Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israel does not want to take part in the US military actions against Iran. He believes that the ongoing conflict and economic pressure from the US on Iran help Israel’s interests.
Key Facts
Bezalel Smotrich is Israel’s Finance Minister.
He stated Israel has no interest in joining the US war on Iran.
The US has renewed its military campaign targeting Iran.
Smotrich thinks the conflict and economic pressure on Iran benefit Israel.
This shows Israel’s current government does not want to be directly involved in the US-Iran tension.
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Zendaya wore ancient Iranian earrings dating back to 700 BC during a promotional event for the film "Odyssey," which has caused criticism from archaeologists and historians. They argue that using these culturally important and possibly looted artefacts as fashion accessories disrespects Iran’s heritage and ignores the spiritual significance of the items.
Key Facts
Zendaya wore earrings made from Iranian artefacts from around 700 BC at a film event in London.
The earrings come from the Ziwiye hoard, a collection of ancient objects found in northwestern Iran in the 1940s.
The hoard was looted, with pieces sold in antique markets outside Iran in the 1960s.
Archaeologists and historians say using such artefacts as jewellery disrespects their cultural and spiritual importance.
The earrings were bought by Barron London gallery, which says it follows legal rules and tracks provenance (the history of ownership).
Critics say the use of these artefacts for fashion “hijacks” Iran’s cultural contributions and strips the objects of meaning.
The issue links to broader debates about western museums holding looted artefacts from around the world.
Zendaya’s representatives and stylist have been contacted for comment but have not publicly responded yet.
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Saudi Arabia condemned the Houthi group in Yemen after the Houthis announced they would set up a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. The Houthis intend to disrupt shipping near a key route for global oil exports, raising concerns about higher risks to world energy supplies amid ongoing regional tensions.
Key Facts
The Houthis in Yemen declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, aiming to respond to what they call a Saudi siege on Yemen.
Saudi Arabia said it will take all necessary actions to protect its ships and keep trade flowing.
The maritime route affected is near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a crucial passage for oil shipments linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
About 4.1 billion barrels of oil passed through this strait in 2024, representing roughly 5% of global oil trade.
The Strait of Hormuz, another vital oil route, is already closed due to conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
Closing both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb would block about 25% of the world’s oil and gas supply.
The conflict in Yemen began over a decade ago, with the Houthis controlling the capital Sanaa since 2014, and Saudi Arabia supporting Yemen’s recognized government since 2015.
The situation has caused one of the worst humanitarian crises, with ongoing fighting and disruptions to shipping and aid deliveries.
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Iran is facing tough choices after recent conflicts with the US over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipping. The country can either accept US terms to reopen the strait, escalate military actions, or maintain a risky balance that applies economic pressure without full-scale war.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a key passage for global oil transport and has been a conflict point between Iran and the US.
Iran could agree to US demands like stopping attacks on ships, limiting uranium enrichment, and allowing nuclear inspections, in exchange for ending a US naval blockade and easing sanctions.
Accepting these terms would be politically difficult for Iran, as it would mean giving up influence over the strait and its nuclear program.
Iran might escalate attacks on US bases and Gulf states to raise energy prices and pressure the US to negotiate.
Escalation risks broader war and involvement of other regional countries.
Iran could also keep current tensions low enough to maintain leverage but avoid full war, as survival is viewed as a form of victory.
Increased attacks on the strait might drive other countries to find alternative shipping routes, reducing Iran’s strategic power.
Iran’s leadership situation is uncertain after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, now succeeded by his son Mojtaba, which affects decision-making.
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A fake video claiming that Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized the movie The Odyssey has been shared widely online. The video is false, and no evidence exists that RFK Jr. made such statements. The film faced criticism for its diverse casting but has received strong reviews and box office success.
Key Facts
A viral video falsely shows RFK Jr. saying The Odyssey is for "gays and cowards."
The video comes from an account that says it mainly posts satire.
A fact-check note on the video states no proof RFK Jr. made those comments.
The Odyssey is a new movie based on the ancient Greek epic by Homer.
Some conservatives criticized the film’s casting of Black and transgender actors before it was released.
