Pacific gray whales are dying in large numbers in the Pacific Ocean because climate change is reducing their food supply by melting sea ice. Other problems like ship strikes, pollution, and hunting also add to the problem, causing the whale population to drop from 20,000 in 2019 to under 13,000 in 2024.
Key Facts
The gray whale population in the Pacific dropped from about 20,000 in 2019 to fewer than 13,000 in 2024.
Scientists call the current high number of whale deaths a “catastrophic mortality event.”
Climate change has reduced sea ice, which cuts the whales’ access to their main food.
Other causes of death include ship collisions, oil spills, plastic pollution, harmful algae, and hunting by Indigenous people in Russia.
Gray whales were once close to extinction in the 1970s but recovered and were removed from the endangered list in 1994.
Environmental groups want the government to relist gray whales as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
The Trump administration has not added any animals to the endangered list in its second term and is reducing wildlife protections.
NOAA will respond soon to the petition to protect gray whales; if denied, groups plan to sue.
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A deadly wildfire in southern Spain's Almeria region has killed at least 12 people, with 19 others missing. The fire may have started when a power cable fell onto the road and caught dry plants on fire, and firefighters are still working to control the flames during extreme heat.
Key Facts
At least 12 people have died because of the wildfire in Almeria, Spain.
19 people are reported missing as the fire continues.
Some victims died while trying to escape by car or on foot.
The fire likely started after a power cable fell onto the road and ignited dry vegetation.
Firefighters are actively trying to control the fire amid very hot weather.
The wildfire is one of the deadliest in Spain’s recent history.
The event is taking place in the Andalusia region of southern Spain.
Extreme heat in the area is making it harder to fight the fire.
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A window on a Ryanair flight from Greece to Germany shattered in mid-air after an engine problem. A passenger was nearly pulled out of the plane but was saved by his wife holding onto him, and the plane made a safe emergency landing back in Greece.
Key Facts
The incident happened on Ryanair flight FR1879 from Thessaloniki (Greece) to Memmingen (Germany).
The passenger, a 61-year-old Serbian man, was partly pulled out of a shattered window due to strong airflow.
His wife held onto him, preventing him from being completely pulled outside the plane.
The window broke after engine failure caused debris to hit the plane’s acrylic window.
Oxygen masks dropped as the cabin lost pressure after the window shattered.
The flight reached about 16,000 feet before returning to Thessaloniki airport.
The passenger was treated for shock and cold-related injuries on the ground.
Ryanair arranged a replacement plane to take passengers to their destination later that day.
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NATO leaders met in Turkey to talk about security issues. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave each leader a special revolver as a gift to show Turkey’s growing arms industry, but many leaders could not keep the guns due to their countries’ laws and gave them to museums or police.
Key Facts
NATO leaders gathered in Ankara, Turkey for a security summit.
President Erdogan gave each leader an engraved Magnum revolver with six bullets.
The revolvers were made by Turkey’s state arms producer, MKE.
Some leaders, like Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, left the guns with police due to strict gun laws.
Others, like the EU’s Ursula von der Leyen, donated the revolvers to military museums.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer received a note waiving export restrictions but still chose to decommission his gun.
Many revolvers were left at embassies or handed to airport or police authorities.
The gift aimed to highlight Turkey’s defense industry growth.
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A report from The Wall Street Journal says Israeli intelligence has found a new plan by Iran to kill President Donald Trump. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran remain very high because of this.
Key Facts
The Wall Street Journal published a report about a plot against President Trump.
Israeli intelligence discovered the alleged plan.
The plot is said to come from Iran.
The report adds to already high tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
CBS News is covering the story with reports from their correspondent Ramy Inocencio.
The situation involves concerns over security and possible violence.
No confirmation yet if the plan has been carried out or stopped.
The news involves international relations and security between nations.
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More than 15 people have died in landslides caused by heavy rains in the Philippines as Typhoon Bavi approaches the region. The typhoon weakened but may still bring heavy rain and floods to parts of the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, and China.
