In other news

Heavy rains and flooding in Beijing and other parts of China have resulted in 30 reported deaths, with significant damage and displacement in the affected areas. Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, have called for all-out efforts in disaster relief.

Hong Kong's Ryan Choi Chun-yin, a 27-year-old fencer, has returned home after becoming the city's first world fencing champion by defeating Kirill Borodachev in Tbilisi, Georgia. Choi expressed gratitude and relief at achieving this milestone, having often been overshadowed by teammate Cheung Ka-long.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) is surveying Chinese airlines to gauge their need for Boeing commercial jets, potentially paving the way for increased orders if a broader US-China trade deal is reached. The CAAC has requested airlines to update their fleet purchase plans, including any overdue Boeing orders, and met with Boeing's Brendan Nelson to discuss expanding cooperation.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has signed a US$12.5 billion licence deal with Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals to develop a dozen drugs, including one for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The deal highlights China's growing presence in the global pharmaceutical industry, with Chinese companies increasingly partnering with multinational firms to develop new treatments.

The Chinese government has launched the Yarlung Tsangpo hydropower project in southern Tibet after 74 years of scientific research and planning. The project began with a comprehensive scientific expedition to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in 1951, which laid the groundwork for the dam's construction. The dam is expected to be one of the most powerful in the world.

Japan is positioning Tokyo as a new hub for the United Nations as the US retreats from global leadership. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike proposed shifting some UN operations to Tokyo, highlighting the city's public safety, security, and economic advantages due to the weak yen. Koike met with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who acknowledged receiving offers of cooperation from various countries but did not elaborate on the proposal.

Yuen Yuen Ang, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, discusses how China can transform its current 'polycrisis' into 'polytunity'. She reflects on the decline in US knowledge about China, attributing it partly to the decrease in Americans studying in China. Ang emphasizes the importance of 'directed improvisation' for China's development and highlights the historical context of US-China relations, citing her mentor Michel Oksenberg's contributions to building US expertise on China.

The South China Morning Post article summarizes five key news stories from the weekend of July 27, 2025. The main points include the US and China agreeing to extend their tariff pause by 90 days during talks in Sweden, the abbot of the Shaolin Temple in China being under criminal investigation, and a potential autumn trip to China by US President Donald Trump, although a September visit is reportedly off the table.

Some Chinese students are opting for lesser-known universities with strong job prospects over elite institutions due to a challenging job market and economic pressures. The trend is driven by a growing oversupply of college graduates and a focus on immediate employability. Majors like computer science are in high demand, fueled by the rise of artificial intelligence.

CK Hutchison Holdings, controlled by Li Ka-shing, plans to bring in a mainland Chinese company as a strategic investor in its US$23 billion deal to sell 43 overseas ports, including two in Panama. This move may gain Beijing's support but has also raised uncertainty. Experts believe the deal could become a bargaining chip between the US and China during their trade talks.

American musical satirist Tom Lehrer has died at the age of 97. Lehrer was known for his darkly humorous songs with political connotations, popular in the 1950s and 1960s. He was a Harvard-trained mathematician who taught at various institutions, including Harvard, MIT, and the University of California. Lehrer's songs, such as 'The Elements' and 'The Masochism Tango', were often banned on the BBC due to their controversial content. He released several albums and wrote songs for TV shows, including 'That Was the Week That Was' and 'The Electric Company'. In 2020, Lehrer placed his songwriting copyrights in the public domain.

Astronomer, a US tech firm, released a promotional video featuring Gwyneth Paltrow as a temporary spokesperson after its CEO and chief people officer resigned due to a scandal involving a viral video of them embracing at a Coldplay concert. The video, which has been viewed over 27 million times, is seen as a 'clever' PR move to shift focus away from the scandal and towards the company's data workflow automation services.

A Bangladesh Air Force F-7 fighter jet crashed into a primary school in Dhaka, killing at least 31 people, mostly schoolchildren under 12. The pilot ejected but later died in hospital. Eyewitnesses described the chaos and destruction, with many students and staff helping in the rescue efforts. The incident has caused widespread grief and raised questions about the scale of the tragedy and potential cover-up.

