Abuse survivors want to hold Edmund Rice Education Australia responsible for compensation claims related to Christian Brothers’ abuse cases. The Christian Brothers are struggling to pay and want to sell property to cover costs, while Edmund Rice Education Australia, which holds significant assets, opposes this legal move.
Key Facts
The Christian Brothers have a history of clergy abuse and face hundreds of claims worth about $774 million.
The Christian Brothers say they are running out of money and plan to sell 36 properties worth about $217 million to pay creditors, including survivors.
Over the last decade, Christian Brothers transferred land and buildings to Edmund Rice Education Australia for only $1 each.
Edmund Rice Education Australia runs former Christian Brothers schools and says it is an independent organization.
Edmund Rice Education Australia has reported $2.3 billion in assets and $345 million in cash as of December 2024.
Abuse survivors are trying to transfer their legal claims from the Christian Brothers to Edmund Rice Education Australia.
Edmund Rice Education Australia does not agree to be made responsible and will fight this in court.
The case is complex and likely to lead to a long legal battle, with a key hearing scheduled for August.
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A hospital ward in Carmarthen was closed due to an outbreak of crusted scabies, a rare and very contagious skin condition caused by mites. The health board is treating all patients and staff who might have been in contact, and extra infection control measures are in place to manage the situation.
Key Facts
The outbreak occurred in Steffan Ward at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen.
Crusted scabies causes a scaly rash and thick skin crusts filled with thousands of mites.
It spreads through close skin contact and is highly contagious.
Patients and staff who had contact with infected individuals have been informed and offered treatment.
The ward remains closed while infection prevention procedures continue.
Crusted scabies mainly affects people with weaker immune systems but can occur in others.
Symptoms include intense itching and crusty rash, especially on elbows, knees, hands, and feet.
There is an increase in scabies cases in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion areas.
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The Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century embroidery showing the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, has arrived in the UK for the first time in nearly 1,000 years. It was carefully transported from northern France to the British Museum, where it will be displayed starting in September for nine months.
Key Facts
The Bayeux Tapestry is about 70 meters long and shows 58 scenes of events before the Norman Conquest of England.
It was moved from a secret location in northern France under police guard and brought to the British Museum late at night.
The tapestry has been in France since it was created nearly 1,000 years ago and has been displayed in Bayeux since 1983.
The loan for nine months was agreed upon by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
The British Museum is loaning several important British artifacts to France in exchange.
The tapestry was packed in a special crate with temperature and humidity control and shock absorbers to protect it during the journey.
Some people in France expressed concern about the risk of moving such a fragile and valuable historic object.
A projected image of the tapestry was shown on the white cliffs of Dover with a thank-you message from France.
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In Alexandra, South Africa, local people protested against migrants they believed were living there without legal permission. During the protest, some locals used sticks to try to force migrants to leave, while police were present nearby.
Key Facts
The protest took place in Alexandra, a town in South Africa.
Local residents were opposing migrants they thought were undocumented.
Protesters used sticks to try to evict the migrants.
Migrants were harassed and physically attacked during the protest.
Police officers were on the scene but did not stop the actions immediately.
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Delcy Rodriguez became Venezuela’s acting president after US forces removed Nicolas Maduro. Her government is shifting from its previous hostile stance toward Israel and is now working to improve relations with Israel, reflecting a new, more practical approach aimed at gaining US support and maintaining power.
Key Facts
US forces removed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro about six months ago.
Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro’s former vice president, is now acting president of Venezuela.
Rodriguez’s government is moving closer to the United States and its policies in the region.
Venezuela had cut diplomatic ties with Israel in 2009 and supported Iran, Israel’s rival.
Rodriguez avoided condemning recent US-Israeli attacks on Iran and called for dialogue instead.
She sent warm messages to Venezuela’s Jewish community and emphasized anti-Semitism is not supported.
After earthquakes in Venezuela, Israel sent a disaster-response team, which Venezuela publicly thanked.
Talks between Israeli and Venezuelan officials could lead to restoring formal diplomatic relations.
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Hong Kong has changed a rule to let dogs enter restaurants, a law that had stopped them for more than 30 years. This change is part of the city's effort to become more friendly to pets.
