Prince Harry visited the UK to promote the Invictus Games, but the trip was overshadowed by a court loss against the Daily Mail and confusion about Meghan Markle’s public appearances. Meghan did not attend any public events, and the visit included a private family meeting with the King and Queen.
Key Facts
Prince Harry’s UK visit aimed to highlight the Invictus Games, a sports event for injured military veterans.
Meghan Markle did not appear at any public events during the visit due to security and planning issues.
Prince Harry lost a court case against Associated Newspapers while speaking at an Invictus Games event.
Plans for Prince Harry to give an on-camera statement were cancelled after the court loss.
The media coverage focused more on the legal defeat and Meghan’s absence than on the Invictus Games.
There was a dispute between Prince Harry’s team and Buckingham Palace about where he would stay.
A private family reunion took place between Prince Harry, Meghan, their children, and the King and Queen.
The Prince of Wales had a separate, smooth visit to Hastings during this time.
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Nicaragua’s government has canceled the licenses of many lawyers without explanation, preventing them from practicing law. This move is seen as part of a wider effort by the government to control dissent and weaken independent legal and civic institutions in the country.
Key Facts
The Nicaraguan government removed hundreds or possibly thousands of lawyers from the official registry.
No official notice was given to the affected lawyers before their licenses were revoked.
This action follows years of government crackdowns on protesters, journalists, NGOs, religious groups, and others since 2018.
Some lawyers affected include those living abroad, those working in non-political legal fields, and even government supporters.
Human rights experts say this is a “purge” of the legal profession to weaken democratic checks on the government.
The government, led by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, has previously taken similar steps by revoking citizenship and erasing official documents of dissenters.
The move suggests a strategy to control who can participate in the country’s future legal and institutional systems.
The Nicaraguan government did not respond to requests for comment on this issue.
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Colombia’s outgoing environment minister, Irene Vélez Torres, warned that the new government could undo recent progress on climate and conservation. She raised concerns about the incoming president’s support for fracking and fossil fuel development, and the risks this poses to environmental protection efforts in the Amazon and other sensitive areas.
Key Facts
Colombia’s outgoing environment minister is Irene Vélez Torres.
Incoming President Abelardo de la Espriella supports reviving the oil sector and fracking.
Vélez fears this could harm climate action and conservation progress.
The previous government focused on protecting the Amazon rainforest and moving away from fossil fuels.
About 42% of Colombia is covered by the Amazon rainforest.
Indigenous environmental governance in the Amazon may be weakened under the new government.
Vélez is concerned about the possible return of aerial spraying of glyphosate, a herbicide harmful to health and the environment.
The new administration opposes some of these concerns but has not detailed its environmental policies fully.
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Cuba experienced its second nationwide power blackout in less than a week, with outages becoming more frequent this year. These blackouts have worsened since President Donald Trump’s administration restricted Cuba’s access to foreign oil, which powers much of the island’s electricity.
Key Facts
Cuba had a power outage starting at 4:30 pm local time, marking the second island-wide blackout in a week.
There have been four total blackouts in Cuba since the beginning of the year, including two in March.
Cuba’s electrical system is old and partly from the Cold War era (1960-1980), causing frequent outages.
Since January, President Trump’s administration has cut off Cuba’s foreign oil supply, intensifying energy problems.
Cuba produces only 40% of its needed oil; the rest comes from other countries like Venezuela and Russia.
The US has imposed tariffs on countries that supply Cuba with fuel, shrinking Cuba’s oil imports.
Human rights officials warn that fuel shortages harm Cuban civilians, causing issues like increased infant mortality.
Cuba is working to increase renewable energy use but still gets only about 18% of its power from sources like solar.
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Liberland is a small self-declared micronation located on disputed land near the Danube River between Serbia and Croatia. It is backed by wealthy cryptocurrency investors and uses a unique voting system where people buy crypto tokens called Liberland Merits to gain more voting power. The micronation promotes no taxes and favors wealthy settlers over the poor.
