Healthcare workers at an Ebola treatment center in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have stopped working to protest unpaid wages and concerns about their safety. Some workers say they have not received pay for several months during the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
Key Facts
The strike is happening at an Ebola treatment center in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Healthcare workers are protesting because they have not been paid for months.
Workers are also concerned about unsafe working conditions.
The strike affects efforts to control the Ebola outbreak in the area.
Ebola is a serious infectious disease that requires specialized treatment and safety measures.
The healthcare workers want their salaries paid and better protections while treating patients.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has used military actions and threats to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for oil shipping. Experts say that fully controlling the strait would require a large U.S. military presence on Iranian land because Iran can still attack ships from hidden weapons.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway in the Middle East where 20% of the world’s oil passes through.
President Trump has reimposed a blockade on Iran’s ports and plans to charge fees on cargo passing through the strait.
Iran controls the strait and has hidden drones and missiles that can disrupt ship traffic.
Experts say Iran has prepared for this kind of conflict for decades and can continue causing problems.
Securing the strait by force would need tens of thousands of U.S. troops on the ground in Iran.
Deploying such a large force would be expensive and could lead to insurgent attacks against U.S. soldiers.
The conflict has caused oil prices to rise and affects U.S. politics ahead of the midterm elections.
Both sides have exchanged fire recently, increasing the risk of a wider war.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), a traditionalist Catholic group, has started an official appeal against Pope Leo XIV's decree that declared them in schism and excommunicated six of their bishops. The appeal challenges the Vatican’s decision after SSPX consecrated new bishops without the Pope’s approval, which the Vatican said broke Church rules.
Key Facts
The SSPX filed a preliminary appeal on July 11 with the Vatican’s office in charge of Church doctrine.
Pope Leo XIV’s decree on July 2 excommunicated six SSPX bishops and said their priests are in schism.
The excommunication followed the SSPX consecrating four new bishops in Switzerland without permission from the Pope.
The SSPX argues they followed canon law (Church law) and say the consecrations were necessary due to problems in the Church.
The Vatican had warned the SSPX that consecrating bishops without approval would cause excommunication and schism.
The SSPX hopes the appeal will help resolve the dispute peacefully while staying loyal to the Catholic Church.
The issue is a major challenge early in Pope Leo XIV’s leadership.
The appeal process is the first step before a formal Church trial or decision.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Police are questioning a 28-year-old man from South Yorkshire in connection with the murder of politician Ann Widdecombe, who was found dead at her home in Devon. The investigation has been taken over by the Counter Terrorism Police after new information suggested a possible terrorism link.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe, aged 78, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Devon.
A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham was arrested on suspicion of murder and later re-arrested under terrorism laws.
Police believe Widdecombe was attacked around 12:30 pm on Wednesday.
Counter Terrorism Policing South East took over the investigation after initial police said there was no political motive.
The suspect can be held for up to two weeks without charge under terrorism laws, unlike the usual 96 hours for murder suspects.
CCTV showed the suspect leaving Yorkshire early Wednesday, hours before the attack.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the suspect was not known to the government’s anti-terror Prevent program.
Police plan to give safety advice to Members of Parliament after this incident.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has approved Ukraine's request to produce key interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defense system within Ukraine. This decision aims to help Ukraine defend itself from Russian air attacks amid rising civilian casualties and ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
Ukraine will get a license to produce Patriot interceptor missiles on its own soil.
The Patriot system helps defend Ukraine from Russian aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles.
Ukrainian officials say more air defense systems and ammunition are urgently needed due to frequent Russian strikes.
At least 265 civilians were reported killed and 1,816 injured in Ukraine from Russian attacks in June 2026.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and President Trump met at a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, and showed a friendlier relationship than before.
Zelenskyy called the missile production agreement a historic political deal.
Chrystia Freeland, an adviser to Zelenskyy, said producing missiles will take time and Ukraine needs immediate help to reduce casualties.
