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Justin Baldoni describes painful saga as he breaks silence on Blake Lively dispute

Justin Baldoni describes painful saga as he breaks silence on Blake Lively dispute

July 09, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

Actor Justin Baldoni and his wife Emily spoke publicly for the first time about their family’s pain after a legal battle with co-star Blake Lively. The lawsuit involved accusations of sexual harassment and retaliation, most claims were dismissed by a judge, and the parties settled remaining issues before a trial.

Key Facts

  • Blake Lively sued Justin Baldoni and his company in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation on the film set of "It Ends With Us."
  • A judge dismissed most harassment claims because Lively was classified as an independent contractor, not an employee.
  • Baldoni filed a $400 million counter-lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for defamation and extortion, but it was fully dismissed.
  • The parties settled remaining claims about breach of contract and retaliation just before the trial was to start in New York.
  • Lively said she pursued the case due to retaliation after asking for a safe working environment.
  • Baldoni and his wife expressed gratitude for support and said their family is healing.
  • The legal fight lasted nearly two years before reaching a resolution in May 2025.
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BBC US BBC Top Stories
Kudlow: US entered Iran MOU too quickly

Kudlow: US entered Iran MOU too quickly

July 09, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Larry Kudlow, a host on Fox Business, said the United States acted too quickly in agreeing to a temporary deal with Iran. He mentioned concerns about Iran being allowed to sell millions of barrels of oil under this agreement.

Key Facts

  • Larry Kudlow spoke about the U.S.-Iran interim deal on his Fox Business show.
  • He believes the U.S. made the agreement too fast.
  • The deal allows Iran to sell 50 to 60 million barrels of oil.
  • Kudlow’s comments focus on the timing and terms of the deal.
  • The agreement is described as an interim or temporary arrangement.
  • Oil traders reported the amount of oil Iran could sell.
  • The discussion relates to U.S. foreign policy toward Iran.
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The Hill
Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams and more mourn the death of Bonnie Tyler

Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams and more mourn the death of Bonnie Tyler

July 09, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler died at age 75 while hospitalized in Portugal for illness-related treatment. Many celebrities, including Catherine Zeta-Jones and Rod Stewart, expressed their sadness and shared memories of her unique voice and personality.

Key Facts

  • Bonnie Tyler was 75 years old at the time of her death.
  • She died in a hospital in Faro, Portugal, where she was receiving treatment.
  • Tyler underwent emergency intestinal surgery in May and was placed in an induced coma.
  • She gained fame for songs like “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “It’s A Heartache.”
  • Catherine Zeta-Jones was related to Tyler through marriage and spoke about their close relationship.
  • Several well-known artists, including Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams, and Tony Hadley, paid tribute to her.
  • Tyler was appreciated for her distinctive, gravelly voice and lively personality.
  • Her death was unexpected and has elicited widespread mourning in the entertainment world.
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AP News
Furore in Nigeria over fake federal agency set up in government headquarters

Furore in Nigeria over fake federal agency set up in government headquarters

July 09, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A fake Nigerian government agency called the presidential foreign intervention promotion council (PFIPC) was listed in the 2026 budget and given office space in a federal building. The case involves accusations of forgery, impersonation, and financial misconduct and is under investigation amid political controversy ahead of Nigeria’s general elections.

Key Facts

  • The PFIPC was allocated 1.3 billion naira (£705,248) in Nigeria’s 2026 budget.
  • Femi Gbajabiamila, the president’s chief of staff, accused Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew of forging his signature and official documents.
  • Adeyemi claimed he was appointed to lead PFIPC, but the presidency denies knowing him.
  • Adeyemi reportedly met with ambassadors without approval and set up bank accounts for PFIPC without government consent.
  • The actual Nigerian investment promotion council raised concerns about PFIPC’s similar name.
  • Office space was given to PFIPC in the federal secretariat, raising questions about how Adeyemi accessed it.
  • President Bola Tinubu ordered an anti-corruption agency to investigate PFIPC.
  • Some key officials involved in the case have past controversies, including suspensions and legal troubles in the US.
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Guardian World
Turkish president gives Nato leaders engraved guns and bullets at summit

Turkish president gives Nato leaders engraved guns and bullets at summit

July 09, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

At a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gave NATO leaders engraved revolvers with six live bullets as gifts. These unusual presents caused surprise and security challenges, as leaders had to handle the guns carefully due to different laws on transporting firearms.

