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Who is Mykhailo Drapatyi, Ukraine's new commander-in-chief?

Who is Mykhailo Drapatyi, Ukraine's new commander-in-chief?

July 22, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, has become Ukraine’s new commander-in-chief, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi. Drapatyi is known for his military experience, leadership in key battles since 2014, and his reputation for being a strong and humane leader.

Key Facts

  • Drapatyi is the third commander-in-chief of Ukraine's military since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
  • He graduated from the Kharkiv Institute of Tank Troops in 2004 and began his military career as a lieutenant.
  • In 2014, Drapatyi gained attention after leading a battalion to free hostages in Mariupol by breaking through barricades.
  • He was praised for rescuing Ukrainian units trapped near the Luhansk region in 2014.
  • In 2021, he completed advanced military training and was honored by the British ambassador.
  • At the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Drapatyi was deputy commander and led successful operations to push back Russian forces in several regions.
  • Drapatyi resigned after a missile strike killed 12 soldiers at a training ground, taking personal responsibility for the incident.
  • President Zelensky appointed him commander of the Joint Forces, and now Drapatyi is Ukraine’s top military leader amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories
Wreckage of Pan Am plane that crash-landed in 1952 discovered off Puerto Rico

Wreckage of Pan Am plane that crash-landed in 1952 discovered off Puerto Rico

July 22, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The remains of a Pan Am airplane that made an emergency landing in 1952 were found near Puerto Rico last month. This crash was important because it helped make safety briefings before flights a regular practice.

Key Facts

  • A Pan Am plane crash-landed in 1952 near Puerto Rico.
  • The wreckage of the plane was discovered last month off Puerto Rico’s coast.
  • The 1952 crash influenced the start of routine safety briefings on flights.
  • Safety briefings inform passengers about emergency procedures before takeoff.
  • The discovery sheds light on a historic event in commercial aviation safety.
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CBS News
Rubio says Iran isn't serious about negotiations; Hegseth says war has cost $37.5 billion

Rubio says Iran isn't serious about negotiations; Hegseth says war has cost $37.5 billion

July 22, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Senator Marco Rubio said that Iran does not appear serious about negotiating a solution, even though the U.S. is open to talks. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported that the ongoing war has cost the U.S. $37.5 billion so far.

Key Facts

  • Senator Marco Rubio spoke to reporters about U.S. talks with Iran.
  • Rubio said Iran seems not serious about negotiating a solution.
  • The U.S. remains open to negotiations with Iran.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave testimony on the cost of the war.
  • Hegseth said the war has cost the U.S. $37.5 billion up to now.
  • The details were reported by CBS News journalists Charlie D’Agata and Aaron Navarro.
  • The information was shared during a news segment on CBS News.
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CBS News
French model recruiter with close ties to Jeffrey Epstein found dead

French model recruiter with close ties to Jeffrey Epstein found dead

July 22, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Daniel Siad, a French model recruiter linked to Jeffrey Epstein, was found dead at his home near Paris. Siad was under investigation in France for allegations of rape and human trafficking, which he denied, and authorities are investigating the cause of his death.

Key Facts

  • Daniel Siad, 69, was a French model scout connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • He was found dead in Colombes, a suburb of Paris.
  • Siad was accused of helping Epstein traffic and abuse women but said he did not know Epstein was dangerous.
  • He was under investigation in France for rape and human trafficking allegations, which he denied.
  • Prosecutors are conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of his death.
  • Siad’s name appeared in thousands of Epstein-related documents showing he sent Epstein photos of women he met.
  • In 2022, another modeling agent linked to Epstein, Jean-Luc Brunel, died by suicide in prison in France.
  • Victims saw Siad as a key figure who could help reveal the truth about Epstein’s crimes.
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Al Jazeera
Carney says trade negotiations with US will intensify in wake of new tariffs

Carney says trade negotiations with US will intensify in wake of new tariffs

July 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that trade talks between Canada and the United States will become more active following new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Carney mentioned that he spoke with President Trump and both sides agreed to step up negotiations soon.

Key Facts

  • President Donald Trump imposed new tariffs on Canadian goods.
  • Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with President Trump about these tariffs.
  • They agreed to intensify trade talks in the coming weeks.
  • The goal is to address issues caused by these new tariffs.
  • Carney held a news conference to provide this update.
  • Both countries are focusing on working through their trade disagreements.
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The Hill
How will Australia’s emergency services cope if satellites go down? With a sextant and a street directory

How will Australia’s emergency services cope if satellites go down? With a sextant and a street directory

July 22, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Australia’s emergency services and military are training to navigate without satellite support, using paper maps and star navigation, in case satellite systems fail. Experts warn that many Australians do not realize how much daily life depends on satellites, which are vulnerable to attacks or solar storms.

