killed 43 people. In total, 32 people were found guilty for the disaster, while others were either acquitted or had charges expire.
Key Facts
The Morandi Bridge in Genoa collapsed in 2018, killing 43 people.
Giovanni Castellucci, former CEO of Autostrade per l’Italia, received the longest sentence of 12 years for manslaughter by negligence.
A total of 32 people were convicted, with sentences ranging from almost 2 years to 12 years.
Some defendants were found not guilty or had charges expire due to time limits.
The court case focused on poor maintenance and ignored safety warnings as causes of the collapse.
Defence argued the collapse was due to a design flaw that maintenance could not prevent.
The disaster led to the Benetton family giving up control of the motorway company.
The damaged bridge was replaced by the Genoa San Giorgio Bridge, designed by architect Renzo Piano and opened in 2020.
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Reports show China and Russia are working together on advanced military technology and space weapons aimed at countering Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network. This partnership involves joint meetings and efforts to develop weapons and strategies neither country could create alone.
Key Facts
Three major European news outlets investigated and reported a joint plan by China and Russia to defeat Starlink.
The investigation found documents showing deep military cooperation between China and Russia, including in space weapons.
The China-Russia Military-Technical Cooperation Forum held secret meetings, with continued talks planned.
Starlink has been important for Ukraine’s military during the conflict with Russia, providing communication and operational advantages.
The US military values Starlink and similar satellites for navigation, communications, and battlefield uses.
China and Russia are building their own satellite networks, but they are not yet as large or advanced as Starlink’s 10,000+ satellites.
China recently recovered a reusable rocket booster, helping it potentially launch more satellites faster.
There are ongoing questions about whether commercial satellites like Starlink can be legitimate military targets in future conflicts.
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The high court in England and Wales has reopened the inquest into the death of 14-year-old Jools Sweeney, who died after taking part in a TikTok “blackout challenge.” The court ruled that social media evidence, which was not examined in the original inquest, must be included in the new inquiry.
Key Facts
Jools Sweeney died in April 2022 at age 14 in Gloucestershire.
His parents believe TikTok’s “blackout challenge” was involved in his death.
The original inquest in 2022 lasted only 23 minutes and did not include social media evidence.
The high court ordered a new inquest to review social media data from Jools’ phone.
A private analysis showed signs of TikTok overuse or addiction by Jools.
Jools’ mother helped pass “Jools’ Law,” requiring tech firms to save a deceased child's online data within five days.
TikTok and its parent company are being sued by Jools’ family and other parents in the U.S.
Legal experts say current investigations do not adequately address the role of social media in youth deaths.
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Large wildfires are burning in Canada and the northern United States, producing heavy smoke that is affecting air quality in cities like Toronto, New York, and Boston. Authorities are warning people to limit outdoor activities due to health risks from the smoke’s fine particles.
Key Facts
There are 858 active wildfires in Canada, with nearly 200 in Ontario.
Minnesota has 17 ongoing fires and declared an emergency to help fight them.
Some communities in northern Ontario, including First Nation areas, are under evacuation orders due to fire damage.
Hot, dry weather caused by a "heat dome" has increased wildfire risk by drying out plants and soil.
Smoke from the fires is traveling southeast and has made air quality very poor in cities like Detroit, Toronto, and Minneapolis.
The smoke contains tiny harmful particles (like PM2.5) that can reach deep into the lungs and cause inflammation.
People with lung, heart, kidney, or eye problems, as well as children, are most at risk from the smoke.
Officials recommend staying indoors, avoiding hard outdoor work, wearing certified N95 masks, and seeking medical help if symptoms appear.
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US Vice-President JD Vance visited Caernarfon Castle in Wales in 2013 with his wife and was deeply impressed by its age and history. He wrote in a new book that the visit gave him a new sense of time and perspective on life and marriage.
Key Facts
JD Vance is the US Vice-President.
He visited Caernarfon Castle, a 13th-century castle and UNESCO world heritage site.
The visit occurred in 2013 with his wife, Usha Vance.
Vance was amazed by how much older the castle is compared to historic buildings in the US.
The castle had already been standing for hundreds of years before English settlers arrived in America.
Vance said the visit helped him feel the vastness of time and the smallness of human life.
During the trip, they also visited another castle in Conwy and experienced local culture, including an English breakfast.
Vance described meeting Welsh utility workers who were conservatives familiar with his work, showing cross-cultural connections.
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