Key Facts

  • President Erdoğan gave each NATO leader a personalized revolver with six live bullets at the Ankara summit.
  • The guns came in red boxes lined in black and included a note exempting them from export controls.
  • Many leaders and security teams were surprised and puzzled by the gift.
  • Some leaders took their guns home, leaving the bullets in Turkey, while others left both gun and ammo behind.
  • The revolvers given to EU leaders were handled with extra security and will be decommissioned and sent to a military museum.
  • The Polish president received his revolver with caution due to a previous incident when a grenade launcher gift exploded in his office.
  • Transporting fully functional guns across borders requires following strict legal rules, causing logistical difficulties.
  • The Turkish presidency did not comment on why they chose to give these particular gifts.
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Guardian World
INTERVIEW: Courtney Grace Talks Spielberg and Her 'Disclosure Day' Moment

INTERVIEW: Courtney Grace Talks Spielberg and Her 'Disclosure Day' Moment

July 09, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Courtney Grace gained attention for a brief but powerful role in Steven Spielberg's latest film, "Disclosure Day." Previously a journalist, Grace shared in an interview that her past experience helped her perform authentically, and she spoke about the courage it took to pursue acting.

Key Facts

  • Courtney Grace appears briefly near the end of Spielberg’s new movie, "Disclosure Day."
  • Her performance has received strong praise and is seen as a major breakthrough in her career.
  • Grace worked as a journalist for about seven years before becoming an actress.
  • She believes her journalism experience helped her stay calm and genuine on camera.
  • A mentor encouraged her to admit her true dream of acting, which she credits for her path forward.
  • Grace says success comes from taking the next right step and being brave, even when feeling unsure or scared.
  • She is grateful for the positive response to her role in the film.
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Newsweek
Greek F-16 fighter jet crash-lands at busy Zakynthos airport

Greek F-16 fighter jet crash-lands at busy Zakynthos airport

July 09, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

A Greek Air Force F-16 fighter jet crash-landed at Zakynthos airport after a technical problem during a training flight. The pilot was unharmed, but the plane caught fire on the runway, causing the airport to close and delaying flights.

Key Facts

  • The F-16 experienced a technical fault and landed around 13:45 local time.
  • The pilot is reported to be in good health.
  • Greek media said the jet showed signs of an onboard fire before landing and caught fire on the runway.
  • The plane landed without using its landing gear and slid along the runway.
  • Firefighters responded quickly to put out the fire.
  • The jet belonged to the 335 Squadron of the 116th Combat Wing, based in western Greece.
  • The airport was closed, delaying all flights until 21:00.
  • A special air force team is set to remove the damaged aircraft from the runway.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories
Andy Burnham says Labour ‘didn’t get it right’ as he apologises for its stance on Gaza

Andy Burnham says Labour ‘didn’t get it right’ as he apologises for its stance on Gaza

July 09, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Andy Burnham, leader of the UK's Labour Party, apologized for the party’s early response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and said the party needs to improve its approach. He promised to increase pressure on the Israeli government, including sanctions and possible trade bans related to illegal settlements, while condemning violence and calling for accountability.

