Ukraine launched a large drone attack targeting Moscow, with at least 200 drones sent overnight as part of its ongoing strikes deep inside Russia. Russian officials said many drones were intercepted across multiple regions, including Moscow, while Ukraine aims to hit military and infrastructure sites within Russia.
Key Facts
Over 200 Ukrainian drones were launched toward Moscow in one night.
Moscow’s mayor reported that most drones were neutralized by air defenses, with 10 destroyed near the city.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down at least 375 drones over 18 regions, including Crimea and the Black Sea.
In the past week, more than 1,200 Ukrainian drones flew toward Moscow, with around 191 shot down near the city.
In 2026 alone, Moscow reports show over 1,400 Ukrainian drones were intercepted, compared to 734 in all of 2025.
Ukraine targets include Russian cities, oil infrastructure, and military sites as part of its “long-range sanctions” campaign.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that attacking Russian territory is a response to Russia’s ongoing war and strikes on Ukraine.
Engels-2 airbase in Saratov, a key Russian military hub, was also targeted in recent Ukrainian drone attacks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Smoke from over 800 wildfires burning in Canada is spreading into the United States, causing poor air quality and haze in many states. New York and several other states have issued health alerts, warning people to take precautions to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the smoke.
Key Facts
Wildfires in Canada are producing smoke that has moved into the U.S., affecting air quality.
New York State issued air quality health advisories covering most of the state, including New York City.
Officials in New York are recommending people stay indoors, use air conditioning, wear masks, and avoid outdoor activities.
The air pollution includes fine particles that can harm children, older adults, and people with heart or lung problems.
Other states affected include Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Some areas, like parts of Minnesota, have air quality considered hazardous due to the smoke.
Pennsylvania has issued Code Red alerts, indicating very poor air quality.
The smoke is expected to continue impacting air quality across the Northeast and Midwest for several days.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The US military shared video of air strikes in Iran targeting coastal defense systems and missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media said explosions happened in Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, and Chabahar.
Key Facts
The US carried out strikes across Iran on a Wednesday.
Targets included coastal defense systems and missile infrastructure.
The strikes focused near the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
Iranian news reported explosions in three places: Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, and Chabahar.
The US military released video footage of the strikes.
The Strait of Hormuz is important for global oil transport.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The US military carried out air strikes on several locations in Iran, including near Tehran, targeting military sites to reduce Iran’s threat in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran launched attacks on US military assets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and other nearby countries, escalating tensions in the region.
Key Facts
The US carried out strikes on Iranian military sites, including command centers, air defenses, missile and drone facilities, and coastal surveillance.
The US targeted Bandar Abbas, Greater Tunb Island, and other locations close to the Strait of Hormuz.
An oil tanker trying to reach Iran’s Kharg Island was disabled by the US Navy as part of a naval blockade.
Iran retaliated by striking US military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan with missiles and drones.
Jordan intercepted eight Iranian missiles, and Iraq reported drone attacks near US facilities in Erbil.
A hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, was evacuated after being hit during the US strikes.
Iranian officials warned of a larger military conflict and threatened to stop all energy exports from the Middle East in response to the US blockade.
At least 35 people have died, and over 300 were injured in the recent wave of attacks that started the previous Wednesday.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Greece has started using four small satellites with thermal imaging to help predict and fight wildfires. These satellites monitor temperature, humidity, and terrain to detect fires early, track their spread, and guide firefighting efforts more precisely.
Key Facts
The Hellenic Space Center in Athens operates four satellites orbiting 550 km above Earth.
These satellites are Greece’s first with thermal imaging, which can see heat through smoke to locate fires.
The satellites help predict where wildfires may start within hours by monitoring ground temperature and humidity.
They provide maps of vegetation and elevation to show how fires might spread.
Satellites send real-time images about fire fronts even at night, aiding early firefighting actions.
Greece plans to launch seven more satellites with multi-spectral sensors to monitor forest health and detect fires.
Greece faces about 10,000 forest and field fires annually, requiring advanced technology for faster response.
