Uganda has discharged its last patient treated for Ebola, leaving no active confirmed cases in the country. A 42-day period now begins before Uganda can be officially declared Ebola-free, provided no new cases appear.
Key Facts
The current Ebola outbreak in Uganda was declared in May and involved the Bundibugyo species of the virus.
Uganda recorded 20 confirmed Ebola cases, mostly visitors from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), with two deaths.
DR Congo remains the epicenter, with over 2,000 confirmed Ebola infections and 796 deaths.
Uganda has strong health protocols, including early detection, isolation, and contact tracing, to manage Ebola outbreaks.
The Ugandan Health Ministry advises people to watch for symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and unexplained bleeding and seek medical care if they appear.
The US now requires citizens who have been in DR Congo to spend 21 days in a third country before entering the US.
Ebola is a virus that harms the immune system and organs, spreads through bodily fluids, and can start from infected animals like fruit bats.
The World Health Organization suggests the true number of Ebola infections in DR Congo may be much higher than reported.
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Smoke from more than 180 wildfires in Canada is drifting into the United States, causing poor and dangerous air quality in at least 17 states. Cities like Detroit and Minneapolis have some of the worst air in the world, with air conditions labeled as extremely hazardous.
Key Facts
Over 180 wildfires are burning in Canada, producing smoke that travels more than 1,000 miles into the U.S.
At least 17 U.S. states, from Minnesota to New Hampshire to Virginia, have air quality alerts due to wildfire smoke.
Detroit and Minneapolis have the worst air quality among major cities worldwide, with Detroit’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching about 600.
An AQI above 300 is considered hazardous for health.
Smoke is expected to continue moving east and south, affecting New York City, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Ohio, and Virginia through Friday.
New York City may experience orange-colored skies because of dense smoke.
Nine large wildfires also burn in northern Minnesota.
Officials and news outlets are monitoring the situation and providing updates on air quality.
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Russian leaders in Moscow and St. Petersburg are facing serious difficulties due to challenges in their military efforts. Meanwhile, Ukraine is increasing its military actions against Russia.
Key Facts
Russian elites in Moscow and St. Petersburg are experiencing tough times.
These hardships are stronger than what this generation has seen before.
The difficulties relate to problems with Russia’s military.
Ukraine is intensifying its efforts in the conflict against Russia.
The situation is causing a loss of confidence among Russian leaders in their military.
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Five people were found unresponsive inside a parked Ford Explorer SUV in Toledo, Ohio, with three of them dying and two children hospitalized in critical condition. Officials confirmed a high level of carbon monoxide gas was inside the vehicle, and an investigation is ongoing to understand how the gas entered the SUV.
Key Facts
The SUV had pulled over due to a flat tire in a parking lot.
Victims included a grandmother and her grandchildren.
Carbon monoxide, a deadly gas with no smell or color, was detected at high levels inside the vehicle.
Three people died and two children were seriously ill in the hospital.
Authorities do not suspect foul play.
A similar carbon monoxide case involving a vehicle occurred several years ago linked to floorboard holes.
Ford Explorers were investigated by federal safety officials from 2011 to 2017 for exhaust odor complaints but were not recalled.
The exact model year of the SUV in the recent incident is not yet known.
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Shannon Lewis, who is blind in her father, wanted to share a special wedding moment with him despite his loss of vision. She and her dad shared a “first look” where he touched her wedding dress and hair before she walked down the aisle.
Key Facts
Shannon Lewis’s dad, Gary McAfee, lost his vision when she was in high school.
Lewis is a wedding planner and wanted a special moment with her dad on her wedding day.
Instead of seeing her dress, her dad touched the fabric and buttons guided by Lewis and her mom.
The dad loved feeling that Lewis wore her hair mostly down like when she was growing up.
The photographer captured this moment and called it a pure act of love.
The video of this “first touch” has over 394,000 views and 47,300 likes on Instagram.
Lewis’s dad also walked her down the aisle, lifted her veil, and they shared a dance.