Key Facts

  • Andy Burnham admitted Labour's initial response to the Gaza conflict was not adequate and apologized.
  • He plans to pressure Israel with measures like sanctions and trade restrictions on illegal settlements.
  • Burnham criticized the UK government for being slow to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
  • Labour leader Keir Starmer faced criticism for his early remarks supporting Israel’s right to withhold power and water from Gaza.
  • Starmer recognized Palestine as a state after months of pressure in 2025.
  • Burnham condemned Hamas’s attacks and antisemitism in the UK, stressing a balanced approach.
  • He acknowledged possible war crimes in Gaza but said international courts should decide on legal judgments.
  • Many Labour voters left the party because of its stance on Israel and Palestine, moving to the Green party.
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Guardian World
Mali rebels attack convoy of Russian reinforcements headed to besieged military camp

Mali rebels attack convoy of Russian reinforcements headed to besieged military camp

July 09, 2026 • France24

Summary

Tuareg separatists and jihadist groups attacked a convoy of Russian mercenaries and Malian soldiers heading to a military camp in northern Mali. The convoy was trying to reinforce troops holding a key town called Anefis, which is near the separatists’ stronghold of Kidal.

Key Facts

  • The convoy included Russian paramilitary forces from Africa Corps and Malian soldiers.
  • The attackers are from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and an Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group called JNIM.
  • Anefis is an important town for controlling the larger northern town of Kidal.
  • The FLA and jihadists have taken control of Anefis after coordinated attacks.
  • Mali's government wants to hold Anefis to eventually retake Kidal from separatists.
  • The convoy was ambushed twice, with heavy fighting ongoing as of the report.
  • Russia supports Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger with military help against jihadists.
  • Russia is also pursuing energy and mining deals with these Sahel countries in Africa.
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France24
Jennings ‘not surprised’ Iran deal ‘ending this way’

Jennings ‘not surprised’ Iran deal ‘ending this way’

July 09, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Conservative commentator Scott Jennings said he is not surprised that the temporary ceasefire deal between the U.S. and Iran is failing as fighting increases. He stated that Iran has always been strongly opposed to the United States, and that President Trump tried to address this.

Key Facts

  • Scott Jennings is a conservative political commentator.
  • Jennings spoke about the ceasefire deal between the U.S. and Iran.
  • The deal was meant to temporarily stop hostilities.
  • Hostilities between the U.S. and Iran are increasing again.
  • Jennings said Iran has historically been very adversarial to the U.S.
  • He mentioned that President Trump attempted to manage the situation.
  • Jennings expressed no surprise at the failure of the ceasefire.
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The Hill
Pontypridd, Birkenhead and Isle of Bute among shortlist for first UK Town of Culture

Pontypridd, Birkenhead and Isle of Bute among shortlist for first UK Town of Culture

July 09, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

The UK government has shortlisted 15 towns for the first-ever UK Town of Culture title. These towns will receive funding to develop cultural bids, and three winners (small, medium, large) will be chosen next year, with one overall winner receiving £3 million to host cultural events.

Key Facts

  • The shortlist includes 15 towns across the UK, such as Pontypridd, Birkenhead, Isle of Bute, Basildon, and Rotherham.
  • Each shortlisted town will get £60,000 to help prepare a full cultural bid.
  • The competition divides towns into three size groups: small (under 20,000 people), medium (20,000–75,000), and large (over 75,000).
  • Three winners will be picked early next year: one from each size group.
  • The overall winner will get £3 million to host cultural events in 2028.
  • The two runners-up will receive £250,000 each for part of their programs.
  • The competition aims to celebrate towns’ culture, support storytelling, involve local communities, and boost visitors and investment.
  • Nearly 400 towns applied, showing strong interest in promoting local culture across the UK.
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BBC Top Stories
A new era of partnership with Iraq

A new era of partnership with Iraq

July 09, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The article says that Iraq has changed a lot over the past 20 years. It suggests that the United States should update its policies to match the new situation in Iraq.

Key Facts

  • Iraq today is different from what it was two decades ago.
  • The article calls for a change in how the U.S. deals with Iraq.
  • U.S. policy needs to recognize Iraq’s current state and challenges.
  • This implies a shift toward a partnership based on Iraq’s present conditions.
  • The article focuses on international relations between the U.S. and Iraq.
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The Hill
A quest for closure: In search of the missing after Venezuela’s earthquakes

A quest for closure: In search of the missing after Venezuela’s earthquakes

July 09, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Two weeks after strong earthquakes hit Venezuela, thousands of people are still missing and families are searching for their loved ones among the rubble. The official death count is about 3,811, but many people remain unaccounted for, causing ongoing uncertainty for many families.