Freeland noted Trump tends to support those who show strength and winning progress in the conflict.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
This article explains how to help cats that have been through trauma, neglect, or abandonment learn to trust humans again. It shares advice from a veterinarian on how to care for rescue cats gently, create a safe space, and be patient as they adjust to their new home.
Key Facts
Cats who have suffered neglect or abandonment may not show affection right away because they need time to trust.
Mr. Wobbles, a cat with a deformed leg that was amputated, is looking for a patient new home.
Vets advise keeping rescued cats in a small, quiet room with food, water, a litter box, and safe hiding spots when they first arrive.
Scared cats might hide quietly or show subtle signs of trust like eating nearby, slow blinking, or grooming.
Moving too fast or forcing contact can frighten rescue cats more. Owners should wait for the cat to approach and reward positive behavior with treats and toys.
Tripod cats (cats with three legs) like Mr. Wobbles and another kitten named Winston can adapt well but need homes that are easy to navigate.
Safety improvements for three-legged cats include non-slip floors and accessible food, water, and litter boxes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two Romanian climbers who went missing last week were found dead in the Italian Alps. They fell into a deep crevasse in the Gran Paradiso massif after leaving a mountain refuge on July 9.
Key Facts
The climbers were Romanian nationals and disappeared after leaving a mountain refuge on July 9.
Their bodies were found Monday at the bottom of a 65-foot deep crevasse in the Gran Paradiso massif.
The Gran Paradiso massif is part of Italy’s oldest national park and rises to 4,061 meters.
Helicopter searches were conducted over several days before finding the climbers.
Mountain accidents in Italy are common, with 528 deaths reported in 2025, a 13% increase from 2024.
In early 2025, a record 13 backcountry skiers, climbers, and hikers died in one week.
In November 2025, five German mountaineers died in an avalanche in South Tyrol, northern Italy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States, under President Donald Trump, has carried out strikes on Iran for the third night in a row and announced plans to charge ships for passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This comes amid ongoing attacks in the area despite an interim deal meant to halt hostilities. Meanwhile, tensions rise as Iran and the US continue confrontations related to navigation and control of the strategic waterway.
Key Facts
The US has launched three consecutive nights of strikes on Iran.
President Trump announced the US will charge a 20% fee for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The UAE reported that two of its national tankers were hit by Iranian missiles near the strait, resulting in one death and several injuries.
An interim deal designed to end the conflict between Iran and the US is breaking down amid ongoing attacks.
Both the US and Iran previously said the strait should be free of tolls, but now both sides have proposed charging fees.
Charging fees or blocking the strait violates international rules on free navigation and could disrupt global trade.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial waterway for global oil shipments.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Wildfires are burning across the UK due to a long heatwave, with fire services under heavy pressure to control the flames. Several major fires are active in regions including Wales, Derbyshire, and the Peak District, and dry weather is increasing the risk of new fires starting.
Key Facts
About 19 wildfires remain active across the UK.
Major incidents were declared in Conwy (north Wales) and Glossop (Derbyshire).
Fires have also affected Hampshire, Durham, West Sussex, East Sussex, Devon, and Somerset.
One large moorland fire near Tintwistle Moor has burned around 260 hectares (642 acres).
Firefighters warn of difficult conditions caused by high temperatures, wind, and dry weather.
Dry weather does not cause fires alone; an ignition source like a spark is needed, but dry plants burn more easily.
A 20-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of arson near the Peak District fire.
Authorities warn of a very high or exceptional risk of fires across much of England and Wales in the coming days.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new study by King's College and Queen Mary University in London is examining how hormones affect women with ADHD by tracking their menstrual cycles and symptoms. The UK government is consulting on new laws to support more than 3.5 million unmarried couples who separate. The video game God of War will feature its first female lead character.
Key Facts
A study is asking 50 women with ADHD who take medication to record their menstrual cycles and ADHD symptoms.
Researchers want to understand how hormones affect ADHD and everyday life in women.
The UK government is considering new rules to give financial protection to unmarried couples when they separate.
About 3.5 million unmarried couples in the UK could be affected by these potential legal reforms.