Director Christopher Nolan dismissed early criticism as irrelevant since people hadn't seen the film.
The movie earned over $123 million in its opening weekend in the U.S.
Critics praised the film, and it holds high audience ratings on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes.
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Kaylee Hottle, an 18-year-old deaf actress known for playing Jia in the Godzilla movies, died in a car accident in Maryland. Her father confirmed she was critically injured and died en route to the hospital.
Key Facts
Kaylee Hottle was 18 years old and deaf.
She played Jia in the Godzilla vs. Kong films.
She used sign language to communicate with the monster on screen.
She died early Tuesday in a car accident in Maryland.
Her father, Joshua Hottle, confirmed her death and shared his grief in American Sign Language.
Kaylee started acting as a child, appearing in commercials and a public service announcement.
She was from Atlanta and came from a family with multiple generations of deaf members.
Kaylee also appeared in a 2021 episode of the show Magnum P.I.
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France’s Normandy D-Day landing beaches may soon become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This status would recognize their worldwide importance and bring more attention to these historic locations where Allied forces landed during World War II.
Key Facts
The D-Day beaches are in Normandy, France.
The listing would mark nearly 20 years of efforts to get this recognition.
UNESCO calls this a recognition of "outstanding universal value."
One of the beaches includes a site where an artificial harbor was built by Allied forces.
UNESCO’s cultural agency will announce the decision between July 24 and 27, 2026.
This designation would increase global awareness of the beaches’ historic significance related to World War II.
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The article discusses underwater cables beneath important waterways like the Taiwan Strait and the Baltic Sea. These cables are crucial for communication and security, and their protection tests the ability of free societies to safeguard essential infrastructure.
Key Facts
There are important underwater cables beneath the Taiwan Strait and the Baltic Sea.
These cables carry communication signals essential for daily life and national security.
Protecting these cables is a challenge for countries with free societies.
The safety of such infrastructure affects global communication and security.
The article suggests these cables are a measure of resilience for nations.
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Andy Burnham, the new UK Prime Minister, has promised to quickly lower household energy bills and address issues like homelessness and support for hospitality businesses. His early actions aim to show that his government understands and responds to everyday economic problems.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham recently became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
He pledged to reduce energy bills for households immediately.
Burnham is considering additional support for hospitality businesses.
He has promised to work on ending rough sleeping (homelessness).
His approach focuses on showing fast, visible results to address economic worries.
Burnham’s appeal comes from being seen as relatable and trustworthy.
There are questions about how his early promises will be paid for.
It is uncertain if his local popularity in Manchester will connect with voters in southern England.
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A 40-year-old woman in Utah chose to have a colonoscopy before the usual recommended age of 45 due to her family history of colon cancer. The test found precancerous polyps, which she said might have developed into cancer if left untreated.
Key Facts
Janae Pettit, age 40, had a colonoscopy earlier than usual because of her family's cancer history.
Her uncle died of colon cancer in his early 50s, and her brother had colon tumors found at 41.
Colonoscopies check the inside of the large intestine and can find signs of cancer early.
Normally, people start colonoscopies at age 45, but family history can mean earlier screening is needed.
Two polyps were found and removed from Pettit's colon; one was a tubular adenoma, a type that can turn into cancer.
About 10% of tubular adenomas may eventually become cancerous.
Pettit shared her experience to encourage others not to delay screening, saying early detection is easier than treating cancer later.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in U.S. men and women, but rates are dropping due to screenings like colonoscopies.
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A new report shows that changes made by the Trump administration disrupted a major U.S. program fighting HIV/AIDS around the world. These disruptions caused many clinics to close, staff to be laid off, and services for vulnerable groups to be cut in dozens of countries.
Key Facts
The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has saved over 26 million lives since 2003.
Last year, PEPFAR was hurt by cuts to global health grants and the breaking up of the U.S. Agency for International Development.
A survey of 166 groups in 46 countries found many had awards ended or payments delayed in the past year.
These funding cuts led to the closure of over 1,700 clinics and the loss of more than 16,000 full-time jobs.
Despite orders to keep HIV testing and treatment going, many groups reported disruptions to these crucial services.