Key Facts
Since 1994, only guide dogs and dogs working in official roles were allowed in Hong Kong restaurants.
Starting July 9, 2026, over 900 approved restaurants can now welcome dogs inside.
The change supports a pet-friendly culture in the city.
Hong Kong already allows pets on some ferries and metro trains in rural areas, and patients in some hospitals can have pet visits.
About 240,000 homes in Hong Kong, or 9% of households, keep over 400,000 pet cats and dogs.
Restaurant owner Kelvin Chan put up a sign showing dogs are welcome, saying this helps dogs avoid the hot outdoor areas.
Dog owners have also prepared by taking their pets to special workshops to learn how to behave in dining places.
Some people believe this change will help the community accept pets more in public spaces.
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Photographer Seth Wenig captured a rare photo of lightning striking during a fireworks show in New York City on July 4, 2026. The lightning appeared above the city skyline, adding a unique element to the usual fireworks display.
Key Facts
The photo was taken from Bayonne, New Jersey, looking at New York City.
The fireworks show was held on July 4, 2026, and was moved up earlier because of bad weather.
Seth Wenig used two cameras: one handheld for fireworks and a second on a tripod to capture lightning.
The second camera took photos every second with a slow shutter speed to catch lightning bolts.
The lightning lit up the clouds and helped show the New York City skyline clearly.
Famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and city buildings are visible in the photo.
Wenig works for The Associated Press and has been a photographer in New York for nearly 20 years.
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President Zelenskyy of Ukraine said that Ukraine must quickly start making Patriot missiles at home after the US gave permission for this. He and President Trump agreed on this during a NATO summit, but Ukrainian officials warn that setting up production will take many months.
Key Facts
Ukraine wants to produce Patriot interceptor missiles inside the country.
The US has agreed to give Ukraine licenses to make these missiles.
President Zelenskyy met with President Donald Trump at a NATO summit in Turkiye.
Trump said only a few countries can make Patriots, and the US sees Ukraine as ready to do it.
Making the missiles in Ukraine will take months due to complex production steps.
The Patriot missile helps defend against Russian ballistic missiles attacking Ukraine.
Ukraine has been using these missiles faster than the US can supply them.
Trump praised Zelenskyy’s leadership and said progress toward peace with Russia is being made.
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The UK’s public spending watchdog warns that rapidly increasing electronic tagging to ease prison overcrowding may risk public safety unless the monitoring system is improved. The current system has problems like unmonitored cases, delays in fitting tags, and staff shortages, which raise concerns about its effectiveness.
Key Facts
The number of people electronically tagged in England and Wales has doubled to 28,700 over five years.
From 2027, around 22,000 people may be tagged each year to reduce prison overcrowding.
Thousands of tagged individuals might not be actively monitored, with estimates ranging from 5,450 to 8,900 unmonitored cases.
The contractor Serco had delays in fitting tags and notifying officials about breaches between 2024 and 2025.
In October 2024, there was a backlog of 7,000 visits to fit, check, or remove tags, which improved by November 2024.
There were only 62% successful tag fittings within two attempts in February 2026, despite meeting a visit timeliness target.
There is a shortage of about 2,200 probation staff, raising concerns about managing the system’s growth safely.
The government plans to spend up to £175 million from 2026 to 2029 to expand electronic tagging.
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A woman named Anastasia Berezovska was accused of planting a bomb in Monaco that injured a Ukrainian businessman. She later returned to Ukraine, where she was found murdered, with evidence suggesting involvement by Ukraine’s security services. Two men have been accused of killing her, and the case is causing political concern in Ukraine.
Key Facts
Anastasia Berezovska was identified on CCTV planting a bomb in Monaco that injured businessman Vadym Iermolaiev.
Berezovska disguised herself as a man and fled across France to Italy before returning to Ukraine.
Her body was discovered near Kyiv after two men, Vladyslav Reut and Vitaliy Zhykovych, confessed involvement in her murder.
Reut claims Zhykovych shot Berezovska in the head multiple times and forced him to bury her.
Zhykovych is a former Kyiv region policeman, and Reut was linked to Ukrainian military intelligence.
Ukrainian authorities found bullet casings at the scene and footage of a suspected torture chamber, though Berezovska was not tortured before her death.
