From a collapsed EU migration summit in Warsaw to record monsoon flooding killing 91 across Southeast Asia, July 31st is delivering a full slate of major stories. Here’s your midday briefing on the biggest developments across Europe and beyond.
Trump says Hamas has agreed to a landmark disarmament deal as part of his 20-point peace plan, promising a phased rollout. But Israel’s far-right is already calling the agreement unacceptable.
A wave of creators dubbed ‘loneliness influencers’ are building massive audiences by documenting lives of intentional solitude — no partners, no children, no regrets. The trend is sparking fierce debate about the line between chosen solitude and dangerous isolation.
Fifa has scrapped its plan to sell ownership stakes in the World Cup and other major competitions after widespread opposition from clubs, leagues, and national associations. The decision is a notable setback for president Gianni Infantino, who had positioned the scheme as a multi-billion dollar investment opportunity.
A reported deal involving Hamas disarmament has been called the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since January’s ceasefire. But Israel’s public silence and unanswered questions about implementation are keeping expectations firmly in check.
Russian missiles and drones struck at least seven Ukrainian regions overnight, killing 23 people in one of the war’s most intense recent bombardments. Emergency crews raced to pull survivors from rubble as fears mounted over military activity near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
France’s wildfire risk remains ‘extremely high’ despite a slight shift in weather, with authorities tackling 26 fires in a single day. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned that persistent drought means the danger is far from over.
Four women are accusing Jared Leto of criminal sexual conduct, joining a group of 10 accusers who say the actor targeted them as teenagers. The allegations span more than two decades and describe a disturbing pattern of grooming and manipulation.
India’s Education Minister has resigned amid mounting youth-led protests over examination fraud, with NCP spokesperson Anish Gawande calling it an ‘exhilarating moment’ for the country’s students. But opposition figures warn the government’s response remains procedural rather than structural.
Representative Jodey Arrington has joined a congressional push to counter EU regulations that lawmakers say unfairly target American companies. The effort calls on U.S. trade officials to take a tougher stance with Brussels before new rules hit thousands of businesses.
