The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan, will not take part in any public events during her husband Prince Harry’s visit to the UK this week. This follows a dispute about security arrangements, and it is unclear if she will visit the UK privately with their children.
Key Facts
Meghan will not appear at any public events during Prince Harry’s UK visit this week.
Initially, Meghan and her children were not joining Prince Harry at the start of the week due to a security disagreement.
There was speculation she might attend a later event at the Invictus Games in Birmingham, but this is now ruled out.
The visit’s purpose is to promote the Invictus Games, a sports event for injured service members, which will be held in Birmingham next year.
Two weeks ago, plans showed Meghan would appear at events in London and Birmingham, marking her first UK appearance since 2022.
Meghan pulled out of London events after the security dispute.
Meghan’s representatives have not commented on any private visits or meetings, which means it is possible she and her children could meet King Charles privately.
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Keir Starmer has suggested he might give out resignation honours when he leaves his role as prime minister in about 10 days, even though he said three years ago he would not. He is expected to be succeeded by Andy Burnham, who is likely to become the next prime minister after receiving strong support from fellow Labour MPs and unions.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer may hand out resignation honours when he leaves Downing Street soon.
Three years ago, Starmer said he would not give out honours after leaving office.
Prime ministers can suggest people for honours after their term, but the list must be approved by their successor and a commission.
Starmer is set to be succeeded by Andy Burnham as prime minister.
Andy Burnham has received 322 nominations from Labour MPs, about 80% of the party.
There are not enough other MPs to nominate an alternative leader, so Burnham is very likely to win.
Burnham has support from two unions: Unite and the Fire Brigades Union.
Liz Truss and Boris Johnson also had resignation honours lists approved by their successors.
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African countries have secured $900 million to expand access to clean cooking technologies that use less polluting fuels. This new funding adds to previous commitments, pushing total investments above $3.1 billion aimed at replacing harmful fuels like firewood and charcoal with cleaner options such as ethanol, biogas, and electricity.
Key Facts
African nations have raised $900 million to support clean cooking projects.
Total funds committed for clean cooking in Africa now exceed $3.1 billion.
Nearly 1 billion people in Africa still use polluting cooking fuels like charcoal and firewood.
These fuels contribute to about 850,000 early deaths annually due to air pollution.
Clean cooking uses low-emission fuels such as ethanol, biogas, and electricity, improving health.
Leaders from Africa, Norway, and the U.S. participated in the meeting organized by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Since 2024, there have been 121 new clean cooking policies introduced in over 30 African countries.
The IEA and the African Union are working on a continent-wide strategy to support clean cooking access.
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Senior British police officials say that technology and online platforms are being used more to threaten the UK by hostile countries, extremists, and far-right groups. The biggest threat is still Islamic extremism, but threats from hostile states and far-right groups have grown a lot in recent years.
Key Facts
British police are facing a growing number of online threats from hostile states, extremists, and far-right groups.
Islamic extremism remains the largest threat, but threats from hostile countries are increasing the fastest.
In 2025, over 20 plots backed by Iran, including assassinations and kidnappings, were reported against the UK.
Attacks linked to Russia include a fire in a London warehouse that stored equipment for Ukraine.
Russia uses apps like Telegram to recruit people in Europe to carry out sabotage and vandalism.
Teenagers as young as 15 have been arrested for involvement in proxy plots linked to these threats.
The UK threat level from far-right extremism was raised from "substantial" to "severe" in April.
Police stress the importance of help from technology companies to fight these online threats.
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Christopher Nolan has made a new movie called "The Odyssey," based on the ancient story by Homer, to be released on July 17, 2026. The film features well-known actors like Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, and Tom Holland as Telemachus, aiming to make the classic story easy to understand for modern audiences.
Key Facts
"The Odyssey" movie is directed by Christopher Nolan and releases on July 17, 2026.
Matt Damon plays Odysseus, the King of Ithaca and hero of the story.