Older methods relied on patrols and lookout posts, which are slower and less efficient than satellite monitoring.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States military has launched new strikes on Iran targeting military and coastal sites to limit Iran's ability to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by attacking US military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan with missiles and drones, leading to a rising cycle of retaliation between the two countries.
Key Facts
The US conducted strikes against Iranian command centers, air defenses, missile and drone sites, and coastal surveillance facilities.
Targets included Bandar Abbas, a key naval port near the Strait of Hormuz, and Greater Tunb island.
Iran reported explosions and activated its air defenses across multiple cities, including Tehran and southern coastal areas.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down a US MQ-9 drone over Khuzestan province.
Iran claims it attacked US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, focusing on missile batteries, radar, and fuel tanks.
Kuwait intercepted 4 cruise missiles and 21 drones launched by Iran.
Jordan intercepted 8 Iranian missiles and rejected claims of US base damage.
This conflict escalates despite a recent ceasefire agreement and plans for negotiations between the US and Iran.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Many young people in Beijing are choosing to leave the city because life has become too expensive and stressful. The slowing economy, housing problems, and tough job market are pushing them to seek better opportunities and a higher quality of life elsewhere.
Key Facts
Beijing’s population grew from 11 million in 1990 to nearly 22 million today, attracting many migrants seeking success.
China’s rapid economic growth has slowed, affected by real estate troubles and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Property prices dropped, causing financial losses for families who invested heavily in housing.
The pandemic led people to save more and spend less, shrinking business opportunities and jobs.
Wang Lei, a 29-year-old who moved to Beijing in 2020, left his real estate job due to market problems and now freelances while co-owning a small bar.
Young people on social media use the hashtag “escaping Beijing” to discuss leaving due to high costs, competition, and uncertain career futures.
A work culture known as “996”—working 9 am to 9 pm six days a week—has become less popular among younger generations.
Leaving Beijing used to be seen as failure, but attitudes are changing as many seek better life balance and lower living costs outside the city.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A fire broke out at an orphanage near Algiers, Algeria, killing at least 11 people and injuring 19 others. The cause of the fire is unknown, and efforts to control the blaze are ongoing amid a severe heatwave affecting the region.
Key Facts
The fire occurred in an orphanage located in the Mohammadia district, a suburb of Algiers.
At least 11 people died, and 19 were injured due to the fire.
The country’s civil defence is still working to extinguish the fire.
Authorities have not yet determined what started the fire.
Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb visited the injured at the hospital.
Algeria is experiencing a heatwave with temperatures causing nearly 1,000 fires in one week.
The photo in the article shows firefighters battling a previous fire in Algeria.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov just before British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Kyiv. This decision has caused protests with over 1,000 people opposing the move, saying Fedorov was popular and seen as a symbol of openness and progress.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Defence Minister, was dismissed by President Zelenskyy.
Over 1,000 people protested in Kyiv against Fedorov’s removal.
Protesters say Fedorov represents innovation, transparency, and has been successful in his role.
There are allegations of conflict between Fedorov and Ukraine’s military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi, linked with accusations of corruption.
Fedorov is 35 years old and many see him as a potential future leader in Ukraine.
Fedorov helped improve Ukraine's military capabilities, including the use of drones against Russian targets and improving procurement to save money.
He announced successful testing of a new ballistic missile with better accuracy and lower cost.
The firing of Fedorov has caused political tension just as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits Kyiv.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Large protests broke out across Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Fedorov, known for modernizing Ukraine’s military during the war with Russia, resigned amid the changes, causing concerns about military stability.
Key Facts
Mykhailo Fedorov was Ukraine’s Defence Minister for six months before being removed.
Protests occurred in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, and other cities demanding his reinstatement.
Protesters sang the national anthem and waved Ukrainian and EU flags.
Fedorov helped reform the military during the ongoing Russian invasion.
No official reason was given for his removal as part of a government reshuffle by President Zelensky.
Deputy commander of Ukraine’s air force, Pavlo Yelizarov, resigned in protest.
The changes also included the removal of the prime minister, with no replacements named yet.
The protests reflect public dissatisfaction and fears of instability during a critical time in the war.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The US has launched new airstrikes against Iran, targeting military sites including coastal defenses and missile storage. Iran responded by firing missiles and drones at US allies Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. Pakistan called for both sides to stop the violence and return to negotiations based on a previous agreement.