Lewis said her dad faces challenges with faith and kindness despite being blind.
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Hundreds of people protested in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The protests called on the president to reverse his decision, while parliament prepared to vote on a new wartime government including a new defence minister.
Key Facts
Hundreds protested near the Ivan Franko National Theatre in Kyiv against the dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Similar protests also happened in Lviv, Odesa, and Dnipro.
Protesters chanted “Shame!” and held signs saying “The Russians are celebrating.”
The protests happened near the presidential office, a site of previous public demonstrations.
Ukraine’s parliament was preparing to vote on a new wartime government after Fedorov’s dismissal.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko also left office as part of the government changes.
Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs, is expected to become the new defence minister.
Mykhailo Fedorov, a technology expert and former minister for digital transformation, highlighted achievements like disabling Russian forces’ Starlink access and expanding drone production.
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A fire broke out early Thursday morning at a child welfare center in Mohammadia, Algeria, killing 11 people including children and injuring 19 others. Rescue teams treated the injured and evacuated vulnerable residents, while authorities started an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Key Facts
The fire happened at around 3:30 a.m. local time in the Childhood Relief Institution, a center for orphans and children with special needs.
11 people died, and 19 were injured, including those with burns and smoke inhalation.
Emergency teams evacuated five residents with special needs to safety.
Seven injured people received treatment for severe psychological shock.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune expressed condolences.
Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb visited the hospital to check on the injured.
Firefighting and rescue operations are finished.
Authorities have launched an official investigation to find out what caused the fire.
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Rich countries became wealthy by using fossil fuels, which cause climate change. Poorer countries, which contributed little to the problem, face costly damage from floods and droughts and need at least $2 trillion each year to handle these challenges. Although rich nations promised financial help, the gap in funding is growing, and some major donors are reducing aid.
Key Facts
Developed countries gained wealth by burning fossil fuels, leading to climate change.
Poorer nations suffer damage from extreme weather like floods and droughts.
These vulnerable countries need about $2 trillion annually to adapt and recover.
Rich nations have promised to provide financial support for this transition.
The actual funding gap is increasing instead of decreasing.
Some of the largest donors have recently cut their climate aid.
The World Bank has stopped aiming to meet its climate finance target.
Questions are raised about whether the current global system protects vulnerable people effectively.
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Ukrainians are protesting in Kyiv against the removal of their defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov. Fedorov was seen as successful during his time in office, leading operations against Russian targets, even as missile attacks on the city continued.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Fedorov was Ukraine's defense minister until recently.
He was known for leading successful military actions, including strikes inside Russia.
His dismissal has led to public protests in Kyiv.
Russian missiles hit the Ukrainian capital early on July 16, 2026.
Despite the attacks, many people are still protesting against Fedorov's removal.
The protests show Fedorov was popular among the Ukrainian public.
This event is part of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The article was published on July 16, 2026.
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A recent agreement between the United States and Iran aimed to ensure safe passage of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route. However, the agreement’s wording is vague, allowing Iran to claim it can control and charge fees for passage, which has led to renewed tensions and military actions in the region.
Key Facts
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was made to end conflict and guarantee safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
The MoU’s Article 5 promises “safe passage of commercial vessels” but does not clearly say who manages this.
Iran is responsible for making arrangements and talking with Oman and other Gulf states about future control and services, but the US is excluded from these talks.
Iran may claim the right to require prior permission, set traffic routes, and charge fees for passage — potentially making billions of dollars.
The Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway where ships generally have the right to free and continuous passage under international law.
Iran disagrees with this international law, arguing for a narrower control that allows it to restrict ships more strictly.
Charging fees for mere passage is illegal under international rules, which only allow charges for actual services like towing or piloting.
Oman controls part of the strait and supports free passage, limiting Iran’s control there.
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A Mexican councilwoman, Maria de Jesus Quijada, was shot along with her daughter near the U.S. border, while her husband was killed. Authorities are investigating the attack, which is part of a larger problem of violence against local officials by criminal gangs in Mexico.