Anne Hathaway plays Penelope, Odysseus’s wife, who has waited 20 years for his return.
Tom Holland plays their son Telemachus.
The story follows Odysseus’s long journey home after the Trojan War.
The movie tries to make the old story clear and relatable for people who know little or nothing about it.
The cast includes other famous actors like Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Mia Goth, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron.
Photographs show the cast and director at the film’s premiere and photo call events in London.
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France is experiencing its third heatwave this season, causing problems like wildfires, dry rivers, and strain on hospitals. The country struggles to adapt its cities and homes to extreme heat, with challenges including old building designs, water shortages, and economic inequality.
Key Facts
France is facing a third heatwave before Bastille Day, 2026.
Hospitals are under pressure due to heat-related health issues.
Wildfires are spreading and riverbeds are drying up.
Many homes and buildings are not designed to stay cool in summer.
There is debate about the use of air conditioning and other cooling solutions.
Water resources are becoming scarce, affecting farming and power plants.
Heat impacts poorer populations more because they cannot afford expensive cooling upgrades.
Political debates focus on how much regulation should be kept or rolled back to address climate issues.
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The rape and murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna in France has caused public anger. This crime has led people to question how well the French justice system is working.
Key Facts
Lyhanna was an 11-year-old girl who was raped and murdered.
The case has caused widespread outrage among the French public.
People are concerned about possible failures in the justice system.
The incident has brought attention to how France handles such serious crimes.
Officials and citizens are calling for improvements in law enforcement and legal processes to prevent similar tragedies.
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Recent attacks between the U.S. and Iran have raised doubts about a peace agreement signed last month that aimed to reduce conflict in the Middle East. A Qatari official said the violence threatens progress but talks between the countries are still continuing.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran have exchanged multiple military strikes in the past two days.
The conflict has disrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on June 17 to ease tensions and included reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Qatar and Pakistan helped create the 14-point MOU.
The MOU included a 60-day ceasefire period to negotiate a final deal covering issues like Iran’s nuclear program.
President Donald Trump said the MOU was "over" after recent attacks and described Iranian leaders harshly.
Qatar denies Iranian claims that attacks targeted its territory, saying their military was prepared and no direct hits occurred.
Despite the violence and tough words, diplomats from all sides remain engaged in talks.
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The Bashar al-Assad government in Syria was overthrown about 18 months ago. The new interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is working to reconnect Syria with other countries, including the US, while the United States is lifting sanctions and planning to remove Syria from its list of terrorism-supporting states. However, security problems and regional tensions remain.
Key Facts
Bashar al-Assad’s government was overthrown about a year and a half ago.
Ahmed al-Sharaa is the interim president leading a transitional government.
Al-Sharaa has visited nearby countries and the US to rebuild relationships.
The US has lifted some sanctions on Syria and plans to remove it from the “state sponsor of terrorism” list.
Syria has been on this list since 1979.
Recent security issues include two attacks in the Syrian capital.
Israel occupies additional land in southwest Syria, increasing tensions.
Syria’s chemical weapons watchdog restored its voting rights due to some progress.
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NASA's view on UFOs, now often called unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs), has changed over time. In the 1940s and 1950s, UFO sightings were taken seriously, but later they became stigmatized. Recently, the agency has focused more on studying UAPs using scientific methods as government interest and public reports have increased.
Key Facts
In the 1940s and 1950s, UFO sightings received serious attention and people could discuss them without fear.
The modern UFO era began in 1947 with pilot Kenneth Arnold’s sighting and the Roswell incident.
The U.S. Air Force started Project Sign in 1948, its first formal UFO investigation.
A famous UFO photo from the 1950s shows four bright objects in a V-formation, taken by Coast Guard photographer Shell R. Alpert.
Around the 1960s, attitudes toward UFOs shifted, with many sightings given conventional explanations.
Astronauts like Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Buzz Aldrin reported seeing unusual objects but did not conclude they were alien spacecraft.