Key Facts
Ten people died in a landslide in Malapatan, Sarangani province, Mindanao, Philippines.
Five people died in another landslide in Lanao del Sur province in the southern Philippines.
Typhoon Bavi entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility but weakened and is moving northwest.
The Philippine weather agency said Bavi will not hit the Philippines directly but could cause heavy rain and flooding.
The typhoon already damaged Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands without causing deaths.
Bavi is expected to bring rain to northern and eastern Taiwan, parts of Japan, and then hit China.
Hundreds of people have been evacuated in Taiwan, and offices and schools have closed.
Southern China is recovering from flooding caused by Typhoon Maysak, which killed 39 people after a dam failure in Nanning city.
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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is experiencing its fastest-growing Ebola outbreak, with about 1,800 confirmed cases and at least 600 deaths. Many children have lost their parents to the virus and are facing difficult challenges as communities work to control the disease.
Key Facts
DR Congo has nearly 1,800 confirmed Ebola cases.
At least 600 people have died from the outbreak so far.
This outbreak is the fastest-growing Ebola crisis in DR Congo's history.
Children orphaned by the virus are struggling to rebuild their lives.
Communities in the outbreak area are trying to control the spread of Ebola.
Ebola is a deadly virus that causes severe bleeding and organ failure.
Health officials and aid groups are involved in fighting the outbreak.
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The United Nations has warned about a severe humanitarian crisis in El-Obeid, a city in Sudan surrounded by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Civilians there are facing constant attacks, damaged water supplies, and a shortage of food that is causing fears of famine.
Key Facts
El-Obeid is a city in Sudan currently under siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The United Nations has raised alarms about the worsening situation there.
Civilians are trapped inside and exposed to ongoing attacks.
Water infrastructure in the city has been bombed, cutting off water access.
Food supplies are running out, increasing the risk of famine.
Residents report continuous strikes and growing fear for their safety.
The crisis is part of a larger conflict affecting Sudan and the surrounding region.
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At a recent NATO summit, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave NATO leaders special gifts: vintage revolvers engraved and loaded with live bullets. This surprised many leaders and caused problems because carrying or accepting live weapons raises safety and legal concerns. Some leaders decided to deactivate the guns or donate them to museums.
Key Facts
The gifts were engraved vintage revolvers with live ammunition inside.
The gifts were given during a NATO meeting focused on issues like Iran, Ukraine, and relations with President Donald Trump.
Leaders were surprised by the unusual and potentially risky presents.
Live ammunition in the revolvers caused diplomatic and safety concerns.
Some recipients said they would disable the guns to make them safe.
Others planned to give the firearms to museums instead of keeping them.
The event highlighted challenges in handling gifts that include weapons in international diplomacy.
The news was reported by France 24 on July 10, 2026.
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The Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century embroidery about the Norman conquest of England in 1066, has been loaned to the British Museum in London for the first time. This delicate and historically important textile has sparked discussions about heritage, diplomacy, and the risks involved in moving fragile cultural items.
Key Facts
The Bayeux Tapestry is nearly 1,000 years old and shows 58 scenes related to the Battle of Hastings.
Scholars believe it was made in England after William of Normandy's victory over King Harold.
The tapestry has been displayed in Bayeux, France, since 1983 but was moved because the museum is undergoing a €40 million renovation until 2027.
It is very fragile, with stains, holes, and tears, and experts recommend displaying it on a gentle slope to protect its fibers.
The loan agreement was made in 2018 after many years of France refusing previous British requests.
Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic caused delays in the tapestry’s transport and display plans.
Some experts and critics worry about damaging the tapestry during transportation and want more transparency about the safety measures.
Locals in Bayeux feel proud of the tapestry but are concerned about its temporary absence and hope it will be returned safely.