Google's earthquake early warning system failed to accurately alert people during Turkey's 2023 earthquake, missing 10 million potential 'Take Action' warnings. The system underestimated the quake's magnitude, sending only 469 'Take Action' warnings and half a million 'Be Aware' warnings. Google has since improved the system based on lessons learned.

Taiwan held a 'Great Recall' vote to oust 24 Kuomintang lawmakers accused of being too close to China, but all retained their seats as the majority voted against the recall. The vote was initiated by a civic movement, the Bluebird movement, in response to the Kuomintang's actions in the legislature, which were seen as attempts to stymie the DPP government. The result maintains the opposition's slim majority in the legislature, and analysts warn that the failure of the Great Recall may intensify political polarization in Taiwan.

Maurice Kamto, Cameroon's opposition leader and former presidential candidate, has been excluded from the list of candidates for the October 12 presidential election by the country's electoral body, Elecam. The decision was made due to a dispute within the Manidem party, which Kamto recently joined, as another candidate from a splinter group registered under the same party name. Kamto came second in the 2018 elections amid allegations of fraud. President Paul Biya, 92, was included on the list and will seek an eighth term in office, despite calls to step down after nearly 43 years in power.

A stabbing incident occurred at a Walmart supermarket in Traverse City, Michigan, injuring at least 11 people. A 42-year-old Michigan resident was taken into custody after using a folding knife to carry out the attack, described as a random act. The response involved a joint effort from law enforcement and citizens, with five people in serious condition and six others critical as of Saturday night.

A 42-year-old man, Bradford James Gille, has been charged with terrorism and assault with intent to murder after stabbing 11 people at a Walmart store in Traverse City, Michigan. The victims are expected to survive, and the suspect is being held in custody. The motive behind the attack is still unknown.

Wildfires continue to rage in Greece and Turkey amid a severe heatwave, with firefighters battling multiple major fires across both countries. Greece has requested assistance from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism for six firefighting aircraft, while Turkey has recorded its highest ever temperature of 50.5C. The fires have caused significant damage to homes, agricultural land, and forest areas, with several villages evacuated and many people affected.

Alexandria, Virginia Mayor Alyia Gaskins criticizes President Trump's executive order on homelessness, calling it 'cruel' and stating it will hurt efforts to house people. The order aims to manage homelessness by committing people to mental health institutions or drug treatment centers without their consent. Gaskins argues that the Housing First approach, which has been successful in Alexandria, will be undermined by the order, potentially stripping away federal funding.

A large study of over 2,100 people aged 60-79 found that an intensive two-year program of mental and physical activities, along with a heart-healthy diet, significantly improved memory and thinking in older adults. The study, known as the POINTER study, suggests that lifestyle changes can enhance brain health and potentially delay dementia.

The Trump administration has introduced a new policy requiring immigrants in the US illegally to remain in detention while fighting their deportation, regardless of their community ties or flight risk. A class-action lawsuit has been filed challenging this policy, arguing it is a misinterpretation of existing law and causes 'catastrophic' harm to noncitizens and their families. Immigration lawyers and advocates are pushing back against the policy, citing due process rights and the impact on families.

Joseph Czuba, a landlord who was sentenced to 53 years in prison for killing 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi and wounding his mother Hanan Shaheen in a hate crime attack, has died while in custody. The attack was motivated by Czuba's anti-Muslim bias and was a response to the Israel-Hamas war. Czuba was found guilty of murder, attempted murder, and hate-crime charges in February.

The Perseid meteor shower, typically a summer highlight, may be less visible this year due to a bright moon. However, skywatchers can still see meteors this week as the Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids peak on July 29-30. Astronomers recommend viewing in dark skies, away from artificial light, and after midnight for the best experience. While the Perseids may be affected by the moon, they are known for producing bright meteors, and next year's shower is predicted to be exceptional.

Twenty-one states and Washington, D.C. have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) over its demand for sensitive data on food assistance applicants and their household members. The USDA has requested states to turn over data on all applicants to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over the last five years, including names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, and addresses. The states argue that the demand is an 'Orwellian surveillance campaign' and violates federal privacy laws. The lawsuit seeks to block the USDA from making its data demand or withholding funds from states that do not comply.