Key Facts

  • Australia’s emergency and military personnel are learning to use paper maps, street directories, and celestial navigation.
  • A panel at the Australian space forum discussed the risks of losing satellite services like GPS and secure communications.
  • Satellites support many critical areas including emergency services, aviation, freight, energy grids, and financial systems.
  • Optus expert Nick Leake said satellite infrastructure is vital but largely unprotected and could fail from enemy actions or solar flares.
  • Emergency services report that many young people today cannot read paper maps or street directories.
  • Without satellites, emergency teams would rely on radios, manual procedures, and physical manuals.
  • The Royal Flying Doctor Service could operate for about 24 hours if satellites fail, before switching to manual communication and navigation methods.
  • The Australian Defence Force trains personnel to use sextants for star navigation as a backup to satellite-based navigation.
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Guardian World
Great Barrier Reef microbiome mapped as researchers discover 500 bacterial species previously unknown to science

Great Barrier Reef microbiome mapped as researchers discover 500 bacterial species previously unknown to science

July 22, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Scientists have mapped the community of microbes in the Great Barrier Reef, identifying over 360,000 different viruses and more than 500 new bacterial species. This research helps understand the reef’s ecosystem and could be used to monitor its health and changes caused by human activity or climate effects.

Key Facts

  • Researchers analyzed DNA from seawater samples taken from 48 reefs in the Great Barrier Reef.
  • They found 808,585 viral genomes, estimated to belong to about 362,802 different viruses.
  • The study identified 5,283 bacterial and archaeal genomes representing 876 species, with 584 species new to science.
  • Microbes in the reef help support the marine food chain by producing oxygen and serving as food for small animals like krill.
  • The research used metagenomics, a method that sequences DNA from the environment to study many microbes at once.
  • Long-read sequencing technology was used, allowing scientists to read long pieces of DNA without breaking them apart.
  • Changes in microbial communities can show early signs of reef health problems caused by pollution, heat stress, or overfishing.
  • The study was led by scientists from the University of Queensland and the Australian Institute of Marine Science and published in the journal Nature.
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Guardian World
Tankers carrying Saudi crude reverse course after Houthi threats

Tankers carrying Saudi crude reverse course after Houthi threats

July 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Two oil tankers carrying Saudi Arabian crude oil changed their route in the Red Sea after Yemen’s Houthi rebels declared a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia. The ships, originally headed to China and India, sailed toward the Suez Canal instead of passing through the Bab el-Mandeb strait.

Key Facts

  • The tankers were carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia.
  • Their initial route was through the Bab el-Mandeb strait into the Indian Ocean.
  • The new route took them toward the Suez Canal.
  • Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia.
  • The embargo is a form of blocking or restricting maritime traffic.
  • The tankers’ destinations were China and India.
  • The incident took place in the Red Sea.
  • The news was reported by Reuters.
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The Hill
New Images Show Russia Building Along 'Highway of Death' To Nuclear Plant

New Images Show Russia Building Along 'Highway of Death' To Nuclear Plant

July 22, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Russia is building a new power line to connect the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to its own electricity grid. This effort aims to keep control of the nuclear site, which is located in a conflict zone in southern Ukraine and has seen recent attacks that have damaged parts of the power infrastructure.

Key Facts

  • Russia is constructing an electricity transmission line to link Europe’s largest nuclear plant (Zaporizhzhia) to the Russian power grid.
  • Satellite images show the line runs near a road called the "highway of death," known for drone attacks on Russian forces.
  • The plant is still operated by Ukrainians but is controlled by Russian forces since early 2022.
  • The nuclear plant needs off-site power to stay safe, but attacks have cut power multiple times since the conflict began.
  • Before the war, the plant had 10 power lines; now, only one remains operational.
  • Russia intends to restart at least one reactor once the plant is connected to its grid.
  • Construction of the new line was disrupted by Ukrainian drone attacks targeting substations.
  • The power line may also support Russian military operations in occupied southern Ukraine.
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Newsweek
Why Traore has opened a new front with Burkina Faso’s Muslim community

Why Traore has opened a new front with Burkina Faso’s Muslim community

July 22, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore, has increased tensions with the Muslim community by targeting what he calls "radical Islam" and enforcing new laws on religious practices. His government arrested prominent Muslim scholars and introduced stricter rules on religious education and mosque activities, causing protests and closing major mosques.

