New research shows that popular diabetes and weight loss drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists may slightly raise the risk of a rare eye problem called ischemic optic neuropathy (ION), which can cause sudden vision loss. Although the risk is small, patients should watch for sudden changes in vision and get medical help right away if symptoms appear.
Key Facts
GLP-1 drugs include semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound).
The study found a small increase in ION risk for Type 2 diabetes patients starting GLP-1 drugs compared to other diabetes medicines.
ION happens when blood flow to the optic nerve is reduced, possibly causing sudden, painless vision loss.
The increase in risk was about three to four extra cases per 10,000 patients over 18 months.
Researchers used U.S. insurance data from adults aged 18 to 65 between 2017-2022.
Experts advise patients not to stop GLP-1 medications but to immediately report any sudden vision changes.
The study found an association but did not prove GLP-1 drugs cause ION.
GLP-1 drugs are known for benefits in diabetes, obesity, heart, and kidney health.
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A 14-year-old boy in London was charged with preparing to carry out a terrorist attack on local mosques, linked to extreme right-wing beliefs. Police said they do not see a wider threat but are working with the affected mosques to offer support and keep people informed.
Key Facts
The boy was arrested on July 9 after criminal damage to a car, which led to further investigation.
Police found documents during searches that connected him to planning a terrorism act.
The charge is related to preparing to carry out an act of terrorism inspired by extreme right-wing ideology.
The mosques targeted are in the Sutton area of south London.
Police have contacted the mosques to provide advice, support, and reassurance.
The boy is due to appear in a London magistrates’ court.
This case follows other right-wing extremist plots targeting Muslims in the UK recently.
Police emphasized the importance of supporting the Muslim community affected by these incidents.
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The US military carried out a series of daytime air strikes on Iran, targeting coastal defense and missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran attacked US military targets in Gulf countries and threatened to stop energy exports from the region.
Key Facts
The US launched a 90-minute wave of strikes on Iranian coastal defense systems and missile sites.
These strikes are part of a naval blockade reimposed on Iranian ports.
The US said the attacks aimed to weaken Iran’s ability to attack commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran responded by hitting US military targets in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.
Iran threatened to close more energy export routes that benefit the US and its allies.
An interim ceasefire from last month, meant to lead to peace talks, is currently stalled.
The conflict began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February and has disrupted global energy supplies.
Oil prices dropped slightly after reaching a one-month high amid ongoing tensions.
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More than 7,000 cases of cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, have been reported in 34 U.S. states since May 1, with over 3,000 cases in Michigan and Ohio alone. Officials are investigating contaminated food sources, possibly lettuce or salad greens, while warning consumers to be cautious as the outbreak continues into August. Experts also highlight other parasites that can be found in produce, water, and undercooked meat.
Key Facts
Cyclosporiasis causes severe diarrhea and spreads through contaminated food or water, not person-to-person.
The current outbreak mainly affects Midwest states such as Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
The CDC has confirmed or is investigating over 7,000 cases across 34 states since early May.
Lettuce or leafy greens are suspected sources, but investigations are ongoing.
Contamination often happens on farms or during food processing through contact with fecal matter.
Washing produce can remove about 80% of Cyclospora, but cooking kills it completely.
Other parasites of concern include Cryptosporidium, found in contaminated water or produce washed with dirty water, which can be dangerous for people with weak immune systems.
Symptoms might appear a week after exposure, making it hard to identify the exact source of illness.
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Syrian authorities arrested Ahmed Habib Ali, a former officer responsible for sarin gas storage and chemical weapons manufacturing under President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. He is accused of supervising the production of sarin bombs used in attacks on Syrian cities between 2013 and 2017.
Key Facts
Ahmed Habib Ali is a former colonel and chemical weapons expert in Syria.
He managed sarin gas storage and made chemical weapons at a site near Damascus called Unit 417.
Ali supervised the manufacture of about 20 sarin-loaded bombs, each weighing 250 kg (550 lbs).
These bombs were used in attacks on Syrian towns in 2013 and 2017.