Key Facts
The US disabled an oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz after it ignored warnings during a naval blockade.
US strikes hit Iranian port Bandar Abbas and missile sites on Greater Tunb Island.
For the first time in this conflict, strikes were reported near Iran’s capital, Tehran.
Iran retaliated by attacking Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan with missiles and drones.
Iranian officials reported at least seven soldiers killed and hundreds wounded from the US strikes.
Explosions were reported in multiple Iranian cities, including those hosting missile and nuclear facilities.
Pakistan urged both the US and Iran to end violence and resume talks per a memorandum of understanding signed earlier in 2023.
President Donald Trump stated that Iran should behave properly but did not set a deadline for further military actions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US military bases in nearby Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. In response, the US carried out airstrikes on multiple sites in Iran to reduce its ability to threaten ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
Iran attacked US military bases in Gulf countries such as Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
The US responded with strikes on command centers, air defense sites, and surveillance facilities in Iran.
The US military targeted locations including Bandar Abbas port and Greater Tunb Island.
Explosions and air defense activations were reported in Tehran during the US strikes.
Kuwait intercepted drone attacks, and Bahrain advised citizens to stay safe after the attacks.
Iran also claimed to have targeted US communication systems and fuel storage in Jordan.
The US disabled an oil tanker heading toward an Iranian port under blockade.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran to behave or face more military action and threatened to target Iran’s energy infrastructure if talks did not resume.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Sam Neill, a well-known actor from New Zealand, died at the age of 78 due to pneumonia. His manager confirmed this and said Neill had been free of cancer at the time of his death.
Key Facts
Sam Neill died of pneumonia in a Sydney hospital.
He was 78 years old when he passed away.
Neill had previously battled angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a type of cancer, but was cancer-free when he died.
The news was confirmed by his longtime manager, Philip Grenz.
A private memorial will be held at Neill’s farm in New Zealand, per his wishes.
Neill was known for his roles in movies like Jurassic Park, The Piano, and the TV series Peaky Blinders.
Tributes came from colleagues and fans recognizing his long career.
The information was shared to correct false reports about his death.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Firefighters have been working overnight to control a large wildfire that has spread over more than two miles in Cairngorms National Park, Scotland. People living nearby and visitors at campsites and ski resorts have been evacuated, and authorities warn the fire risk remains very high.
Key Facts
The fire started around 11:50 am near Ryvoan Bothy at Nethy Bridge in the Cairngorms National Park.
The wildfire has spread across more than 3.5 kilometers of dry land.
Villages, campsites, and ski resorts in the area have been evacuated as a precaution.
The fire service continues to fight the fire with four firefighting vehicles still at the scene.
The central Highlands, southern and eastern Scotland currently have a "very high" risk of wildfire.
Public are advised to avoid Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich during firefighting efforts.
No injuries have been reported so far from the wildfire.
Wildlife groups and nearby estates are assisting in firefighting efforts, but some resources like helicopters are unavailable due to fires elsewhere.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A woman in her 60s was bitten by a large eastern brown snake caught in her bike chain while cycling in northern New South Wales, Australia. She was treated in hospital and recovered after receiving medical care, and the snake was euthanised due to injuries.
Key Facts
The woman was cycling on the northern rivers rail trail near Burringbar when she ran over a two-metre eastern brown snake.
The snake got tangled in her bike chain, biting her on the thigh.
Paramedics treated her, and she was taken to Tweed Valley hospital in a stable condition; she was discharged the next morning.
The eastern brown snake is one of the world’s most venomous snakes and common in eastern Australia.
The snake catcher said the snake’s head was free to strike and the woman experienced a "dry bite," where no venom entered her bloodstream.
The snake was euthanised due to injuries from being trapped in the bike chain.
Cooler weather and the snake being blind in one eye likely slowed its reflexes and contributed to the incident.
Eastern brown snakes are often confused with harmless snake species by the public.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Smoke from wildfires in northern Ontario caused Toronto to have the worst air quality among major cities worldwide on July 16, 2026. The smoke spread into parts of the northeastern United States, raising health concerns and leading officials to warn people to limit outdoor activities.