Project Blue Book, the longest-running government UFO investigation, ended in 1969 after a report said further studies were unlikely to yield scientific results.
Recently, NASA and the government have renewed scientific interest in UAPs as the topic gains more public and official attention.
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The Mexican government plans to file criminal complaints in the United States over the deaths of more than a dozen Mexican citizens while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody or during ICE operations. The move follows the recent fatal shooting of Mexican national Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE agent in Houston, which has also sparked protests and calls from U.S. lawmakers for a full investigation.
Key Facts
The Mexican government says 14 Mexican citizens died in ICE custody and 3 more died during ICE arrest operations.
Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco announced legal action to protect Mexicans' rights in the U.S.
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52-year-old Mexican worker, was shot and killed by ICE in Houston during a vehicle stop operation.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security claims Salgado tried to ram an ICE vehicle and ignored orders before the officer fired in self-defense.
Over 1,000 people protested in Houston after Salgado’s death.
Four U.S. Democratic lawmakers have demanded an independent and transparent investigation into Salgado’s shooting and other cases of deadly force by ICE.
Mexico plans to pursue criminal complaints and civil cases against U.S. detention center companies linked to detainee deaths.
Mexican officials criticize the Trump administration for its handling of these deaths and say diplomatic notes are not enough.
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A fire broke out at a shoe factory in eastern China, killing at least 28 people. Many workers were trapped on the roof, and firefighters worked to control the blaze. President Xi Jinping said those responsible must face strict punishment.
Key Facts
The fire occurred at a shoe factory in eastern China.
At least 28 people died in the fire.
Some workers were trapped on the factory roof during the fire.
Firefighters responded and worked to put out the fire.
President Xi Jinping demanded strict accountability for those responsible.
The incident caused significant loss of life and emergency response efforts.
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Andy Burnham has nearly secured the support needed from Labour MPs to become the party leader and is set to become the UK prime minister on July 20. An official review found that Personal Independence Payments (PIP), a UK welfare benefit, are currently not working well and will be studied further before final recommendations are made.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham has the backing of 322 Labour MPs for party leadership.
He needs 323 nominations to make it impossible for others to challenge him.
If no other candidates enter, Burnham will be declared Labour leader next week.
He is set to take office as prime minister on July 20, 2026.
The UK government asked Sir Stephen Timms to review Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
The initial report found PIP is "not fit for purpose."
Final recommendations on PIP will be published in the autumn.
The review covers PIP for England and Wales.
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Ukrainian drones attacked Russian oil facilities and set two oil tankers on fire in the Sea of Azov. President Donald Trump has pledged to allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air defense systems, but Ukrainian officials say making the missiles could take over a year.
Key Facts
Ukrainian drones targeted Russian oil facilities and caused fires on two oil tankers.
The attacks happened in the Sea of Azov.
President Donald Trump promised to give Ukraine a license to make Patriot air defense systems.
Patriot systems help protect cities from missile attacks.
Ukrainian officials warn it may take a year or more to produce Patriot interceptor missiles.
The Kremlin said the license deal showed Washington's mixed feelings but appreciated Trump's efforts toward peace.
The war between Russia and Ukraine has lasted more than four years.
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Thousands of people protested in Budapest against plans to remove Hungary’s President Tamás Sulyok. The new government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, wants to end Sulyok’s term through a constitutional change as part of broader reforms after defeating Viktor Orbán’s party in elections.
Key Facts
The protest was organized by allies of Viktor Orbán’s former ruling party, Fidesz and KDNP.
The protest took place outside the presidential offices at Sándor Palace in Budapest.
The new center-right government, led by Péter Magyar, won the election in April, ending Orbán’s 16-year rule.
Magyar’s government aims to remove officials considered loyal to Orbán and reform political institutions.
The planned constitutional amendment would end President Tamás Sulyok’s term and establish new rules like term limits and judicial reforms.
Orbán and his party claim the effort to remove Sulyok threatens democracy and the rule of law.
Hungary’s president has mainly ceremonial duties but can sign laws and send them to the constitutional court for review.
