Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected a 15-point US-backed plan for Gaza that would link Israeli military withdrawal to Hamas disarmament, a position sources say may shift as negotiations continue and an Israeli election approaches.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected a 15-point proposal backed by the United States that would create a framework for Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza contingent on Hamas disarming. Netanyahu stated there would be no withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed. However, multiple sources indicate the rejection may not be Netanyahu's final position. Reports emerging before the public statement described Netanyahu as personally involved in negotiating details of a pilot military withdrawal, and the Trump administration is said to view the rejection as campaign positioning ahead of an upcoming Israeli general election rather than as a settled policy stance. Netanyahu is navigating competing domestic pressures: his right-wing coalition partners oppose any withdrawal conditions they view as insufficient, while the Trump administration has pushed for movement toward a resolution. The BBC reported that US officials were relatively unbothered by the public rejection. The Guardian reported skepticism within Israel about Netanyahu's stated position given the discrepancy between his public remarks and reported private negotiations. The outcome of the Gaza proposal remains unresolved, with further negotiations expected.
Trump Demands Iran Pay Compensation for US Soldier Deaths as Hormuz Negotiations Stall
President Trump has stated he will demand Iran pay compensation for the deaths of American soldiers killed in Iranian-backed attacks over several decades, a development that signals ongoing difficulty in talks over ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.President Trump has publicly stated he will demand that Iran pay financial compensation for the deaths of American soldiers and others killed in Iranian-backed attacks over recent decades, including victims of the USS Cole attack. The demand comes as negotiations between the US and Iran over ending the current conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz appear to have stalled. Iran had separately sought its own war reparations, which Trump rejected. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments; its closure has contributed to elevated oil prices. Trump described his current approach as deliberately measured, stating he is keeping pressure on through economic sanctions and a naval blockade rather than escalating militarily. The Iranian government is contending with compounding financial pressure from sanctions, the naval blockade, and domestic economic difficulties. Oil markets responded to the news with prices rising more than two percent as investors reduced expectations for a near-term Hormuz reopening. The compensation demand introduces a new element into already complicated negotiations and may further delay resolution.
Ukrainian Drone Strike on Russian Industrial City Kills at Least 13 in One of War's Deadliest Attacks
A Ukrainian drone strike on the petroleum hub of Nizhnekamsk in Russia's Tatarstan region killed at least 13 people and wounded approximately 75 to 78 others, making it one of the deadliest Ukrainian drone attacks since Russia's full-scale invasion began.A Ukrainian drone strike on Nizhnekamsk, a petroleum and industrial hub in Russia's Tatarstan region, killed at least 13 people and wounded between 75 and 78 others, according to Russian regional authorities. Figures on the number of wounded varied slightly between sources. The attack struck deep inside Russian territory, far from the front lines, and represents one of the deadliest Ukrainian drone attacks since Russia launched its full-scale invasion roughly four years ago. Ukraine has increasingly used long-range drone strikes to target Russian energy infrastructure and industrial facilities as part of its strategy to impose economic costs on Russia. Tatarstan is a significant center of Russian oil refining and petrochemical production. The strike follows a pattern of Ukrainian drone operations extending further into Russian territory; Ukraine's drone commander separately stated this week that drone forces could strike seven times more targets in Crimea with faster Western funding. Russia has not commented on any planned military response to the Nizhnekamsk attack.
Turkey's Parliament Debates Bill That Could Suspend Cases Against Kurdish Militants
Turkey's parliament opened debate on legislation that would suspend sentences, investigations, and trials for thousands of members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, as part of the government's ongoing peace initiative with the group.Turkey's parliament began debating a draft bill that would suspend sentences, ongoing investigations, and trials for thousands of members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, known as the PKK. The legislation is part of a broader government peace initiative aimed at ending decades of armed conflict between Turkish security forces and the PKK, which has been designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. The PKK's armed insurgency has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths since the 1980s. The bill's debate represents a significant political development in Turkey's domestic policy and could have implications for regional stability. The outcome of the legislative process and any resulting negotiations are being closely watched by US and European officials given Turkey's role as a NATO member and its strategic position in the Middle East.