Key Facts

  • Captain Ibrahim Traore, Burkina Faso’s transitional leader, declared a battle against religious extremism.
  • He criticized some Muslim scholars for promoting extremist ideas and warned about suspending imams who preach such views.
  • The government passed the Religious Freedoms Law, introducing prison and fines for religious abuses like forcing children to beg.
  • The law aims to strengthen the country’s secular principles and control religious organizations’ finances.
  • Two prominent imams, Mohamed Ishaq Kindo and Mahmoud Barro, were arrested after opposing the new law.
  • The largest Sunni mosque in the capital, Ouagadougou, was closed due to public order concerns following protests.
  • Burkinabe students studying Islamic law abroad were ordered to return, or they risk losing citizenship.
  • The tightening of control marks a shift from previous cooperation between the government and influential Muslim scholars.
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Al Jazeera
Mysterious white foam draws crowds on Nigerian highway

Mysterious white foam draws crowds on Nigerian highway

July 22, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

A white foamy substance appeared on a busy highway in Nigeria, attracting many people and raising safety concerns. Nigeria’s environmental agency is investigating and testing samples to find out what the foam is and if it is harmful.

Key Facts

  • The foam showed up on the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, a main road linking northern Nigeria to the capital.
  • Many drivers stopped to take pictures and shared them on social media.
  • Some people thought the foam was snow or clouds falling from the sky.
  • Nigeria’s National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (Nesrea) is leading the investigation.
  • Nesrea collected samples of the foam, nearby soil, and water for laboratory testing.
  • There is a warning for people to stay away from the foam and the nearby area until tests are complete.
  • Early findings suggest the foam came from a spill after a lorry crashed on the highway, but the cargo type is not yet known.
  • Officials have not yet confirmed if the substance is dangerous or how to safely handle it.
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BBC World
Luke Bracey talks new "Little House on the Prairie" series and why it resonates with people

Luke Bracey talks new "Little House on the Prairie" series and why it resonates with people

July 22, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Luke Bracey talks about the new "Little House on the Prairie" TV series on CBS Mornings. He explains that the show is based on the original books and not a restart of the old TV show. Bracey also shares why the story connects with viewers today and how music helped him and a co-star understand their characters better.

Key Facts

  • The new series "Little House on the Prairie" is adapted from the original books.
  • It is not a reboot of the old television show.
  • Actor Luke Bracey discussed the show on CBS Mornings.
  • He believes the story still connects with people now.
  • A playlist of songs helped Bracey and a co-star bond and get into their roles.
  • The interview is available on the CBS News app and website.
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CBS News
'Unprecedented': France records 5,764 excess deaths during June-July heatwave period

'Unprecedented': France records 5,764 excess deaths during June-July heatwave period

July 22, 2026 • France24

Summary

France recorded 5,764 more deaths than usual between June 17 and July 2, 2026, during a period of extreme heatwaves. Most of the extra deaths were among older people, and this was the highest death increase during a heatwave since 2003.

Key Facts

  • France had 5,764 excess deaths from all causes between June 17 and July 2, 2026.
  • This period coincided with a record-breaking heatwave with temperatures over 40°C in many areas.
  • About two-thirds of the extra deaths were people aged 75 or older.
  • Less than 20% of the excess deaths were among people aged 45 to 64.
  • Half of the extra deaths happened during three days, from June 25 to 27.
  • The average temperatures on June 24 and 25, 2026, were the highest ever recorded in France for any month.
  • The last major heatwave in France with high excess deaths occurred in 2003, causing around 15,000 deaths.
  • Public health officials did not link the extra deaths solely to the heat, but the timing makes it likely related.
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France24
Tankers make sharp U-turns after Houthi shipping threat

Tankers make sharp U-turns after Houthi shipping threat

July 22, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

At least seven oil tankers near Yemen turned around after the Iran-linked Houthi group declared a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia. The embargo bans ships from loading or unloading at Saudi ports and threatens to target vessels, raising concerns about trade through the Red Sea, a major route for oil shipments.

Key Facts

  • Seven or more oil tankers changed course near Yemen after the Houthi group announced a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia.
  • The Houthis banned ships from loading or unloading cargo at Saudi ports and said vessels could be targeted in their operational area.
  • Nearly 15% of global sea trade passes through the Red Sea, which connects key waterways like the Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandab Strait.
  • The Red Sea is a critical route for Saudi oil exports, especially since the Strait of Hormuz faces restrictions due to conflicts.
  • The EU's naval force recommended that ships linked to Israeli, US, or Saudi interests avoid the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden for safety reasons.
  • Saudi Arabia denies blocking Yemeni ports and has promised to protect its ships under international law.
  • Yemen has been in a civil war since 2014, with a Saudi-led coalition backing the government and ongoing conflict with the Houthi rebels.
  • Recent attacks and air strikes between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia have escalated tensions despite a previous informal truce.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories
​Andy Burnham’s ​domestic ​revolution ​could ​unobtrusively pull Britain ​closer to Europe

​Andy Burnham’s ​domestic ​revolution ​could ​unobtrusively pull Britain ​closer to Europe

July 22, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Andy Burnham has become Britain’s seventh prime minister since Brexit, and European leaders have welcomed him with hopes of closer UK-EU relations. Although Burnham focuses mostly on domestic issues, his plans to boost UK industry and reduce dependence on foreign technology could lead to new cooperation with the EU.