Key Facts
Toronto recorded an Air Quality Health Index of 10+, which is considered "very high risk."
Wildfires are burning far from cities but send smoke over large areas affecting many places.
New York City and surrounding states experienced unhealthy air and were advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
Two groups of children camping in the Canadian wilderness were rescued safely with help from helicopters and the Canadian military.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has increasingly affected large parts of the United States in recent years.
The city of Toronto canceled outdoor World Cup fan events due to poor air quality.
Over 80,000 people are expected to gather at the World Cup final in New Jersey despite smoke and haze.
Canada reported this wildfire season started slower than previous years but warned fires could worsen because of warm weather.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United Nations reported that over 500 people are feared dead after two boats carrying mostly Rohingya refugees sank off the coast of Myanmar in late June and early July. The refugees were fleeing conflict and poor conditions, and their journeys were dangerous due to bad weather and unsafe boats often run by traffickers.
Key Facts
Two boats carrying more than 500 people likely capsized near Myanmar recently.
Most passengers were Rohingya refugees from Myanmar’s Rakhine state.
Some refugees had left crowded camps in Bangladesh seeking safer lives.
One boat with about 250 people lost contact soon after leaving.
Another boat with roughly 280 people sank off Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady coast on July 8.
The sea conditions were dangerous due to rainy season and flooding.
Nearly 300 people are already reported missing or dead at sea this year in the region, including Rohingya and Bangladeshis.
UN agencies urge better rescue efforts, asylum access, and action against human trafficking networks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A man in Suffolk, England, named Stephen Hind, has a banana plant in his garden that has started to grow fruit, which surprised him. The bananas are unlikely to be edible due to the UK climate, but the plant’s growth is unusual for the area.
Key Facts
Stephen Hind bought a banana plant a few years ago to decorate his garden near his back door.
The plant has grown to about 12 feet tall and is now producing banana bunches.
Banana plants usually grow in warm, humid tropical countries, not in the UK.
Experts say banana plants can grow in greenhouses or warm, sheltered spots outdoors in the UK, but producing edible fruit is difficult.
The bananas in Stephen’s garden probably will not be good to eat.
When a banana plant fruits, that part of the plant dies, but new shoots come up from the base.
Climate change and recent hot weather may have helped the banana plant grow in Suffolk.
Stephen’s banana plant was bought from Henstead Exotic Garden, which sells unusual plants.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tobey Newall from Salford is a builder who balances large objects like sheds and ladders on his chin. He plans to try breaking the world record for the tallest item balanced on a chin, currently held by a 71-foot pole.
Key Facts
Tobey Newall discovered his balancing talent six years ago at a DIY store.
He balances heavy and large objects, including a 10-foot worktop weighing 101 pounds.
Newall has about 350,000 followers on social media who watch videos of his balancing acts.
The current world record is 71 feet, held by US juggler Cardon Firth since 2018.
Newall will use a special 100-foot fiberglass pole to attempt breaking this record.
His friend Travis Mooney helps with balancing and filming the stunts.
Newall has tried the record challenge three times before with no success.
The balancing acts have attracted attention from brands and content creators.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Home piercing kits sold online are causing serious ear injuries, including scarring and deformities. Professionals warn that piercing guns and self-piercing can lead to damage that is hard or impossible to fix, and experts suggest banning these kits or adding age restrictions.
Key Facts
Home piercing kits can be bought online for as little as £1.50 without age checks.
Piercing guns use blunt jewelry and can cause rough, damaged piercing holes, unlike needles that make smooth cuts.
Injuries range from uneven earlobes to completely shattered ear parts like the helix or tragus.
Some people have required emergency care to remove piercings gone wrong.
The UK Association of Professional Piercers wants a ban on at-home piercing kits and guns.
There are no UK laws setting a minimum age for ear piercings done by professionals, but many studios set their own age limits.
In Wales, it is illegal to perform intimate piercings on anyone under 18.
Online retailers say they follow the law but do not have specific restrictions preventing sales of piercing kits in the UK.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