The article discusses two exhibitions featuring artwork created by teenagers, 'The Teen Experience' at the American University Museum and a mural at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. While the teens were encouraged to create honest portrayals of their lives, some of their work was deemed too political, particularly a mural at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival that included the slogan 'Free Palestine,' which was subsequently covered by Smithsonian officials.

The article discusses the lasting impact of Hulk Hogan's 2016 lawsuit against Gawker Media, which published a sex tape featuring Hogan without his consent. The case, although not setting new legal precedent, highlighted the tension between freedom of expression and privacy rights in the digital age. Experts argue that it demonstrated the limits of First Amendment protections for explicit content and showed that individuals have a right to privacy online. The case's outcome, which awarded Hogan $140 million, led to Gawker's demise and has had a chilling effect on media outlets, making them more cautious about publishing sensitive content.

The article discusses how ultra-processed foods affect children differently, with some being more susceptible to overeating due to a strong food reward drive. Experts suggest that parents can help by limiting the availability of ultra-processed foods at home, allowing them in moderation outside the home, and teaching children to make healthy choices. Strategies include not keeping ultra-processed foods at home, limiting the variety of such foods, and bringing them in only on special occasions.

The article reports on the brutal punishments meted out to Russian soldiers who desert or refuse to fight in Ukraine, including videos showing soldiers being tied to trees, beaten, and subjected to other forms of mistreatment. The practice is seen as a way to deter others from deserting, with some commanders ordering such punishments. The article also highlights the poor conditions and morale within the Russian army, with many soldiers and their families expressing desperation and anxiety on social media.

Ghislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein, has urged the Supreme Court to overturn her sex-trafficking conviction, claiming she was covered by a non-prosecution agreement Epstein made with federal authorities. Maxwell's attorneys argue that the agreement, made in 2008, shielded her from prosecution, and that the government should stand by its word. The Supreme Court will likely decide this fall whether to grant the case.

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has stated that South Korea remains the 'enemy' and that there is 'no interest' in talks, despite recent efforts by Seoul to ease tensions. The comments come after the new South Korean government took office, led by President Lee Jae Myung, who has attempted to improve relations by suspending propaganda broadcasts and leaflet distribution along the demilitarized zone. However, Kim Yo Jong views the new government's reaffirmation of the US-South Korea military alliance as a sign that there will be no change in North-South relations.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa describes the destruction in Gaza as 'enormous' after a recent tour, where Israel's actions resulted in the death of three people at Gaza's only Catholic church. The article highlights the dire situation in Gaza, with widespread hunger, malnutrition, and death. Other global news includes a bus accident in Peru, border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia, anti-government protests in Ukraine, and various environmental issues.

US President Donald Trump has announced that he is shortening the deadline for Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a peace deal with Ukraine, threatening increased economic punishment on Russia if they fail to comply within the next 50 days. This statement was made during a press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

A Florida federal judge declined to release additional grand jury documents related to the criminal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, hindering the Justice Department's efforts to address public backlash over the case handling. The decision is part of a broader context involving various news stories about President Donald Trump and his administration's dealings, including trade agreements and political controversies.

The article discusses the humiliation and dignity loss faced by Palestinians in Gaza as they are forced to chase after airdropped aid due to the dire situation in the region. Many Palestinians feel that this method of aid delivery is an insult to their dignity, while others are grateful for the food but acknowledge the risks associated with it. The situation in Gaza is dire, with many people going hungry and relying on aid for survival.

Gwyneth Paltrow has become the temporary spokesperson for Astronomer, a data-operations firm embroiled in a scandal after its CEO was caught on video having an affair. Paltrow, ex-wife of Coldplay's Chris Martin, starred in a humorous video ad for Astronomer, produced by Ryan Reynolds' Maximum Effort, which has garnered significant attention online.

The article profiles four Japanese World War II veterans, Kunshiro Kiyozumi, Kenichi Ozaki, Hideo Shimizu, and Tetsuo Sato, who share their experiences and warn younger generations about the horrors of war. As the last survivors of Japan's Imperial Army dwindle, their stories highlight the atrocities committed during the war and the importance of remembering history.

