Wildfires slow in France and Spain, with conditions expected to worsen
Summary
Firefighters have contained vast wildfires in France and Spain, but high winds and rising temperatures threaten flare-ups. Officials warn conditions could deteriorate despite containment, and Spain's prime minister called the next 12 hours decisive.
Fauci to face Republican questions over Covid pandemic origins – US politics live
Summary
Senators will question Anthony Fauci about Covid-19’s origins and research funding. The hearing continues a Republican-led probe disputed by scientists who describe it as vilification.
Supreme Court, Trump and Congress see declines in job approval
Summary
Gallup reports Supreme Court approval at 33% and Congress at 13.5%, while Economist/YouGov places Trump at 34%, his lowest across both terms. The declines accompany near-record-low trust in 14 major U.S. institutions, with Republicans driving much of the Court’s six-point slide since 2025.
Saudi Arabia says it shot down more drones as Houthis claim to have turned back a tanker
Summary
Saudi Arabia said it destroyed drones targeting eastern oil facilities, while Houthis said missiles forced a tanker to turn back. The claims underscore persistent risks to energy infrastructure and Red Sea shipping despite paused US-Iran confrontations and ongoing mediation.
Keiko Fujimori sworn in as Peru president after narrow election win
Summary
Keiko Fujimori was sworn in as Peru’s president after narrowly winning the June run-off. Her promised crime crackdown and Fuerza Popular’s half of Senate seats shape security policy and complicate removal efforts.
Earthquake strikes southern Japan, causing damage
Summary
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kyushu, injuring at least 50 people nationwide and damaging buildings and roads. Collapsed buildings and damaged roads are complicating emergency response as authorities assess infrastructure and coordinate rescues.
Trump's new spy chief confirmed by US Senate
Summary
The Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence by a 51-47 vote, succeeding acting chief Bill Pulte. His confirmation could shape debate over renewing FISA Section 702 and broader surveillance policy.
Jordan says it intercepted missiles launched from Iran, AP News reports.
Summary
Jordan's military said its air defenses intercepted five missiles launched from Iran early Wednesday. The interceptions and U.S. strikes in eastern Iraq follow weeks of escalation and concerns about regional energy infrastructure.
Zelenskyy Says He Had ‘Good’ Talk With Trump on Patriot Missiles
Summary
Zelenskyy said he had a good talk with Trump about Patriot air defenses and renewed diplomacy with Russia. Ukraine is seeking stronger missile defense aid to reinforce Kyiv’s military capabilities.
To win over working-class voters, Democrats need to stop talking about democracy.
Summary
An NPR-covered California report says Democrats should prioritize working-class concerns over centrist positioning and democracy-focused messaging. Polling of over 5,000 Americans found economics and personal security lead priorities among non-college voters earning $40,000 to $100,000.