Services for groups most affected by HIV, such as sex workers and transgender people, were often stopped.
Spending on HIV prevention dropped by 51% between fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
Local partner organizations were more likely than international ones to lose funding and close service sites.
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A U.S. soldier from North Carolina, Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, was killed in Iraq while safely disarming an Iranian drone. The Army is investigating his death, and he will receive several military honors posthumously.
Key Facts
Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton was 30 years old and from Fayetteville, North Carolina.
He died on Sunday during a controlled explosion at an air base in Irbil, northern Iraq.
Swinton enlisted in the Army in 2017 and served in an air defense artillery unit based at Fort Bragg.
He will be awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, and promoted to staff sergeant.
His wife, Mia Gonzalez-Swinton, has a young daughter and shared her grief publicly on social media.
Brig. Gen. John L. Dawber praised Swinton’s dedication and leadership.
Two other U.S. soldiers were killed in Jordan defending against Iranian missile and drone attacks recently.
These deaths are the first U.S. troop casualties from direct Iranian fire since the early days of the war.
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Two strong earthquakes hit La Guaira, Venezuela, on June 24, causing buildings to collapse and killing over 5,000 people. Families like Ivan Chino’s keep searching through the rubble for missing relatives, hoping to find answers and honor their loved ones.
Key Facts
The earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude.
More than 5,000 people have officially died from the quakes.
Many families still have missing members trapped under rubble.
Rescuers have saved about 280 people alive and recovered nearly 477 bodies.
Heavy machinery to clear large debris is limited, slowing recovery efforts.
Authorities set up offices where families report missing people and help identify recovered bodies.
The rescue mission has shifted from finding survivors to recovering victims and clearing debris.
Families struggle with uncertainty because without knowing their loved ones’ fate, they cannot properly mourn.
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Two American tourists were stabbed outside the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, early on July 21, 2026. Both victims were taken to the hospital and are now in stable condition. Police arrested a 60-year-old suspect at the scene.
Key Facts
The stabbing happened around 8:05 a.m. near the south entrance of the Acropolis archaeological site.
The victims were a 53-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman.
The man had severe blood loss and needed urgent medical care.
The woman had minor injuries on her hands and legs.
A bystander called the police after seeing a person threatening people with a knife before the stabbing.
Police and emergency teams arrived quickly and used a tourniquet to control the male victim’s bleeding.
The suspect, age 60, was disarmed and detained by police at the scene.
The area is usually crowded with tourists visiting the Acropolis and the nearby museum.
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Thames Water will ban hosepipe use for over 10 million people in London and the Thames valley starting Thursday, due to very low water supplies caused by dry weather and high demand. Other water companies in England and Wales have also imposed or extended hosepipe bans as the region gets closer to official drought status.
Key Facts
Thames Water’s hosepipe ban affects more than 10 million customers in London and the Thames valley.
South East Water extended its hosepipe ban to 2.4 million customers in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire.
Five other water companies have already imposed hosepipe bans in England and Wales.
England and Wales have experienced months of hot, dry weather with three heatwaves and the driest spring on record.
Water demand is about 10% higher than usual in the Thames valley and home counties, and 7% higher in London.
National reservoirs hold 78.8% of typical water levels, about 5% below average, and only 13% of rivers are at normal levels.
Officials warn drought is likely soon despite a wet winter earlier in the year.
The hot weather and drought conditions are hurting farmers, wildfires have increased, and vegetation is very dry and vulnerable to fire spread.
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Australian MP Barnaby Joyce appeared on a live TV interview defending his party leader Pauline Hanson but was interrupted by his dog barking. During the interview, Joyce yelled at the dog, apologized, and clashed briefly with the presenter before continuing the discussion about political issues.
Key Facts
Barnaby Joyce is an Australian MP who switched from the National party to the right-wing One Nation party in late 2023.
Joyce appeared on ABC’s 7.30 program from his home in New South Wales to talk about Pauline Hanson’s European trip.
Joyce yelled “Sit down!” at his dog, Stella, during the live interview because the dog was barking.
The presenter, Sarah Ferguson, asked Joyce about concerns over One Nation’s views on intolerance and racial discrimination.
Joyce avoided directly answering some questions and instead highlighted One Nation’s poll success.
One Nation is polling at about 30% of the primary vote, close to Australia’s ruling Labor party.
Joyce previously made headlines related to his behavior and his dog, including a 2015 incident involving celebrities’ pets and strict Australian biosecurity laws.
Pauline Hanson, One Nation’s leader, is known for her hard-right political views and controversial statements.
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Andy Burnham has created a new government department by merging parts of the Cabinet Office, Treasury, and housing ministry. This new Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet will lead local economic growth and regional empowerment, with headquarters in London and Manchester.
Key Facts
The new department is called the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and will oversee operations in London (No 10) and Manchester (No 10 North).
Teams focused on local growth and devolution have moved from the Treasury and housing ministry to No 10 North.
Parts of the Cabinet Office will form a new agency named OneGov, handling HR tasks like pensions, hiring, and security checks.
Other Cabinet Office functions have been moved to different government departments (equality to housing; digital ID to culture; public sector fraud to work and pensions; investment security to business).
Civil servants may receive relocation pay to move from London to Manchester to staff the new No 10 North office.
The Department for Science, Technology and Innovation has been abolished; many duties returned to business and culture departments.
Responsibility for artificial intelligence (AI) will be managed by the new Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, with a prime ministerial adviser on AI.
The new AI minister, Kanishka Narayan, will have a cabinet seat within this office.
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Cuts to the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding under President Donald Trump have caused widespread disruptions in HIV/AIDS programs worldwide. Many clinics closed and thousands of staff lost jobs, threatening progress against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Key Facts
PEPFAR funding cuts since 2025 affected global HIV/AIDS programs, with many services ending.
Over 1,700 clinics and sites closed, and more than 16,000 full-time jobs were lost.
Services that prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission faced significant disruptions.
Organizations had to change or limit programs to follow new U.S. policies against diversity initiatives and gender-affirming care.
Some groups serving vulnerable populations, such as LGBTQ+ people and sex workers, saw the biggest reductions in services.
PEPFAR began in 2003 and has helped save more than 26 million lives worldwide.
The U.S. agency USAID, which managed much of the funding, was dissolved by President Trump in 2025.
Researchers warn the funding cuts risk reversing years of progress in fighting HIV/AIDS globally.
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Skylar Jordan Linn got tattoos on both ankles in 2023 and felt more pain on her right ankle. Years earlier, doctors found a harmless bone tumor there that doubled in size, causing serious pain and leading to surgery in 2024 to remove it.
Key Facts
Linn got a paper airplane tattoo on her left ankle and a butterfly tattoo on her right ankle.
She had a benign bone tumor called a non-ossifying fibroma in her right fibula found in 2016.
The tumor grew from 1.4 cm to 3 cm over about 10 years.
The increasing size caused pain and risk of bone fracture.
Surgery was done using curettage and bone grafting to remove the tumor and fill the gap.
A biopsy showed the tumor did not match a known category.
Linn thinks the tattoo might have caused bleeding inside the tumor but is not certain.
She shared her story on TikTok and it received significant attention.
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Protesters in Ukraine have demanded that President Volodymyr Zelensky reinstate former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov by Friday after Fedorov was removed during a government reshuffle. Fedorov has declined another government position offered by Zelensky, and demonstrators are also calling for the removal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Key Facts
Protests began on July 16 in Kyiv and spread to 16 cities, focusing on the reinstatement of Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister.
Fedorov was dismissed during a government reshuffle that included appointing Serhii Koretskyi as prime minister.
President Zelensky has not clearly explained the reason for Fedorov’s removal.
Protest organizers demand Fedorov’s return and Syrskyi’s removal by the end of the week, with a possible indefinite protest if demands are ignored.
Zelensky offered Fedorov a new role with greater responsibilities, which Fedorov refused.
There are reports Zelensky might replace Syrskyi with Mykhailo Drapatyi to change military command style.
Fedorov is popular for advancing military technology and improving defense cooperation.
Experts say disagreements between Fedorov and military leaders can be resolved through coordination by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff.
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