The Thai-Cambodian conflict is escalating over a disputed border area that was once part of the ancient Khmer Empire. The conflict has resulted in civilian and military casualties, displacement of thousands of Cambodians, and heightened nationalist tensions. The dispute has historical roots, with the border never being fully demarcated. The current escalation follows a political crisis in Thailand and a perceived slight by Cambodia's leader, Hun Sen, against Thailand's prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The international community, including the US and China, is involved, with China supporting Cambodia and the US having imposed an arms embargo.

Nepal has seen a significant shift towards electric vehicles (E.V.s), with 76% of passenger vehicles sold in the past year being electric. The government has implemented policies to encourage the adoption of E.V.s, including lower import duties and subsidies. China, Nepal's largest neighbor, has played a crucial role in this transition by providing affordable E.V.s. The country's unique circumstances, including its abundant hydropower and previous reliance on imported fossil fuels, have made the switch to E.V.s a priority. The success of Nepal's E.V. market has implications for other developing countries seeking to reduce pollution and climate-warming emissions.

The New York Times article 'The Quintessential Urban Design of ‘Sesame Street’' explores how the iconic children's show's set design reflects the urban ideals of Jane Jacobs and has endured for over 50 years. The show's creators aimed to depict a realistic yet idealistic inner-city street, embracing the grit of New York City in the 1960s. The article discusses how the show's design elements, such as the stoop and mixed-use buildings, foster a sense of community and neighborly interactions. It also touches on the challenges faced by the show, including funding cuts and the changing urban landscape, and how it remains a beloved and relevant part of American culture.

A private equity firm, Centre Lane Partners, attempted to curry favor with President Trump by announcing a line of Trump-themed products, including a 'MAGA Instant Pot', to influence the administration's policies on tariffs and antitrust inquiries. However, the plan backfired when the Trump Organization objected to the unauthorized use of its trademarks, forcing the firm to shelve the project.

The article examines the impact of U.S. tariffs imposed by President Trump, exploring who pays for them and where the revenue generated goes. It explains that tariffs are essentially a surcharge on imported goods, paid by U.S. importers to the U.S. Treasury Department. The article discusses how companies like Walmart might respond to tariffs by either absorbing the cost, passing it on to consumers, or negotiating with manufacturers. It also delves into Trump's rationale for using tariffs, including creating jobs, increasing wages, and generating revenue for tax cuts, and notes that economists believe tariffs cannot achieve all these goals simultaneously.

Two volunteer firefighters died in a water tanker accident while fighting wildfires outside Bursa, Turkey, bringing the total death toll to 17 since late June. The incident occurred when the tanker rolled, and the two volunteers were pulled out and later died in hospital. Earlier, another worker died at the scene, and a firefighter died from a heart attack.

Climate change is driving tuna away from the waters around Tuvalu and other Pacific islands, threatening the livelihoods of local fishermen and communities that depend on the fish. Rising ocean temperatures are altering the distribution of tuna, forcing fishermen to travel further to catch them, and reducing their catches.

At least 78 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes or gunfire across the Gaza Strip, including a pregnant woman, as Israel eased restrictions on aid entry. Many victims were seeking food when they were killed.

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has rejected outreach efforts by South Korea's new liberal government, stating that its stance towards North Korea is no different from its conservative predecessor due to its 'blind trust' in the alliance with the US and hostility towards North Korea. This rejection implies that North Korea sees no need to resume diplomacy with South Korea and the US soon, likely aiming to drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington.

Hundreds in Lebanon paid tribute to iconic composer Ziad Rahbani after his death at 69. His mother, renowned singer Fayrouz, made a rare public appearance at the tribute. The cause of Rahbani's death was not immediately known.

The article discusses Greenland's vast mineral resources, particularly rare earth minerals, and the challenges of extracting them. President Donald Trump has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, driven by the island's untapped geological riches. Despite the potential, mining in Greenland is difficult due to the harsh environment, lack of infrastructure, and high costs. Greenland's government is open to foreign investment, but wary of Chinese influence. The article highlights the complexities and obstacles involved in exploiting Greenland's mineral wealth.

Turkey is facing a high-risk period for wildfires, with ongoing blazes in various parts of the country, including near Bursa, its fourth-largest city. The situation is part of a larger regional issue, with wildfires also affecting southeast Europe and the Balkans, leading to significant firefighting efforts, evacuations, and damage to homes. Nearly 100 individuals are set to face prosecution in connection with the fires in Turkey.

