Global tensions and policy shifts led today’s news: rising U.S.–Iran frictions pushed Brent crude above $85 and followed mixed signals from Washington on Hormuz, while an Israeli strike on a Gaza police station killed eight. Other headlines include a UK counter‑terror probe into the killing of former minister Ann Widdecombe, DR Congo Ebola health workers threatening a strike over unpaid wages, an Indian‑origin astronaut launching to the ISS, and UN agencies issuing joint guidelines to steer AI in health.
Today's Stories
RNZ reports that President Donald Trump backed away from a proposal to impose a 20% fee for guarding the Strait of Hormuz during tensions with Iran. He said the U.S. would instead seek investment deals with Gulf states.
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U.S. President Donald Trump abandoned a proposed 20% fee on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz after talks with Middle East leaders. He said the United States will instead pursue trade and investment agreements with Gulf states.
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Gaza’s interior ministry condemned what it called a “horrific massacre” after an Israeli attack on a northern Gaza police station killed eight people. Those reported dead include the station chief, several police personnel, and a civilian.
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UK counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation into the death of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, which they described as a targeted attack. Authorities have not released further details as inquiries continue.
Read full article →Renewed hostilities between the U.S. and Iran pushed Brent crude above $85, challenging recent expectations of an oversupplied market. The shift has revived concerns about tighter supplies and potential shortages.
Read full article →The Hill reports that a Republican-led procedural blockade in the U.S. House shows signs of breaking. The shift could allow stalled measures to advance after a period of gridlock.
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Health workers on the front lines of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo are threatening to strike due to unpaid salaries. The World Health Organization warned the true scale of the epidemic may be significantly larger than reported.
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E. Jean Carroll has received a $5.6 million payment from Donald Trump after a federal jury found him liable for sexually assaulting and defaming her. With appeals exhausted last month, a judge ordered the payment, which has now been made.
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News18 reports that Donald Trump threatened action against an underground Iranian nuclear facility, prompting a sharp response from Tehran. The exchange adds to heightened regional tensions and nuclear-related friction.
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Donald Trump has paid $5 million in damages to writer E. Jean Carroll over sexual abuse and defamation claims. The payment follows failed efforts to delay while seeking Supreme Court intervention to overturn the judgment, according to the report.
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Dr. Anil Menon has launched to the International Space Station for an approximately eight-month expedition. The mission will see him conduct research and serve as a test subject in space medicine studies.
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U.S. Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett asked Congress to allocate more resources for the justices’ protection, citing a rise in threats. The appeal underscores ongoing security concerns surrounding the Court and its members.
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India’s Sensex fell by 561 points, pressured by surging crude prices and a weaker rupee. Banking and auto stocks led declines as investors weighed the impact of regional tensions and energy costs.
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Zimbabwe’s government says 99,418 citizens were repatriated from South Africa between May 28 and July 10, 2026, following anti-immigrant strife. Officials noted that over 70% of returnees are women and children and credited coordinated efforts by an inter-ministerial committee and partners.
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Three UN agencies unveiled a shared framework to guide the use of artificial intelligence in health. The guidelines call for global guardrails, equitable access to data, and investment in local capacity so lower-income regions can co-create innovations.
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Google is introducing AI-generated images within AI Overviews and rolling out a redesigned Google Images homepage. The updates will begin appearing to users in the coming weeks.
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Microsoft introduced security upgrades to improve visibility into OAuth-connected apps and tighten governance over third-party integrations in Defender for Cloud Apps. The changes aim to better detect and investigate techniques used in recent ShinyHunters intrusions.
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Metropolitan Police identified the victim as 34-year-old Dale Mundell after a decomposing body was discovered in a suitcase during a children’s teddy bear hunt. Joshua Miller, 32, and Jamie Cooper, 27, were charged with preventing a lawful burial, and Miller also faces a murder charge.
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Iran criticized a U.K. proposal to ban support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, calling it unjustified and contrary to international law. The move underscores ongoing strains between Tehran and Western governments.
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Google marked the 25th anniversary of Image Search by introducing AI image generation and a personalized gallery of web images. Users can also save content in Pinterest-like collections to organize discoveries.
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Cuba experienced another nationwide failure of its electric grid, with state media reporting the outage began around late morning local time. The latest collapse, reportedly the third in a week and among multiple in recent years, heightened public anxiety as authorities worked on restoration.
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Police named the man found in a suitcase in a wooded area in Borstal, Kent, as 34-year-old Dale Mundell. Two people have appeared in court as part of a murder investigation following related welfare checks in Wimbledon.
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Ars Technica reports Google is overhauling Image Search for its 25th anniversary, adding an always-updated, personalized gallery informed by users’ interests. The redesign expands discovery features and saving options while integrating more AI.
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Polish fighters were scrambled to intercept a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea that lacked a filed flight plan and had its transponder off, according to Poland’s armed forces. NATO said such quick-reaction alerts are routine to ensure air safety near alliance airspace.