Trump Signs Executive Order to Reduce Childhood Vaccine Recommendations and Split the MMR Shot
President Trump signed an executive order recommending that children receive vaccines for 11 diseases rather than the 18 currently on the CDC schedule, and directing that the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine be administered as three separate shots in separate visits.President Trump signed an executive order Monday seeking to significantly alter the federal childhood vaccination schedule. The order recommends vaccinating children against 11 diseases, down from the 18 currently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It also directs that the combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine — commonly known as the MMR shot — be separated into three individual vaccines administered during separate appointments. The order attempts to formalize and expand changes the administration had already sought to make to CDC vaccination recommendations earlier this year. Federal courts had previously blocked some of those earlier efforts. The order also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct additional vaccine research. The CDC's vaccine schedule is set by agency scientists and advisory committees based on clinical data; executive orders do not automatically override that process, and legal challenges are expected. Health officials and pediatric medical organizations have long maintained that the current vaccine schedule is safe and evidence-based. Separating the MMR vaccine into individual doses would require additional medical visits and could reduce overall vaccination rates, according to public health experts. The order was developed in coordination with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long questioned the existing vaccine schedule.
Todd Blanche Sworn In as US Attorney General After Senate Confirmation
Todd Blanche, who previously served as President Trump's personal attorney and has been acting attorney general since April, was formally sworn in as US attorney general following Senate confirmation.Todd Blanche was sworn in as United States Attorney General on Monday in a ceremony at the White House. Blanche had been serving as acting attorney general since April following a contentious confirmation process. Prior to his government role, Blanche served as President Trump's personal criminal defense attorney. His confirmation came after a difficult Senate fight, with critics raising concerns about the relationship between Blanche's prior role representing the president and his new position leading the Department of Justice. Blanche now oversees the nation's federal law enforcement apparatus. The appointment places a former personal attorney to the president at the head of the agency responsible for federal prosecutions and law enforcement policy. The DOJ's independence from political direction has been a subject of ongoing institutional and legal debate during the current administration.
National Academies of Sciences Removes Climate Chapter From Federal Judges' Reference Manual
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine deleted a chapter on climate science from a reference manual used by federal judges, following pressure from Republican congressional leaders and the Trump administration.The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine removed a chapter on climate science from a manual used as a reference guide by federal judges. The deletion followed pressure from Republican congressional leaders and the Trump administration. The manual, used by judges to understand scientific and technical evidence in court cases, had included a chapter providing guidance on the scientific basis of climate change. The removal of that chapter means federal judges will no longer have that reference available in the official manual when adjudicating cases that involve climate science — a category that includes a significant and growing body of litigation involving environmental regulations, energy policy, and corporate liability. Critics of the decision argue it reflects political pressure on an institution meant to provide independent scientific guidance. The National Academies has not publicly explained in detail the reasoning behind the deletion.
Some People With Disabilities Say Medicaid Earnings Caps Prevent Career Advancement
People with disabilities who already work say Medicaid income limits prevent them from taking on more hours or higher-paying jobs, a tension that will intensify when new Medicaid work requirements take effect next year.Federal Medicaid rules include income caps that some working people with disabilities say effectively penalize career advancement. Under current rules, earning above certain thresholds can trigger loss of Medicaid coverage — which for many people with disabilities provides essential medical services unavailable through private insurance or unaffordable without government assistance. As a result, some individuals report declining promotions, limiting their hours, or turning down higher-paying opportunities to avoid exceeding the threshold. The issue is set to become more prominent when new Medicaid work requirements, enacted as part of recent federal legislation, take effect next year. Those requirements were designed to ensure able-bodied recipients are working — but disability advocates note they add complexity for people who already work and are trying to do so more. Some states offer Medicaid buy-in programs that allow people with disabilities to maintain coverage at higher income levels, but these are not available in all states and vary significantly in structure. The policy tension affects a population that already faces higher rates of poverty and medical need.