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Sian Astley, the Reform UK candidate for Greater Manchester mayor, made controversial comments saying voters for other parties should have to house criminals and rapists. She stood by her remarks after criticism from rival politicians, including Labour’s chair, who said the comments go against democratic principles.
Key Facts
Sian Astley is running for mayor of Greater Manchester representing Reform UK.
She shared a party policy to put migrant detention centers only in areas not controlled by Reform UK.
Astley said voters for other parties should be responsible for housing criminals and rapists, which caused criticism.
Labour’s party chair Anna Turley condemned the comments as undemocratic and offensive.
Astley said her comments were partly a joke but stood by her concerns about open borders.
The Greater Manchester mayoral by-election will be held on July 30, with Labour’s Bev Craig as the front-runner.
The election follows Andy Burnham’s decision to leave local politics to lead the national Labour Party.
Greater Manchester has a diverse population of over 2 million eligible voters.
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A wildfire in Los Gallardos, southern Spain, killed at least 11 people and injured eight others, with 19 still missing. The fire burned nearly 7,800 acres and forced evacuations in the area, which has been experiencing extreme heat.
Key Facts
The wildfire occurred near Almeria, a popular tourist area in southern Spain.
At least 11 people died and eight were injured; 19 people remain unaccounted for.
Four victims are believed to be British because of the type of vehicle they were in.
Some people died after leaving the official evacuation route and getting trapped in a dry riverbed.
More than 120 people were moved to safe locations like a theater and a sports center.
The fire burned almost 7,800 acres and reached a nearby highway, increasing danger for drivers.
Hundreds of emergency workers are fighting the fire amid severe heat wave conditions.
Spain’s royal family expressed condolences and held a minute of silence for the victims.
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Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has been actively visiting key countries to improve Syria’s international relationships following President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s rise to power. In one week, he helped pave the way for Syria to be removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, marking a major shift in Syria’s diplomatic standing after years of isolation.
Key Facts
Asaad al-Shaibani became Syrian Foreign Minister after President Ahmed al-Sharaa replaced Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Shaibani has traveled to cities like Riyadh, Beirut, Doha, Damascus, and Washington to meet with leaders and diplomats.
He welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron, the first major Western leader to visit Syria since the Assad regime ended.
Shaibani was present when President Sharaa met US President Donald Trump at a NATO summit in Turkey.
President Trump sent a letter to start removing Syria from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, a classification in place since 1979.
The move signals a major change in Syria’s international isolation and sanctions.
Shaibani is seen as a key figure helping Syria build new relationships in the Middle East and with Western countries.
His visit to Tripoli, Lebanon, was met with enthusiastic public support.
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A major UK trade union, the GMB, has warned Labour MPs not to support a proposed limit on political donations, saying it could threaten union funding for the party. This debate is part of a wider effort to control the influence of large donations in UK politics, with votes on donation caps and bans on cryptocurrency gifts expected soon.
Key Facts
The GMB union sent a letter to over 80 Labour MPs asking them to oppose donation limits of £100,000 or £1 million.
Trade unions already face strict rules on political spending and must allow members to opt out.
Labour MPs are being urged by party whips to follow the GMB’s advice, leading some MPs to withdraw support for the cap.
Other Labour-affiliated unions share concerns about the donation cap proposals.
Transparency International found that big donations (over £1 million) have risen from 1% in 2015 to 35% in 2024.
Controversy surrounds donations to Reform UK from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne and convicted fraudster George Cottrell.
Police and parliamentary authorities are investigating some large donations linked to Reform UK politicians.
Labour politician Andy Burnham supports a donation cap around £500,000 but says it needs further review.
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A window on a Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Memmingen, Germany, broke in mid-air, causing a passenger to be partially sucked out. Other passengers pulled him back inside, and the plane made an emergency landing in Thessaloniki. The passenger was hospitalized with minor injuries.
Key Facts
The incident happened on a Ryanair flight traveling from Thessaloniki to Memmingen.