Rights of Women, a charity, has campaigned for these legal changes.
A woman named Jenny Allen shared her financial struggles after separating from her partner.
The video game God of War will introduce its first female main character, Laufey, who is a strong woman and a mother.
Some players and journalists discussed the importance of this change and the negative reactions it caused online.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump threatened to attack Iran’s nuclear site known as Pickaxe Mountain, a heavily fortified facility with underground tunnels. The U.S. has launched several air strikes on Iranian military targets as tensions between the two countries increase, while Iran reported multiple explosions in southern regions but gave limited details on damage or casualties.
Key Facts
Pickaxe Mountain is a nuclear site near Tehran, guarded by deep tunnels under solid rock.
U.S. intelligence believes Iran might use the site to build a secret uranium-enrichment facility.
Iran says the site is for assembling advanced centrifuges, not for uranium enrichment.
President Trump warned Iran that the U.S. would likely strike Pickaxe Mountain soon.
The U.S. has carried out multiple air strikes targeting Iranian missile, drone, and coastal defense systems.
Iranian media reported explosions on islands and southern cities like Kish, Qeshm, Bandar Abbas, and Omidiyeh.
Iranian authorities have given little information on casualties or the full impact of the attacks.
Iranian groups blame the U.S. for increased insecurity and risks to global oil supplies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Yemen's Houthi rebels fired missiles at a Saudi airport after Saudi-led air strikes hit the airport in Yemen's capital, Sanaa. The missile attacks followed a tense situation over a plane linked to Iran, and this marks a significant increase in conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia after years of relative calm.
Key Facts
Houthis launched missiles at Abha airport in southwest Saudi Arabia on Monday.
Saudi-led coalition said their air defenses stopped the missiles with no casualties.
Saudi strikes targeted the runway of Sanaa airport, blaming an Iranian plane for the conflict.
The Yemeni government claimed it hit the runway to stop an Iranian plane from landing.
Houthis control northwest Yemen and are supported by Iran.
Yemen has been in civil war since 2014, causing over 150,000 deaths and a major humanitarian crisis.
The Houthis said the attack ended a four-year informal truce with Saudi Arabia.
The UN Security Council called for calm and urged negotiations to avoid more violence.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A couple bought a 40-acre piece of raw land on the West Coast of the United States four years ago and lived off-grid while slowly developing their property. After about a year, they built a bridge over a creek on the land and discovered a hidden, clear swimming hole they had not known existed before.
Key Facts
The couple bought a 40-acre undeveloped property with no house or driveway.
They live off-grid and are building their homestead debt-free, including milling their own lumber.
Initially, only shallow and narrow parts of the creek were accessible.
After building a bridge to cross the creek, they found a large, clear swimming hole.
The swimming hole is surrounded by trees and nature, with a small pier for picnics.
The discovery changed how they spend their summer days outdoors.
Outdoor activities like swimming provide health benefits such as reducing stress and improving fitness.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two men died at Seaton Carew beach while helping two children who were in trouble in the sea. The children were rescued and taken to hospital but were safe. Authorities are reviewing water safety measures at the beach, which currently only has lifeguards during school holidays.
Key Facts
The two men who died include a local man named Wayne Taylor.
The RNLI brought the men and children back to shore around 3:45 PM on Sunday.
Both men were pronounced dead shortly after rescue, and the children are safe.
Police have not yet completed formal identification and are investigating for the coroner.
Hartlepool Council plans to review water safety along the coastline, including lifeguard coverage.
Lifeguards are only present during summer school holidays at Seaton Carew beach.
A petition with over 1,600 signatures asks for lifeguards to be present from May through September.
A bystander named Davey Short helped rescue one of the children by pulling him from the water.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Yemeni government officials say Iranian flights to Yemen violate their country’s sovereignty because they bring support to the Houthi group, which controls parts of Yemen. Recent attacks by Yemen’s government and missile launches by the Houthis have increased tensions, prompting calls for calm from the United Nations.