Key Facts

  • Two powerful earthquakes recently struck Venezuela.
  • About 3,811 people have been confirmed dead so far.
  • Around 40,000 missing persons cases have been reported on crowdsourcing websites.
  • The number of missing people is uncertain due to possible duplicates and some people being found.
  • Families like Adolfo Guerra’s are searching in disaster areas for missing relatives.
  • Guerra traveled 400 km to look for his daughter Alexandra, who has not yet been found.
  • Conditions at the search site are difficult, with no proper shelter or facilities.
  • Rescuers recovered bodies, adding to the harsh reality for those still hoping for survivors.
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Al Jazeera
Fire at a shoe factory kills 28 in one of China’s deadliest blazes in recent years

Fire at a shoe factory kills 28 in one of China’s deadliest blazes in recent years

July 09, 2026 • AP News

Summary

A fire at a shoe factory in Jinjiang city, Fujian province, China, killed 28 people on July 9, 2026. Authorities rescued 213 others, arrested the factory owner and managers, and launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.

Key Facts

  • The fire occurred at the Huiteng shoe factory in Jinjiang, a city known for its shoe industry.
  • There were 237 workers and 2 visitors inside when the fire started.
  • 28 people died, including 2 who died after being taken to the hospital.
  • 213 people were rescued or evacuated safely.
  • Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a full search and rescue effort and demanded a quick investigation.
  • The factory owner and other responsible persons were arrested.
  • The company’s financial accounts have been frozen as part of the investigation.
  • Videos showed the factory building severely damaged, with thick smoke and fire on several floors.
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AP News
France returns 23 Syrian treasures after 15 years as Macron visits Damascus

France returns 23 Syrian treasures after 15 years as Macron visits Damascus

July 09, 2026 • AP News

Summary

France has returned 23 Syrian archaeological artifacts after keeping them for about 15 years following a loan for an exhibition. The return happened during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Damascus, Syria, marking the first visit by a major Western leader since President Bashar Assad’s ouster in 2024.

Key Facts

  • The 23 artifacts include Roman bronze objects, Byzantine and Islamic-era pieces, and a colorful mosaic panel from the Umayyad Mosque.
  • These items were loaned to an exhibition in Paris in 2011 but stayed in France as diplomatic ties between France and Syria were cut under Assad’s rule.
  • The artifacts belong to museums in Damascus, Aleppo, Latakia, and Palmyra.
  • The returned pieces cover Syrian history from the ninth millennium B.C. to the 14th and 15th centuries A.D.
  • Syria described France as the first country to cooperate in its national campaign to recover antiquities kept abroad.
  • The artifacts were flown back to Syria on President Macron’s plane and displayed at the National Museum in Damascus.
  • Syria’s deputy director-general of antiquities called the return a historic moment amid years of conflict and diplomatic isolation.
  • The visit by President Macron is considered a landmark event as the first major Western leader to come to Syria since President Assad’s removal.
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AP News
Iran claims US strike hit near nuclear powerplant

Iran claims US strike hit near nuclear powerplant

July 09, 2026 • France24

Summary

The United States and Iran have exchanged attacks for two days after President Donald Trump said the ceasefire between them had ended. Iran reported that US strikes killed at least 14 people and injured more than 70, while Iran responded by targeting US interests in nearby countries.

Key Facts

  • The US and Iran continued military strikes for a second day on July 9, 2026.
  • President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire between the two countries was "dead."
  • Iran’s health ministry said at least 14 people were killed and over 70 injured in the US attacks.
  • Iran responded by attacking US assets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.
  • The tension follows ongoing conflicts involving Iran's nuclear activities.
  • Iran is undergoing a political shift following the death of its leader Khamenei.
  • Both countries appear unwilling to resume full-scale war but maintain a hostile stance.
  • The situation is contributing to instability in the Middle East region.
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France24
Turkey: Erdogan gives NATO leaders pistols with ammunition after summit

Turkey: Erdogan gives NATO leaders pistols with ammunition after summit

July 09, 2026 • France24

Summary

After a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave each NATO leader an old-fashioned revolver along with a box of bullets. This gift was given as a gesture following the meeting.

