Labour MPs are urging Andy Burnham to lead on international aid by restoring the goal of spending 0.7% of the UK’s national income on overseas aid, a target set by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown but abandoned in 2020. They also want the UK, under future leadership roles in global groups like the G20 and G7, to promote international cooperation on issues such as wealth taxes and sustainable development goals.
Key Facts
Labour MPs want Andy Burnham to bring back the commitment to spend 0.7% of UK income on aid over a 10-year plan.
The 0.7% aid target was chosen during Gordon Brown’s time as prime minister but was dropped in 2020 by Rishi Sunak during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead of restoring the aid budget, current Labour leader Keir Starmer cut aid spending to fund defense, causing the development minister to resign.
Fleur Anderson, a former development minister, says long-term planning for aid spending is more important than annual targets.
Liam Byrne, a Labour MP, wants the UK to push for a global wealth tax during its 2027 G20 leadership.
The G20 is a group of major economies that discusses global financial and political issues, including countries like Brazil, South Africa, and China.
Gareth Thomas, another Labour MP, suggests the UK should use its G20 and G7 leadership to start talks on new international development goals after 2030.
Past UK leadership in global groups helped secure debt relief for poor countries and could now focus on promoting cooperation and sustainable development.
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Schools in the UK have struggled with extreme heat, with classroom temperatures rising above 40°C (104°F), causing health problems like heatstroke and nausea among students and teachers. Many schools lack air conditioning and proper shading, making it hard to teach or learn during heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
Key Facts
Some UK classrooms have reached over 40°C during recent heatwaves.
Students and teachers have suffered from heat-related illnesses such as headaches, nausea, and fainting.
Teachers have used wet towels and water trays to help cool pupils.
Many school buildings are old, poorly insulated, and have little or no air conditioning.
Government advisers say all UK schools should have air conditioning within 25 years.
Over 1,000 schools in England and Wales closed or partly closed during the June heatwave.
The heatwaves caused significant school absences, affecting about 20% of school sessions.
The economic impact of the June heatwave was estimated to be £100–200 million due to lost work and school closures.
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A 26-year-old man arrested in connection to the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe has been released and is no longer a suspect. Police continue to investigate the case and are asking the public for any information that could help.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe’s body was found with serious injuries at her home in Devon on Thursday.
Police arrested a 26-year-old white British man near Widdecombe’s home but have since released him.
The investigation is ongoing and police are focused on finding those responsible.
Police have ruled out terrorism or political motives in the killing.
Officers ask the public not to speculate or spread rumors, as it could harm the investigation and upset the family.
The family has requested privacy while they deal with the loss.
Police continue to search for a white male believed to be connected to the death.
All evidence is being examined carefully as detectives work quickly on the case.
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A survey shows that Australia might no longer have a majority of religious people if the 2026 census question about religion is changed. When asked a simple yes/no question about religion, more than half of respondents said they have no religion, a higher number than the current census format shows.
Key Facts
In the 2021 census, about 39% of Australians said they have no religion.
The new survey found 43% said no religion using the current census question format.
When asked “Do you have a religion?” with a yes/no option first, 54% said no religion.
This difference suggests about 2 million adults might be counted differently with a new question format.
The campaign "Census – Not Religious? Mark No Religion" says the current question overstates religious affiliation.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) considered changing the question but rejected it to keep data comparable with past censuses.
Religion is generally lower among younger people (18-34) and higher among university-educated adults.
The ABS consulted various groups but said no question could satisfy all needs perfectly.
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Volunteers in La Guaira, Venezuela, have turned a fast-food restaurant into an emergency clinic. This change was necessary because many hospitals were damaged or destroyed by recent earthquakes.
Key Facts
Earthquakes hit Venezuela and caused damage to hospitals.
Hospitals in La Guaira were damaged or destroyed.
Volunteers acted to help people needing medical care.
A fast-food restaurant was converted into a temporary clinic.
The clinic serves as an emergency medical center for the community.
Local volunteers are playing a key role in providing healthcare after the disaster.
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President Donald Trump has announced he will approve a license for Ukraine to produce its own Patriot missile interceptors. This decision could help Ukraine defend itself against Russian missile attacks, but experts say it will take a long time before Ukraine can actually build and use these missiles.
