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Five arrested after Hong Kong police raid independent bookshops

Five arrested after Hong Kong police raid independent bookshops

July 15, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

Five people were arrested in Hong Kong after police raided two independent bookshops for selling books that officials said encouraged hatred against the government and law enforcement. The suspects face investigation under national security laws and could be jailed for up to seven years if found guilty.

Key Facts

  • Five individuals (two men and three women) were arrested in Hong Kong for selling books considered "seditious."
  • Police raided two independent bookshops, including Have A Nice Stay in Mong Kok and Greenfield Book Store.
  • Authorities say the books promoted hatred toward the government, judiciary, and police.
  • The suspects are accused of breaking national security laws by acting with "seditious intent."
  • If convicted, they could face up to seven years in prison.
  • Have A Nice Stay announced it would close in August due to financial pressures and unclear rules about banned materials.
  • Two other bookshop raids happened earlier in 2026, with arrests at Hunter store and Book Punch.
  • Human rights group Amnesty International said these raids show the risk of being criminalized for what books are sold, creating fear and self-censorship among booksellers.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories
Zelenskyy backs state energy company chief Koretskyi for new Ukraine PM

Zelenskyy backs state energy company chief Koretskyi for new Ukraine PM

July 15, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine supports Sergii Koretskyi, head of the state energy company Naftogaz, as the next prime minister. The change comes as Ukraine prepares for winter amid ongoing conflict and follows the resignation of the current prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko.

Key Facts

  • Sergii Koretskyi leads Ukraine’s state energy company, Naftogaz.
  • Zelenskyy says Koretskyi is best prepared to be the new prime minister.
  • Yulia Svyrydenko resigned as prime minister after one year in office.
  • Ukraine’s parliament is expected to approve Koretskyi because Zelenskyy’s party holds the majority.
  • The prime minister’s resignation means the whole cabinet must resign, signaling a larger government change.
  • Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s future in the cabinet is uncertain; he is known for pushing technology and innovation in defense.
  • Zelenskyy mentioned a new political strategy focusing on foreign policy, including making Patriot air defense systems, joining the European Union, and strengthening ties with Gulf countries.
  • The government reshuffle aims to better prepare Ukraine for expected Russian attacks this winter.
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Al Jazeera
🇦🇲🇷🇺Armenia - Russia: Armenian apricots caught in a geopolitical battle

🇦🇲🇷🇺Armenia - Russia: Armenian apricots caught in a geopolitical battle

July 15, 2026 • France24

Summary

Russia has banned many Armenian products, including apricots, as part of a political dispute. This happened after Armenia’s government moved closer to the West, which upset Russia before Armenia’s recent elections.

Key Facts

  • Armenia’s Ararat valley is famous for growing apricots.
  • Russia imposed import bans on many Armenian goods like fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
  • The bans came because Armenia shifted its political ties away from Russia towards Western countries.
  • The restrictions were put in place before Armenia’s parliamentary elections.
  • The conflict shows how trade can be affected by political disagreements between countries.
  • Russia’s move aims to pressure Armenia politically.
  • The issue reflects ongoing tensions between Russia and countries seeking closer relations with the West.
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France24
Cardiologists Reveal 5 Things They Do Every Day To Protect Their Hearts

Cardiologists Reveal 5 Things They Do Every Day To Protect Their Hearts

July 15, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Cardiologists shared five daily habits they follow to protect their hearts, including staying hydrated, checking calcium scores to detect artery plaque, and owning pets. These habits help lower risks linked to heart disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Key Facts

  • Drinking enough water helps blood flow better and lowers heart strain.
  • Calcium score tests detect plaque in arteries and help assess heart disease risk.
  • Many Americans have high cholesterol, but calcium scoring gives additional information.
  • Owning a dog can encourage exercise, social interaction, and lower stress, benefiting heart health.
  • Healthy daily habits like diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking remain important.
  • Heart disease causes one in three deaths in the U.S., according to the CDC.
  • Sleep also plays a role in heart health, although details were cut off in the article.
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Newsweek
US-Iran: Why the cycle of war, talks, repeat?

US-Iran: Why the cycle of war, talks, repeat?

July 15, 2026 • France24

Summary

The conflict cycle between the United States and Iran keeps repeating because both countries believe fighting can help them gain advantages in their talks. This ongoing pattern makes peace talks and clashes happen again and again.

