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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Ten songs recorded early in David Bowie’s career, when he was known as Davie Jones, will be released in a new collection called *David Bowie: The Shel Talmy Recordings*. The tracks include contributions from famous musicians and will be available to the public starting 18 September.
Key Facts
The collection features ten previously unreleased tracks from David Bowie’s early career.
Bowie went by the name Davie Jones during this time.
The songs were produced by Shel Talmy, who worked with bands like The Kinks and The Who.
Guitarist Jimmy Page, later of Led Zeppelin, and pianist Nicky Hopkins also played on some tracks.
One single called "I Want Your Love" was released ahead of the full collection.
Bowie changed his stage name in 1966 to avoid confusion with another singer named Davy Jones.
Bowie’s breakthrough hit, "Space Oddity," came out in 1969.
The full collection will be released on 18 September 2024.
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Students and teachers at a primary school in the Israeli-occupied West Bank protested against Israeli plans to demolish their school. Israel says many demolitions happen because of missing building permits, but human rights groups and the international community criticize these actions.
Key Facts
The school is located in the West Bank, a territory occupied by Israel.
Israeli forces plan to demolish a primary school there.
Students and teachers held a protest on July 15, 2026.
Israel often destroys Palestinian homes and infrastructure citing lack of permits.
Thousands of Palestinian properties have been demolished in recent years.
Human rights organizations have condemned these demolitions.
The international community has also criticized Israel's demolition actions.
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A stranded humpback whale named Timmy on Germany’s Baltic coast inspired a rescue effort and a new satirical play. The play portrays how people projected their hopes and fears onto the whale, turning it into a symbol, while also showing the controversy around how to care for the animal.
Key Facts
Timmy is a humpback whale stranded on the Baltic coast of Germany in April.
The whale was originally called Timmy but was later found to be female; an earlier nickname was Hope.
A rescue mission was organized, including a private attempt to move the whale back to sea on a water-filled barge.
The rescue was funded by two millionaires and supported by some but opposed by experts who doubted Timmy’s chances of survival.
A satirical play called "Timmy: Hope Dies Last" premiered in Hamburg, depicting the whale as a religious figure and showing how people emotionally connected with it.
The play includes real interview clips of people who visited Timmy, showing diverse and strong emotional reactions.
Some Catholic theologians criticized the play’s religious symbolism, while other media praised its insight into how people seek hope.
The Timmy story also led to a surge in whale-themed book sales and inspired various songs, including one created by AI.
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Algeria is facing many wildfires caused by a heatwave and long dry spells. On July 15, over 130 fires were reported, resulting in at least one death and serious damage to farms and animals.
Key Facts
Wildfires are spreading across Algeria due to extreme heat and drought.
More than 130 fires occurred on a single day, July 15, 2026.
At least one person died because of the wildfires.
The fires have badly affected farmers and livestock owners.
Wildfires happen regularly in Algeria during summer but are much worse this year.
The article mentions that farming communities are on the frontline fighting these fires.
The severity of fires is linked to unusual weather conditions like heatwaves and drought.
Algeria’s government and people are dealing with increased fire emergencies this season.
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A court in Indian-administered Kashmir officially declared that Abdul Rashid Wani, who disappeared nearly 30 years ago while in military custody, is dead. The ruling blamed an army major for his death and ordered a death certificate, marking a rare official recognition for families of the many missing people in the region.
Key Facts
Abdul Rashid Wani disappeared in July 1997 after being taken into military custody.
A judge recently confirmed Wani’s death, stating he was murdered while in custody.
The court order included issuing a death certificate for Wani.
Wani’s family waited nearly 30 years for this official acknowledgment.
Thousands of people have gone missing in Kashmir during the armed conflict that began in 1989.
Rights groups estimate around 8,000 people remain missing in the region.
Kashmir is a disputed area claimed by both India and Pakistan, with a history of conflict and military presence.
Families of the disappeared face ongoing uncertainty, as many bodies have not been found.
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French police are investigating the cause of two wildfires near Fontainebleau, southeast of Paris. Five people have been arrested on suspicion of starting the fires on purpose, while another person admitted to accidentally causing a fire by discarding a cigarette.
Key Facts
Two wildfires occurred in the Fontainebleau forest area near Paris.
The fires have now been contained but not fully extinguished.
Five suspects, including a volunteer firefighter, were arrested for allegedly setting the fires intentionally.
One suspect admitted to accidentally starting a fire by throwing away a cigarette.
Authorities are focusing on finding out how the fires began.
The fires occurred during a heatwave affecting much of France.