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European Union lawmakers called for a dedicated “youth mode” on social platforms that would switch off addictive features and targeted advertising for children. The push seeks stronger protections for minors’ online experiences across apps and services.
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India is implementing real-time monitoring of its seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz following deadly incidents in the region. The move aims to bolster safety and welfare for Indian sailors amid ongoing tensions.
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The Indian government informed the Supreme Court that amendments to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act will include persons internally injured by acid ingestion. The change expands statutory protections and benefits for acid attack survivors.
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Apple has made the first public beta of iOS 27 available, alongside public betas for iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, macOS 27, and tvOS 27. Unlike earlier developer-only builds, these releases open broader testing to general users.
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A Tyrannosaurus rex fossil nicknamed “Gus” sold for $50.1 million at a New York auction, setting a new record price for a T. rex specimen. The sale underscores sustained demand for rare paleontological finds in the private market.
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Former South African police minister Bheki Cele defended his refusal to fund legal fees for apartheid-era police accused of crimes against humanity. He acknowledged that the stance meant some perpetrators died without facing prosecution, saying he “carried [his] history” in making the decision.
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British Transport Police released CCTV images of a man they wish to identify after an alleged attempted rape on a late-night Bakerloo line service between Waterloo and Lambeth North. Detectives are appealing for information from the public as the investigation continues.
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Spotify is rolling out a talk-to-the-app assistant that responds to natural-language prompts to surface new artists, refine recommendations, and build playlists. It joins existing features like AI DJ, AI Playlist, and Daylist within the service’s expanding AI toolkit.
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Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute have developed the first achromatic lens for neutron imaging, enabling sharp focus across different wavelengths. The advance allows imaging of thicker samples and processes inside bulky equipment.
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The BBC’s annual report argues for a new funding approach to replace the current licence fee. Media editor Katie Razzall characterizes the document as a call to arms to rework how the corporation is financed.
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A Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton from South Dakota sold for US$50.13 million at Sotheby’s in New York, setting a new record for a fossil at auction. The blockbuster sale highlights rising private demand for marquee paleontological specimens.
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The Philippines’ Board of Investments certified ₱351.02 billion in investments for expedited processing under its green lane initiative in the year’s first half. The move aims to accelerate priority projects and investor approvals.
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Nigerian police arrested Adeniyi Matthew Adeyemi, who allegedly posed as director-general of the so-called Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, which authorities say is fictitious. Investigations are ongoing following the arrest in Abuja.
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Axar Patel triggered a late collapse with 4 wickets for 62 in 9.5 overs, bowling England out for 258 in 47.5 overs in the first ODI at Edgbaston. The display also placed him in a select company of Indian spinners alongside Ravindra Jadeja, per the report.
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ECSOC President Ahmed Hussein called the National Dialogue Conference a historic chance to address deep-rooted differences and foster unity through peaceful engagement. He urged inclusive participation, tolerance, and trust to achieve sustainable peace.
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The Kenya Revenue Authority will launch a new cargo declaration platform on August 3. The system is intended to streamline customs processing and compliance for importers and logistics firms.
Read full article →Michigan authorities issued a statewide air quality alert due to smoke from Canadian and Minnesota wildfires. Hazy conditions are expected, with potentially unhealthy air on July 15.
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Health experts warn that certain medications and alcohol can interact with extreme heat, increasing the risk of dehydration, overheating, and other complications. The CDC highlights the need to consult healthcare providers and take extra precautions during hot weather.
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The Uganda People’s Defence Forces announced new strategic priorities following a three-day retreat in Kampala aimed at boosting efficiency, accountability, and program delivery. The moves signal an internal reform push across operations and governance.
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Google is rolling out a Pinterest-like revamp of Google Images that introduces a personalized For You gallery. The feed tailors image recommendations to users’ interests and browsing history to enhance discovery.
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Environment and Climate Change Canada placed about 600 painted wooden blocks in waters off Halifax, Sable Island, and northern Cape Breton to model where dead seabirds are likely to wash ashore. Some blocks carry GPS trackers, helping researchers map currents and improve monitoring of seabird mortality.
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New York City is broadening access to free swimming lessons for students across the five boroughs. The initiative targets drowning risks, noted by the CDC as a leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14.
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Ottawa announced new consular appointments across the United States, reshaping its diplomatic team. The changes come after trade talks extended beyond an early July benchmark.
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The UK is seeing intensified debate over grooming gang scandals, with fresh calls for accountability and justice for survivors. Officials and experts are also examining potential institutional failures that may have enabled the crimes to persist.
Read full article →CTV News reports that Amnesty International has called out Meta’s proposed data centre project in Sturgeon County, citing concerns and urging greater scrutiny. The rights group is seeking more transparency and safeguards around the development.
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Variety examines the viability of Disney’s live-action remake strategy as the new Moana struggles at the box office. The analysis considers where the studio might steer the franchise approach next.
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