Key Facts
Maria de Jesus Quijada is a councilwoman from Tecate, near the U.S. border.
She, her 15-year-old daughter, and her husband were attacked while traveling in a car.
Her husband died from the gunshot wounds; she and her daughter were taken to a U.S. hospital.
Police found a burnt-out car near the attack site, possibly used by the attackers.
The government is investigating the motive and suspects involvement of criminal gangs.
Since October 2024, 13 Mexican mayors have been murdered amid cartel violence.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum reported nearly a 50% drop in homicides since September 2024.
Mexico has faced high violence levels since 2006 related to drug gang conflicts, with hundreds of thousands killed or missing.
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New information has come out about Morocco’s use of Pegasus spyware, which can secretly access phones and collect data. This comes as French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu visits Morocco, years after Morocco used Pegasus to spy on French officials. A whistleblower revealed that Pegasus was only used as a last option, and a Moroccan critic faced intense surveillance before being arrested and later pardoned.
Key Facts
Morocco used Pegasus spyware, made by Israeli company NSO, to spy on officials, including French politicians.
In 2017, NSO representatives demonstrated Pegasus’s capabilities to Moroccan officials before Morocco and Israel had formal relations.
Pegasus can turn on cameras, microphones, and copy texts remotely.
A former Moroccan secret services worker said Pegasus was used only as a last resort, with other surveillance methods also in use.
Moroccan critic Omar Radi was heavily monitored with phone taps and hidden cameras before being arrested.
Radi was convicted in a trial criticized for irregularities and later received a royal pardon.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is visiting Morocco at the time of these new disclosures.
The article also mentions political issues around US support for Israel and reactions to the World Cup semi-final but focuses mainly on Morocco’s spyware revelations.
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The US attacked an Iranian oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz and targeted missile and coastal defense sites in Iran, including the capital Tehran. Following this, Iran launched attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, increasing tensions in the region. Separately, President Donald Trump announced that Iran released Dena Karari, a detained US-Iranian citizen.
Key Facts
The US fired Hellfire missiles at an oil tanker trying to reach Kharg Island, disabling it after ignoring warnings.
US strikes targeted Iranian coastal defenses, missile sites, and reportedly Tehran itself.
Iran responded by attacking Bahrain and Kuwait.
Tensions have risen after a ceasefire collapsed, raising fears of a broader conflict.
President Donald Trump confirmed the release of Dena Karari, a US-Iranian detained since 2024.
Israel’s defense minister told the US that Israel plans to keep forces in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.
In separate news, Mexican officials requested investigations into immigrant deaths in US ICE custody.
JD Vance, US Vice-President, admitted mistakes in handling the release of Jeffrey Epstein files but denied intent to hide information.
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Actor Sam Neill, known for the "Jurassic Park" films, died at age 78 from pneumonia. He had previously fought and beaten lymphoma using a new treatment called CAR-T therapy and remained cancer free at the time of his death.
Key Facts
Sam Neill died on Monday at age 78.
The cause of death was pneumonia.
He had successfully treated lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, through CAR-T therapy.
Neill was diagnosed in 2022 with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare and sometimes aggressive cancer.
He remained cancer free when he passed away.
Neill had filmed four projects in the past year, which are set to be released soon.
A private family memorial will be held later at his farm in New Zealand.
Neill was known for his roles in "Jurassic Park" and "Peaky Blinders."
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French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is visiting Morocco on July 16 to improve trade and defense relations. At the same time, an investigation revealed that Morocco used spyware from Israel to secretly monitor French ministers, including the prime minister.
Key Facts
The French Prime Minister is visiting Morocco on July 16, 2026.
The visit aims to strengthen trade and defense ties between France and Morocco.
Morocco allegedly used Israeli spyware to spy on French government officials.
French ministers, including Prime Minister Lecornu, were targets of the spying.