Key Facts
Liberland is on disputed territory by the Danube River between Serbia and Croatia.
The founder and president is Vít Jedlička, who envisions a libertarian digital country.
Voting power in Liberland is tied to buying a crypto token called Liberland Merits.
The country has no taxes, appealing to supporters of financial freedom and decentralization.
Some officials openly say wealthy people have more rights and influence.
The interior minister, Ivan Pernar, has been banned from Croatian parliament for conspiracy theories.
Wealthy crypto billionaire Justin Sun supports Liberland and helps fund its development plans.
Critics say the system favors the rich and discourages help for the poor.
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Marine Le Pen announced she will run for the French presidency in 2027, ending speculation that her deputy, Jordan Bardella, might be the candidate. Bardella, who had been preparing for a possible campaign, will now wait in the background as Le Pen leads the party’s race.
Key Facts
Marine Le Pen revealed on TV that she will be the National Rally (RN) candidate for the 2027 French presidential election.
Jordan Bardella had hoped to run if Le Pen was legally barred due to a court case but is now sidelined.
A Paris court lifted Le Pen’s ban on holding public office but ordered her to wear an electronic tag for one year.
Le Pen and Bardella plan to run as a team, with Le Pen as president and Bardella potentially as prime minister.
The French parliamentary election is only scheduled for 2029, so Bardella becoming prime minister soon is uncertain.
Bardella, born in 1995, rapidly rose in the RN party but lacks experience compared to Le Pen, who has run three presidential campaigns.
Bardella grew up in the Paris suburbs with an Italian-born mother and father and had an unpolitical youth before joining the far-right party at 17.
Bardella had a strong approval rating and was seen as a potential youngest French president before Le Pen decided to run.
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Russian attacks on the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia have increased sharply, targeting schools, buses, offices, and homes. Despite Ukrainian forces pushing Russian troops back from the city, Russian forces are using advanced drones to continue their attacks from a distance.
Key Facts
Zaporizhzhia is a city in eastern Ukraine with about 750,000 people, located 24 km from the front line.
Recent Russian attacks have included glide bombs and drones hitting civilian areas like schools, buses, and petrol stations.
The city council held meetings in underground shelters due to the rising threat from attacks.
The city plans to build more shelters and put anti-drone nets in vulnerable places; schools and hospitals are having protective film applied to windows.
Russian forces use "mothership" drones that release smaller drones for strikes farther from the front line.
New mesh networking technology helps Russian drones travel long distances and avoid electronic interference.
Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 884 Russian drones in one week in late June.
Russian troops have retreated near Zaporizhzhia but continue slow advances elsewhere, facing Ukrainian strikes on their fuel supplies.
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A man named Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma was charged with murdering his wife and two daughters after being caught in South Africa. The family was found dead in their home near Bedford, UK, and Tshuma is now awaiting return to the UK for trial.
Key Facts
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, has been charged with three counts of murder.
His wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5, were found dead in Bedfordshire.
Tshuma was arrested in Kensington, Johannesburg, after an international manhunt.
Police believe Tshuma flew from Heathrow Airport to Zimbabwe two days before the bodies were found.
Various agencies helped in the search, including Bedfordshire police, the National Crime Agency, Interpol, and South African police.
Tshuma is in custody in South Africa and is expected to appear in court there before being sent back to the UK.
The victims’ family and community have expressed deep sadness and shared tributes.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to bring Tshuma to the UK for trial.
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The U.S. Supreme Court recently finished a term that included important rulings on LGBTQ rights. One key decision allowed states to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports. Advocates for transgender rights are preparing for more legal battles following this ruling.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court made a major decision about transgender athletes.
The Court upheld laws that ban transgender girls and women from certain sports.
This ruling affects athletes in girls' and women's sports teams.
The decision is seen as significant for LGBTQ rights.
Transgender rights advocates are planning further legal actions.
The Supreme Court term included several notable LGBTQ-related cases.
The topic of transgender athletes in sports remains a legal and social focus.
