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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Melanie C, known as Sporty Spice from the Spice Girls, said the 30th anniversary of their hit song "Wannabe" was very emotional. The song, released in 1996, became a global success and helped the band promote "Girl Power." Melanie received a global impact award at the Silver Clef Awards while other artists were also honored.
Key Facts
"Wannabe" was released 30 years ago and became one of the biggest songs of the 1990s.
The song sold more than 8 million copies worldwide.
Melanie C spoke about the band's surprise at their huge success and their goal to conquer the world.
The Spice Girls posted messages on social media to mark the anniversary.
Melanie C received the global impact award at the Nordoff and Robbins Silver Clef Awards.
Actor Richard E Grant, who was in the Spice Girls movie Spice World, presented her with the award.
Other award winners included Sam Fender (best live act), Jade Thirlwall (best female), Lily Allen (icon award), and Jessie J (outstanding achievement).
The Silver Clef Awards support a music therapy charity that helps people with various health conditions.
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Prince William, the Prince of Wales, is a big fan of football and supports the England team as well as the Aston Villa club. He has followed all England’s World Cup matches, stays in touch with players, and attended Aston Villa’s recent Europa League final win in person.
Key Facts
Prince William watched England’s World Cup matches, including their win over Mexico.
He is the Patron of the Football Association and knows many players personally.
If England reaches the World Cup final on 19 July, he will attend as an official FA representative.
Prince William supports Aston Villa, a football club he has followed since his teenage years.
He attended Aston Villa’s Europa League final victory in May with friends.
His official social media accounts have shown enthusiastic support for Aston Villa.
The club captain praised William for being a dedicated fan who joined the team celebrations.
Prince William listens to a podcast about Aston Villa and expressed interest in appearing on it.
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A senior aid worker, Mohammed al-Wahidi, who helped organise World Cup match screenings in Gaza, was killed in an Israeli air strike on a taxi. He was part of an Egyptian aid group working in Gaza and was mourned by many Palestinians and Egyptians.
Key Facts
Mohammed al-Wahidi, a Palestinian working for the Egyptian Relief Committee, was killed by an Israeli air strike in Gaza.
The air strike also killed three others, including two children aged 10 and 8.
Al-Wahidi helped clear rubble, support displaced families, and organise World Cup screenings in Gaza.
Hundreds attended his funeral, where his body was wrapped in Palestinian and Egyptian flags.
Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire on October 10, 2025, but air strikes by Israel have continued.
Since the ceasefire, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 3,500 injured due to air strikes.
Since October 2023, more than 73,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict, according to Gaza health officials.
The incident was raised by Egyptian officials with Israel, condemning the ongoing violence and obstruction of aid work.
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Paul Gambaccini, a veteran BBC radio DJ, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2025. He will continue hosting his shows on BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio while sharing updates about his condition.
Key Facts
Paul Gambaccini is 77 years old and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2025.
He is a presenter on BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio and plans to keep working.
BBC Radio 2 expressed support and sent best wishes to him.
Gambaccini has a long career in radio, starting in 1973 with BBC Radio 1.
He has presented on multiple BBC radio stations and was a founding presenter of Classic FM.
He was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame in 2005.
Gambaccini has been open about his diagnosis and grateful for public support.
The Alzheimer's Society highlights his story as an example that life can continue after a dementia diagnosis.
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A new, non-invasive treatment using focused ultrasound waves has been tested to help identical twins affected by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a condition causing uneven blood flow between twins sharing a placenta. In a small trial, the treatment successfully sealed problem blood vessels, allowing some babies to be born healthy without the need for surgery.
Key Facts
TTTS affects about 10-15% of identical twins who share a placenta, roughly 300-400 pregnancies a year in the UK.
The condition causes uneven blood flow, with one twin receiving too much blood and the other not enough, which can be dangerous.
Traditional treatments involve inserting needles or scopes into the womb to drain fluid or seal vessels using lasers.
The new procedure uses high-powered ultrasound waves to seal small blood vessels without surgery.
The trial treated 10 women; half required additional treatments, and 12 out of 20 babies survived.
The ultrasound treatment blocked blood flow in 90% of targeted vessels and caused no harmful side effects.
Larger studies are needed before the treatment can be widely used.
Parents and doctors see this as a hopeful, less invasive option for managing TTTS.
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A wildfire in southern Spain’s Almeria region killed 12 people and injured several others. Firefighters, supported by the military emergency unit, worked to control the blaze amid a severe heatwave causing dangerous conditions.
Key Facts
The wildfire occurred in the hamlet of Bedar, Almeria, southern Spain.
Twelve people died, and at least six were injured, including burns and smoke inhalation cases.
Around 150 firefighters fought the fire, with military emergency units joining later.
Fires forced road closures and evacuations; about 50 people stayed in a cultural center.
Officials suspect the fire may have started when a power line fell on dry vegetation.
Spain is experiencing a heatwave with temperatures over 40°C, raising wildfire risks.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez promised Spain’s largest wildfire response this summer.
Climate change has lengthened wildfire seasons worldwide and increased the size and frequency of fires.
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Nearly 9,000 people in England and Wales who are supposed to wear electronic monitoring tags do not have them, according to a report from the National Audit Office (NAO). The Ministry of Justice says its own count is lower, at about 5,450, and both groups agree that the system needs improvement to better protect the public.
Key Facts
Around 8,900 cases show individuals required to wear electronic tags but are not actually tagged, according to the NAO.
The Ministry of Justice estimates a lower number of untagged offenders at 5,450.
Electronic monitoring tags are used to enforce curfews or conditions in court and prison orders.
There are three types of electronic tags: curfew tags, location tags, and alcohol tags.
A total of 28,700 people were recorded as tagged as of March 2026.
Reasons for missing tags include system errors, refusal to wear a tag, delays in fitting, or tag removal during arrest.
The government is investing £100 million to expand and improve electronic monitoring under the Sentencing Act 2026.
Probation officers report being overworked and worried about managing more offenders released early from prison with monitoring requirements.
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