U.S. Central Command announced a new round of airstrikes early Monday, marking the ninth consecutive night of attacks. The strikes targeted Iranian military command centers, air‑defense and coastal surveillance sites, missile and drone launch facilities, and communications networks. President Donald Trump said the operation was carried out in honor of the service member killed in Iraq on Saturday. Iran responded by launching missiles at Bahrain, home of the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, and at Kuwait, prompting air‑defense alerts in both countries. A ship caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz near Oman’s coast, and Iranian state media reported explosions in southern and northwestern Iran. Iranian officials said at least 50 people were killed and 517 wounded in the latest strikes, while 17 U.S. service members have been killed since the conflict began on February 28. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that the United States remains open to diplomatic talks but that “it has to be real,” adding that current conditions are not conducive to progress. The escalation has driven Brent crude prices above $90 per barrel and raised concerns about global energy supplies.
Geopolitics, diplomacy, and the stories shaping nations.
London, July 20 (Reuters) — Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, was confirmed as Labour Party leader and Britain’s next prime minister on Monday. He said his government would rewrite the country to address the cost‑of‑living crisis and improve public services.
Burnham, 56, succeeds Keir Starmer, who resigned after a farewell speech outside 10 Downing Street and a formal resignation to King Charles. Burnham will meet the monarch before taking office.
His first priority is to appoint a cabinet, particularly a finance minister, a role that has been central to previous Labour governments. Early speculation points to energy and net‑zero minister Ed Miliband and interior minister Shabana Mahmood, though Burnham has not finalised the team.
On Sunday, the government announced the cancellation of a plan for all workers to carry a digital identity document, a measure previously criticised as a fiasco. Burnham also indicated that a debt‑laden utility such as Thames Water could be placed under special measures, giving the state greater control.
He outlined a broader agenda to refocus public spending on affordable housing, transport and energy, and to strengthen regulation of utilities. Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell said the prime minister would reprioritise resources toward tackling living costs and restructuring the economy.
Burnham will present his initial policy package next week, though details remain to be determined. The Labour Party faces internal debate over the direction of its reforms, and the new administration must confront slow economic growth and underperforming infrastructure.
The ferry MV Barima sank off the coast of Guyana late on Saturday, resulting in two confirmed deaths and leaving 133 people aboard, of whom 35 have been rescued.
The vessel departed Georgetown at approximately 3:15 p.m. for Port Kaituma in the Essequibo region and transmitted a distress signal around 11 p.m., prompting a response from the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, Air Corps, private aircraft and local fishing vessels.
Initial reports listed 116 passengers and 17 crew on the manifest, but later checks indicated the passenger list was inaccurate. Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill said the captain and the first engineer had tested positive for cannabis and that the manifest discrepancy raised operational concerns, adding that any negligence, misconduct or criminal wrongdoing would be addressed by law. Prime Minister Mark Phillips said the inaccurate passenger manifest was concerning and announced a joint investigation by the police, the defence force, the Maritime Administration Department and technical experts.
Survivors recounted that the ferry began listing several hours before it capsized in darkness. Adam Matabheek, his wife Carlita, and their children were among those rescued after spending the night in the water; another survivor, Loureen Singh, held onto a lifejacket with the assistance of Carlita. The family of Nathaniel Welch reported that his wife Rachel was thrown from her hammock during the capsizing and that their three children remain missing.
The search area was expanded from 400 to 1,070 square kilometres, with additional aircraft and vessels deployed. International and regional partners have offered assistance, and authorities have not yet determined the cause of the sinking.
Online gambling in Brazil has expanded rapidly since its legalization in 2018 and is projected to reach a $9.2 billion market by 2033, according to analysts.
The industry sponsors music festivals, soccer teams and World Cup broadcasts, and it has been linked to an estimated 1.8 million people falling into debt and a 140 percent rise in gambling‑related treatment requests over the past five years. Government data indicated that hundreds of millions of dollars from the Bolsa Família welfare program were spent on betting platforms in a single month last year.
Singer Caetano Veloso, a Grammy‑winning artist, has led a coalition of musicians including Anitta, Chico Buarque, Djavan and Gilberto Gil in calling for tighter regulation of gambling advertising. Neymar promoted a gambling platform on social media after being announced as a World Cup player.
The Lula administration began regulating online gambling in 2023, shutting down about 56,000 illegal sites and removing nearly 1,000 social media accounts promoting unlicensed operators. Recent announcements introduced mandatory warnings about addiction and financial loss, and Finance Minister Dario Durigan said betting would no longer be marketed as easy money or a financial solution.
Polls show a majority of Brazilians consider online betting harmful, and the World Cup highlighted the industry's visibility through CazéTV broadcasts. While the government's measures are a first step, critics say they have limited impact on the sector's reach.
