A British couple, Pete and Fran Gillam, have been confirmed dead in wildfires that struck southern Spain, killing 13 people. Authorities are using DNA to identify victims because many bodies are badly burned, and the fires were worsened by a severe heatwave.
Key Facts
The wildfires happened in the village of Bédar, Spain, which has many British residents.
Pete and Fran Gillam were confirmed as victims by their daughter after police notification.
DNA testing is required to identify many victims due to the severe burning.
Other identified victims include a Spanish man and his British wife, plus citizens from the US, France, and Belgium.
The fires moved so fast that some people died trapped in their cars trying to escape.
A 93-year-old British woman injured in the fires later died in hospital.
The fires were fueled by dry weather and a record heatwave, which experts say is made worse by climate change.
Spanish authorities are still determining the full number of missing people and victims.
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Anthropologists in northern Italy discovered a nearly perfectly preserved wooden coffin containing the remains of a newborn baby from about 200 years ago. The cold, humid, and chemical conditions in the crypt helped keep the baby's bones, hair, and clothing intact, which is very rare for remains of infants this old.
Key Facts
The coffin was found in an 18th-century cemetery called Mortorino in San Fiorano, Italy.
The baby inside was wrapped in cloth, and its hair was well preserved.
Infant bones are usually not well preserved because they are still growing and more fragile.
Researchers also found remains of a baby about four and a half months old nearby.
High humidity and water damage have harmed the crypt’s artwork, so the remains were removed temporarily for restoration work.
Scientists plan to use CT scans to study the baby’s remains without harming them.
The discovery helps researchers learn about child deaths and burial customs from 200 years ago.
The project combines bioarchaeology (the study of ancient human remains) and heritage conservation to protect and understand history.
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President Donald Trump announced that the United States will take control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway. He said this action will start immediately and accused Iran of violating a previous agreement. Trump also said the U.S. should be paid to guard the strait.
Key Facts
President Trump said the U.S. will take over the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway for international shipping.
Trump accused Iran of breaking a deal related to the strait.
The U.S. plans to start the blockade or control of the strait right away.
President Trump wants the U.S. to be paid for protecting this waterway.
The announcement was made on Truth Social, President Trump’s social media platform.
No details were given about how the takeover would be carried out.
The situation involves tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
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A large wildfire has burned nearly 1,000 hectares of the Fontainebleau forest, located south of Paris. Hundreds of people living nearby have been evacuated, and officials are investigating if the fire was started deliberately.
Key Facts
The wildfire began on July 12, 2026.
The fire has burned an area bigger than Gibraltar (about 1,000 hectares).
Fontainebleau forest is an important natural area south of Paris.
Around 5% of the forest has been destroyed by the fire.
Hundreds of residents in nearby towns were forced to leave their homes.
Authorities suspect the fire may have been caused by arson (someone starting it on purpose).
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
The fire has drawn attention due to recent hot weather and other heatwaves in France this summer.
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Around 25 world leaders, including Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, met in Paris on July 13, 2026, as part of the Coalition of the Willing. The group aims to support Ukraine by strengthening its position. Russia called the meeting a "coalition of warmongers."
Key Facts
The meeting took place in Paris on July 13, 2026.
At least 25 heads of state attended, including Ukraine’s President Zelensky.
The group is called the Coalition of the Willing.
The coalition’s goal is to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position.
The meeting happened one day before France’s Bastille Day holiday.
Russia criticized the summit, calling it a “coalition of warmongers.”
The event was reported by France 24 and Reuters.
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President Trump announced that the U.S. will reimpose a naval blockade on Iran, stopping ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports. This move follows increased clashes in the Strait of Hormuz and aims to keep the waterway open while charging a fee for protecting cargo ships.
Key Facts
The U.S. is restarting a naval blockade targeting only Iranian ships and customers.
President Trump said the U.S. will act as the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. will charge 20% fees on all cargo shipped in the Strait for security services.
The blockade is a response to attacks by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on commercial ships.
U.S. military plans include more strikes in the area to reduce Iran’s ability to attack ships.
Iran claims it controls the Strait and warned it will escalate if the U.S. continues provocative actions.
The blockade is not yet active because ship owners must be notified 24 hours in advance.
The U.S. has not consulted regional allies about the security fees.