Syria was recently reinstated into the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
The OPCW had stripped Syria’s rights in 2021 after finding its air force used sarin and chlorine gas.
The deadliest sarin gas attack happened in August 2013, killing over 1,400 people.
Since President al-Assad’s fall in December 2024, Syria has arrested dozens of people for war crimes during the civil war.
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Shabana Mahmood is likely to become chancellor in Andy Burnham's upcoming government after debates about Ed Miliband taking the role. Burnham has not made a final decision yet but may assign Miliband to the Foreign Office instead.
Key Facts
Shabana Mahmood is expected to be named chancellor by Andy Burnham.
There was a disagreement over whether Ed Miliband or Mahmood should get the chancellor job.
Some party members and big businesses worry Miliband could face heavy criticism and harm market confidence.
Miliband might instead be appointed to the Foreign Office with a high-ranking title.
Wes Streeting could replace Mahmood as home secretary.
The appointment of the chancellor is seen as crucial because it shapes government economic policies.
Investors reacted positively to news about Mahmood becoming chancellor, with UK government borrowing costs dropping slightly.
Burnham’s cabinet choices are not finalized and he is keeping details limited until he officially takes office.
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In the occupied West Bank, residents of Khirbet Umm al-Khair say an Israeli military order has blocked access to parts of their homes, including their sheep pen and bathroom. This order came after attacks by settlers and has made life harder for the families living there.
Key Facts
Khirbet Umm al-Khair is a village in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli military issued an order restricting access to parts of residents’ homes.
The restrictions affect areas like sheep pens and bathrooms.
The order followed several attacks by settlers in the area.
Residents say the restrictions increase pressure on them to leave the village.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions between Israeli forces, settlers, and Palestinian villagers.
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Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned the US government not to interfere in German elections after the US State Department announced funding for groups in Europe that support Maga-related causes. The US initiative offers grants up to $3 million to European charities, think tanks, and individuals addressing topics like national sovereignty and migration, raising concerns about foreign influence in European politics.
Key Facts
The US State Department launched a program to fund European groups aligned with Maga political ideas.
Grants can be as much as $3 million and are intended to address issues such as migration, censorship, and national sovereignty.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the US should not interfere in Germany’s upcoming state elections in September.
It is illegal in Germany to finance political parties from foreign governments.
Former US officials say the funding is aimed to help far-right groups and possibly political parties in Europe.
The grant program includes ambiguous language on who can apply, including individuals and governmental institutions.
US officials have been connecting with social conservative and far-right parties in Europe.
Some US political figures have publicly criticized traditional Western European allies on topics like migration and abortion.
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Sam Neill, a New Zealand actor known for his role in Jurassic Park and many other films and TV shows, died at age 78 in Sydney, Australia. He had a long career with diverse roles and was also involved in winemaking. Neill had been treated for blood cancer but died suddenly, with no clear cause of death provided.
Key Facts
Sam Neill was 78 years old when he died in Sydney, Australia.
He was famous for playing Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park (1993) and its 2022 sequel.
Neill had many roles in movies such as Omen III, The Hunt for Red October, Thor: Ragnarok, and Peaky Blinders.
He received award nominations for TV roles, including Golden Globes and an Emmy.
Neill owned a winery called Two Paddocks in New Zealand and enjoyed winemaking.
He was diagnosed with stage 3 blood cancer after noticing swollen glands in 2022.
Neill underwent chemotherapy and CAR T-cell therapy, and was cancer-free before his death.
His immune system was weakened due to cancer treatments, and he had pneumonia before he died.
There were many tributes from colleagues praising his kindness and talent.
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Lebanese and Israeli officials finished a two-day round of US-led talks in Rome about creating "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon where Israeli forces would start to leave. The talks focused on a plan where the Lebanese army would replace Israeli troops and remove Hezbollah fighters, aiming to reduce conflict between the two sides.
Key Facts
The talks in Rome lasted two days and ended on Wednesday.
US officials described the meetings as "productive and positive."
The agreement involves Israel withdrawing from parts of southern Lebanon in exchange for Hezbollah disarming.