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Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest dropped to its lowest level in ten years during the first half of 2026, with a 38% decrease compared to last year. This decline is linked to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s efforts, including an anti-deforestation plan and stronger penalties for environmental crimes.
Key Facts
From January to June 2026, about 1,295 square kilometers (500 square miles) of Amazon forest were cleared, the lowest since 2016.
The rate of deforestation decreased by 38% compared to the same period in 2025.
Deforestation peaked around 2022 under former President Jair Bolsonaro, who supported mining and development in the Amazon.
Lula defeated Bolsonaro in 2022 partly by promising to protect the environment and end illegal deforestation by 2030.
Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE) provided the deforestation data.
Lula’s government has faced criticism for allowing more oil exploration near the Amazon River.
The U.S. government under President Trump proposed tariffs on Brazil partly due to concerns about deforestation and trade practices.
Lula’s administration argues its policies have successfully reduced deforestation, challenging the U.S. claims.
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This winter was very dry in the western United States, leading to low snow levels that usually help fill the Colorado River. Because of this, a drought affecting many people in seven U.S. states and Mexico has become worse, causing problems for farmers in Colorado.
Key Facts
The western U.S. had a very dry winter with little snow.
Snowpack normally provides water to the Colorado River.
The Colorado River is crucial for water supply in seven U.S. states and Mexico.
A drought is currently affecting tens of millions of people in this region.
Climate change is making the drought worse.
Farmers in Colorado are facing bigger water shortages because of the dry winter.
This situation is part of a report series called Tipping Point.
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A small business jet crashed on a Texas highway in June after both engines stopped working, according to a report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The crash killed one person and injured six others, including the pilots and passengers, while emergency responders and bystanders helped rescue those on board.
Key Facts
Both engines of the small business jet stopped working ("flamed out") during the plane’s final approach to Laredo International Airport.
The jet had left San José del Cabo, Mexico, heading to Austin, Texas.
Early in the flight, the pilots noticed unusual vibrations but continued after consulting the operator, NetsJet.
The crew declared an emergency after receiving low fuel pressure warnings and fuel level alerts.
Air traffic controllers said no suitable flat areas were nearby for an emergency landing except the main highway.
The plane landed on a highway about one mile from the airport, hitting light poles and a vehicle, then stopped near an overpass.
Five people escaped from the plane, and emergency workers rescued another person trapped inside.
The crash killed Joshua Baer, a notable figure in Texas’ technology and startup communities.
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Actress Brittany Allen was not submitted by HBO for Emmy consideration for her guest role on the show "The Pitt." She submitted herself and earned an Emmy nomination.
Key Facts
Brittany Allen acted in a guest role on the HBO show "The Pitt."
HBO chose not to submit her for an Emmy award.
Allen decided to submit her own nomination for the Emmy.
Her self-submission resulted in an Emmy nomination.
She talked about persistence and believing in herself during an interview with Geoff Bennett.
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Reports say Iran has threatened to kill President Donald Trump. This comes as tensions rise again between the U.S. and Iran after a fragile ceasefire ended. Israel shared some information with the U.S. that supports these concerns.
Key Facts
Iran reportedly made a new threat to assassinate President Trump.
The threat highlights risks from Iran’s strict government in Tehran.
A ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran has recently fallen apart, causing more conflict.
Hostilities between the two countries have increased.
Israel provided intelligence to the U.S. about the threat.
This situation shows growing tension in the Middle East.
The information was reported this week.
Iran and the U.S. have had a history of conflict and distrust.
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In South Korea, a new dating trend involves singles spending 30 hours together at a Buddhist temple. The retreat at Donghwasa temple offers a different setting than usual dating places like coffee shops or bars.
Key Facts
The dating retreat lasts 30 hours.
It takes place at Donghwasa, a Buddhist temple in South Korea.
12 singles joined the weekend event.
The retreat is a new trend in South Korean dating culture.
It replaces typical dating spots like coffee shops or bars with a quiet, spiritual place.
The event was covered by BBC reporter Jake Kwon.