Veloso announced he will no longer perform at events sponsored by betting companies, a move that underscores the growing push for stricter rules governing gambling promotion.
Thousands of supporters of the Cockroach movement gathered in New Delhi on Monday to protest the education minister, though police denied permission for a march to Parliament. Police said the demonstration was not authorized and that restrictions were needed to maintain order around Parliament during the monsoon session, which began on Monday. The crowd assembled at Jantar Mantar, a historic monument in central Delhi, and chanted slogans against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Police used loudspeakers to urge the demonstrators to disperse. Participants included students, professionals, families and children, many carrying Indian flags and backpacks with water and food. The movement, which began in May after a Supreme Court chief justice likened some unemployed youths to cockroaches, has grown amid public concern over alleged leaks of high‑stakes entrance examinations for medical colleges and government jobs. Activist Sonam Wangchuk started a hunger strike in early June and was taken to a hospital after police moved him; he has demanded that the government address education system failures and exam leaks, or allow protesters to reach Parliament. Protesters have called for Pradhan’s resignation, reforms to the examination system, and compensation for families of students who died by suicide after paper leaks. The movement has attracted support from opposition parties, rights organizations and several Bollywood figures, who say dissent space has narrowed under the current government. Senior government officials have rejected negotiations, with Pradhan accusing the demonstrators of acting against the nation, while other ministers have acknowledged student concerns but said talks are unnecessary. The protest remains ongoing as authorities have not granted permission for a march to Parliament.
The Africa Shield 2026 Regional Counterproliferation Workshop was held in Tunis, Tunisia from July 14 to 16, gathering more than 100 participants from African governments and international organisations to discuss the security of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials. Governments are increasingly handling CBRN materials for healthcare, industry, mining and research. While these materials are used safely, inadequate regulation can allow theft or diversion for criminal or malicious purposes. The workshop, organised by the US Defence Threat Reduction Agency’s International Counterproliferation Programme in partnership with the European Union CBRN Centres of Excellence and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, focused on strengthening detection, prevention and response capabilities. Participants examined how security systems must evolve alongside expanding industries and trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area, and reviewed implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540, which obliges states to prevent non‑state actors from acquiring WMD‑related materials. Speakers highlighted the need for strong border controls, export monitoring, emergency preparedness and inter‑agency coordination to reduce vulnerabilities. Law‑enforcement officials, military representatives and national coordinators shared experiences and lessons learned, aiming to build African‑led capacity rather than rely on external assistance. Major Brittany Brown, coordinator of DTRA’s Global Threat Reduction Africa Region Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme, said the workshop allowed countries to exchange expertise and strengthen partnerships to address trans‑national security challenges. She described the programme as a multilateral investment that supports national ownership of counter‑proliferation efforts. The event also underscored Tunisia’s strategic location at the crossroads of major trade routes, a factor that makes monitoring the movement of controlled materials more complex. Implementation gaps remain: many African states have legal frameworks for chemicals, radioactive sources and strategic trade, but lack funding, specialised personnel and modern equipment to enforce them. Trafficking networks that move weapons, narcotics and other illicit goods illustrate the difficulty of securing vast borders, raising concerns that similar weaknesses could facilitate the diversion of CBRN materials. Under the African Continental Free Trade Area, governments must balance security measures with the need to maintain trade and investment flows, avoiding measures that could impede legitimate commerce. Phil Efe Benard, country director of the African Chamber of Content Producers in Nigeria, noted that monitoring shipments, securing materials and sharing intelligence across borders are daily challenges compounded by limited resources and exploited smuggling routes, and urged African nations to develop their own intelligence and forensic capacity. Analysts emphasised that security and development are mutually reinforcing. Kupagme, a participant, said economic development and security should mutually reinforce each other, adding that enhanced oversight and responsible management of sensitive materials can create an environment where innovation can thrive safely. Aliyu, a security risk analyst, added that CBRN security depends on consistent implementation rather than policy commitments alone, pointing to persistent gaps in cross‑border shipment monitoring, material security, regulation enforcement and information sharing. Continued investment and stronger institutions are needed to close these gaps and ensure that economic transformation does not outpace security capacity.
An earthquake of magnitude 5.5 struck the Andes region of Peru on Saturday night, killing at least six people, injuring more than 30 and displacing roughly 300 residents, according to Peruvian authorities.
Peru lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making earthquakes common. The U.S. Geological Survey said the epicenter was 2 km west‑south‑west of Sicaya in Huancayo province, at a depth of 10 km.