A window "detached" during the flight, causing sudden decompression.
A passenger, a tourist from Serbia, was partially pulled out of the broken window but was saved by nearby passengers.
The passenger had friction burns and was hospitalized but is in good condition.
Oxygen masks dropped following the decompression event.
The window broke because of debris from one of the plane’s engines.
The flight returned safely to Thessaloniki shortly after takeoff.
Ryanair arranged a replacement plane to complete the journey to Germany.
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A study in Finland found that people with early-onset dementia showed lower work productivity up to 15 years before their diagnosis. Researchers tracked nearly 800 patients and saw income losses related to the condition growing steadily over time.
Key Facts
The study included 793 people diagnosed with early-onset dementia and compared them to 7,926 people without dementia.
Early-onset dementia means dementia diagnosed before age 65.
Patients with dementia lost about €74,577 (around $86,000) on average before diagnosis.
Productivity losses began up to 15 years before diagnosis, depending on dementia type.
Alzheimer's disease showed income decline starting six years before diagnosis.
Frontotemporal dementia showed decline starting 11 years before diagnosis.
Other forms, like vascular dementia, had high losses throughout the study period.
The study used national tax and health records and highlights delayed diagnosis as a key issue.
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Rob Marshall, a classical musician from Swansea, first met singer Bonnie Tyler when he was 15 years old and asked her for an autograph. Over nearly 30 years, he attended her annual Christmas parties and became close friends with her and her husband. Bonnie Tyler, known for hits like "Total Eclipse of the Heart," died recently in Portugal after a long illness.
Key Facts
Rob Marshall met Bonnie Tyler as a teenage fan when he asked for her autograph.
Tyler invited Marshall to her Christmas parties for 29 years.
Marshall is a concert pianist and often played music with Tyler at these gatherings.
Bonnie Tyler’s real name was Gaynor Hopkins.
Tyler passed away in Portugal after ongoing illness.
She was married to Robert Sullivan for over 50 years.
Tyler was known internationally for songs like "Total Eclipse of the Heart."
Songwriter Desmond Child, who worked with Tyler, expressed deep sadness at her death.
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The Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century artwork showing the Battle of Hastings, has arrived in London for the first time in over 900 years. It will be shown at the British Museum from September 2026 to July 2027 as a loan from France, symbolizing the relationship between the two countries.
Key Facts
The Bayeux Tapestry dates back to the 11th century.
It illustrates the Battle of Hastings.
The tapestry has returned to London after more than 900 years.
It was transported securely from France to the British Museum.
The display is scheduled from September 2026 to July 2027.
This visit marks a historic loan between France and the UK.
The display highlights cultural ties between the two nations.
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Wildfires have spread across Spain, causing at least 11 deaths and forcing evacuations. The fires are worsened by a strong heatwave with temperatures over 40°C and high winds that make fighting the flames harder.
Key Facts
At least 11 people have died due to wildfires in Spain.
Fires are burning from the southern to the northern parts of the country.
Many people have been evacuated to keep them safe.
A severe heatwave is causing temperatures above 40°C in many areas.
Strong winds are making it harder for firefighters to control the fires.
The situation is ongoing, with fire crews still working to stop the blazes.
This is one of the most intense wildfire episodes Spain has faced recently.
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The Bayeux Tapestry has returned to the United Kingdom for a one-year exhibit at the British Museum after nearly 1,000 years. Its trip from France was carefully managed with police escorts and special protection to keep the fragile medieval artwork safe.
Key Facts
The Bayeux Tapestry is almost 1,000 years old.
It has been brought from France to the UK for a temporary show.
The exhibition will last for one year at the British Museum in London.
The tapestry’s journey was highly secretive and carefully controlled.
Police escorts accompanied the tapestry during transport.
A special case was designed to protect the tapestry during the trip.
Strict rules were in place to keep this delicate medieval piece safe.
The event highlights cultural ties between France and Britain.
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