Firefighters worked to control the blazes in the forest.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the fires.
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Yemen is moving away from a peaceful period as regional tensions rise due to an Iranian plane entering Yemeni airspace and attacks between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. The conflict involves the wider dispute between the United States and Iran, with concerns about security and influence in key trade routes.
Key Facts
An Iranian aircraft tried to land in Sanaa, Yemen, which escalated tensions between Yemen’s government, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.
The Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia saw the flight as Iran trying to connect directly with Houthi-controlled areas.
The Houthis attacked Abha airport in Saudi Arabia after Saudi forces targeted Sanaa airport to prevent the Iranian plane from landing.
This attack was the first claimed Houthi strike on Saudi Arabia since a truce started in March 2022.
The US State Department confirmed its support for Saudi Arabia against what it calls Iranian aggression and the threat posed by the Houthis.
The Houthis are now seen by the US as part of Iran's network, capable of threatening regional security, including navigation in the Red Sea.
Saudi and US military officials recently met to discuss cooperation amid these rising tensions.
Key trade routes like the Bab al-Mandab strait are strategic and vulnerable, raising concerns about broader regional conflict.
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Protests have taken place in several cities in Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was popular for his reforms and focus on modern technology in the military. The dismissal has caused concern among soldiers, officials, and citizens, while a vote on Fedorov's proposed replacement, Ihor Klymenko, is scheduled.
Key Facts
Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov was dismissed unexpectedly by President Zelensky.
Fedorov was known for fighting corruption and introducing new technology like drones and cyber tools to Ukraine's military.
Protests against the dismissal occurred mainly among young people in Kyiv and other cities.
Fedorov had previously started a volunteer "IT Army of Ukraine" to carry out cyber-attacks against Russia.
Ihor Klymenko, head of the interior ministry, is the proposed new defence minister.
Some link Fedorov's removal to conflicts with military leadership or dissatisfaction with military recruitment reforms.
A high-ranking drone commander resigned in protest over Fedorov’s sacking.
Fedorov said he will keep working to help Ukraine defeat its enemy using innovation and speed.
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More than 100 wildfires are burning in northern Ontario, Canada, causing heavy smoke to reach Toronto. The smoke has made the air in Toronto very unhealthy, forcing city officials to tell people to stay inside.
Key Facts
Over 100 active wildfires are burning in northern Ontario.
Smoke from these fires has spread to Toronto, Canada's largest city.
Toronto’s air quality became the worst in the world on July 15.
The smoke caused allergic reactions for many people in Toronto.
Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors for safety.
The wildfires continue to burn as of mid-July 2026.
The air pollution is directly linked to the wildfire smoke.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has moved to remove Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov during a cabinet shakeup, causing protests in Kyiv. The reshuffle happens amid Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia, with some officials resigning in protest and concerns about political tensions within the government.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy is dismissing Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as part of a government reshuffle.
Hundreds protested in Kyiv against the decision to remove Fedorov.
Fedorov is credited with improving Ukraine’s military performance using technology and drone development.
The deputy commander of the Ukrainian Air Force and some lawmakers resigned in protest.
Fedorov was previously head of Ukraine’s digital transformation and made ties with the Trump administration.
Some officials see Fedorov as a possible political rival to Zelenskyy.
There are reports of friction between Fedorov and top Ukrainian generals.
Zelenskyy nominated Naftogaz CEO Serhii Koretskyi as Ukraine’s new prime minister.
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Two strong earthquakes hit the Venezuelan state of La Guaira on June 24, causing many buildings to collapse and leaving tens of thousands of people missing. Because help has not arrived yet, local residents are digging through the rubble with their hands to find loved ones.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes occurred seconds apart on June 24 in Venezuela.
La Guaira, a state on the Caribbean coast, was the hardest hit area.
Entire buildings collapsed very quickly due to the quakes.
Tens of thousands of people are still unaccounted for after the disaster.
Official rescue and aid have not yet reached the affected areas.
Residents, calling themselves "the moles," are digging by hand through rubble to search for survivors.
The death toll from the earthquakes has surpassed 4,300.
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The Trump administration opposes the International Criminal Court (ICC), claiming it threatens U.S. sovereignty. Officials argue that the ICC could unfairly prosecute American agents, but the court only handles crimes on member countries’ soil and does not have authority over the U.S. The administration’s true concern is preventing prosecution for war crimes committed abroad.
Key Facts
Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged to “dismantle” the ICC, calling it a threat to U.S. sovereignty.
The ICC prosecutes serious crimes like war crimes and genocide on the territory of its member states.