7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Western Colombia, Killing More Than 100
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning, killing at least 111 people and collapsing or severely damaging buildings across major cities including Cali and Pereira. Colombia's president declared a national disaster.A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia at approximately 7:34 a.m. local time on Monday, killing at least 111 people and injuring dozens more, according to the country's president. The quake — the most powerful to hit Colombia this century — caused buildings to collapse and sustain severe damage across several major cities, including Cali, Pereira, and Bogotá. Both the US and Colombian geological surveys confirmed the 7.4 magnitude reading. Colombia's president declared a national state of disaster as rescue workers searched damaged structures for survivors, with officials warning the death toll was likely to rise. The quake was felt across a wide area of western and central Colombia. No significant tsunami warnings were issued for US territories, but American emergency agencies were monitoring the event. Colombia has received international attention given the scale of destruction, and US officials have not yet announced specific aid commitments, though the declaration of a national disaster typically opens pathways for international assistance.
July Was the Hottest Month Ever Recorded in the US; Global Oceans Also Set July Temperature Records
NOAA confirmed July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in the contiguous United States, averaging 3.3°F above the 20th-century mean. Separately, global ocean surface temperatures also reached record highs for July, with European nations breaking all-time heat records.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in the contiguous United States across 132 years of reliable measurement. The average temperature was 3.3 degrees Fahrenheit — or 1.8 degrees Celsius — above the 20th-century baseline, surpassing all previous monthly records. Repeated, widespread heatwaves drove the reading. Scientists attribute the elevated heat in part to human-caused climate change. Separately, the European Union's Copernicus climate change service reported that global ocean surface temperatures reached record highs for any July on record, with particularly extreme readings along the Atlantic coast and in the western Mediterranean. A developing El Niño pattern contributed to the ocean warming alongside longer-term climate trends. In Europe, Austria reached 41.2°C, Slovakia hit 42.2°C, and Hungary recorded 41.8°C — surpassing a temperature mark set in 1905. Severe marine heat stress was also documented. The combination of record land temperatures in the US, record ocean temperatures globally, and extreme heat across Europe represents a convergence of climate indicators that scientists say reflects accelerating trends. Wildfires burning across western Europe were linked to the extreme heat and drought conditions. In the United States, the record July temperatures came against a backdrop of ongoing wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and severe drought in parts of the West.
Wildfires Force Thousands of Evacuations Across US Pacific Northwest and Canada's Okanagan Region
Active wildfires in Washington, Oregon, and Canada's Okanagan region have forced thousands of evacuations and caused significant property destruction. Officials describe conditions in the US Pacific Northwest as historically severe.Wildfires burning across the US Pacific Northwest and western Canada have forced thousands of residents from their homes, with more than 12,000 people evacuated from Canada's Okanagan region alone and some homes confirmed destroyed. In Washington state, neighborhoods in the Spokane area sustained heavy damage, with officials describing the summer as historically severe in terms of fire conditions. Oregon has also seen fast-moving fires fueled by extreme heat and dry vegetation. Authorities warn the danger is not over, as high temperatures and low humidity persist across the region. In Canada's Okanagan, residents report uncertainty about whether their homes remain standing. The fires have blanketed large portions of the Pacific Northwest in smoke, creating air quality hazards across multiple communities. Mutual aid groups are distributing masks and air purifiers to residents unable to evacuate. The fires are occurring against a backdrop of record heat: July was the hottest month ever recorded in the contiguous United States, and drought conditions across the West have left vegetation unusually dry. Northern California is also seeing active fires, compounding air quality problems for residents across multiple states.
Lake Mead Drops to Lowest Level on Record as Western Water Shortage Deepens
Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, has fallen below its previous record low set in 2022, reaching its lowest water level since it was first filled roughly 90 years ago.Lake Mead, the nation's largest reservoir, has dropped to its lowest recorded water level, falling below the previous record set in 2022. The reservoir, which sits on the Arizona-Nevada border and is fed by the Colorado River, last saw levels this low when it was first filled approximately 90 years ago. The development marks a significant escalation of the ongoing water shortage in the American West. Lake Mead supplies drinking water and irrigation for tens of millions of people across Nevada, Arizona, California, and parts of Mexico. The Colorado River, which feeds the reservoir, has been under sustained stress from prolonged drought, increased demand, and elevated temperatures linked to climate change. Water managers across the region have implemented conservation measures and adjusted allocation agreements in recent years, but the continued decline signals that those steps have not been sufficient to stabilize supply. Federal officials have previously warned that further declines could trigger mandatory water cuts for agricultural users and some municipal systems.