Key Facts

  • The NATO summit took place in Ankara, Turkey.
  • President Erdogan presented vintage revolvers to NATO leaders.
  • Each revolver came with a box of ammunition.
  • The revolvers are old-style handguns known as vintage revolvers.
  • The gift was given after the official summit meeting.
  • The article was published on July 9, 2026.
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France24
Israeli strike kills aid worker who brought World Cup screenings to Gaza

Israeli strike kills aid worker who brought World Cup screenings to Gaza

July 09, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

An aid worker who helped organize World Cup soccer match viewings in Gaza was killed in an Israeli missile strike. The strike also killed three other people, and the Israeli military said it targeted a Hamas military figure but is reviewing the impact on civilians.

Key Facts

  • Mohamed Al-Wahidi was a Palestinian aid worker who organized public World Cup screenings in Gaza.
  • He worked as public relations director for the Egyptian Relief Committee, which provides humanitarian aid in Gaza.
  • Al-Wahidi was killed in an Israeli missile strike hitting a car in Gaza City just before the Egypt-Argentina World Cup match.
  • Three others died in the strike: the car’s driver and two children aged 10 and 8.
  • The Israel Defense Forces said the strike targeted a Hamas military wing member and is reviewing civilian harm claims.
  • The World Cup viewing event continued despite the strike, with Palestinians gathering to watch the game.
  • Since an October ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Israeli attacks have resulted in over 1,000 deaths in Gaza.
  • The Egyptian Relief Committee has not commented on Al-Wahidi's death or future screenings.
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CBS News
Louise Haigh accuses ‘cabal of men’ around Keir Starmer of mistreating women in cabinet

Louise Haigh accuses ‘cabal of men’ around Keir Starmer of mistreating women in cabinet

July 09, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Louise Haigh accused a group of men close to Keir Starmer of mistreating women in the UK government, including herself and other female politicians. She spoke about her resignation from the cabinet and her support for Andy Burnham, who is expected to become prime minister soon.

Key Facts

  • Louise Haigh resigned as transport secretary in 2024 and later criticized allies of Keir Starmer.
  • Haigh said she faced unfair and hostile briefings by male colleagues aimed at damaging her reputation.
  • She accused a “cabal of men” of mistreating women like Lisa Nandy, Bridget Phillipson, Angela Rayner, and Sue Gray.
  • Haigh was removed from cabinet after admitting she falsely reported a lost phone as stolen in 2013.
  • She said Starmer and his chief of staff did not fully explain new information before her sacking.
  • Haigh helped support Andy Burnham’s campaign to become prime minister.
  • She suggested strengthening the economic advisory team in Downing Street under the next government.
  • Haigh is expected to receive a cabinet position in Burnham’s government but not as chancellor.
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Guardian World
Chemical weapons watchdog restores Syria’s voting rights, citing progress

Chemical weapons watchdog restores Syria’s voting rights, citing progress

July 09, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has restored Syria’s voting rights after new Syrian authorities took steps to cooperate on chemical weapons inspections. This change follows Syria’s suspension in 2021 due to the previous government’s failure to fully declare its chemical weapons and repeated poison gas use during the civil war.

Key Facts

  • Syria was suspended from OPCW in 2021 because it did not fully disclose its chemical weapons program.
  • The previous government of Bashar al-Assad used poison gas multiple times during the civil war.
  • Since al-Assad was ousted in 2024, the new Syrian government has worked with OPCW to meet its obligations.
  • The new authorities have helped inspectors verify and begin destroying chemical weapons leftovers.
  • Syria joined OPCW in 2013 and agreed to destroy about 1,000 tonnes of chemical toxins.
  • The 2013 decision came after a chemical attack in Ghouta that killed many civilians.
  • The US intelligence said the Syrian government was responsible for the 2013 attack, which it denied.
  • OPCW praised the recent cooperation between Syria’s new government and the international community.
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Al Jazeera
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