The National Civil Defence Institute reported that the number of missing persons remained unknown. Several structures, including a local church and a convent, suffered collapse or structural damage. Luis Vásquez, head of the local civil defence office, said that the prevalence of rustic adobe construction in the area amplified the impact of the shaking. Photographs broadcast by local media showed damaged homes in Chongo Bajo, where residents took shelter under blankets, and images captured animals trapped beneath rubble. Hermenegilda Guamalato, a resident of Huayucachi, told a local radio station that her home had been destroyed and that she was seeking shelter with her three children. In 2007, a 7.9‑magnitude quake in Pisco killed nearly 600 people.
Authorities have not yet determined the full extent of the damage or the number of people still unaccounted for.
Wang Jibing, a 56-year-old food delivery rider in China, has won the Lu Xun Literary Prize for his poetry collection "Low Flight". The award recognizes his work that reflects the everyday challenges faced by gig-economy workers.
Wang began posting poems and essays on social media while working as a delivery rider in 2019, and his writing attracted a large online audience. The Lu Xun Literary Prize, named after the prominent 20th‑century Chinese author, is among the country's top literary honors.
His poem "Man in a Hurry" gained attention in 2022 after describing a delivery mishap, and he published his first poetry collection, "Man in a Hurry: Poems of a Food Delivery Rider", in 2023. The prize includes a cash award of 100,000 Chinese yuan, equivalent to about $14,800. Wang said he has no intention of quitting his job and plans to continue working until he turns 60, emphasizing that the award will not change his down-to-earth lifestyle.
His collection "Low Flight", published in 2024, contains poems derived from interviews with roughly 200 delivery riders. The prize's recognition follows other recent examples of blue-collar writers gaining prominence, such as Hu Anyan’s 2023 memoir "I Deliver Parcels in Beijing" and the 2017 online success of "I am Fan Yusu," an autobiographical essay by a migrant worker.
Despite the increased media attention, Wang said he remains committed to his current employment and to maintaining a simple life.
Canada announced on Sunday it will deny entry to any foreign national who has been in Congo within the previous 21 days, effective Monday July 20 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. The measure is intended to reduce the risk of Ebola spreading to Canadians. The Public Health Agency of Canada said the restriction may lower public health risks. The ban conflicts with advice from the World Health Organization, which warns that travel restrictions can stigmatize affected communities and hinder epidemic control. WHO estimates the risk of international spread of the outbreak is low. Ebola cases in Congo rose to more than 2,100 with 828 deaths as of July 15. Canada previously suspended immigration documents for residents of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, though no cases have been reported in Uganda and South Sudan has not seen new cases. The agency warned that non‑compliance could result in fines up to CAD$150,000 for individuals and up to $1.5 million for corporations. The rule aligns with similar actions taken by the United States and Mexico. The United States has barred entry for Americans who visited Congo in the past 21 days, affecting seven aid workers who are now quarantining in Kenya. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control recommended against travel bans, saying they may disrupt humanitarian aid and have limited effectiveness. The measure will remain in place temporarily while the outbreak continues.
Madrid residents gathered in central squares on July 20, 2026 to celebrate Spain's World Cup victory. The tournament concluded with Spain securing the championship after the final match. Large crowds filled the Puerta del Sol and the Plaza Mayor, waving flags and singing. Police reported no major disturbances during the festivities. The win marks the end of Spain's tournament campaign and sets the stage for upcoming qualification matches.
Brazilian troops razed an illegal gold mining encampment in the Sararé Indigenous territory, a region roughly the size of Singapore, after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva pl...
Brazilian troops razed an illegal gold mining encampment in the Sararé Indigenous territory, a region roughly the size of Singapore, after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva pledged to eliminate illegal mining on Indigenous lands.
The settlement, known as Vila Cururu, housed dozens of makeshift structures and attracted hundreds of prospectors who used pickaxes, explosives and heavy machinery to extract gold from forest and savanna. Since the rush began five years ago, about 44.8 square kilometers of forest have been cleared, representing roughly 4% of the territory’s woodland.
Nilton Tubino, the federal official overseeing the operation, said the raid, launched in late March, ended the presence of miners in the area and recovered more than 300 kilograms of ammonium nitrate explosives and weapons. Indigenous leader Jackson Katitãurlu reported that the mining had contaminated local rivers with mercury, reduced wildlife, and caused the death of several individuals, including a body discovered near his village that later vanished. He warned that miners might return if the security operation is paused.
Tubino noted that the crackdown follows a surge in gold prices driven by global market uncertainty linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies, which has attracted more miners to the region. He also said that intelligence suggested possible involvement of organized crime groups such as Rio de Janeiro’s Red Command, though he said no concrete evidence had been observed.
The government’s 10th operation under Lula’s anti‑mining campaign has been described as dangerous and labor‑intensive. While most miners have been expelled, troops continue to find evidence of remaining activity, including tunnels, tools and an underground generator that could power the settlement.