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Prince William does not plan to meet with Prince Harry and still feels betrayed by him, according to a royal biographer. Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, along with their children, visited King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the king’s private home during a visit to the UK.
Key Facts
Prince William "still feels betrayed" by Prince Harry and does not trust him.
William did not meet Harry during his recent UK visit.
Harry, Meghan, and their children spent time with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Highgrove.
Tensions exist between Buckingham Palace and Harry over issues like police protection and a legal case.
William focused on his own public activities, such as school visits and charity events, while Harry was in the UK.
Harry’s visit received much media attention in the UK and was seen as a prelude to a bigger visit for the Invictus Games next year.
Prince William’s position as the heir apparent might be complicated by the relationship between Charles and Harry.
William has not seen Harry since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and remains distant.
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Lindsey Graham, a U.S. senator and supporter of Ukraine and Israel, died suddenly at age 71 from an aortic dissection. He was known for pushing the U.S. to take military action against Iran, especially to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Key Facts
Lindsey Graham died on Saturday after a brief illness; the cause was a tear in the main artery from the heart.
Ukraine’s President Zelensky called Graham a defender of freedom and praised his support for Ukraine.
Graham strongly supported U.S. strikes and a war against Iran that began about four and a half months ago.
Before the war started, Graham said President Trump would kill Iranian leader Ayatollah Khamenei if Iran continued cracking down on protests.
Khamenei was reportedly killed on the first day of U.S. and Israeli attacks, with his son injured.
The U.S. aimed to stop Iran from making nuclear weapons, although intelligence reports suggested Iran was not close to building a bomb.
Iran claims its nuclear program is peaceful, but international experts say Iran has enough enriched uranium that could be used to make a weapon.
Graham supported further strikes on Iran if it did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route Iran blocked early in the war.
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Police arrested twelve people, including three for suspected conspiracy to murder, linked to a far-right threat against a large Islamic event in Suffolk. Counter-terrorism officers acted quickly after intelligence showed a serious risk, leading to a major incident declaration and an early closure of the event.
Key Facts
Twelve people were arrested, including three on suspicion of planning murder and others under terrorism laws.
The threat targeted the UK Ijtima event held at Shrubland Hall in Suffolk, attended by about 15,000 people over four days.
One arrested man is 82 years old and has been released on bail; others remain in custody.
The arrests happened in several places: Greater Manchester, London, Essex, Ipswich, and Surrey.
Police declared a major incident and advised the event to end earlier than planned for safety.
Organisers said there was misinformation spreading about the event on social media.
Officials assured the public there was no wider threat beyond this specific event.
Suffolk police will keep a visible presence around Shrubland Hall to ensure safety for days after the event.
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A second U.S. citizen has been diagnosed with Ebola and was moved to Germany for medical care, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This person is a humanitarian worker and was admitted to a hospital in Frankfurt.
Key Facts
The World Health Organization reported the second U.S. citizen diagnosed with Ebola.
The individual is a humanitarian worker involved in Ebola response efforts.
The patient was transferred to Frankfurt University Hospital in Germany for treatment.
The identity of the patient has not been made public.
Infections among health and response workers are considered a known risk during Ebola outbreaks.
The diagnosis and transfer happened early Monday after the Ebola diagnosis on Friday.
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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is visiting the United States to meet President Donald Trump. The trip aims to strengthen long-term economic and energy partnerships, including agreements on oil production and trade, while also addressing security concerns related to armed groups and Iraq’s relationship with Iran.
Key Facts
This is Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s first foreign trip since taking office in May.
Iraq aims to increase oil production from about 4.5 million barrels per day (bpd) to 7 million bpd within three years.
Iraq wants to create an energy and development fund with the US, starting with oil exports of 500,000 bpd and aiming to reach 2 million bpd.
Iraq’s oil exports depend heavily on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway recently affected by conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
The Iraqi delegation to the US includes over 70 people, such as ministers, central bank head, security adviser, lawmakers, and businessmen.
Iraq is seeking an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan of up to $8 billion during this visit.
The US is expected to discuss disarming pro-Iran armed groups in Iraq and controlling weapons under state authority.
Some Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq oppose the prime minister’s visit and warn against economic control by the US.
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Counter terrorism police are now investigating the death of Ann Widdecombe. A man, 28 years old, initially arrested for murder, has been re-arrested on suspicion of terrorism-related offences after new evidence emerged.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe died, and her death is under police investigation.