Key Facts

  • Andy Burnham is the seventh British prime minister since Brexit.
  • EU leaders like Ursula von der Leyen, Emmanuel Macron, and Friedrich Merz have expressed support for better UK-EU ties.
  • Burnham opposed Brexit isolation in 2016 and hopes for eventual UK rejoining of the EU, but currently does not plan to push for re-entry.
  • He aims to unify the UK rather than reopen Brexit debates.
  • Burnham’s policies focus on domestic growth, industrial development, and economic sovereignty.
  • His approach may lower priority on direct trade negotiations with the EU.
  • Burnham seeks to reduce UK reliance on foreign datacentres and US-centered technology policies.
  • These goals align with the EU’s own plans for tech sovereignty and strategic autonomy, potentially leading to pragmatic cooperation.
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Guardian World
Prince George New Birthday Photo Shows His Transformation Through the Years

Prince George New Birthday Photo Shows His Transformation Through the Years

July 22, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Prince George, born in 2013, has grown from a newborn into a teenager and future king. He has been in the public eye since birth, with his new birthday photo showing him dressed more formally as he starts a new phase of life, including attending boarding school.

Key Facts

  • Prince George was born on July 22, 2013, at St Mary’s Hospital in London.
  • His first public photo was taken the day after his birth when his parents left the hospital.
  • He has appeared in public since early childhood, including royal tours overseas with his parents.
  • George began school in 2017 at Thomas’s Battersea in London and later moved to boarding school Eton College.
  • He has taken part in royal ceremonies, such as serving as a page boy at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018.
  • George attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022, marking a public moment of grief.
  • With the Queen’s passing, his grandfather became King Charles III, his father became Prince of Wales, and George became second in line to the throne.
  • His new birthday photo shows him in a suit, highlighting his growth into teenage years.
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Newsweek
Extreme weather hits across the country as Gulf states prepare for Tropical Storm Bertha impact

Extreme weather hits across the country as Gulf states prepare for Tropical Storm Bertha impact

July 22, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Tornadoes caused significant damage from the Midwest to the Northeast United States on Tuesday. At the same time, Tropical Storm Bertha affected the Gulf Coast, bringing strong winds and rough waves, especially in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Key Facts

  • Tornadoes occurred in several states between the Midwest and Northeast regions.
  • These tornadoes caused major damage in the affected areas.
  • Tropical Storm Bertha reached winds of 59 miles per hour.
  • The Gulf Coast, including Florida's Panama City Beach, experienced rough surf and strong winds.
  • Authorities in the Gulf states are preparing for more impact from the storm.
  • The event highlights severe weather happening across different parts of the country on the same day.
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CBS News
Anson Mount on why new "Star Trek" season is best so far: "It continues to challenge us"

Anson Mount on why new "Star Trek" season is best so far: "It continues to challenge us"

July 22, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Anson Mount talks about the new fourth season of the TV show "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds." He says this season is the best so far and explains how the show keeps pushing creative limits.

Key Facts

  • Anson Mount is an actor in "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds."
  • The show is currently in its fourth season.
  • Mount believes this season is the best one yet.
  • He feels the show continues to challenge the cast and creators.
  • The discussion about the season took place during an interview shown on CBS News.
  • "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" is part of the larger Star Trek franchise.
  • The show is available to watch on CBS and related apps.
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CBS News
France: Macron refuses environment minister's resignation over pesticide law

France: Macron refuses environment minister's resignation over pesticide law

July 22, 2026 • France24

Summary

France’s Environment Minister Monique Barbut offered to quit over a new law that allows some controversial pesticides again. President Emmanuel Macron refused her resignation, saying urgent climate action is needed.

Key Facts

  • Environment Minister Monique Barbut disagreed with a bill reintroducing certain pesticides.
  • She submitted her resignation to President Macron because of this disagreement.
  • President Macron refused to accept her resignation.
  • The decision reflects the urgency to act on climate change.
  • The news was reported by FRANCE 24 on July 22, 2026.
  • The bill is controversial due to concerns about the environmental impact of pesticides.
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France24
What is Pickaxe Mountain?

What is Pickaxe Mountain?

July 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb an underground Iranian nuclear site known as Pickaxe Mountain. The U.S. administration is considering possible military action related to this location.

Key Facts

  • Pickaxe Mountain is an underground nuclear facility in Iran.
  • The site is heavily protected and fortified.
  • President Donald Trump has publicly threatened to attack this site.
  • The U.S. government is currently thinking about military options against Iran.
  • The threat has caused increased attention on the nuclear site and Iran’s nuclear activities.
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The Hill