Katitãurlu said he expects miners to return once troops withdraw, and expressed concern that a victory by Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, in the upcoming presidential election could weaken the campaign.
The federal government says the clampdown will continue, with plans for another operation later this year, while Indigenous leaders remain vigilant about the possibility of renewed mining activity.
U.S. forces conducted air strikes against multiple Iranian cities for a ninth consecutive day, as the number of confirmed U.S. military deaths rose to three.
The conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iranian targets aimed at disabling nuclear and missile programs and weakening regional proxies. Since then, both sides have exchanged strikes, raising concerns about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Central Command said the new wave of strikes was intended to degrade Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state media reported explosions in Tabriz, Chabahar, Konarak, Bandar Mahshahr and Bandar Imam Khomeini early on Monday.
The U.S. military said a service member was killed on Saturday in northern Iraq during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian attack drone; two other service members died in Jordan earlier in the weekend, and a third remains missing.
The total number of U.S. military personnel killed since the conflict began stands at 17, with more than 420 wounded.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a surprise strike on what it described as the enemy’s special operations headquarters in Syria’s Al‑Tanf area, and said it had also targeted U.S. assets at Kuwait’s Al‑Adiri camp and Ali Al Salem Air Base.
Kuwait’s government reported a fire at a desalination plant for the second consecutive day, describing the incident as a direct strike on civilian infrastructure.
Oil prices rose about 3% on Monday, with Brent crude futures climbing above $90 per barrel, the highest level since June 11.
The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain warned that Iran may be planning attacks in central Manama and urged Americans there to remain vigilant.
President Trump stated, after returning from the World Cup final, that the United States had struck Iran “very hard again tonight” in honor of the service members killed since Friday.
The ongoing exchanges have intensified shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz and raised questions about the durability of the interim cease‑fire signed a month earlier.
Kuwait said it intercepted Iranian drone attacks on Monday, and explosions were heard in Bahrain after air raid sirens sounded. The episode follows rising tensions between Iran and the United States in the Gulf. A US service member was killed on Saturday during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance in northern Iraq, according to US Central Command. Iranian Revolutionary Guards said they struck US military targets in Kuwait on Monday, claiming to have destroyed an early‑warning radar system, a statement reported by the state news agency IRNA. Kuwait’s defence ministry said its air defence systems intercepted multiple drones aimed at Kuwaiti sites. Explosions were reported in Manama, Bahrain, after sirens activated. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Washington and praised Lebanon’s “move towards peace,” according to a statement. Israel’s defence minister said Israel would respond powerfully to any Iranian attack, after Israeli and Jordanian forces intercepted an Iranian missile targeting the Jordanian city of Aqaba. The incident underscores the continued risk of accidental confrontations in the region, and no further details about the drone attacks have been confirmed.
U.S. Central Command announced that a U.S. soldier died on July 18 in northern Iraq after a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian drone. A second service member suffered minor injuries. The death raises the total number of U.S. service members killed in the conflict that began on February 28 to 17. Two other U.S. personnel were killed in Iranian strikes in Jordan on July 17, and a third remains missing; remains were later recovered for identification. The incident occurred as the United States conducted its eighth consecutive night of strikes against Iran, and Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. assets in the Gulf, including positions in Kuwait and Bahrain. Iranian state media reported attacks near Sirik, Shadegan and Abadan, and an explosion at a site near a nuclear power plant under construction in Darkhovin, which the International Atomic Energy Agency is investigating. Kuwait’s government said a desalination plant was struck for a second consecutive day, causing a fire, while Jordan shot down three Iranian missiles and summoned Iran’s charge d’affaires in protest. The conflict has killed thousands of people, mainly in Iran and Lebanon, and has disrupted energy supplies and raised concerns about global inflation.
In the Israeli‑occupied West Bank, banks hold roughly 30 billion shekels in cash, exceeding the amount the Bank of Israel will accept, which hampers everyday transactions. The Palestinian Monetary Authority oversees the banking system, which depends on the Israeli shekel and operates under Israeli‑controlled monetary policy. Israeli limits on cash returns have not kept pace with the volume of currency entering the West Bank. Mohammad Manasra, deputy governor of the Palestinian Monetary Authority, said the banks have been “shackled” in dealing with the crisis. Economist Moayad Afaneh estimates banks accumulate about 30 billion shekels annually. A 2022 International Monetary Fund study found excess cash reduced bank profits by roughly 20%, a figure that may have risen. Businesses such as the Al‑Huda Group have struggled to deposit cash, secure financing, and pay suppliers, leading to temporary gas station closures and a brief strike across the territory. The Palestinian Authority warned that the cash glut could impede imports of fuel, food and medical supplies, risking broader sectoral collapse. The issue remains unresolved as negotiations over cash transfer limits continue.