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A Buddhist temple in South Korea is hosting a 30-hour dating retreat for 12 men and 12 women to help address the country's low birth rate by encouraging people to find partners. This event is part of wider efforts by the government and local groups to support marriage and childbirth amid social changes and economic challenges.
Key Facts
The dating retreat takes place at Donghwasa Temple, an 8th-century Buddhist site on Palgongsan mountain.
There are 12 men and 12 women participating, selected from over 1,600 applicants based on commitment to marriage and having children.
South Korea's total fertility rate in 2023 dropped to 0.72 children per woman, much lower than the 2.1 needed to maintain the population size.
Many young South Koreans date less due to busy work lives, economic pressures, and social changes, leading to fewer marriages.
The government offers benefits like longer parental leave, cash bonuses, and cheaper housing to encourage childbirth.
Matchmaking events like this temple retreat are supported by local governments to help singles meet in a relaxed setting.
Traditional ways of meeting partners include school, work, and blind dates arranged by family or friends, while dating apps are less popular here.
The retreat includes various activities to help break the ice and build connections between participants.
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The United States and Iran have paused fighting after two days of strong attacks. President Donald Trump said the ceasefire has ended but the U.S. will keep talking with Iran to try to resolve the conflict.
Key Facts
Fighting between the U.S. and Iran lasted for two days.
Both sides have now paused their attacks.
President Donald Trump said the ceasefire is over.
Despite the end of the ceasefire, negotiations will continue.
CBS News reporters Margaret Brennan and Elliot Ackerman reported on the situation.
The ceasefire aimed to stop violence temporarily.
The conflict involved intense strikes between the two countries.
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Cuba experienced a second islandwide power blackout in one week due to problems with its failing power grid and fuel shortages. The shortages are linked to a U.S. energy blockade that limits Cuba’s access to oil and energy supplies.
Key Facts
Cuba had a full islandwide blackout on Friday, following another one earlier that same week on Monday.
Such back-to-back total blackouts are unusual for Cuba.
The country’s power grid is breaking down, causing more frequent blackouts.
Cuba faces fuel shortages partly because of a U.S. energy blockade imposed under President Donald Trump.
President Trump threatened tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba starting in January 2026.
Cuba produces only about 40% of the fuel it needs and relies on imports for the rest.
A large shipment of oil from Russia delivered in March ran out by the end of April.
The Cuban government has been rationing electricity, with power outages lasting more than 24 hours in some cases.
The shortages have affected public services like transport and healthcare, including the cancellation of many surgeries.
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The U.S. Department of Defense released 19 new videos showing unidentified flying objects (UFOs). This is the fourth set of such videos made public, with experts providing analysis alongside the footage.
Key Facts
The Pentagon released 19 new videos of UFOs.
This release is the fourth batch of UFO videos from the Defense Department.
The videos were made public about one month after the previous set.
Astrophysicist Avi Loeb provided analysis of the videos.
The videos show unidentified flying objects captured by U.S. military sources.
The release aims to increase transparency about encounters with unknown aerial phenomena.
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Scientists in Thailand discovered a new dinosaur species called Uragasaurus kalasinensis from fossils found in the northeast part of the country. This plant-eating dinosaur lived about 150 million years ago and had a very long neck, about 20 meters long, similar to a cricket pitch.
Key Facts
The dinosaur fossils were found in Kalasin Province in northeast Thailand.
Uragasaurus kalasinensis lived approximately 150 million years ago during the Late Jurassic period.
It was a plant-eating dinosaur with a neck about 20 meters (66 feet) long.
The discovery was made at the Phu Noi fossil site, known for many dinosaur fossils since 2008.
The key fossil was a dorsal vertebra, a bone from the middle or upper back, showing unique features.
CT scans showed it belonged to the Mamenchisauridae family, dinosaurs with very long necks.
This is the first Mamenchisauridae fossil found in Thailand; most others come from China.
The dinosaur had a unique Y-shaped bone structure and special air cavities not seen in other dinosaurs.
The findings were published recently in the scientific journal Nature.
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