The investigation started with Devon and Cornwall police.
Police initially said there was no sign the death was linked to politics.
Counter Terrorism Policing South East took over the case due to new information.
The 28-year-old man was first arrested for murder.
He has now been re-arrested for possible terrorism acts.
The investigation is described as dynamic and complex.
The police and criminal justice experts discussed the case on a news podcast.
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Oil prices went up because of rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said it closed the strait after both countries exchanged attacks following President Trump’s announcement that their ceasefire had ended.
Key Facts
Oil prices increased on Monday due to the conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
President Donald Trump said the ceasefire agreement with Iran was over.
Iran claimed it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for oil shipping.
Both the U.S. and Iran exchanged military strikes over the weekend.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important route for global oil trade.
The situation has caused concern about further instability in the region.
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More than 2,600 cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by a parasite, have been reported in Michigan. So far, 44 people have been hospitalized due to the illness, according to state health officials.
Key Facts
Cyclosporiasis is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a tiny parasite.
The infection affects the intestines and can cause gastrointestinal illness.
Over 2,600 cases have been confirmed in Michigan.
A total of 44 patients have been hospitalized in this outbreak.
Health officials are monitoring the situation and updates may follow.
Cyclosporiasis is typically spread through contaminated food or water.
Symptoms can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fatigue.
The illness can be treated with specific antibiotics.
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Marianne is a symbol that represents France and is seen in many important places like the Louvre museum and government logos. On Bastille Day, a French national holiday, a report explains how Marianne was created and what she means to France today.
Key Facts
Marianne is a symbol for France.
She appears in notable locations such as the Louvre and the French Senate.
Marianne is part of the official logo of the French government.
The story of Marianne and her meaning were highlighted on Bastille Day (July 14).
The article was produced by Gabrielle Nadler from FRANCE 24.
Marianne represents French values and national identity.
The report is part of France 24’s coverage of Bastille Day events.
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U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina died suddenly, and his passing is seen in China as a loss of a strong critic of the Chinese government. Graham was known for pushing a tough U.S. foreign policy against China, Russia, and Iran, and for supporting Taiwan and Ukraine.
Key Facts
Lindsey Graham, a U.S. senator known for a hard stance against China, died at age 71 from a sudden illness.
He strongly criticized China’s role in global affairs, including its ties with Russia and the origin of COVID-19.
Graham supported Taiwan and warned about Chinese influence in U.S. politics.
He was one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies but differed on some global strategy views.
Graham backed economic sanctions on China and other countries buying Russian oil and gas.
His last public appearance was in Kyiv, Ukraine, calling on China to help end the war there.
Chinese state media called him a "hawk" for his aggressive policies toward China and other countries.
Many Chinese internet users expressed criticism or celebrated his death due to his anti-China positions.
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A group of 35 countries, called the Coalition of the Willing, met in Paris on July 13, 2026. They work together to provide military support to Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended the meeting.
Key Facts
The Coalition of the Willing includes 35 countries.
These countries are committed to helping Ukraine with military support.
The meeting took place in Paris, France, on July 13, 2026.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky participated in the meeting.
The coalition aims to strengthen cooperation against challenges from Russia and the U.S. under President Donald Trump.
The meeting is described as part of Europe’s effort to respond strategically to current global tensions.
French President Emmanuel Macron is involved in European defense discussions linked to this coalition.
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The European Union and the United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on Russian military intelligence officers, hackers, and companies involved in cyberattacks targeting European governments and critical infrastructure. These cyberattacks, linked to Russia’s Federal Security Service and military intelligence, have been ongoing since 2010 and aimed to destabilize the EU and its partners.
Key Facts
The EU sanctioned nine people and four organizations linked to Russian cyberespionage activities.
The UK sanctioned 24 individuals and entities connected to Russian cyber operations.
The sanctions include freezing assets and banning travel for those involved.
The targeted groups have attacked critical infrastructure like heating and power plants in various European countries.
The Russian Federal Security Service’s (FSB) 16th Center and the GRU military intelligence agency are central to these cyber activities.
The company Impuls, led by GRU member Yevgeny Bashev, provides support for cyberattacks and has been sanctioned.
Several European countries, including France, Germany, Poland, and Sweden, have been victims of these cyberattacks.
The EU and UK governments accuse Russian intelligence of using hackers to support military and political goals through cyber interference.
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