Andy Burnham will become the United Kingdom's prime minister on Monday after winning the Labour Party leadership following Keir Starmer's resignation. Burnham, 56, previously served in several Labour governments, left Westminster in 2017 to serve as mayor of Greater Manchester, and returned to Parliament in a by‑election before securing the leadership contest. He will be the seventh person to serve as prime minister in the past decade and the 59th overall.
The transition will occur after Starmer tenders his resignation to King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, after which the king will invite Burnham to form a government. Burnham is expected to travel to 10 Downing Street, deliver an inaugural address, and begin appointing his cabinet, including the chancellor, foreign secretary and home secretary. Media reports suggest his first major decision could involve placing Thames Water under a special administration regime. In his campaign he pledged to make life more affordable and reduce regional inequalities, saying his government would serve all parts of the United Kingdom.
The appointment avoids a general election, as Labour holds a majority in the House of Commons, meaning the next election is not required until 2029.
Spain earned the 2026 FIFA World Cup title on 20 July 2026. The tournament concluded after several weeks of matches. Spain secured the championship after the final match. Fans gathered in streets and public viewing areas in major cities and abroad, cheering and waving flags. The victory marks a notable moment in international football.
Beirut — People in several Middle Eastern countries have gathered to watch matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which began in June and runs through July, as the tournament has drawn attention amid ongoing regional conflicts.
The event follows the qualification of eight Arab teams — Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia — alongside Muslim‑majority nations such as Iran, Senegal and Uzbekistan. None of the teams reached the semifinals.
In Baghdad, dozens of attendees assembled at the Babylon Rotana Hotel to view Iraq's first World Cup appearance in 40 years, according to Hussein Mohammed, a dentist who was a child during Iraq's last participation in 1986. "That’s why Iraq’s return to the World Cup is not just about football. It is a message that the country still exists and is capable of rising again," he said.
Because of the time difference, watch parties have been held in the evenings in hookah cafes. In Gaza, Israeli attacks have damaged neighborhoods, and Fadl Arafat, who owns Time Cafe in southern Gaza City, rebuilt the venue after damage in 2024 using salvaged materials, including furniture, metal sheets and hookah pipes. He relies on a private generator to power a large‑screen TV, but power outages sometimes interrupt matches, he said. "Before the war, broadcasting football was simple," he said. "Now, I worry about power cuts breaking the TV and refrigerator, and every day is about finding ways to keep the business running."
The cafe has become a community hub for people who can afford a night out, he added. Mohammad Salman, 76, said watching football helps him forget the difficult reality in Gaza, while Tareq Al‑Jadba, 26, said electricity shortages prevent him from watching at home and he ventures to cafes when possible, fearing nearby strikes.
In Israel, support for Argentina is widespread heading into the final, partly because Argentine President Javier Milei has expressed strong support for Israel, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has criticized the country, according to political observers. International politics also surfaced in other ways: Iran’s soccer federation complained about team treatment after staying in Mexico despite scheduled games in the United States, and Algeria’s team received a warm welcome in Lawrence, Kansas, praised by fans and Algerian media.
In Lebanon, where conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands displaced, people set aside political differences during games, according to local reports. Cheers were heard in Beirut when major teams scored, and small victory motorcades appeared in the streets. Graciela Kair, 25, wrapped in a Brazilian flag, said she supported Brazil because of her Lebanese‑Venezuelan heritage, noting the geographic proximity of Venezuela and Brazil.
William Dobson, a British pub owner in Beirut, said the World Cup has seen less fervor than in previous cycles due to war‑related exhaustion and recent years of disruption. "Soccer recedes into the background in the face of sheer exhaustion," he said.
Inflation and unemployment have risen, according to government and United Nations data, leading many to cut back on nights out. Nevertheless, when Egypt played Argentina earlier this month, patrons at Dobson’s Black Sheep pub said the match restored a sense of normalcy.
In Gaza, hundreds of fans unable to afford cafes watched the match outdoors among rubble, hoisting Egyptian flags between buildings, Arafat said. "A football match concerning our brothers the Egyptians concerns us more than any other country," he said.
Saad Abdul Amir, an Iraqi fan, said reaching the games represents a collective moment of pride that makes Iraqis feel part of the normal world again, he said.
Shamalakh reported from Cairo and Salim from Baghdad.
Federal health officials announced that a cyclospora test on an iceberg lettuce sample supplied by Taylor Farms was a false positive, leaving the origin of the ongoing outbreak unclear. The outbreak, first detected on May 13, has sickened thousands and required hospitalization for at least 94 people, though no deaths have been reported. The FDA said it re-examined the sample and concluded the result did not represent true amplification, indicating the positive finding was erroneous. The agency noted that the lettuce in question was sourced from central Mexico and that a voluntary market withdrawal by Taylor Farms on Friday involved all iceberg lettuce from that supplier, while a separate recall applied to additional lettuce brands sold at Walmart and Taco Bell locations. The CDC continues to advise consumers to avoid shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. Investigators are working with the FDA, CDC, and state health departments to determine the actual source of the contamination.