Flooding in India's Assam State Kills 100 People as Brahmaputra River Overflows
Monsoon flooding in India's Assam state has killed at least 100 people and displaced thousands after the Brahmaputra and other rivers overflowed, damaging homes and infrastructure across the region.Flooding driven by heavy monsoon rainfall has killed at least 100 people in India's Assam state and displaced thousands of residents. The Brahmaputra River and other waterways overflowed their banks, inundating communities, disrupting livelihoods, and damaging roads and other infrastructure. Assam experiences significant seasonal flooding during the monsoon period, but this year's toll reflects an unusually severe episode. The disaster has drawn attention to the vulnerability of densely populated communities in the Brahmaputra floodplain. Indian authorities are conducting relief and rescue operations.
WHO Says Congo Ebola Outbreak Began Months Earlier Than Declared, With Containment Efforts Falling Behind
The World Health Organization says Congo's current Ebola outbreak began in February — months before it was officially declared in May — after early cases were incorrectly attributed to malaria and typhoid. WHO officials say infection rates remain high and containment is struggling to keep pace.The World Health Organization has disclosed that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo began in February, three months before it was formally declared in May. Early cases were incorrectly attributed to malaria and typhoid, delaying recognition and response. WHO officials describe the current outbreak as the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record, with infection rates remaining high. A WHO regional director indicated that authorities are struggling to get ahead of the spread, with the outbreak described as moving faster than containment efforts. The delayed start date significantly affects the epidemiological understanding of how widely the virus may have spread before control measures were put in place. Ebola outbreaks in Congo have occurred multiple times in recent years; this outbreak's speed and the delayed identification raise particular concern among international health officials. The CDC and other international health bodies monitor Congo outbreaks closely given the potential, in rare cases, for international spread through air travel, though no cases have been reported outside the region at this time.
Taylor Farms Voluntarily Recalls Fresh Jalapeños Sold Across 26 States Over Salmonella Risk
Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of fresh jalapeño products distributed to major retailers across 26 states due to salmonella concerns. The company said it was unaware of any reported illnesses linked to the products.Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled fresh jalapeño products over concerns about potential salmonella contamination. The products were distributed to major retailers across 26 states. The company stated it was not aware of any reported illnesses connected to the recalled jalapeños at the time of the announcement. Consumers who purchased Taylor Farms fresh jalapeños should check recall notices for specific product details, lot numbers, and retailer information, and should not consume affected products. Salmonella can cause serious illness, particularly in young children, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.
Meta Releases Its Most Powerful AI Model as an Open-Source Download
Meta released its most capable AI model, called Muse Glimmer, as a freely downloadable and modifiable open-source system, accompanied by a statement from CEO Mark Zuckerberg advocating for open AI development over restricted models.Meta released its most powerful artificial intelligence model on Monday under an open-source license, making it available for free download and modification by developers, companies, and researchers worldwide. The model is called Muse Glimmer. CEO Mark Zuckerberg published a statement alongside the release arguing that open AI development — allowing models to be freely shared and modified — is preferable to the closed, restricted approach taken by some competitors. The release positions Meta as a leading advocate for open AI at a moment when the broader industry is divided on the question. Open models allow external developers to build on and customize the technology but also allow it to be used without the safety guardrails that companies can enforce with proprietary systems. The release is likely to intensify ongoing debates within the AI industry, among policymakers, and in the research community about whether powerful AI systems should be open or restricted. Meta's move also reflects a strategic alignment with Washington: the company has been building closer ties with the Trump administration, which has generally taken a permissive stance toward AI development. Senator Bernie Sanders separately called on Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic to pause AI development, warning of Senate regulation if the pace of deployment continues unchecked.