The U.S. is not a member of the ICC, so the court cannot charge Americans for crimes committed on U.S. soil.
The ICC law is based on international treaties the U.S. has ratified or included in military rules.
Rubio’s claim that U.S. officials could be tried by foreign judges is inaccurate because the ICC’s jurisdiction is limited.
The Trump administration selectively uses international law, criticizing it when inconvenient and accepting it when useful.
The U.S. previously opposed certain ICC powers but supported its jurisdiction when it charged Russian President Putin for actions in Ukraine.
Other countries in Europe are members of the ICC, including many democracies, while abusive regimes often avoid joining.
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The new Netflix show The Hawk stars Will Ferrell as a pro golfer named Lonnie Hawkins who is trying to regain his past fame. The show uses comedy to bring more personality and excitement to golf, a sport often seen as slow and boring.
Key Facts
The Hawk is a new comedy series on Netflix about professional golf.
Will Ferrell plays Lonnie Hawkins, a golfer trying to return to success after his 2004 peak.
The show highlights golf’s challenges and the pressure it creates on players and their families.
Lonnie has distinctive traits like a signature drink and flashy outfits to make golf more interesting.
Cast members say golf combines tragedy, humor, and complexity that aren't obvious to viewers.
The series portrays golf players as having bold, unique personalities rather than being quiet and polite.
The show aims to change golf’s image to be more fun and engaging.
Fortune Feimster plays Lonnie’s caddy and shares humor about the difficulties of carrying golf equipment.
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The article argues that Russia is an empire struggling to maintain power and that common beliefs about its strength and future democracy are incorrect. It highlights that Ukraine's military actions have weakened Russia, and diplomatic efforts based on fear of President Donald Trump’s predecessor have not protected civilians.
Key Facts
Russia is described as the last European empire controlling many national republics within its federation.
Before the war, Russia’s economy was similar in size to Italy’s or Canada’s, countries not seen as global superpowers.
Common claims about Russia being "too big to fail" or having a democratic future do not hold up under close examination.
Ukraine’s missile attacks have damaged Russian oil refineries and military equipment near Moscow.
Fears of humiliating Russia or escalating nuclear conflict shaped Western policies early in the war.
Ukraine has shown that Russia’s military power is limited and not invincible.
The narrative that Russia will become democratic and reintegrate into the global community is considered unrealistic.
Efforts to inform ordinary Russians about the war have not resulted in mass opposition to the current government.
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The Morandi bridge in Genoa, Italy, collapsed in August 2018, killing 43 people and drawing attention to Italy’s aging infrastructure. A major criminal trial is now concluding, with judges set to deliver a verdict on whether neglect and poor maintenance caused the disaster.
Key Facts
The Morandi bridge collapsed on August 14, 2018, during heavy rain.
The collapse killed 43 people from Italy and other countries.
The bridge was built in 1967 and reinforced in the 1990s but showed signs of deterioration by 2000.
Investigations found that corroded cables holding up the bridge’s ninth pillar caused it to fail.
Prosecutors say poor maintenance and ignoring repairs contributed to the collapse.
Defense lawyers argue a hidden design flaw caused the failure, which could not have been prevented.
The bridge carried far more daily traffic than it was designed for, between 50,000 and 60,000 vehicles.
The trial is one of Italy’s largest criminal cases related to a public infrastructure disaster.
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Large protests took place in several Ukrainian cities on July 16 after President Volodymyr Zelensky removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Fedorov was appointed six months ago and was seen as a popular figure who worked to modernize Ukraine's military during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Key Facts
Protests erupted in multiple Ukrainian cities on July 16, 2026.
President Zelensky removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov from his position.
Fedorov had been Defence Minister for only six months.
He gained popularity for efforts to reform and modernize the Ukrainian military.
Ukraine has been engaged in conflict with Russia for over four years.
The military is under strain due to the ongoing invasion by Russia.
Fedorov was considered a key figure in Ukraine’s defense leadership.
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A fire at a foster care home in Algiers, Algeria, killed eleven people and injured nineteen others. Firefighters were still working to put out the fire early Thursday morning, while some people with special needs were safely evacuated.
Key Facts
The fire happened at a foster care facility in Algiers, the capital of Algeria.
Eleven people died in the fire, and nineteen were injured.
Firefighters were still trying to extinguish the fire early on Thursday.
Five people with special needs were moved to a safe place during the fire.
Algeria has been experiencing a heatwave and about 1,000 fires in the last week.
Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb visited two hospitals to see those injured in the fire.
The ages of the victims were not released by officials.
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