The protest was called “Stop Tyranny” and promoted by Orbán on social media, although he did not attend in person.
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Jeb Bush expressed concern about Iranian drones reportedly located in Cuba. He said Iran poses a threat to U.S. and Israeli security. Bush spoke at an event focused on opposing nuclear threats from Iran.
Key Facts
Jeb Bush is a former governor of Florida.
He raised concerns about Iranian drones in Cuba.
Iran is viewed as a threat to the security of the United States and Israel.
Bush spoke at an event called United Against Nuclear Iran.
He serves as the chair of this group.
The group focuses on countering nuclear risks from Iran.
The concern highlights ongoing tensions involving Iran’s military capabilities and its influence in the region.
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The United States carried out strikes in Iran’s Bushehr province, targeting what it called military sites. Iranian officials say the attacks harmed civilian places, including fishing piers near the Bushehr nuclear power plant, airports, and other facilities.
Key Facts
The US conducted strikes in Iran’s Bushehr province.
US officials stated the targets were military sites.
Iranian officials reported damage to civilian infrastructure.
Civilian areas affected include fishing piers where boats caught fire.
The strikes also damaged areas near the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
Airports and logistical facilities in the region were hit.
There is a disagreement between the US and Iran over the nature of the targets.
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Mexico is investigating whether the US lied about its role in capturing a top drug lord from the Sinaloa cartel in 2024. The US has denied involvement, but evidence suggests FBI agents took part, raising concerns about Mexico’s sovereignty.
Key Facts
Mexico is probing if the US broke laws by secretly capturing and moving drug lord Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada García.
The US claims it was not involved in the capture inside Mexico.
Mexican officials say FBI agents arrested Zambada García after he was tricked into flying to Texas.
The plane used in the arrest is displayed in a New Mexico museum and credited to the FBI’s secret operation.
Mexico's attorney general said the US may have lied, broken Mexican and international law, and violated diplomatic trust.
Mexico’s president and authorities worry this event challenges Mexico’s control over its own land.
There is tension in US-Mexico relations as President Trump has threatened military action against cartels in Mexico.
Mexico tried to inspect the plane in August 2024 but was not allowed full access and were given incomplete information by the US.
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Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, appeared briefly on the BBC Radio 4 drama The Archers in a recently aired episode. She joined the cast as a surprise guest at a fictional event, reflecting her real-life role as honorary president of a farming and environment charity.
Key Facts
The Duchess of Edinburgh recorded her part at the BBC Mailbox in Birmingham in May.
The episode aired during The Archers' 75th anniversary year.
Sophie appeared as a guest at the fictional Borchester Show in the story.
She acts in the role connected to her presidency of Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF).
The Duchess joined regular cast members during the episode recording.
Previous royal cameo appearances on The Archers include Queen Camilla in 2011 and Princess Margaret in 1984.
The Archers is the longest-running continuous radio drama, airing since 1951 with over 20,000 episodes.
The show covers current topics such as climate change and farming challenges through its storylines.
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Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, Israeli attacks have killed at least 10 people in Gaza within 24 hours. The violence continues as aid groups report critical humanitarian shortages and talks for a lasting peace remain stalled.
Key Facts
At least 10 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks over 24 hours, with several injuries reported.
Israeli strikes targeted homes, streets, and a humanitarian vehicle delivering aid in Gaza.
Ahmed Nasser Saleem, a driver for aid group World Central Kitchen, was killed in an attack on a humanitarian vehicle.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 73,000 Palestinians killed since the conflict began in October 2023.
The ceasefire began on October 10, 2025, but Israeli airstrikes have continued, causing more casualties.
Israel has expanded control to about 80% of Gaza, beyond the agreed “Yellow Line” in the truce.
Gaza’s healthcare system faces severe shortages, with labs and blood banks close to shutting down.
Hamas and Israel have not implemented the ceasefire’s second phase, and negotiations in Cairo have made little progress.
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