The spying allegations emerged just as the visit was starting.
The investigation was reported by FRANCE 24.
The spyware involved is developed by an Israeli company.
This issue may affect diplomatic relations between France and Morocco.
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John Tran’s three sons said they saw human bones floating in the Saigon River, but he did not believe them at first. Later, a news report confirmed that a woman's body was found in a sack in the same river, which made Tran reconsider his response to his sons’ story.
Key Facts
John Tran lives in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with his partner and triplet sons aged six.
The boys claimed to see human bones in the water during a river tour.
Tran initially thought the boys were imagining things and dismissed their claim.
Vietnamese news later reported finding a woman's body in a sack floating in the Saigon River.
Authorities arrested the victim’s husband in connection with the case.
Tran acknowledges the boy’s sighting and the news report probably are unrelated due to timing and river currents.
A child psychiatrist advises parents to calmly listen to unusual claims and watch children’s emotions to assess whether there may be real concerns.
Tran said this experience taught him to pay more attention to what his children say, even if it sounds unlikely.
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Tensions between the US and Iran have increased after a week of attacks and counterattacks. The US restarted a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and attacked a ship, while Iran responded with strikes on US allies like Jordan.
Key Facts
The US resumed its naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
US forces fired at a ship trying to pass through the blockade.
Iran launched missile strikes targeting US allies, including Jordan.
These events have damaged hopes for a lasting peace deal between the US and Iran.
The conflict involves attacks and retaliations from both sides over several days.
President Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of the blockade and threatened further actions.
The situation has caused increased instability in the Middle East region.
Talks to end the conflict are in danger due to the recent escalation.
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A large forest fire has burned nearly 2,000 hectares of the Fontainebleau forest near Paris, France. About 950 firefighters and aerial teams are still working to fully put out the fire, which has been contained but not yet extinguished four days after it started. French President Emmanuel Macron plans to visit the area.
Key Facts
The Fontainebleau forest is an important and fragile natural area in France.
Nearly 2,000 hectares (about 4,942 acres) of the forest have been burned.
Around 950 firefighters, supported by aircraft, are fighting the fire.
The fire began four days ago and is currently contained but not completely extinguished.
French authorities suspect the fire was started by people who set it on purpose (arson).
French President Emmanuel Macron will visit the fire-affected area soon.
Police are investigating the possible cause and individuals responsible.
The fire is located south of Paris.
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Two boats carrying more than 500 people, mostly Rohingya refugees, are feared to have capsized off the coast of Myanmar in recent days. The United Nations agencies warn of a large loss of life and call for stronger efforts to protect these refugees and prevent further deaths.
Key Facts
Two boats from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, carrying around 530 people, are believed to have sunk recently.
One boat lost contact shortly after leaving, and another reportedly sank off Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady coast on July 8.
The passengers were mostly Rohingya refugees fleeing difficult conditions and violence.
Over 300 people had already died or gone missing on similar sea journeys in the area before these incidents.
Many Rohingya live in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh, facing cuts in aid and restrictions on returning home.
The Rohingya are fleeing violence and military control in Myanmar, where they face severe persecution.
The UN agencies urged international support to improve rescue efforts, protect refugees, and combat smuggling.
In 2025, the Rohingya sea route had the highest death rate among refugee journeys worldwide, with nearly 900 dead or missing.
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In Senegal, activist Modou Fall raises awareness about plastic pollution by wearing a suit made from discarded plastic waste. He walks through Dakar and other areas to show people the seriousness of plastic pollution and encourage officials to enforce environmental laws.
Key Facts
Plastic waste is a major environmental problem in West Africa, including Senegal.
Modou Fall is an activist who created an outfit from recycled plastic materials.
He wears this plastic suit in public places like Dakar to attract attention.
His goal is to raise public awareness about plastic pollution’s scale.
He wants government authorities to strengthen environmental protection enforcement.
The approach uses visual impact to communicate the pollution problem.
The issue is part of broader environmental challenges in the region.
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