Key Facts

  • The US and Iran have a continuing cycle of conflict and negotiation.
  • Both sides think that ongoing conflict will give them better leverage in talks.
  • This cycle causes repeated outbreaks of violence and diplomatic efforts.
  • The article refers to a discussion by Carrie Lee from the German Marshall Fund of the US.
  • The pattern makes achieving lasting peace difficult between the two countries.
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France24
Europe: National elections may bring "very different Coalition of the Willing next year"

Europe: National elections may bring "very different Coalition of the Willing next year"

July 15, 2026 • France24

Summary

Upcoming national elections in Europe may change the countries that support Ukraine. Kira Rudik says the group of countries willing to back Ukraine could look very different next year.

Key Facts

  • European countries have national elections coming up soon.
  • These elections might change which countries support Ukraine.
  • The coalition supporting Ukraine is called the "coalition of the willing."
  • Kira Rudik is a person commenting on the possible changes.
  • The article suggests that political support for Ukraine in Europe is uncertain.
  • Election results could reshape European alliances related to Ukraine.
  • The source of the comment is from a France24 debate segment.
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France24
Starmer bids MPs goodbye as British PM and pledges to support his successor

Starmer bids MPs goodbye as British PM and pledges to support his successor

July 15, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation and pledged to support his successor, Andy Burnham. Burnham, who has strong support in the Labour Party, is set to become prime minister next week after meeting King Charles III.

Key Facts

  • Keir Starmer is stepping down as British Prime Minister after two years in office.
  • Starmer said he will support Andy Burnham privately if asked.
  • Andy Burnham has wide backing from Labour MPs and major trade unions.
  • Burnham will become the UK’s seventh prime minister in ten years.
  • Burnham was mayor of Greater Manchester for nine years.
  • Burnham is expected to officially take office after a meeting with King Charles III on Monday.
  • Starmer led Labour to a big win in the 2024 general election after 14 years in opposition.
  • MPs across parties thanked Starmer and wished him well during his final Prime Minister’s Questions session.
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Al Jazeera
Does Marco Rubio control Venezuela?

Does Marco Rubio control Venezuela?

July 15, 2026 • France24

Summary

A report from the New York Times claims that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio controls Venezuela's finances, natural resources, and government after the capture of its leader, Nicolas Maduro. The report and related discussions explore the extent of U.S. influence in Venezuela.

Key Facts

  • Marco Rubio is the U.S. Secretary of State as of 2026.
  • Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's leader, has been captured.
  • The New York Times reports high U.S. control over Venezuela's finances and natural resources.
  • The U.S. is said to influence Venezuela’s government after Maduro's capture.
  • Christopher Sabatini, a Latin America expert at Chatham House, spoke about the situation.
  • The report and analysis are part of a broader discussion on U.S. involvement in Latin America.
  • The article mentions related topics like Venezuelan gang leader killings and the status of Venezuelan migrants.
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France24
Father, mother, daughter killed in Israeli attack on Gaza home

Father, mother, daughter killed in Israeli attack on Gaza home

July 15, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

An Israeli air attack hit an apartment building in Gaza’s Deir el-Balah, killing a father, mother, and their six-year-old daughter. Their son was the only person to survive the attack. Palestinians held a funeral for the family.

Key Facts

  • The attack was carried out by Israeli forces in Gaza.
  • The victims were a father, mother, and their six-year-old daughter.
  • The attack targeted an apartment building in Deir el-Balah, Gaza.
  • The couple’s son survived the air attack.
  • Palestinians arranged a funeral for the victims.
  • Health officials provided information about the survivors and victims.
  • The incident is part of ongoing conflict in the region.
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Al Jazeera
Why the US is launching naval drones at Iran’s port city of Bandar Abbas

Why the US is launching naval drones at Iran’s port city of Bandar Abbas

July 15, 2026 • France24

Summary

The US military recently used naval drones to attack a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Bandar Abbas, a major port city in southern Iran. This attack is part of ongoing military conflict between the US and Iran, centered around control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.

Key Facts

  • Bandar Abbas is a city of over half a million people and has Iran’s largest container terminal.
  • The city is strategically located on the northern shore of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil and gas exports.
  • Since the conflict began, there have been at least 96 US strikes in and around Bandar Abbas.
  • About one-third of these strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure, such as missile sites and naval facilities.
  • The US recently launched naval drones in combat for the first time during an attack on a maintenance facility in Bandar Abbas.
  • Tehran resumed attacks on ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz after the US urged them to use alternative routes.
  • President Donald Trump reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and threatened strikes against civilian infrastructure if Iran did not return to negotiations.
  • The conflict involves both US and Iranian military forces, including Iran’s Navy and the Revolutionary Guards.
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France24
Map Shows Where Growing Seasons Getting Longer: What it Means for Gardeners

Map Shows Where Growing Seasons Getting Longer: What it Means for Gardeners

July 15, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Growing seasons in most parts of the United States have gotten longer since 1895, meaning plants have more time to grow between the last spring frost and the first fall frost. This change benefits gardeners by allowing longer harvests but also means pests have more time to cause problems. The longest increases happened in states like California, Washington, and Arizona, and the trend is linked to rising global temperatures.