Key Facts
President Trump announced on July 9 that he will allow Ukraine to make its own Patriot missile interceptors.
Ukraine is running low on Patriot missiles, which are needed to defend against Russian ballistic missile attacks.
Russia has increased its missile attacks partly because Ukraine has fewer interceptors to stop them.
Ukraine’s missile defenses failed on July 6 when 23 ballistic missiles were launched at Kyiv, killing at least 22 people.
Many countries, especially in Europe and Asia, are also trying to buy Patriots to replace those given to Ukraine.
Germany is investing billions to produce more Patriot missile systems.
Approving the license will take at least 6 months to a year due to strict export controls and paperwork.
Only after this process will the manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, be able to grant Ukraine the license to produce the missiles.
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President Donald Trump warned that the United States will strongly attack Iran if it tries to kill or succeeds in killing him. The U.S. military is prepared for a possible one-year operation to destroy parts of Iran if necessary. This warning comes amid rising tensions following reports of an alleged Iranian plan to assassinate President Trump and ongoing conflicts in the region.
Key Facts
President Trump said on social media that the U.S. would "completely decimate" Iran if it attempts to assassinate him.
He stated the U.S. military is ready for a one-year period, extendable, to carry out military actions against Iran.
The warning followed reports that Israel shared intelligence about a specific Iranian plan to kill President Trump.
Iran recently held a funeral for its former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike months ago.
Two days of military attacks between the U.S. and Iran have raised concerns about a potential return to war.
Qatari negotiators are meeting with Iranian officials, working with the U.S., to try and reduce tensions and resume peace talks.
President Trump said the ceasefire with Iran is over, but he is open to further negotiations.
The situation comes after a shaky ceasefire that aimed to prevent full-scale conflict in the Middle East.
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Tensions have risen again between the United States and Iran after a recent ceasefire ended. Iranian leaders say they will not give up, and President Donald Trump has declared the ceasefire over, leading to the most serious conflict escalation in about a month.
Key Facts
Iranian leaders have stated they will never surrender.
President Donald Trump says the ceasefire with Iran has ended.
The conflict between the US and Iran has intensified recently.
This is the most serious escalation in nearly a month.
The article discusses whether this means the two countries are at war again.
The situation involves political and military tensions between both countries.
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A small plane crashed in the Bahamas, killing all 10 people on board, including nine passengers and the pilot. The plane was flying from Nassau to San Andros Airport when it encountered problems and crashed just before landing.
Key Facts
The crash involved a Cessna 402 aircraft operated by Flamingo Air.
The accident happened on the Bahamas' 53rd independence anniversary.
Officials first reported one survivor, but that person later died from injuries.
The plane crashed into bushes shortly before landing at San Andros Airport.
Flamingo Air’s operating certificate was temporarily suspended as a safety precaution.
The Ministry of Aviation said the suspension is not a punishment but a safety measure.
There were two other safety incidents involving Flamingo Air on the same day.
One earlier flight had to return to Nassau due to a pilot-reported issue and a fire onboard after landing.
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Many Sudanese university students have fled war and now live in refugee camps in the Central African Republic. Their education has been interrupted by conflict, and they face big challenges like learning in a new language and missing years of school. Despite these problems, some are trying to continue their studies with help from organizations like the UN.
Key Facts
Islam Ibrahim fled Sudan after her father was killed during fighting in el-Fasher and now lives in a refugee camp in the Central African Republic.
Many Sudanese students in exile had to leave their studies behind due to war and displacement.
More than 30 students from Darfur interviewed said their education is on hold and they are unsure if they can return home.
The war has caused an education gap, with students in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces missing years of schooling and exams.
Students in safer areas controlled by the Sudanese army have been able to return to classes more regularly.
Refugees have received support from the UNHCR to study at the University of Bangui, but now must learn in French instead of Arabic.
Students face financial, psychological, and language challenges while trying to continue their education in exile.
Some towns like Amdafock are now controlled by rebel groups, making it unsafe for families to return.
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Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce held a private wedding at Madison Square Garden in New York City on July 3, 2026. The event was highly secretive, with no official photos released and strict rules to keep details from the public, but fans gathered outside and searched for small memorabilia left behind.
Key Facts
The wedding took place at Madison Square Garden with about 1,000 guests.