Matty Healy, lead singer of The 1975, married model Gabriette Bechtel on Saturday in a private ceremony in Los Angeles, according to representatives of the couple. The engagement was announced in 2024 after nine months of dating, following Healy's brief relationship with Taylor Swift in 2023. Bechtel, 28, and Healy, 37, were reported to have married at Madonna's former estate in the Hollywood Hills, with guests including Charli XCX, as noted by several US media outlets. Bechtel announced the engagement on Instagram with a photo of a black diamond ring, captioned 'Marrying The 1975 is very brat.' Denise Welch, Healy's mother, confirmed the engagement on a podcast. Videos from Healy's stag do, featuring a performance with the tribute band The 9075, and photos from Bechtel's Las Vegas hen do, which included a police-themed costume, fake currency, and appearances by Dita Von Teese and an Elvis impersonator, have been shared online. Bechtel is known as the lead vocalist and songwriter for the punk rock band Nasty Cherry, formed by Charli XCX; her husband George Daniel is The 1975's drummer. Since headlining Glastonbury in 2023, The 1975 have been on an indefinite hiatus from live performances. The BBC has contacted Healy and Bechtel for comment, and the band has not indicated plans to resume touring.
US military conducted strikes on Iran for a ninth consecutive night, targeting sites in the country’s south and northwest after tensions over the Strait of Hormuz escalated, following the death of a US soldier in Iraq and the collapse of a month‑old ceasefire. Iranian state media reported explosions in multiple cities including Tabriz, Chabahar, Sirik, Jask, Mahshahr and Imam Khomeini, and said air defences were activated in southeastern cities; the United States said the strikes aimed to degrade Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command said six commercial vessels were redirected and one ship disabled to ensure compliance with its naval blockade, and reported a US soldier killed in northern Iraq on Saturday after a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian drone, and that remains from a previous Iranian attack in Jordan were being examined. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said four vessels attempted an unsafe transit of the Strait, two withdrew and two were involved in an accident, and Tehran promised retaliatory missile strikes, with Iranian media reporting launches from Lorestan province targeting US assets. Kuwait reported confronting hostile drone threats and air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain and Jordan, where the military said it intercepted three Iranian missiles, and a desalination plant in Kuwait was attacked for a second consecutive day, causing a fire. The conflict, which began after a US‑Israel strike on Iran on February 28, has resulted in at least 17 US service member deaths and more than 420 wounded, while causing extensive disruptions to energy supplies and raising concerns about global inflation.
Hundreds of protesters gathered in Houston on Sunday to demand justice for Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a 52‑year‑old Mexican national who was shot by an ICE agent on July 7 while driving to a job site. They marched from Ervan Chew Park and briefly closed a bridge on Dunlavy Street, holding banners that read “Abolish ICE” and “Justice for Lorenzo.” The killing occurred amid intensive immigration enforcement by the Trump administration, which has been linked to at least ten deaths and 13 injuries since January 2026, including two incidents in Maine and Florida. ICE asserted that Salgado Araujo tried to ram an agent, prompting the officer to fire in self‑defense, a claim disputed by witnesses and not mentioned in a statement from the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas. Activists called for a citywide shutdown planned for Friday, with a Party for Socialism and Liberation organizer urging broader action. Democratic lawmakers, including Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson, have called for investigations into ICE hiring and training practices after reports that the officer involved had a documented history of mental health issues and alleged domestic violence. Tom Homan, the administration’s top immigration enforcement official, announced a temporary pause on traffic stops and a requirement that at least one officer wear a body camera during vehicle stops, saying he wants the public to see officers’ perspectives. President Trump wrote on his Truth Social account that traffic stops are an essential crime‑fighting tool and that abandoning them would aid criminals. The protest followed similar rallies in Portland, Maine, where a 26‑year‑old Colombian man was killed during a traffic stop on July 13, and in other U.S. cities. Duran Guerrero’s family told Telemundo that he still had many dreams to fulfill. Human Rights Watch reported 52 deaths in ICE custody, and The Trace’s Gun Violence Data Hub recorded at least 13 injuries. ICE has deported more than 540,000 people since January 2026. The demonstrations highlight ongoing debate over immigration enforcement tactics and officer accountability as the city prepares further actions.
New Delhi, July 20 — Hundreds of supporters of India’s Cockroach Janta Party gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Monday to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam paper leaks, despite police denial of permission for a march to parliament.