Pilot zones are specific areas where Israel would pull back and the Lebanese army would take control.
Names of some pilot zone towns under discussion include Zawtar al-Gharbiyah, Sarifa, and Burj Qalawiyah.
These talks are the sixth round since the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began in March.
Over 4,000 Lebanese and at least 36 Israelis have died in the recent fighting.
The US aims to reach a comprehensive agreement and reduce violence, but the situation remains fragile.
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Iran has put up a large billboard in Tehran that shows US President Donald Trump lying in a coffin. Near the billboard, there is a statue of a fist representing the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was said to have been assassinated at the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Key Facts
A billboard in Tehran displays an image of President Donald Trump in a coffin.
The billboard is located in Iran’s capital city, Tehran.
A nearby statue shows the fist of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s late Supreme Leader.
The article claims Khamenei was assassinated at the beginning of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
The imagery reflects ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States.
The article highlights symbolism used by Iran related to recent conflicts involving the US and Israel.
The billboard and statue appear to send a message linked to opposition against President Trump and his policies.
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Moroccan journalist Ali Lmrabet was released from police custody three days after his arrest on defamation charges. An investigation is still open, but his release followed pressure from international media rights groups.
Key Facts
Ali Lmrabet, a 66-year-old Moroccan journalist, was arrested at Tangier airport after returning from Spain.
He was held for three days on charges related to defamation and insulting individuals and institutions.
Lmrabet is known for independent journalism and has faced previous legal actions, including prison sentences and bans from working in Morocco.
Media rights organizations, such as Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists, pushed for his release.
It is unclear if Lmrabet can currently leave Morocco.
Separately, rapper and filmmaker Mehdi El Youbi was arrested in Casablanca, possibly due to his political views expressed in lyrics and social media.
Supporters warn that these arrests are part of a growing crackdown on critics in Morocco following recent youth protests.
Lawyers in Morocco are currently striking, which affected El Youbi’s court appearance.
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A French fast food chain called Master Poulet opened a new restaurant in Saint-Ouen, causing a disagreement between its mayor and the mayor of nearby Saint-Denis. The argument highlights wider issues about food availability, price, and quality in different neighborhoods, as well as political tensions ahead of France’s next presidential elections.
Key Facts
Master Poulet is a French chicken fast food chain involved in a local dispute.
The mayor of Saint-Ouen, Karim Bouamranne, opposes the chain for making the town center less pleasant.
The mayor of Saint-Denis, Bally Bagayoko, supports the chain for its product and affordable prices.
The debate reflects bigger questions about healthy eating, food prices, and inequality in different areas.
France has a high number of fast food outlets per person compared to other European countries.
The disagreement comes just before the 2027 French presidential elections.
Experts and politicians discussed whether city dwellers and farmers can find common ground on food issues.
The argument shows political divides on how to improve food quality and access in France.
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The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is watching a low-pressure system that might develop into a tropical storm as it moves over Florida in the next few days. Even if it does not become a named storm, it could still bring heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous rip currents to Florida and nearby states.
Key Facts
The NHC gives the system a 20% chance of becoming a tropical storm within seven days.
If named, it would be called Bertha, the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
The disturbance is expected to move from the northeastern Gulf of Mexico toward Florida and the southeastern U.S. coast.
Florida cities such as Tampa, Orlando, and Daytona Beach could see heavy rain and strong storms this weekend.
Dangerous rip currents and potential storm surge are possible impacts.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted by NOAA to have 8 to 14 named storms, with 3 to 6 becoming hurricanes.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.
Meteorologists warn that even without full storm formation, Florida will experience significant rainfall and windy weather.
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Eight men have been charged with child sexual offences after a long police investigation into abuses in south Wales from 1985 to 1996. The men face multiple charges, including rape and indecent assault, and will appear in court on 24 July.
Key Facts
Eight British men, aged 54 to 73, were charged with a total of 34 offences related to child sexual exploitation.
The investigation, called Operation Oak, targeted group-based abuse in south Wales.