The case has caused embarrassment for Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and drawn calls from French President Macron for full investigation.
Vadym Iermolaiev, the injured businessman, is under Ukrainian sanctions for alleged trade with Russian-occupied Crimea, which he denies.
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The play "Robota," adapted by Ella Road, updates Karel Čapek’s 1920 work about robots to explore modern ideas about artificial intelligence, robot rights, and human relationships. Set in a company making human-like robots, the story includes debates on robot feelings, ethics, and rebellion, with a mix of humor and drama.
Key Facts
"Robota" is based on Karel Čapek’s 1920 play "RUR: Rossum’s Universal Robots."
The adaptation incorporates research from Oxford University academics.
The play’s setting is a company creating robots by combining human flesh with computer code.
Key characters include Dom, the company boss; Sulla, a robot assistant; Helen, an activist and prime minister’s daughter; and Ali, a worker on the island.
The story explores whether robots can feel emotions and have souls.
Robots in the play fight for the right to reproduce.
The play debates ethics, science, and what it means to be human.
"Robota" is staged at the Schwarzman Centre, Oxford, until July 18.
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Derryn Hinch, a well-known Australian journalist, radio and TV presenter, and former senator, has died at age 82 after a recent fall. He was famous for his work in Melbourne radio and television, including hosting programs like the Midday Show and the talkback radio station 3AW.
Key Facts
Derryn Hinch died at home after being in poor health following a fall.
He began his career as a newspaper reporter before moving to TV and radio.
Hinch was a popular presenter on Melbourne's 3AW radio station.
He hosted Nine’s Midday Show for 13 years and several other current affairs programs.
In 2010, he was inducted into the Australian Commercial Radio Hall of Fame.
Hinch was known for his strong dedication and passion in broadcasting.
He served as a senator for Victoria from 2016 to 2019, representing the Justice Party.
Hinch was noted for campaigning against paedophiles and sometimes faced legal issues for breaching court orders.
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Iranian media said strikes hit military sites in southern Iran, including Bushehr province and Konarak. The US denied involvement in these attacks, which happened on the day of the funeral for the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Key Facts
Iranian state media reported military sites were struck in Bushehr province and Konarak.
The targets included military headquarters and a port city.
The strikes occurred on the same day as the funeral for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The United States told Al Jazeera it did not carry out any strikes.
No details were given on who might have launched the attacks.
The event happened in southern areas of Iran.
The funeral was described as long-anticipated by media reports.
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The first case of deadly H5 bird flu in local Australian wildlife was found in a greater crested tern on the South Australian coast. Authorities are increasing monitoring to check if the virus has spread to more local birds.
Key Facts
A greater crested tern tested positive for deadly H5 bird flu near Robe on South Australia’s Limestone Coast.
This is the first case of H5 bird flu found in local Australian wildlife.
Previously, the virus was detected mainly in migratory subantarctic seabirds like giant petrels along the coasts of South Australia, Western Australia, and New South Wales.
The South Australian government is leading extra checks to see if the virus has spread among local coastal birds.
South Australia recently completed a large aerial survey of its coastline and found no widespread sick or dead seabirds or seals.
Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the virus arrival shows the country’s biosecurity system is active and working.
The greater crested tern shares the coastal area with migratory birds that had been found positive for H5 bird flu before.
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Shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz has almost stopped due to renewed fighting between the United States and Iran. Recent attacks and military strikes have increased tensions, affecting one of the world's most important routes for oil transport.
Key Facts
No large ships have officially crossed the Strait of Hormuz via the US-endorsed route since July 7.
Only a few vessels have been tracked crossing the strait recently, down from about 130 daily before the conflict began.
The US and Iran have exchanged military strikes, including US attacks on Iranian targets and Iranian responses in several nearby countries.
Iran reported explosions in its southern region, but US forces denied involvement in the latest incidents.
Despite the conflict, oil prices stayed mostly steady but are expected to rise due to reduced supply and lower oil inventories.
Diesel prices are rising more sharply because of supply issues from Middle Eastern and Russian refineries.
Asian stock markets opened higher, showing investor confidence despite the conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for global energy supplies, making this disruption significant for international markets.