The protest follows a national medical entrance exam leak in May that affected more than two million students and forced them to retake the test. The months‑old movement, which has attracted millions of followers on social media, has become the most significant public challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi since his third term began.
Students Adi Nathan, 21, from Meerut, and Mohammed Tabrez, 22, from Amroha, said they attended to end corruption in the education system. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke began a sit‑in last month and was joined by activist Sonam Wangchuk, who began a hunger strike on June 28. In a hospital note posted on social media, Wangchuk said he would end his fast if the government accepts responsibility for the leaks or if protesters are allowed to reach parliament.
Government data show youth unemployment at 9.9 percent for ages 15 to 29, compared with 3.1 percent for those aged 15 and above. Police and paramilitary forces were deployed around the barricaded site, warning of possible confrontation if the march proceeds.
The demonstration remains unresolved as authorities maintain a security perimeter and the government has not announced a response to the demands.
LONDON (AP) — Andy Burnham is set to become the United Kingdom’s prime minister on Monday after meeting King Charles III at Buckingham Palace and being invited to form a government, succeeding Keir Starmer. Britain’s parliamentary system permits the governing party to change its leader, and thus the prime minister, without a general election; the next election is not due until 2029. Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, won the Labour Party leadership contest on Friday, receiving nominations from 379 of the 403 Labour members of the House of Commons, leaving him as the sole candidate. He pledged to make politics less toxic, improve living standards and restore hope, and said his government would focus on generating economic growth, which he described as essential for addressing national challenges. In his first remarks as Labour leader, Burnham said he was ‘acutely aware’ of recent leadership changes in the country and would work to build a new politics. Starmer, who became Labour leader in 2020 after the party’s worst election result, announced his resignation last month following criticism of his performance and said he would step down after a series of missteps that weakened his standing. The transition will see Starmer travel to Buckingham Palace on Monday morning to formally resign, after which Burnham will be received by the monarch and asked to form a government in a ceremony known as ‘kissing hands.’ Burnham is expected to announce his first cabinet appointments after his speech outside 10 Downing Street, with potential changes to the Treasury, foreign and home secretary positions. Analysts note that his ability to deliver on promises will depend on achieving significant economic growth, according to Joshi Herrmann, founder of Manchester news site The Mill. Starmer’s tenure included legislation to strengthen worker protections, reduce child poverty and increase defense spending, which he highlighted during his final Prime Minister’s Questions session. Burnham will travel from the palace to Downing Street, where he is expected to deliver a brief statement to the public. The political shift marks the seventh change of prime minister since 2016, and Burnham’s government will face the challenge of maintaining stability amid ongoing economic pressures.
Indian students are shifting their study destinations from the United States to European countries as the EU expands mobility pathways and the United States tightens visa rules.
Data show India’s overseas student outflow fell to about 626,000 in 2025 from more than 908,000 in 2023, while European tuition costs are typically 50% to 80% lower than in the United States.
A 22‑year‑old engineering graduate from Chennai, A. Shrinikheathan, has enrolled in a German master’s programme after learning German and completing a language proficiency test, citing lower costs and strong industry links. He said the world is becoming more multi‑polar and that options beyond the United States and Canada are increasingly attractive.
The EU‑India trade deal, concluded in January 2026, includes provisions that simplify visas, create clearer post‑study work routes and recognize Indian qualifications, which the EU says will enable “talent at scale.” EU officials state that Indian students bring entrepreneurial spirit, cultural richness and research excellence, and that their presence supports Europe’s talent pool and deepens EU‑India ties.
Enrolment numbers have risen in several European countries. The Netherlands recorded 3,700 Indian students in the 2025/26 academic year, up from 2,630 in 2018/19; Eindhoven University of Technology reported 2,140 pre‑enrolments, up from 1,390 the previous year; Leiden University’s regular master’s programmes saw Indian intake increase to 120 from 70 in 2021. More than 121,000 Indian students were enrolled in EU institutions, about half the total in the United States, and the share has been growing steadily.
Education consultancies report a 25% to 30% increase in enquiries since the trade deal, with the Europe Study Centre director describing Europe as a “red‑hot destination” for families deterred by rising costs and stricter visa rules elsewhere. Arnav Kumar, co‑founder of the study‑abroad platform Leap, forecast a 60% to 70% rise in student and worker flows over the next three to five years.
Challenges remain. Sivaraman Pandian, director of Europe Study Centre, warned that prospective students should not assume guaranteed employment after studying abroad, noting language barriers, housing shortages in cities such as Amsterdam, intense competition for jobs and the need for specialised skills. Some students also raised concerns about rising far‑right political parties and attitudes toward foreigners in parts of Europe.
The trend may reshape global student flows, positioning Europe as a viable alternative to North America for Indian students seeking lower costs, improved work prospects and broader talent mobility under the EU‑India framework.
