Jessie Williams

Denny’s is expanding its catering service from 400 U.S. locations to 1,000 by the end of September as part of a broader turnaround effort. The diner chain has faced declining post-pandemic traffic, higher food costs and the closure of 150 restaurants, while being taken private in a $620 million deal. CEO Christopher Bode’s 24-month “Project Grand Slam” strategy also includes menu innovation and increased online ordering. New catering offerings, including buffet bundles, sandwich boxes and build-your-own meal options, are intended to attract new customers and generate recurring business beyond Denny’s dining rooms.

Elisabeth-Jane Ross, a 38-year-old Scottish woman, was found dead inside a suitcase in an abandoned building in Athens's Kypseli district on 18 July. Police believe she died five to seven days earlier and are investigating whether someone used her phone after her death to mislead those searching for her. Greek and Cypriot authorities are reviewing travel records, surveillance footage and witness accounts while seeking information from Ross's father and contacts in Greece.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Kenvue’s over-the-counter Tylenol with Naproxen, a combination of acetaminophen and naproxen sodium intended to relieve minor aches and pains for up to 12 hours. Kenvue says the product begins working within 30 minutes and will soon be sold across the United States. The approval comes amid unsupported claims from President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that Tylenol use during pregnancy increases autism risk. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists rejects that link, saying it is not supported by the broader scientific evidence.

Deep Fission plans to test its Gravity Reactor one mile underground in Parsons, Kansas, with a prototype expected to generate electricity in 2027 or 2028. The company says each 15-megawatt reactor could power about 12,000 homes and that underground construction could reduce the cost and physical infrastructure required by conventional nuclear plants. The project has divided residents: opponents, including local advocates and nuclear watchdogs, fear rushed approvals, high-level nuclear waste and contamination of groundwater, while supporters see the development as a source of manufacturing investment and well-paid jobs. The U.S. Department of Energy is supporting the project through a pilot program intended to accelerate advanced-reactor development, a policy critics say weakens environmental safeguards.

A man trapped for eight days under debris from collapsed structures in La Guaira following twin earthquakes in Venezuela was rescued alive after a massive international search effort. Hernán Alberto Gil Flores survived in an air pocket beneath a shopping centre parking area and received water and nutrients through a narrow shaft as rescuers worked through unstable rubble and aftershocks. Teams from multiple countries, coordinated by Chilean firefighters, completed the operation, bringing relief to his family and symbolizing hope amid a disaster that killed more than 2,200 people.

Tensions between the United States and Saudi Arabia have escalated amid the war in Iran, driven by disputes over President Donald Trump’s handling of the conflict and Saudi resistance to US military requests. Riyadh declined to provide bases or airspace for US operations, including Trump’s plan to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to the proposal’s cancellation and straining military ties. Saudi cooperation resumed only after warnings about reduced priority for US defense support. Both sides have since exchanged diplomatic snubs, including Mohammed bin Salman declining to attend the G7 summit and Secretary of State Marco Rubio omitting Saudi Arabia from a regional tour. The White House maintains that relations remain strong, while Saudi Arabia has not commented on the reported rift.

U.S.-Iran negotiations show little progress as a 60-day truce nears expiration and military strikes intensify around the Strait of Hormuz. The United States responded to a drone attack on an oil tanker with strikes on Iranian military targets, prompting Iran to launch missiles and drones at U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. High-level talks remain stalled, with only indirect discussions occurring through mediators in Doha. President Donald Trump maintains public optimism about Iran’s denuclearization while Iranian officials reject plans for direct negotiations.

A Venezuelan woman deported from the United States survived the country’s devastating twin earthquakes by crawling out from under collapsed hotel rubble just hours after arriving. The quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, killed at least 2,200 people and left tens of thousands injured or missing, including more than 100 recent deportees. Families continue desperately searching for loved ones amid restricted access to disaster sites. Survivors described chaotic scenes as buildings fell, with some walking miles to find safety. Rescue teams have saved a few, including a newborn and mother found alive after 32 hours, but the critical rescue window has passed.

A 44‑year‑old man, Hernán Alberto Gil Flores, was rescued alive after spending eight days trapped beneath a collapsed shopping centre parking structure in La Guaira following two major earthquakes. Local and international teams carried out the intensive operation, while his wife described days of despair before learning he had survived, calling him a hero.

US–Iran peace negotiations have stalled despite a 60‑day truce agreement, with both sides trading strikes around the Strait of Hormuz and accusing each other of violating the ceasefire. Direct talks collapsed into indirect discussions mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, while conflicting statements emerged over whether meetings were even occurring. Donald Trump maintains that progress is being made toward denuclearization, though Iran denies engaging directly with US officials. Escalating military exchanges and lack of movement on key issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and frozen assets, leave the process at an impasse as the truce deadline approaches.

Residents of Caracas observed a red sky days after two major earthquakes struck Venezuela, prompting speculation about a link to seismic activity. Scientists attribute the coloration to Rayleigh scattering intensified by atmospheric particles such as dust or moisture, a phenomenon known locally as a “candilazo.” Although the earthquakes may have increased dust levels, geophysicists state there is no evidence connecting red sunsets to seismic events and remain divided on the existence of earthquake lights. The vivid sky is described as a natural atmospheric occurrence unrelated to the recent tectonic activity.

Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting political pressure as a preliminary US-Iran peace deal sparks backlash in Israel, where critics argue it undermines Israel’s strategic goals and highlights rifts with the United States. At the same time, the prime minister’s long-running corruption trial enters its final phase after extensive testimony, renewing scrutiny over allegations of fraud and breach of trust. Polls show declining support for Netanyahu’s Likud party ahead of elections due by October, with rivals like Gadi Eisenkot gaining momentum despite Netanyahu retaining a narrow lead in prime ministerial suitability. Growing public dissatisfaction with the war’s outcome and concerns over Iran’s continued threat deepen uncertainty over whether Netanyahu can withstand the combined challenges posed by the peace deal, the trial, and the electoral landscape.

Ukrainian drones struck a major Moscow oil refinery in one of the largest attacks on the city in two years, damaging key energy infrastructure and disrupting airport operations. Russia reported intercepting hundreds of drones across multiple regions, though several reached targets inside Moscow. Volodymyr Zelensky framed the strike as retaliation for ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and urged increased Western pressure on Russia’s defence and energy sectors. The refinery hit supplies a significant share of Moscow’s fuel, adding strain to Russia’s energy system amid previous Ukrainian strikes that forced fuel imports. Russia responded with missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, damaging residential and energy sites. The escalation highlights Ukraine’s strategy of targeting Russian oil facilities and signaling the war’s consequences to the Russian public.

Mark Rutte declined to criticise US defence secretary Pete Hegseth after he accused European allies of underspending on defence and restricting US access to bases for potential strikes on Iran. Rutte emphasised that NATO members are working toward meeting spending commitments and supported pressure to accelerate progress. Hegseth announced a six‑month Pentagon review of US force posture in Europe tied to allies’ contributions and called for transforming NATO into a more hard‑line alliance. Rutte acknowledged ongoing adjustments within the alliance and said the United States reiterated its commitment despite Hegseth’s early departure from the meeting.

A body matching the description of missing personal trainer Elena Katherine Moore was discovered in Lexington, South Carolina, one week after she was last seen leaving a Planet Fitness gym. Surveillance footage showed her walking from the gym and later in a supermarket parking lot. A tip prompted by media coverage led authorities to the body, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is now handling the investigation, with no comment yet on possible foul play.

Authorities searching for missing personal trainer Elena Katherine Moore located a body matching her clothing description after receiving a tip prompted by media coverage. Moore had last been seen on surveillance footage leaving a Planet Fitness and walking near a Publix supermarket in Lexington, South Carolina. Police have requested the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to lead the death investigation and have not indicated whether foul play is suspected.

A controversial 666 bus route to the Polish seaside town of Hel is being reinstated by FlixBus for the summer season, following its renumbering to 669 last year after protests from religious groups. The revived service will run daily as a new 13‑hour route between Kraków, Warsaw and Hel, with the number deliberately chosen for marketing purposes according to a company spokesperson.

Israel expanded military operations in Lebanon as Benjamin Netanyahu ordered strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs amid escalating clashes with Hezbollah despite a US-brokered ceasefire. International concern intensified, with the US, France and the UK urging de-escalation, while Iran warned Israeli actions were impeding diplomatic progress. Heavy Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon has caused extensive civilian casualties and displacement, with more than 3,370 deaths reported by Lebanon’s health ministry and over 1.2 million people forced to flee. Humanitarian groups, including Médecins Sans Frontières, reported severe injuries overwhelming hospitals and warned that further deterioration could leave communities without essential medical care.

FlixBus is reinstating the former 666 bus route to the Polish seaside town of Hel after it was renumbered 669 in 2023 following religious objections. The revived summer service will run a daily Kraków–Warsaw–Hel route, with the company saying the 666 designation is a deliberate marketing choice. The route had previously drawn strong tourist interest, while Poland’s religious sensitivities influenced the earlier renumbering by PKS Gdynia.

Israeli forces expanded operations in southern Lebanon, striking Beirut’s Dahiyeh district after citing repeated Hezbollah ceasefire violations and ordering mass evacuations. Casualties have risen sharply in Lebanon, while Israel reports limited losses. France requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting as international concern grew, and ongoing diplomatic efforts between Israel, Iran, and the US remain strained by Iran’s demand for a Lebanon truce.

JD Vance visited Budapest to support Viktor Orbán ahead of Hungary’s parliamentary elections, expressing confidence in Orbán’s chances despite polling that shows the opposition Tisza party leading significantly. Vance accused EU institutions of interfering in Hungary’s election and harming its economy while praising Orbán’s stance on national and cultural issues. Orbán, a longtime leader and ally of the Trump administration, faces growing voter dissatisfaction over corruption and economic conditions, and recent US visits have failed to bolster his prospects. Polls indicate that his long tenure may be at risk as support shifts toward challenger Péter Magyar.

JD Vance traveled to Budapest to support Viktor Orban’s struggling reelection effort as Fidesz trails the opposition Tisza Party led by Peter Magyar. Vance criticized the EU for alleged interference and praised Orban’s leadership, aligning with broader efforts by the Trump administration to strengthen ties with right‑wing European parties. Orban faces declining support due to economic stagnation, corruption concerns, and frustration among younger voters. Previous attempts by US allies to bolster Orban, including a visit from Marco Rubio, have backfired, while polling indicates skepticism toward a future Trump presidency in Hungary.

Israeli airstrikes targeted railways and bridges in several Iranian cities after the Israeli military warned civilians to avoid train travel. The operations were described as aimed at transport routes used by the Revolutionary Guards as fighting intensified across the region. The US threatened strikes on Iranian civilian energy facilities unless Tehran accepted a ceasefire and reopened the Strait of Hormuz. Casualties continued to rise, with reports of widespread deaths in Iran, Israel and Lebanon following renewed strikes by multiple parties. Israel expanded its military deployment in southern Lebanon amid ongoing evacuation orders and cross‑border attacks.

Donald Trump dismissed concerns that striking Iranian civilian infrastructure would constitute war crimes as he threatened attacks unless Iran met his deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He indicated willingness to target power plants, bridges and oil facilities, prompting criticism from US lawmakers and warnings from the United Nations regarding international humanitarian law. Trump’s defense secretary Pete Hegseth faced calls for impeachment from Democratic politician Yassamin Ansari for his role in the escalating conflict. Trump’s posts also drew condemnation from Republicans like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Democratic leaders including Chuck Schumer and Chris Murphy. The White House confirmed that a proposed 45‑day ceasefire was under consideration, though Iran rejected anything short of a permanent end to the conflict.

Donald Trump threatened to strike civilian infrastructure in Iran, drawing condemnation for proposing actions widely considered potential war crimes. He dismissed such concerns and framed Iran’s nuclear ambitions as the real danger. U.S. politicians, including Yassamin Ansari and Marjorie Taylor Greene, sharply criticized his remarks, while the UN reiterated that targeting civilian infrastructure violates international law.

Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon have caused extensive civilian casualties, mass displacement, and destruction of medical facilities, prompting comparisons to tactics used in Gaza. Aid agencies and human rights groups warn that attacks on health workers, evacuation orders affecting large portions of the population, and the isolation of southern regions may constitute war crimes. Humanitarian organisations report escalating needs as hospitals struggle to function amid bombardment, while experts urge international pressure and legal accountability to halt further violations.

Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is using English-language memes, AI-generated videos, and financial-market sarcasm to counter Donald Trump’s posts about the ongoing conflict, despite a nationwide internet blackout in Iran. His messages mock US military actions, criticize Trump’s statements, and offer taunting commentary on oil markets, gaining large engagement on X. Pro‑Iran accounts are also circulating AI videos targeting Trump and Netanyahu, responding to US government posts that blend real strike footage with video‑game imagery. The White House videos have drawn bipartisan criticism for trivializing a deadly conflict that has caused thousands of regional casualties, yet both Iran and the US continue escalating their online propaganda battle.

UN analysis warns that the war in Iran could push four million additional people in the Gulf into poverty as economic disruption spreads across the region. The UNDP estimates losses of up to $194 billion in GDP due to energy supply chain interruptions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Job losses may reach 3.6 million, with significant impacts in both the Gulf Cooperation Council states and the Levant, where poverty is projected to rise sharply. Countries are exploring alternative oil transport routes as the conflict continues to strain regional economies.

Trump is reported to be considering ending the US military campaign in Iran without reopening the Strait of Hormuz, potentially leaving the vital waterway under Iranian control and prolonging global economic disruption. The administration is focusing on degrading Iran’s military capabilities while applying diplomatic pressure to restore trade flows. Iran’s de facto blockade has driven oil prices above $100 per barrel, and attacks on shipping and military sites have escalated tensions. US forces have moved into the region, though no ground operation has been approved, while European allies express readiness to help ensure freedom of navigation.

The US president is considering ending military operations in Iran without reopening the Strait of Hormuz, relying instead on destroying Iran’s naval and missile capabilities while pursuing diplomatic efforts to restore trade routes. With Iran effectively blockading the strait, global energy prices have surged past $100 per barrel following tanker attacks and US strikes in Isfahan. If diplomacy fails, the president expects European and Gulf partners that depend on the waterway to take responsibility for reopening it, raising concerns that allies could face severe economic disruption if the conflict ends without securing maritime access.

Germany’s far-right AfD is publicly distancing itself from Donald Trump amid declining German support for the US administration and rising concern over US-Israeli actions in Iran. Party leaders urged fewer efforts to cultivate ties with US MAGA figures, while issuing statements critical of recent US foreign policy. Internal and public comments signal a strategic shift before upcoming German elections, reflecting broader European far-right skepticism toward Trump’s foreign interventions.

Iranian missile strikes on Abu Dhabi killed two people and injured three as exchanges between Iran, the US and Israel intensified amid conflicting claims of ongoing peace talks. Israeli strikes hit multiple locations in Iran, prompting further retaliation, while leaders in Washington and Tehran issued contradictory statements on negotiations. Regional intermediaries including Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey attempted to facilitate dialogue as oil prices rose again due to uncertainty over the conflict. Despite reports of a proposed US plan, both sides signaled that substantive progress toward a ceasefire remains unlikely.

A rare daytime Russian drone attack on Ukraine killed three people, injured about 30, and set a building in Lviv on fire. More than 400 drones were used following an earlier overnight strike that caused additional casualties. President Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies to supply more air defence munitions as Russian assaults intensify along the front line. Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate Russia is preparing for a spring–summer offensive with increased troop and equipment movements.

A Colombian military Lockheed Martin C-130 crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Leguizamo, killing at least 66 of the 128 people on board and injuring many others. Officials reported no signs of an attack, and an investigation is underway. President Gustavo Petro criticised bureaucratic delays in modernising aircraft, while defence officials urged against speculation. Rescuers recovered bodies and transported the injured to nearby clinics before they were flown to larger cities. Lockheed Martin expressed condolences and pledged support for the investigation.

Russian daylight drone strikes on Ukraine killed at least three people and injured dozens, igniting fires in central Lviv and damaging sites across 11 regions. The attacks marked a shift from Moscow’s typical nighttime strikes and followed an overnight barrage that caused additional casualties. Ukrainian officials warned of intensified Russian ground assaults along the front line and reported efforts by Russia to mobilize additional personnel and equipment for a spring–summer offensive. President Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies to replenish air-defense supplies as shifting global attention has strained support. Analysts noted increased Russian preparations as Ukraine braces for renewed large-scale operations.

Syrian women face escalating gender‑based violence and deteriorating access to critical services as international humanitarian aid is sharply reduced following US cuts initiated under Donald Trump and similar reductions by European donors. The closure of women’s centers, clinics, and safe spaces has left survivors with few avenues for support while economic hardship, displacement, and limited public services intensify risks. Aid agencies warn that major budget reductions will shutter a third of reproductive‑health facilities and significantly weaken protection programs. Despite worsening conditions, grassroots initiatives and some new centers continue to emerge, and women like Noor pursue education and advocacy in hopes of securing legal protection and rebuilding their communities.

The killing of Sarah Everard and the arrest of police officer Wayne Couzens ignited a nationwide reckoning over women’s safety and systemic failings within UK policing. Government plans to increase surveillance and deploy plainclothes officers drew criticism for ignoring entrenched abuses of power and failing to address widespread harassment experienced by women. Data revealed high rates of domestic abuse and sexual assault allegations against police officers, with few resulting in convictions or disciplinary action. Activists highlighted institutional violence, racial bias, and insufficient accountability within the Metropolitan Police. Proposed reforms, including a national offender database and classifying misogyny as a hate crime, offered limited solutions amid declining rape prosecutions. Long-term safety requires systemic overhaul, improved support services, meaningful police accountability, and greater societal focus on preventing male violence against women.

India continues to struggle with pervasive rape culture, entrenched patriarchy and caste discrimination, with legal reforms failing to translate into effective enforcement. High-profile cases such as the 2012 Delhi gang rape and the 2020 Hathras assault reveal systemic police negligence, victim blaming and political interference. Dalit women face compounded vulnerabilities, while conviction rates remain low despite rising reports of violence. Grassroots organisations and crisis centres provide critical support to survivors, offering legal, medical and psychological assistance where state institutions fall short. Activists argue that meaningful change requires wider gender education, shifts in social attitudes, and stronger criminal justice reforms. Persistent government inaction and human rights concerns under the ruling BJP exacerbate the crisis, leaving civil society to drive efforts toward equality and protection for women.

Young people in the UK face disproportionate economic, educational and mental‑health challenges from Covid‑19, with high job losses, increased anxiety and disrupted university learning. Students fear diminished career prospects and reduced quality of education as online teaching replaces practical work. Youth organisations warn of deepening inequalities and call for greater government support, while proposed remedies include stronger financial aid, job‑guarantee schemes and investment in the youth sector. Despite the uncertainty, many young people show resilience through activism, creativity and community projects, offering optimism for navigating the post‑pandemic future.

Multiple sclerosis remains without a cure, but major advances in understanding and treatment are accelerating progress. Research at the Cambridge Centre for Myelin Repair has identified metformin as a potential way to restore ageing stem cells’ ability to regenerate myelin, with clinical trials expected to begin soon. Experts note substantial improvements in available therapies compared with 25 years ago, while individuals living with MS describe the challenges of invisible symptoms, inconsistent support services, and limited specialist resources in the NHS. Patients and clinicians emphasise lifestyle strategies such as stress reduction, exercise, infection management, and in some cases technologies like neurostimulation socks or cryotherapy. While a definitive cure remains uncertain, researchers anticipate future treatments capable of preventing long-term disability and significantly improving quality of life.