The Ripon Workhouse Museum in Britain has reopened after £2.8 million in repairs and updates. The museum offers visitors an interactive way to learn about life in a Victorian workhouse, showing the harsh conditions faced by poor and homeless people at that time.
Key Facts
The museum reopened with improved facilities following major repairs including fixing a leaking roof and rotting windows.
Visitors can experience activities like sweeping the yard, sewing, and hearing about historic workhouse rules.
Volunteers act as various Victorian roles such as schoolmaster or baker to create an immersive experience.
The workhouse housed poor and homeless people, who had to follow strict and unpleasant rules.
Visitors can see areas like the cellar where food was stored and preserved, often untouched since the 1930s.
The museum aims to show how Victorian workhouses were a solution for poverty, making conditions tough to discourage relying on aid.
The reasons people became homeless in Victorian times, such as mental health issues or family breakdown, are similar to today.
The museum opened as a historical site in 2017 and is supported by the National Lottery heritage fund.
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A review found that child protection authorities did not properly support the mother of Kumanjayi Little Baby, a five-year-old girl who was abducted and killed in the Northern Territory. The report said domestic violence risks were not fully recognized or addressed, although it did not find a direct link between child protection actions and the girl’s death.
Key Facts
Kumanjayi Little Baby was a five-year-old Warlpiri girl who was abducted and murdered in April by Jefferson Lewis.
An independent review was commissioned to examine the family’s contact with child protection services before her death.
The review found that domestic violence against the mother was not adequately considered in child protection assessments.
No domestic and family violence (DFV) risk assessment was done during the child protection process.
Child protection workers relied too much on their personal judgment, which varied and affected how risks were rated.
The review said protective actions were not taken quickly or effectively enough despite multiple signs of danger.
Changes to the Care and Protection of Children Act were passed in the Northern Territory after the report was released.
The child protection system’s failure did not directly cause the girl’s death but showed problems in identifying and responding to risk.
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Andy Burnham, the new UK Prime Minister, is starting his government by announcing plans to help with the cost of living crisis. His cabinet has been formed with key ministers assigned, and he aims to introduce a long-term plan for Britain while addressing immediate financial relief for people.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham was appointed as the UK Prime Minister and has formed his cabinet.
John Healey is the new Chancellor, and Ed Miliband is the new Foreign Secretary.
Angela Rayner returned as Housing Secretary; Wes Streeting is the new Defence Secretary.
Burnham plans to provide financial help to households struggling with living costs.
He intends to release a 10-year plan to shape the future direction of Britain.
The government seeks to meet NATO defence spending commitments under Streeting.
Burnham spoke with US President Donald Trump about UK security and future policies.
Opposition leaders from various parties have responded critically to Burnham’s plans.
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The federal court in Australia is reviewing challenges to the Albanese government's approval of Woodside’s large gas project extension in Western Australia. Environmental and cultural groups argue the approval did not properly consider climate damage or risks to ancient indigenous rock art near the gas plant. A UN expert has joined the case to highlight Australia's international climate duties.
Key Facts
The Australian government approved Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project extension until 2070.
The approval faces federal court challenges by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) and Friends of Australian Rock Art (Fara).
The gas project is expected to emit about 4 billion tonnes of CO2, similar to 10 years of Australia’s emissions.
The gas plant is located near the Murujuga rock art complex, which contains ancient petroglyphs over 50,000 years old.
Fara and ACF argue the environment minister did not properly assess the climate impact and risks to the rock art.
A UN special rapporteur on the right to a healthy environment has been allowed to advise the court on Australia’s international legal obligations.
The International Court of Justice ruled countries must prevent harm to the climate system and may face penalties for failing to do so.
Woodside stated the project approval followed detailed government processes.
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Nearly 100 US troops have been injured in the past two weeks due to escalating attacks linked to Iran. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards attacked US military sites in the Gulf region, and a tanker near the Strait of Hormuz was hit, forcing its crew to abandon ship.
Key Facts
About 100 US service members were injured in recent weeks, mostly with minor concussions.
Iran targeted US military locations in Bahrain and Kuwait.
A tanker near the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unknown projectile, causing the crew to evacuate.
Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan activated defenses to stop the attacks.
