US appeals court partially strikes down Florida law restricting campus race and gender discussions

• The United States has experienced a pause in direct fire exchanges with Iran, though experts suggest this is driven by more than just diplomatic efforts. • A critical shortfall in the inventory of ballistic missile and drone defense systems has emerged as a primary challenge for the U.S. military during the conflict.

• The UN Security Council convened on Monday at Ukraine's request to address the escalation of large-scale Russian military strikes. • Recent attacks, including an overnight strike on Kyiv on July 19, resulted in at least one civilian death and over a dozen injuries.

• Iraq continues to struggle with severe political instability and recovery challenges six years after the war against the Islamic State. • Humanitarian needs remain critical, with three million people requiring assistance and over one million individuals still internally displaced.

• Africa is home to 9 of the 10 poorest countries in the world as of 2026, facing a combination of compounding systemic issues. • These nations are struggling with severe climate conditions, widespread corruption, and ongoing civil wars fueled by ethnic and sectarian strife.

• The U.S. and Iran have paused military attacks on coastal areas and infrastructure to create "space" for diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. • U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz confirmed the pause on "Face the Nation," though the Trump administration maintains that a military buildup is still ongoing.

• The United States has halted military strikes on Iran for a second consecutive night as diplomatic discussions show positive momentum. • Oman and Iran are currently engaged in talks focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resolving disputes over territorial waterways.

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting Washington to navigate critical diplomatic challenges, including the ongoing conflict with Iran and tensions with Donald Trump. • The visit focuses on Gaza ceasefire negotiations, the release of hostages, and the delivery of humanitarian aid, as the military campaign shifts toward a political challenge.

• Political scientist Robert Pape has issued a warning regarding a potential "August energy shock" that could cause global oil prices to skyrocket. • The prediction was intensified on Monday following recent escalations involving the Houthis, a Yemeni military organization.

• The U.S. and Iran have entered a temporary pause in fighting as of Monday, following a weekend of difficult negotiations regarding a lasting peace agreement. • Despite the ceasefire, oil prices dropped sharply, which initially triggered a surge in stock markets before gains leveled off later in the day.

From Afghanistan to Taiwan, unprecedented deluge highlights devastating impact of climate breakdown“It rained for 10 days and 10 nights, non-stop – I’d never seen anything like it,” says Anar Gul, a construction worker who lives in the remote district of Dur Baba in eastern Afghanistan.The houses in his village are built from stone and mud, which makes them extremely vulnerable to heavy rains. After days of rain, Gul’s kitchen collapsed and his neighbour, Sayed Afsar Sadat, saw a large part of his house completely destroyed. “Rains like this are coming heavier and earlier each year,” says Sadat. “They are destroying the roads and washing away our crops. It’s impacting us directly.” Continue reading...

In normal times the Mashala shelter founder takes in strays, but in wartime, he is the only lifeline for animals in the areaDuring Israel’s 2006 war against Hezbollah, Houssein Hamze woke up one night to the sound of barking. Alarmed, he got up to check on the dog – his first rescue pet. Moments later, a bomb dropped next to his home and a piece of shrapnel landed right where he had been sleeping.“I swear to God, he really saved me from death. Animals always possess a sixth sense we don’t have,” Hamze said. Continue reading...

Unions say basic needs still not being met a year after regulator told operators to improve facilitiesTrain drivers are considering strike action over a lack of toilets, with unions saying basic needs are still not addressed a year after the rail regulator told operators to provide more facilities and breaks.Aslef said it was “putting the industry on notice”. The train drivers’ union added that companies had failed to deliver adequate toilets and reduce maximum driving times without a toilet break. Continue reading...