Alibaba plans to launch AI-powered smart glasses called Quark AI Glasses by the end of 2025, marking its entry into the wearables market and creating a rival to Meta's smart glasses. The glasses will be powered by Alibaba's Qwen large language model and Quark AI assistant, supporting features like hands-free calling, music streaming, and real-time language translation.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the company has signed a $16.5 billion chip contract with Samsung Electronics. The contract, which runs from July 26, 2025, to December 31, 2033, involves Samsung supplying semiconductors to Tesla. Musk stated that Samsung's new Texas fab will be dedicated to making Tesla's next-generation AI6 chip and that Tesla will assist in maximizing manufacturing efficiency. Samsung's shares rose over 6% following the news, despite the company expecting its second-quarter profit to more than halve.

European stock markets, including the Stoxx Europe 600, FTSE 100, DAX, and CAC 40, are expected to rise following a trade deal between the U.S. and the European Union. Heineken's better-than-expected first-half operating profit also contributed to a positive market outlook.

The US-Japan trade agreement, finalized by President Donald Trump, lowers tariffs on Japanese auto imports from 25% to 15%. While Japanese automakers like Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda have welcomed the deal, industry experts caution that it offers little relief due to intensifying competition from China and domestic structural challenges. China's rise in the global automotive industry, particularly in electric vehicles, has eroded Japan's long-held edge. Japanese automakers face significant challenges in Southeast Asia and Australia, where Chinese automakers are gaining market share. Domestic issues, including high inflation and weak consumer spending, further complicate Japan's automotive sector. While large automakers like Toyota may navigate these challenges, smaller ones like Subaru and Mazda face greater pressure, potentially leading to consolidation under Toyota's umbrella.

The U.S.-EU trade deal has brought relief to European automakers and pharmaceutical companies, with a 15% tariff on EU exports to the U.S. instead of the previously threatened higher rates. European stocks rose around 1% on the news, with Volkswagen shares increasing 12% in the past week. However, the steel and aluminum industry remains uncertain due to the continued 50% tariffs on their exports. Analysts from JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank see potential benefits for European carmakers, while UBS strategists warn of long-term damage to European firms' export conditions.

European diplomats met with Iranian officials in Istanbul, Turkey, for the first time since Israel and the US bombed Iran's nuclear sites last month. The meeting aimed to negotiate Iran's nuclear program and potentially prevent the reimposition of UN sanctions. The diplomats warned that sanctions could be reinstated by the end of August if Iran doesn't comply with the 2015 nuclear deal.

The article reports on Iran's activities in Africa, specifically its alleged purchase of uranium from Niger and supply of drones to Sudan, posing significant threats to US national security. The State Department and Senate Foreign Relations Chairman have expressed concerns over Iran's actions, including its nuclear program and support for terrorism.

A social media account allegedly linked to Israel's Mossad intelligence agency has made claims that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spends his days sleeping and using drugs, highlighting Iran's issues with clean water and electricity. The account's authenticity is unverified but considered plausible by some intelligence experts due to the sensitive information it has shared.

The article discusses the rise of Japanese populist Sohei Kamiya and his party, Sanseitō, which won 14 seats in Japan's Upper House elections. Kamiya's message, inspired by Donald Trump's leadership style, focuses on strengthening Japan's culture, birth rates, and food sufficiency, and has resonated with younger voters. While some critics label Kamiya as far-right or xenophobic, others see his goals as fairly populist and reasonable. The article explores the implications of Sanseitō's success for Japan's traditional political landscape and its potential future impact.

Wildfires in Turkey have intensified, threatening the country's fourth-largest city, Bursa, and forcing the evacuation of 1,700 people. The fires have spread across the northwest region, with 1,900 firefighters deployed to combat the blaze. At least one firefighter has died, and 14 people have lost their lives in recent weeks. The government has deployed the military to support firefighters, and international aid is being sought from European Union partners.

A Chinese research vessel, Xue Long 2, was detected by the U.S. Coast Guard off the coast of Alaska in the North American Arctic. The ship was operating within the U.S.'s Extended Continental Shelf, prompting a response from a Coast Guard C-130J Hercules aircrew. The incident comes amid heightened monitoring of foreign vessel activity in the region, following recent encounters with Russian military planes near Alaskan airspace.