Three US soldiers were killed recently in Jordan and Iraq.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital oil and gas shipping route affected by the conflict.
Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthis announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia in response to a long-standing Saudi blockade on Yemen.
Oil prices rose above $88 per barrel, increasing fuel costs for Americans before the upcoming US elections.
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In New South Wales (NSW), land clearing increased by 16% in 2024, with more than 81,000 hectares of vegetation removed. Most of this was non-woody plants used for agriculture, and many clears were done without permits. Conservation groups say the Minns government has not managed to reduce habitat loss.
Key Facts
NSW lost about 81,293 hectares of vegetation in 2024, an increase of 16% from the previous year.
Clearing of non-woody plants like grasses rose sharply by 70%.
Woody vegetation, including trees and shrubs, cleared was 24,103 hectares, which is less than last year but still high.
About 60% of the cleared land was for farming, with the rest for infrastructure and forestry.
60% of clearing was "unallocated," meaning it either did not require a permit or was done illegally.
The current government, led by Premier Chris Minns, promised to reduce clearing but has not changed policies since 2023.
A classification allowing clearing of "invasive native species" made up 61% of permitted clearing on regulated rural land.
Environmental groups warn that this level of clearing harms wildlife habitats and increases carbon pollution.
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China and the Philippines are blaming each other after a clash at sea near the Second Thomas Shoal left a Philippine sailor hurt. The area is disputed, with the Philippines having a military outpost there, and China claiming almost the entire South China Sea.
Key Facts
The incident happened near the Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippines has a grounded warship used as a military outpost.
A Philippine sailor was injured after a Chinese coastguard boat allegedly hit him with a wooden baton.
China denies this and says Philippine boats rammed their patrol vessel first.
The Second Thomas Shoal is inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, about 370 kilometers from its coast.
China claims most of the South China Sea and wants the Philippine outpost removed.
An international court ruled in 2016 in favor of the Philippines’ maritime rights, but China did not accept the ruling.
The U.S. State Department condemned China’s actions, calling them dangerous and aggressive.
The incident happened during talks in Manila between Southeast Asian foreign ministers, including China’s top diplomat.
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Residents have started returning to some villages in southern Lebanon after a new agreement among Israel, Lebanon, and the United States created a "pilot zone" for limited Israeli withdrawal. However, some locals and Lebanese security sources say that certain villages included in the plan were never occupied by Israel, raising questions about how much territory Israel is actually leaving.
Key Facts
A "pilot zone" project began in southern Lebanon to implement parts of a framework agreement signed in Washington last month.
The plan involves Israel withdrawing from some areas while still occupying others in southern Lebanon.
The conflict began with Israel's war on Lebanon in March, causing over 4,300 deaths.
Israel wants the Lebanese group Hezbollah to disarm before fully leaving Lebanese territory.
Villages like Froun and Ghandouriyeh have residents starting to return, although some locals say these villages were never occupied by Israel.
Lebanese security sources agree that the villages were not under Israeli control during the conflict.
Returning residents are beginning to rebuild homes and clear rubble despite ongoing dangers.
The United Nations peacekeeping force patrols the area but will end its mission later this year.
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Andy Burnham became the new UK Prime Minister, replacing Keir Starmer and changing key government positions. He promised a 10-year plan to reduce living costs and shift policies to the left, while also strengthening ties with the United States and supporting Ukraine.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham took office as UK Prime Minister on July 20, 2026.
Burnham removed many allies of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer from the cabinet and appointed new ministers.
John Healey was named finance minister, Ed Miliband became foreign minister, and Wes Streeting took the defence minister role.
Burnham promised a plan lasting 10 years to ease the cost of living and to rebuild Britain’s industry and economy.
He held calls with US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky soon after taking office.
Burnham pledged strong UK support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
He met King Charles III to be formally appointed as Prime Minister.
Burnham emphasized decentralizing power and ending homelessness as part of his government's goals.
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The US military’s Central Command shared videos showing attacks on Iran. These strikes targeted Iranian command centers, ships, missile and drone launch sites, and air defense systems.
Key Facts
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) released video footage of military strikes on Iran.
The attacks targeted Iranian command centers controlling military operations.
Iranian maritime (navy) capabilities were hit in the strikes.
Missile and drone launch sites in Iran were targeted.
Iran’s air defense systems were also attacked.
This was part of a series of strikes, described as the tenth night in a row.
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Diplomatic talks took place in Cairo between Egypt, Somalia, Eritrea, and a senior US official to address security and political challenges in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. The discussions focus on Ethiopia’s growing regional role, maritime security, and shifting alliances around major shipping routes like the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
Key Facts
Egypt, Somalia, Eritrea, and the United States held diplomatic consultations in Cairo.
The main topic was security and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
Ethiopia is expanding its maritime access and regional influence, affecting neighboring countries.
Egypt is concerned about more than just the Nile waters; it now views the Red Sea as part of its security environment.
Somalia is strategically important due to its location near critical shipping routes and its dispute with Ethiopia over coastal access.
Eritrea’s Red Sea coastline and complex relations with Ethiopia make it a key regional player.
The US envoy’s involvement highlights Washington’s interest in regional diplomacy and security coordination.
The talks reflect a shared goal of managing regional tensions amid growing geopolitical competition.
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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington as efforts increase to disarm Hezbollah, which Israel requires before it withdraws troops from southern Lebanon. The United States has begun handing control of certain southern areas to the Lebanese army as part of this agreement, while tensions rise in the region due to ongoing conflicts involving Iran and attacks near the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will meet President Donald Trump in Washington on July 21, 2026.
Israel demands that Hezbollah be disarmed before it withdraws from southern Lebanon.
The U.S. has started transferring control of "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese army.
These zones are near areas Israel occupied after Hezbollah involved Lebanon in the Middle East war in March 2026.
President Aoun opposes Hezbollah pulling Lebanon into war and seeks U.S. help to push Israel to withdraw from occupied lands.
Iran reportedly launched missile attacks on a U.S. military base in Kuwait, escalating regional conflict.
A tanker in the Strait of Hormuz was reportedly hit by an unknown projectile, with investigations ongoing.
The broader conflict involves the U.S., Iran, and their allies, with warnings of full-scale war and threats to global oil routes.
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French lawmakers are set to approve a law banning children under 15 from using social media, making France the first European country to do so. The law will start by blocking new accounts for under-15s in September 2026 and suspend existing accounts from January 2027, aiming to protect children from harmful effects linked to social media use.
Key Facts
France’s parliament reached a compromise on a social media ban for under-15s and plans to approve it soon.
The ban will start September 1, 2026, by blocking new accounts for children under 15.
Existing social media accounts for under-15s will be suspended from January 2027.
The law also includes a ban on mobile phones in secondary schools starting in the new school year.
France’s public health watchdog reported social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram can harm adolescents, especially girls.
About 90% of French children aged 12-17 use smartphones daily, with 58% using social media.
The ban excludes educational and online encyclopedia sites.
The European Union is also considering similar rules, seeking a gradual approach to social media access for children.
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French lawmakers are set to approve a law banning children under 15 from using social media. The law will start in September 2026 for new accounts and apply to existing accounts from January 2027, aiming to protect young people’s mental health.
Key Facts
The law bans social media use for children under 15 in France.
It will come into effect for new accounts from September 1, 2026.
Existing accounts for under-15s must be closed by January 2027.
The law also includes a ban on mobile phones in secondary schools starting with the new school year.
France is the first country in Europe to set a digital age limit for social media access.
The law was agreed upon by both houses of the French Parliament after debates and compromises.
Platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram were identified as harmful to teenagers, especially girls, by France’s public health agency.
The law allows exceptions for educational websites and online encyclopedias.
This law aligns with a broader European effort to regulate children’s access to social media, with the EU working on related rules.
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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss plans to disarm Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. Israel has said it will only withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon if Hezbollah is disarmed, and the U.S. supports this demand.
Key Facts
President Aoun is presenting a plan to disarm Hezbollah to President Trump in Washington.
Israel insists on Hezbollah’s disarmament before pulling troops out of southern Lebanon.
The U.S. has started implementing an agreement giving the Lebanese army control over certain "pilot zones" near Israeli-occupied lands.
Hezbollah’s involvement in a recent Middle East war followed the killing of Iran’s top leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Lebanese government, with Western support, aims to reclaim sovereignty by disarming Hezbollah.
Violence has decreased after a framework agreement between the U.S. and Iran and ongoing Lebanon-Israel talks.
Israel’s strikes since March have killed over 4,300 people in Lebanon and displaced hundreds of thousands.
President Aoun believes only President Trump can effectively pressure Israel to withdraw troops.
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Authorities in Guyana recovered 27 bodies after a ferry called MV Barima capsized off the coast. The ferry was carrying 179 people, and 69 have been rescued while 83 are still missing. Officials are investigating possible negligence by the ferry crew, including drug use by the captain and others.
Key Facts
The ferry MV Barima capsized while traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma.
A distress call was made on Saturday night before the ferry overturned.
27 bodies have been recovered, 69 people rescued, and 83 remain missing.
The ferry was believed to carry 179 people, but some passengers were not on the official list.
The ferry’s captain and at least one crew member tested positive for marijuana and were arrested.
Officials said crew members are not allowed to drink or use drugs while working.
Passengers had complained that ferry terminals sold seats illegally and did not record all passengers.
Guyana’s Prime Minister started an investigation into possible crew negligence.
President Irfaan Ali visited those affected and promised support and help.
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President Donald Trump faces two main choices in the Iran conflict: accept a proposed 10-day ceasefire to reopen a key shipping route or launch a major military attack with Israel. Regional countries have offered a ceasefire plan, but both sides are still building strength for possible further fighting.
Key Facts
President Trump has not decided between a ceasefire or a full military campaign against Iran.
Qatar, Egypt, Pakistan, and others have proposed a 10-day ceasefire to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for shipping.
The U.S. military has sent fighter jets and refueling planes to the region preparing for possible escalation.
Israeli Defense Forces are on high alert and preparing for a larger war.
Recent U.S. bombings over ten nights have not ended Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz.
At least three U.S. service members have died during the fighting.
Oil prices rose briefly above $90 per barrel due to Iran’s attacks on commercial ships and Gulf infrastructure.
The ceasefire would pause fighting and allow talks on a long-term agreement for safe passage through the strait.
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Protests have been happening for five days in Kyiv, Ukraine, because people are upset that President Zelenskyy fired the defence minister. Such demonstrations are unusual during the ongoing war with Russia.
Key Facts
Protests in Kyiv have lasted for five days in a row.
The protests began after President Zelenskyy dismissed the defence minister.
The demonstrations reflect growing anger among some Ukrainians.
Protests have been rare during the more than four years of conflict with Russia.
The situation is causing public unrest in Ukraine’s capital city.
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Andy Burnham has become the new prime minister of the UK, making him the seventh person to hold the job in ten years. He promised to bring hope and change, including plans to help with the cost of living and fix problems from past governments. Burnham has also reshuffled his cabinet, replacing some members with new faces.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham took office as the UK prime minister, succeeding six others in the past decade.
He pledged to bring hope back to the country and stop the frequent changes in leadership.
Burnham plans to introduce measures to reduce living costs, such as limits on bus fares, help with energy bills, and possibly freezing rents.
The prime minister restructured his cabinet, removing MPs loyal to former Labour leader Keir Starmer.
John Healey was appointed chancellor in an unexpected move; Ed Miliband became foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper took over the Department of Health, and Angela Rayner was reinstated as Minister for Housing.
Some newspapers questioned Burnham’s plans and readiness, while others highlighted his promises to repair damage from the Thatcher era.
The media covered Burnham’s first speech and his vows to deliver significant political changes.
The only exception in front-page news was the death of former England footballer and manager Kevin Keegan at age 75.
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The United States has launched a 10th night of strikes against Iran. President Donald Trump has said Iran will be held responsible for the deaths of three American soldiers that happened recently.
Key Facts
The U.S. is conducting another set of military strikes targeting Iran.
This marks the 10th consecutive night of such strikes.
The strikes are a response to the deaths of three American soldiers.
President Donald Trump has publicly said Iran will be held accountable.
The situation is part of ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
CBS News reported on the strikes and included expert analysis on the conflict.
The strikes reflect a continuing military conflict involving the U.S. and Iran.
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