Key Facts

  • Growing seasons are the time between the last spring frost and the first fall frost when plants grow.
  • Since 1895, most U.S. states have experienced longer growing seasons.
  • California gained nearly 47 more growing days; Washington about 40; Arizona about 35; Utah about 33.
  • Some states like Georgia saw no increase or a decrease in growing season length.
  • The lengthening is related to climate change causing higher temperatures and changing weather.
  • Longer seasons help gardeners grow more crops and flowers, including those that need warm weather.
  • More growing time also means pests can survive longer, creating challenges for gardeners.
  • Extreme weather like hurricanes continues to pose risks, especially in places like Florida.
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Newsweek
The Odyssey: Matt Damon, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway relive the epic

The Odyssey: Matt Damon, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway relive the epic

July 15, 2026 • France24

Summary

A new movie called "The Odyssey," directed by Christopher Nolan, retells the ancient Greek story with famous actors including Matt Damon, Lupita Nyong’o, and Anne Hathaway. The film explores themes from the original epic that still connect with people today.

Key Facts

  • "The Odyssey" is a movie based on the Greek epic poem.
  • Christopher Nolan directed this latest adaptation.
  • Matt Damon plays Odysseus, the main character who faces many challenges.
  • Anne Hathaway plays Penelope, Odysseus’s patient wife.
  • Lupita Nyong’o takes on dual roles as Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra.
  • The movie had a very large budget.
  • The themes of the story remain relevant for modern audiences.
  • Other cultural performances and upcoming films like "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" were also mentioned.
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France24
Wildfires in Ontario make Toronto air quality worst in world

Wildfires in Ontario make Toronto air quality worst in world

July 15, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Smoke from over 100 wildfires in northern Ontario has made Toronto’s air quality the worst in the world. The fires have caused evacuations in First Nations communities and affected air quality in parts of the northern US.

Key Facts

  • More than 100 wildfires are burning in northern Ontario.
  • Toronto’s air quality ranked worst in the world by IQAir due to wildfire smoke.
  • A heatwave in Toronto set a new temperature record of 37.3°C in the city.
  • Several First Nations communities, including Collins Ontario, were evacuated and some homes destroyed.
  • A train crew near Armstrong, Ontario, had to be safely evacuated because of fast-moving fires.
  • Smoke is causing health warnings and air quality alerts in parts of Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and northeastern US cities.
  • Officials urge residents to follow emergency advice and be ready to evacuate if needed.
  • Climate change is mentioned as a factor in the extreme heat and worsening wildfire conditions.
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Guardian World
Pro-government militia seizes boat with ‘Houthi weapons materials’ in Yemen

Pro-government militia seizes boat with ‘Houthi weapons materials’ in Yemen

July 15, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

A pro-government militia in Yemen stopped a boat in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The boat was carrying equipment that can be used to make weapons for the Houthi group. The crew has been arrested, and the equipment is being examined.

Key Facts

  • The boat was intercepted by a Yemeni pro-government militia.
  • The location of the interception was the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
  • The boat carried materials used to make weapons.
  • These materials were intended for the Houthi group.
  • The crew of the boat has been arrested by the militia.
  • The seized materials are currently under investigation.
  • The Houthi group is involved in the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
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Al Jazeera
Man arrested on suspicion of posting social media threat to shoot Nigel Farage

Man arrested on suspicion of posting social media threat to shoot Nigel Farage

July 15, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A man in his 20s was arrested in London for threatening to shoot politician Nigel Farage on social media. The arrest follows concerns about threats against politicians and calls for better security protections after the recent killing of former MP Ann Widdecombe.

Key Facts

  • The Metropolitan Police arrested a man on suspicion of sending threatening messages to Nigel Farage.
  • The arrest occurred after parliamentary authorities reported the threat in May.
  • The threatening post said, “I am going to shoot you in the head if you win,” and was made on the social media platform X during the May elections.
  • Police used information from the social media platform to identify and locate the suspect.
  • Farage said this was the first time police acted quickly on such a threat, despite many similar posts in previous years.
  • Ann Widdecombe, a former MP and Reform UK spokesperson, was recently killed, with police investigating possible political motives.
  • Reform UK officials say politicians in their party feel fear after Widdecombe’s death and note some recent improvements in state protection.
  • Several MPs in the past have received threats of violence that led to police investigations and convictions.
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Guardian World
Israel's latest strikes kill at least a dozen people in Gaza, including police officers

Israel's latest strikes kill at least a dozen people in Gaza, including police officers

July 15, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 12 people in Gaza over the past two days, including police officers and civilians. The strikes continue despite a ceasefire with Hamas, which controls Gaza and has dissolved its government to transfer power to a UN-backed committee.