Unknown gunmen launched a grenade and gun attack on a court building in Zahedan, southeast Iran, killing at least 6 people, including a child, and wounding 20. Security forces killed three of the attackers. The militant group Jaish al-Adl, which seeks independence for the Sistan and Baluchestan region, was blamed for the attack.

Tadej Pogačar wins his fourth Tour de France title, cementing his place among cycling's greats. Despite the final stage being neutralized due to heavy rain, Pogačar attacked and tried to win the stage, ultimately finishing fourth. Jonas Vingegaard finished second, 4 minutes and 24 seconds behind, and Florian Lipowitz took third place. Wout van Aert won the final stage. Pogačar praised his teammates and expressed his desire for a quiet celebration. He has won 21 Tour stages and 30 major race stages, and is considered one of the best cyclists in the world.

In an interview on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' on July 27, 2025, Russell Vought, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, discussed several key issues including the Federal Reserve, the release of withheld education funds, and potential rescissions of funds. Vought criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for being late to address inflation and indicated the administration's desire for a new chair who can better manage economic developments. The administration released $5 billion in education funds after a programmatic review, despite initial reservations about the funds being used for 'radical left-wing programs.' Vought also mentioned the possibility of a rescissions package to claw back certain funds, and highlighted concerns about wasteful spending at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The article reports that film director Christopher Nolan has been criticized by the organizers of the Western Sahara international film festival (FiSahara) for filming part of his upcoming movie 'The Odyssey' in Dakhla, a city in Western Sahara that has been under Moroccan occupation for 50 years. The festival organizers argue that Nolan's presence in Dakhla could help normalize the Moroccan occupation and repression of the Sahrawi people. FiSahara is calling on Nolan and his team to stand in solidarity with the Sahrawi people and their struggle for self-determination.

Democrat Delia Ramirez urges a congressional hearing into the use of federal funds to detain immigrants at El Salvador's Cecot jail, citing 'human rights abuses' and 'state-sanctioned torture'. The US sent nearly 300 immigrants to the facility under Donald Trump's second presidency, sparking controversy and allegations of abuse.

New Zealand's Attorney General, Judith Collins, has warned that the government's planned electoral reform could breach human rights law and disenfranchise over 100,000 voters, particularly affecting Māori, Asian, and Pasifika communities. The reform includes closing voter enrollment 13 days before election day, banning prisoner voting, and prohibiting free food, drink, or entertainment near voting stations. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has defended the plans, citing the need to prevent delays in vote counting. The opposition has criticized the changes, arguing they weaken democracy and discourage voter turnout.

The article discusses the succession of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, who is now 90 years old. The process of finding the next Dalai Lama has become a contentious issue between the Chinese state and Buddhist monks due to the Chinese invasion of Tibet in the 1950s and the subsequent exile of the region's Buddhist leadership to India. The article explores the possibility of having two Dalai Lamas after the current one's death and the implications of Chinese interference in the selection process.

Wildfires have broken out in several countries in southeast Europe, including Greece, Turkey, and Albania, fueled by dry conditions, high winds, and extreme temperatures. The fires have resulted in evacuations, injuries, and fatalities, with over 50 wildfires reported in Greece and 76 separate blazes in Turkey. Firefighters are battling the flames with support from neighboring countries.

At least five people were killed after Russia and Ukraine traded aerial bombardments overnight. Russia launched 208 drones and 27 missiles at Ukraine, resulting in damage to multiple cities, including Dnipro, Sumy, and Kharkiv. Ukraine's air defence intercepted 183 drones and 17 missiles, but some hits were recorded. In response, Ukrainian drones targeted several Russian regions, killing two people in Rostov and causing damage to industrial facilities in Stavropol and Penza.

A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 passenger plane made a sudden 300ft plunge in 36 seconds shortly after taking off from Burbank, California, to avoid a potential mid-air collision with another aircraft, injuring two cabin crew members and causing panic among passengers. The plane safely landed in Las Vegas. The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety in the US, following a series of recent incidents, including a mid-air collision in Washington DC in January that killed 67 people.

US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine war within 10-12 days, threatening sanctions and tariffs if not met. Trump expressed frustration with Putin's failure to bring about a ceasefire during their meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland.