A deadly wildfire in Spain's Almeria province has killed at least 13 people, including five believed to be British nationals. A British couple has returned to the village at the heart of the blaze, which struck last Thursday. The tragedy highlights the severity of this summer's wildfire season in southern Europe.

Firefighting planes have been deployed near Paris to battle wildfires described as being of 'exceptional scale.' Notably, aircraft were sent from France's normally drier and hotter south to assist in the Paris region, an unusual redirection of resources. This signals the wildfire threat has expanded beyond its typical geographic range this year.

The American Red Cross has declared a national blood emergency after supplies dropped 25% in June while demand surged. This shortage raises concerns about hospitals' ability to meet needs for surgeries, trauma care, and ongoing treatments nationwide. Officials are urging donors to give blood immediately to help stabilize the supply.

An investigation by NPR and The Marshall Project reveals that federal prison guards often retaliate against inmates who file complaints about mistreatment, effectively discouraging lawsuits before they start. The findings point to a systemic pattern within the federal prison system that undermines accountability and inmates' rights. This raises broader questions about oversight and abuse within the U.S. correctional system.

Jonah Neal, 25, was shot by a Homeland Security Investigations agent in May during a mental health crisis, part of a Memphis-based task force linked to at least four deadly shootings. The pattern suggests recurring issues with how federal task forces handle encounters involving mental health crises. The case highlights growing scrutiny over the use of force by federal agents in local policing efforts.

Europe's Hydis project has settled on a concept for a hypersonic-defense interceptor, narrowing the effort down to two competing projects. This marks a significant step in Europe's push to develop defenses against hypersonic missile threats, an area where adversaries like Russia and China have made notable advances. The decision could shape future European missile defense architecture and industrial partnerships.