Under-performing civil servants could be incentivised to leave jobs

Over 130 million people in the U.S. are under extreme heat warnings, particularly from Savannah to Virginia Beach, where heat indices may reach 116°F. A prolonged heat wave with temperatures in the upper 90s to low 100s is expected across the Southeast and Midwest, while severe storms are also forecasted for parts of the upper Midwest. Want More Context? 🔎

Islamic State-backed rebels, believed to be the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), attacked a Catholic church in Komanda, eastern Congo, killing at least 34 people and injuring 15, with ongoing searches for missing individuals. Local civil society leaders condemned the violence and called for military intervention as the ADF continues to pose a threat in the region. Want More Context? 🔎

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is meeting with US President Donald Trump to negotiate a trade deal that could impose a 15% baseline tariff on EU goods, potentially alleviating uncertainty for EU companies, while Trump considers imposing a 30% tariff on August 1. The deal may include exemptions for certain industries and commitments for increased US exports, with both sides optimistic about reaching an agreement. Want More Context? 🔎

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a threat to Iran, stating that attacks could resume, targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei directly if threats against Israel persist. This follows a 12-day conflict initiated by Israeli airstrikes on Iranian sites, which ended with a US-brokered ceasefire on June 24. Want More Context? 🔎

A 41-year-old man was arrested at Glasgow Airport after shouting "death to America, death to Trump" on an EasyJet flight from London Luton, coinciding with the US president's visit to Scotland. Passengers tackled him as officers boarded the plane, and Police Scotland stated the incident was contained, with inquiries ongoing and videos being assessed by counter-terrorism officials. Want More Context? 🔎

A group of New Brunswickers aims to establish a 180-kilometre "dark sky corridor" along the Bay of Fundy coast to protect the area from light pollution and promote astrotourism. This initiative takes advantage of the region's exceptional darkness, allowing for clearer views of celestial objects like distant galaxies and nebulas. Want More Context? 🔎