No verified pictures of the ceremony, venue interior, or Taylor Swift’s wedding dress have been shared.
Guests and staff signed non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and had to give up their cell phones.
The couple used tents and street closures to keep the event private.
Fans waited outside and collected small items like an AirPod and a ring pop, which were later sold online.
The event was called "the United States’ royal wedding" by some fans and media.
Taylor Swift is known for sharing personal stories through her music but chose to keep this event private.
Security measures caused some inconvenience to New Yorkers during a heat wave that weekend.
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A deadly wildfire in southeastern Spain has killed at least 12 people, including four British citizens, with 23 others still missing. Firefighters are working to contain the fire near the village of Bedar during a severe heatwave affecting Southern Europe.
Key Facts
The wildfire is one of Spain’s deadliest, with at least 12 confirmed deaths.
Four of the dead are reported to be British, found in a burnt-out car with a right-hand steering wheel.
Another 23 people are missing in the affected area.
The fire spread quickly due to high temperatures around 40°C (104°F), dry ground, and strong winds.
Officials suspect a fallen power line may have caused the fire, but local electricity companies deny this.
Some victims may not have followed official evacuation routes.
The area affected, Los Gallardos in Almería province, is home to many foreigners with second homes.
Climate change is increasing heatwaves and wildfires in Europe, with Southern Europe experiencing extreme weather this summer.
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Europe is reviewing plans that would allow voluntary navigational fees in the Strait of Hormuz, with approval from the United Nations agency in charge of sea transport. Oman has proposed a plan based on existing systems in other important waterways, while the United States is urging Iran to confirm the strait remains open and safe for shipping.
Key Facts
Europe is considering proposals to charge navigational fees in the Strait of Hormuz if the fees are not mandatory and have UN approval.
Britain’s deputy prime minister opposes compulsory tolls, but some officials accept fees for specific maritime services in busy waterways.
The United States wants Iran to publicly confirm that the Strait of Hormuz will stay open and ships will not be attacked.
Oman, which controls much of the navigable water in the strait, proposed a non-compulsory fee plan and is willing to explain it to Iran.
Iran’s foreign minister is scheduled to visit Oman to discuss shipping safety and the strait.
Qatar opposes giving Iran control over the strait in a way that contradicts international maritime law.
There are divisions in Iran’s leadership about following international maritime laws regarding the strait.
Oman supports voluntary navigational support services fees to improve safety and protect the environment but opposes mandatory transit fees.
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President Donald Trump warned Iran after the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, where some people openly called for Trump’s death. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran increased following attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and recent U.S. airstrikes in the region.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, recently died and was buried in Mashhad, Iran.
During Khamenei’s funeral, some mourners called for the killing of President Donald Trump.
Iran attacked three ships in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week, a vital waterway for global trade.
The U.S. responded with airstrikes targeting Iran and asked Iran to publicly declare the Strait of Hormuz is open for safe passage.
Iran refuses to make the strait open to all ships and wants to control it and charge fees.
President Trump posted a warning on his social media platform saying the U.S. has 1,000 missiles aimed at Iran.
He threatened to destroy all parts of Iran if the Iranian government acts on its threats.
The conflict reflects ongoing tensions and violence between the U.S. and Iran in the Middle East.
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Typhoon Bavi caused over 14,000 people in Taiwan to evacuate due to heavy rain and strong winds. The storm also cut power to thousands in Japan's Okinawa islands and is moving toward eastern China, where it is expected to hit early Sunday.
Key Facts
More than 14,000 people in Taiwan left their homes because of Typhoon Bavi.
The storm caused power outages for over 27,000 households in Taiwan and more than 18,000 in Okinawa, Japan.
Typhoon Bavi brought very strong winds up to 180 km/h (about 112 mph) and heavy rain.
The worst-hit areas in Taiwan include the port city of Keelung and northern parts of the island.
Bavi weakened slightly but still caused dangerous waves up to 10 meters (33 feet) high on Taiwan’s coast.
Japanese airlines canceled dozens of flights, affecting over 26,000 passengers.
In the Philippines, heavy rain from the storm caused landslides that killed at least 15 people on Mindanao island.
Bavi is expected to make landfall in eastern China early Sunday with very heavy rains forecast.