President Donald Trump presented the World Cup trophy to Spain at a FIFA reception in New York City, saying the United States had become a soccer country and would remain one. Spain won the tournament 1‑0 over Argentina in the final on Sunday. After the match, Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino handed the trophy to the Spanish team as gold confetti was released. Trump stood with the team, smiling and patting the trophy, while Melania Trump and Infantino watched from his box seat.
The 2026 World Cup was co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, making it the largest edition in history. The Trump administration's hard‑line immigration policies created logistical challenges, including restrictions on fans from certain qualifier nations and visa issues for officials such as a referee from Somalia. The administration invested billions in security and transit to ensure the event ran safely and with integrity.
Trump suggested the United States should bid again to host the tournament, proposing a rotating host model. He also asked Infantino to review a controversial red‑card decision in a US match against Bosnia and Herzegovina; FIFA later reversed the call. The White House said it had a duty to question officiating processes, which were scrutinized for the use of video review.
Human rights groups warned that the administration’s visa decisions could affect participation, but enforcement raids near venues did not occur. Tensions with co‑host Canada and Mexico arose after Trump announced tariffs and chose not to renew a trilateral trade pact. He threatened a tariff on Canada over wildfire‑related air quality concerns. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the final at Trump’s request, signaling attempts to ease diplomatic strain.
Senator Andy Kim, a World Cup fan from New Jersey, said the overall fan experience and excitement outweighed logistical issues. The US is slated to host the 2028 Summer Olympics and the 2034 Winter Olympics, and is expected to receive the 2031 Women's World Cup, with the administration emphasizing women‑only participation.
Andy Burnham will assume the role of UK prime minister on Monday, succeeding Keir Starmer. He inherits a slowing economy, rising inflation, and strained public services while the United Kingdom remains engaged in wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Burnham spent the past decade governing Greater Manchester before winning a special election to return to Parliament. The premiership will involve overseeing services for 70 million people, a scale far larger than his previous regional administration.
On the economy, Burnham has said he will present details this week on how to fund a domestic agenda aimed at stimulating growth and improving living standards. He has indicated that a wealth tax is not ruled out and must operate within Starmer’s pledge not to raise major tax rates. His plan includes decentralizing government, allocating more resources to local authorities, and re‑nationalizing some services that were privatized decades ago.
In foreign policy, Burnham pledged to maintain NATO commitments and support for Ukraine, as well as the UK’s nuclear deterrent. He will navigate a relationship with the United States under President Donald Trump, which may be tested by differing views on military spending. The defense plan proposes a 15 billion pound ($20 billion) increase, a figure analysts say is below military leaders’ recommendations.
Regarding the Israel‑Hamas conflict, Burnham criticized Starmer’s delayed call for a ceasefire and urged further sanctions on individuals involved in Gaza violence and illegal West Bank settlement activity. His comments have drawn criticism from Jewish groups and pro‑Palestinian organisations.
Migration is a top voter concern. Burnham said he will continue the Labour government’s strategy to reduce net migration and support legislation aimed at curbing Channel crossings while providing safer, legal routes for migrants.
Burnham’s premiership will be tested by the need to balance domestic reform with international pressures and party sensitivities.
Norway opened a new memorial on Sunday to commemorate the 77 people killed in the July 22, 2011 attacks, which remain the country's deadliest peacetime atrocity. On that date, a car bomb in Oslo killed eight people and a shooting at a youth camp on Utoeya island killed 69, mostly teenagers, carried out by Anders Breivik, a neo‑Nazi. The memorial, titled 'Upholding', is installed in Oslo's renovated government district near the bomb site. It features a blue steel frame supporting a 12‑metre stone mosaic of a small wading bird, with straw and sticks reflected in water. Artist Matias Faldbakken said the work aims to remember the victims and to encourage public engagement in democratic resilience against far‑right ideologies that inspired the attack. Merete Stamneshagen, head of a support group for victims and survivors, said the events of July 22, 2011 struck at individuals and at democratic institutions. Crown Prince Haakon and other government officials attended the inauguration, and Haakon also visited the 22 July Centre, Norway's national memorial and education centre. In 2012, Breivik was sentenced to 21 years in prison, the maximum term under Norwegian law, with the possibility of extension if he is deemed a continuing threat. The names of all 77 victims are engraved on the memorial. The site is intended to foster reflection on the attacks and to support democratic resilience; the anniversary continues to prompt national dialogue.
Argentine national team coach was shown in tears after his side lost to Spain in a World Cup 2026 match. The defeat took place during the tournament's qualification stage. Video footage captured the coach visibly upset on the sidelines. Spanish players celebrated the victory, advancing in the competition. The Argentine Football Association confirmed the footage but offered no further comment. The result leaves Argentina needing additional matches to progress in the tournament.