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The United States launched new airstrikes on Iran, leading Iran to fire missiles at countries that host US forces, including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan. This exchange of attacks threatens a temporary agreement aimed at stopping the war in the Middle East and has caused explosions near Iran’s nuclear power plant.
Key Facts
The US conducted airstrikes on Iran early Thursday, hitting about 90 targets.
Iran responded by launching missiles at Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan.
Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan reported intercepting and shooting down missiles and drones.
The attacks put a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East at risk.
Explosions were reported near Iran’s only nuclear power plant.
At least 14 people were killed and 78 wounded in Iran due to US airstrikes.
The conflict affects the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and natural gas shipments.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of Iran was buried after being killed early in the war.
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At least 12 people died and six were injured in a wildfire in Los Gallardos, Spain, during a severe heatwave affecting southern Europe. The fire spread quickly, causing evacuations and road closures, as hundreds of firefighters worked to control it amid record-high temperatures.
Key Facts
The wildfire occurred in Los Gallardos, in the Almería province of southeastern Spain.
Twelve people died, with some victims found inside vehicles caught in the fire.
Six people were injured, including those with burns and smoke inhalation.
Witnesses suggested a downed power line might have started the fire, but this is not officially confirmed.
About 150 firefighters, along with Spain's Military Emergency Unit, are involved in fighting the fire.
The heatwave causing the fire brought temperatures around 40°C (104°F), with some areas forecasted to hit 42°C (107.6°F).
Spain had its worst wildfire season last year, burning nearly 393,000 hectares.
Climate change is causing more heatwaves and wildfires in Europe, which is warming faster than the global average.
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A goat named Goldie followed firefighters working to stop a wildfire in Colorado Springs. The goat stayed with the crews for two days, offering company while they fought the Rock Creek Fire.
Key Facts
Goldie is a 4-year-old Nigerian dwarf goat with a brown and white coat.
Goldie followed firefighters during their work on the Rock Creek Fire in Colorado Springs.
The goat also helped by eating some leaves and brush while the crews cleared the area.
Firefighters appreciated Goldie’s company during the tough work fighting the fire.
The Rock Creek Fire was about 50% contained as of late Friday.
The Colorado Springs fire crew has also worked on other wildfires in the area this season.
Hot weather, low snow, and strong winds have made fighting fires in the West more difficult.
Goldie’s owner said the goat helped lift the spirits of the firefighters during their long shifts.
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Israeli researchers are testing ways to find and remove unexploded bombs from the Mediterranean Sea near Rishon Lezion. The goal is to make part of the shoreline safe for public use again. This effort is part of a wider global move to protect ocean waters as they see more use.
Key Facts
Israeli divers are searching for unexploded mortar shells and other bombs underwater near Rishon Lezion.
The area has been a firing range for many years, which left dangerous munitions on the sea floor.
The project aims to clear 2 kilometers (about 1.2 miles) of shoreline to reopen it for people.
Finding underwater bombs is difficult, as shown when divers could not locate test dummy shells they placed months earlier.
Unexploded munitions can leak harmful chemicals and metals into the sea, polluting the environment.
These bombs can be dangerous if stepped on or handled, especially by children.
Similar efforts are underway in Europe, where large amounts of wartime munitions lie on sea floors.
The project is among the first in the Middle East to focus on clearing smaller munitions from complex underwater areas.
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The UK government has proposed new rules to make vape products less attractive to children by requiring plain packaging and banning flavor names related to sweets and alcohol. The plans aim to reduce youth vaping while still allowing adults to use vapes to quit smoking.
Key Facts
The UK is consulting on plain, bland vape packaging to reduce appeal to children.
Names referencing sweets, desserts, and alcohol will be banned on vape products.
Bright colors, cartoon images, and flashy branding will no longer be allowed on vape packaging.
Vaping is less harmful than smoking and helps adults quit but should not target children.
The Tobacco and Vapes Act sets a lifelong ban on cigarette sales to anyone born after January 1, 2009.
New rules may ban vaping in cars with children, playgrounds, schools, and hospitals.
Single-use vapes are banned, with plans to ban vending machine sales and vape advertising.
Around 20% of young people aged 11-17 in Great Britain tried vaping in 2025, according to a charity.
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