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Severe flash flooding in Missouri has led to over 90 water rescues, including campers trapped on a roof of a collapsed building. Authorities airlifted hundreds of people from flooded areas, and a state of emergency has been declared due to ongoing heavy rain and unsafe conditions.
Key Facts
Flash floods struck parts of Missouri on July 10, 2026, causing rapid water rise.
A building at a campground collapsed into floodwaters while campers were on the roof; all were rescued safely.
More than 90 water rescues involved residents, campers, and drivers affected by the flooding.
Around 228 campers and adults were airlifted by National Guard helicopters from a flooded campsite.
One person remains missing in Crawford County; search efforts continue.
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency to coordinate response efforts.
Heavy rains and thunderstorms are expected to continue, prompting warnings to avoid low-lying areas.
Roads, trees, and buildings suffered damage from the floods, leaving some people stranded but safe.
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The NHS is encouraging people in their 50s to complete free bowel cancer screening tests at home because fewer in this age group are taking part. Early detection through these tests can save lives by finding cancer before symptoms appear.
Key Facts
Free bowel cancer test kits are sent every two years to people aged 50 to 74 in England, Wales, and Scotland.
In Northern Ireland, tests are sent to people aged 60 to 74, but there are plans to lower this age.
Only about half of 54-year-olds completed their tests last year, compared to 74% of people aged 70 to 74.
The test checks stool samples for blood, which can signal bowel cancer early.
On average, the NHS detects around 100 bowel cancers per week through screening.
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with over 130 new cases diagnosed daily.
Early diagnosis can mean less aggressive treatment, as seen in the case of Joanne Vernon, who found cancer without symptoms thanks to the test.
The NHS sends about 8.7 million of these kits every year to encourage early detection.
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A fast-moving wildfire started around 1 p.m. in a dry, hot area of Los Angeles County, leading to evacuation orders. By evening, the fire had spread to 2,200 acres and threatened nearby communities as high temperatures continued.
Key Facts
The fire began in the high desert about 45 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
Conditions were very dry and hot, with temperatures near 100°F (38°C).
The fire grew quickly, reaching 2,200 acres by evening.
Piñon Hills, a town of about 7,200 people, was partly under evacuation warning.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, and the number of buildings at risk is unclear.
A heat wave is affecting most of the U.S., increasing wildfire risks, especially in drought-affected areas.
Temperatures during this heat wave are expected to be 15 to 25°F (8 to 14°C) above normal in some places.
Angeles National Forest officials posted updates about the wildfire on social media.
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Bradley John Murdoch, convicted for the 2001 murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio in Australia, denied knowing where Falconio’s body was during a police interview shortly before his death in 2025. Despite Murdoch’s refusal to reveal the location, police continue to search and offer a reward for information.
Key Facts
Peter Falconio was murdered in July 2001 on the Stuart Highway near Barrow Creek, Australia.
Bradley John Murdoch was convicted and serving a life sentence for Falconio’s murder and an attack on Falconio’s girlfriend, Joanne Lees.
Murdoch died of throat cancer in July 2025 in Alice Springs hospital.
Weeks before his death, Murdoch refused police requests to disclose the location of Falconio’s missing body.
Murdoch consistently denied knowing anything about the body’s location for 22 years.
The 2001 incident inspired the horror movie Wolf Creek.
Joanne Lees escaped Murdoch after being attacked and hid in the bush for five hours.
Police offer a $500,000 reward for information about Falconio’s body and urge anyone with knowledge to come forward.
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The United States wants Iran to publicly promise to stop shooting at commercial ships and confirm the Strait of Hormuz remains open for navigation. Negotiations involving US and Iranian officials are planned to resolve tensions after recent attacks on ships in the region.
Key Facts
The US demands Iran declare the Strait of Hormuz open and stop firing on commercial ships.
Iran privately admitted to President Trump’s advisers that shooting at ships was a mistake, blaming a rogue internal group.
President Trump said both sides agreed to continue talks despite recent fighting.
In June, the US and Iran signed a ceasefire that included safe passage for commercial ships.
Senior US officials say a hardline group in Iran has tried to sabotage talks by attacking ships.
Negotiations are set to happen in Oman, led by US officials including Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Qatar sent a delegation to Iran to help ease tensions and improve navigation through the strait.
Iran wants to manage the strait jointly with Oman and may charge fees for ships passing through.
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