Key Facts
Iranian planes flew to Yemen carrying equipment meant for the Houthi movement.
The Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia, bombed Sana’a airport as a protest.
The Houthi delegation eventually landed at Hodeidah airport, controlled by the Houthis.
The Houthis fired missiles at Saudi Arabia, breaking a four-year ceasefire.
Yemen has been in a civil war since 2015, with the Houthis controlling Sana’a and the Saudi-backed government in the south.
The Yemeni vice-president says the Houthis pose a regional and international threat, especially to key waterways like the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab strait.
The Yemeni government struggles financially and relies on Saudi support to pay salaries and maintain security.
The UN Security Council has held emergency talks urging both sides to reduce violence.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A man was nearly sucked out of a Ryanair plane window during a flight from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Memmingen, Germany. His wife and other passengers helped pull him back inside after part of the plane’s engine broke, causing the window to shatter and rapid cabin decompression.
Key Facts
The incident happened shortly after takeoff from Thessaloniki.
The man’s upper body was outside the cabin for about two minutes.
His wife grabbed his legs and, with help from other passengers, pulled him back inside.
The man lost consciousness three times and is seriously injured, with burns and hand injuries.
The plane dropped 9,000 feet quickly due to the decompression.
Ryanair said the flight returned safely and the injured passenger received medical help on the ground.
The plane was an 18-year-old Boeing 737-800 operated by Ryanair’s Malta Air subsidiary.
Investigation involves Greek and international aviation authorities, including the US FAA and Boeing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A train crash happened near Bedford, Bedfordshire, on 19 June when one train hit the back of another that had stopped unexpectedly. The driver of the moving train, Shaun Burton, died from serious brain and chest injuries, and more than 100 people were hurt and needed hospital care. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash and have paused the inquest until more reports are ready.
Key Facts
Shaun Burton, aged 60, was the driver who died in the crash near Elstow, Bedfordshire.
The crash injured 162 people, with 102 needing hospital treatment.
The moving train passed a red signal just before the crash.
The stationary train stopped because its safety system called the Automatic Warning System (AWS) had a fault.
Burton’s train brakes were applied for about nine seconds before the crash, slowing from 76 mph to 49 mph at impact.
Burton died at the scene and was identified by fingerprint analysis a few days later.
The inquest is paused until reports from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and police are completed.
Burton lived in Cambridgeshire and was a former local councillor.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Gilgit-Baltistan is a mountainous region in northern Pakistan that has seen big changes in the last few decades. Improved education, healthcare, and local development have helped the area grow, attracting many tourists. However, rapid development and climate change are creating challenges for the region.
Key Facts
Gilgit-Baltistan is a remote mountainous area in northern Pakistan, known for high peaks like K2.
The Hunza Valley, part of Gilgit-Baltistan, is home to the Ismaili community, which is about 90% of its population.
Education and healthcare in the region have improved significantly, supported by foundations linked to the Aga Khan.
Tourism has grown, bringing tens of thousands of visitors annually to the scenic landscape.
New hotels and infrastructure are being built quickly, changing the natural environment.
Climate change is causing glaciers in the region to melt rapidly.
Climate-related disasters are increasing and threatening the local economy.
The local community is still working to establish a stable economy amid these challenges.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the emir of Qatar, has been receiving many visitors offering condolences for the death of his father, the former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who died at age 74. Leaders, officials, and citizens from Qatar and other countries have gathered in Doha to pay their respects over several days.
Key Facts
The Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died on Sunday at age 74.
The current emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is receiving mourners at Lusail Palace.
Visitors include members of Qatar’s ruling family, government ministers, foreign dignitaries, and ordinary citizens.
Leaders from Rwanda, Maldives, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Iraq, Libya, Kurdistan region, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Syria have come to offer condolences.
Gulf Cooperation Council leaders, including those from Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, attended.
The reception for condolences is scheduled over three days, from July 13 to July 15, 2026.
The Father Emir was buried in Lusail Cemetery following funeral prayers at a major mosque in Doha.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also attended to offer condolences.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