Key Facts

  • At least 12 people were killed in recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, including 6 police officers and several civilians.
  • One airstrike hit a police station in the Jabaliya refugee camp, killing police officers and a woman.
  • A man was killed in a bombing of a tent camp in southern Gaza, and a child was shot by Israeli forces near Rafah.
  • Israel claims some of the police officers killed were Hamas militants but has not provided evidence for their military involvement.
  • Hamas controls the police in Gaza and says they maintain law and order.
  • The United Nations said Israeli attacks on police personnel have occurred multiple times, raising concerns about distinguishing between police and militants.
  • Since an October ceasefire, over 1,100 people have died in Gaza, and more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in October 2023.
  • The conflict began after Hamas attacked southern Israel in October 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking hostages.
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PBS NewsHour
Israeli strikes kill at least a dozen people in Gaza, including police officers

Israeli strikes kill at least a dozen people in Gaza, including police officers

July 15, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed at least 12 people over two days, including police officers and civilians, despite a ceasefire with Hamas. The strikes have targeted police stations and other sites, with Israel claiming some of those killed were militants, while Hamas says the police only maintain law and order.

Key Facts

  • At least 12 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza in the past two days.
  • Among the dead were six police officers and a woman killed in a strike on a Jabaliya refugee camp police station.
  • Three members of the same family were killed in central Gaza.
  • A man died in a tent camp bombing in Khan Younis, and a child was shot near Rafah.
  • Israel claims some police officers killed were militants, but Hamas says its police are civilian law enforcers.
  • The United Nations criticized attacks on Gaza police, saying these often target officers not involved in fighting.
  • Since an October ceasefire, over 1,100 people have died in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
  • The war began after Hamas attacked southern Israel in October 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
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PBS NewsHour
Meet the millionaires investing in nature conservation

Meet the millionaires investing in nature conservation

July 15, 2026 • France24

Summary

In France, some wealthy business owners are buying large areas of land to allow nature to grow back. One example is Rodolphe Landemaine, a bakery owner, who invites other business leaders to join in supporting nature conservation.

Key Facts

  • Wealthy entrepreneurs in France are investing in land to help nature recover.
  • Rodolphe Landemaine, who runs 30 bakeries in France and Japan, is one of these investors.
  • Landemaine opens his estate in Normandy to business leaders to encourage them to invest in conservation.
  • The goal is to let natural habitats and wildlife return and thrive.
  • This effort is part of a broader movement to support the environment and biodiversity.
  • The article is part of a series that discusses environmental and nature-related topics in France.
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France24
Seal pup shot in head, third incident in less than year, hospital says

Seal pup shot in head, third incident in less than year, hospital says

July 15, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A three-week-old harbor seal pup in Washington state was shot in the head and is now receiving treatment at a wildlife rehabilitation center. This is the third marine mammal the center has treated for gunshot wounds in less than a year.

Key Facts

  • The seal pup was admitted to the Sea Life Response, Rehab and Research center in Des Moines, Washington, over the Fourth of July weekend.
  • An X-ray showed the pup was shot in the head.
  • The pup is in critical but stable condition and received specialized surgery.
  • If recovery continues, the pup will get a CT scan to assess its chances of survival and guide further treatment.
  • The center plans to try to return the pup to the wild, which may include removing the bullet.
  • This is the youngest marine mammal the center has treated for such injuries.
  • Shooting seals or sea lions is a federal crime under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
  • Authorities encourage the public to report any suspicious activity involving marine mammals.
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CBS News
More details emerge on D.C.-area ground stop that left thousands of travelers stranded

More details emerge on D.C.-area ground stop that left thousands of travelers stranded

July 15, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A ground stop in the Washington, D.C., area on Tuesday caused many flights to be delayed or canceled. This happened because of security concerns related to the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. Thousands of travelers were affected and left stranded.

Key Facts

  • The ground stop occurred in the Washington, D.C., area.
  • It took place on a Tuesday.
  • The delay was due to security concerns connected to Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's visit.
  • Tens of thousands of travelers experienced flight delays or cancellations.
  • The ground stop led to many people being stranded at airports.
  • CBS News reported new details about the event.
  • The incident involved coordination between security and aviation authorities.
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CBS News