Allegations come from women who say they were abused as children between 1985 and 1996.
Charges include 17 counts of rape and several counts of indecent assault and conspiracy.
Arrests took place across several UK locations: Newport, Swansea, London, Birmingham, Lancashire, Edinburgh, and Argyll and Bute.
The men are due to appear at Newport Magistrates’ Court on 24 July.
Prosecutors confirmed there is enough evidence to take the case to trial.
Police and legal officials stress the accused have the right to a fair trial.
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Experts say that wildfires in Europe, like those in northern France, are becoming a regular problem due to several factors including changing weather and land use. They recommend that Europe should not just react to fires but also plan ahead by changing how the land is managed and designed to better handle these new challenges.
Key Facts
Wildfires in Europe are no longer rare events but part of a new pattern.
Factors increasing wildfire risk include wetter winters, repeated heatwaves, strong winds, and outdated land management methods.
Wetter winters cause more vegetation to grow, which can burn easily when dry.
Heatwaves dry out the landscape, making fires more likely to spread quickly.
Current land management has not adapted to these changing conditions.
Experts suggest Europe should focus more on preventing fires through better landscape design and ecological planning.
This approach involves long-term strategies, not just emergency responses.
The goal is to adapt to what may become the new normal for wildfire risks in Europe.
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The children’s show Bluey has been translated into Yolngu Matha, an Indigenous Australian language spoken in the Northern Territory. Five episodes were released in this language to help preserve it and support the voices of First Nation people.
Key Facts
Bluey is a popular children’s cartoon series.
The show was translated into Yolngu Matha, a group of dialects from north-east Arnhem Land.
Five episodes were released in this Indigenous language.
The translation project aims to help keep the language alive.
It also seeks to amplify the voices of First Nation communities.
The news was shared by the BBC and included interviews with the show’s producers.
The project combines storytelling with language preservation efforts.
Yolngu Matha is one of the world’s oldest living languages.
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A gas tanker caught fire and exploded near the Lebanese Army barracks in Hermel due to very high temperatures. The explosion damaged nearby houses and cars while rescue crews worked to put out the fire.
Key Facts
The explosion happened near the Lebanese Army barracks in Hermel.
Soaring temperatures caused the fire that led to the explosion.
The blast was powerful and caused damage to nearby homes and vehicles.
Civil Defense crews responded to extinguish the fire.
The incident involved a gas tanker, which carries flammable gas.
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A pontoon boat carrying mostly family members sank near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, resulting in one death, three people missing, and 16 rescued. Rescue teams used boats, helicopters, and divers to search for the missing and treated injured survivors.
Key Facts
The boat was a three-deck pontoon vessel that sank near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay.
One person died after being rescued from the cold water; a dog on board also died.
Three people were reported missing, and 16 people were rescued from the water.
The incident happened around 3:30 p.m. near the western side of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Rescue efforts involved the Coast Guard, police, helicopters, divers, and other boats.
The boat was carrying mostly family members as part of a memorial service.
The boat was believed to have launched near the St. Francis Yacht Club.
The cause of the sinking is not clear; an initial report of fire was not confirmed.
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Professor Evelyn Welch, vice-chancellor of Bristol University and soon chair of the Russell Group, criticized recent cuts to arts and humanities subjects at UK universities. She highlighted how creative education, like that received by her daughter Florence Welch, helps students develop skills and succeed, despite the financial challenges universities face.
Key Facts
Universities in the UK are cutting jobs and courses in arts and humanities due to financial pressures.
These cuts affect opportunities, especially for disadvantaged young people.
Government funding cuts to support expensive subjects like creative and performing arts will increase these challenges.
Evelyn Welch is a university leader and the mother of Florence Welch, the singer from Florence + the Machine.
Florence Welch studied art before pursuing music, showing the value of creative education.
Some proposals might require minimum grades to get student loans, which could block many students from university.
Evelyn Welch advocates for changes in university funding and wants to move away from a market-driven system.
She believes creativity is important for the country’s future and warns against judging success only by immediate job prospects.
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