Aug 5, 2026, 07:00 AM UTC

Widespread summer heatwaves and prolonged dry conditions continue to strain Europe, degrading air quality and dropping river levels to historical lows. Smoke from intense wildfires in France and Spain has exposed millions of residents to high levels of air pollution. In response to rising temperatures, municipal authorities in Rome unveiled a climate adaptation plan featuring urban greening and expanded public drinking fountains.

Globally, climate data places 2026 as the third-warmest year on record, trailing only 2024 and 2025, though atmospheric scientists warn upcoming El Niño patterns could increase global temperatures further. Meanwhile, severe drought in eastern Croatia pushed the Drava and Danube rivers to record minimum water levels, with the Drava breaking low-level benchmarks three times in quick succession. National water managers confirmed that public drinking supplies remain fully secure despite increased municipal demand.

Sources: Beta, HRT Vijesti, Index, N1, Poslovni dnevnik

Ukrainian forces have launched targeted strikes against Russian military infrastructure and assets across several sectors. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported hitting a temporary deployment base for Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) in occupied Kherson Oblast. Further Ukrainian attacks damaged a road bridge over the Seym River in Kursk Oblast and a railway bridge in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Separately, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces captured two Russian soldiers during a covert action. In Kherson, police released footage of a civilian vendor surviving a targeted attack by a Russian drone.

Meanwhile, reporting indicates that Ukrainian soldiers captured during the Kursk offensive are being prosecuted under terrorism charges by Russian authorities, raising concerns over the violation of prisoner-of-war protections under international humanitarian law.

Sources: Liga net, NV, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда

California law enforcement authorities arrested a 38-year-old man, identified as Jeanine John Taele, outside the Trump National Golf Course in Rancho Palos Verdes on Sunday.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the suspect aroused suspicion after security personnel observed him walking around the property, filming, and photographing areas while appearing to monitor security planning activities. Deputies subsequently searched his vehicle and discovered a loaded handgun along with armor-piercing ammunition.

The arrest took place two days before US President Donald Trump was scheduled to visit the venue to host a political fundraising dinner. Police have not officially declared a motive for the suspect's presence at the location.

Sources: BBC News, France24, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir.

US President Donald Trump stated that an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached very soon, claiming "great progress" has been made in discussions. Speaking in California, Trump warned that Iran must reach a deal or face a "heavy blow," while asserting that Tehran is eager to finalize terms.

However, Iranian officials clarified that Tehran is not negotiating directly with Washington. Instead, Iran confirmed ongoing talks with Oman focused on establishing safe maritime routes through the strait. Reports indicate a potential draft proposal under which entering ships would use Iranian-controlled channels and departing vessels would use Omani waters, with passage fees applied for maritime security. Any final arrangement remains tied to lifting the US naval blockade on Iranian ports.

Sources: CDM, Index, Klix, N1, Vijesti.

US officials and regional mediators are signaling progress toward a potential agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, driving global oil prices down by nearly 5%. According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump, a deal could be finalized imminently to restore commercial shipping through the vital maritime corridor.

Proposed terms drafted with regional involvement include ships entering through Iranian-monitored routes and exiting via Omani waters, with service fees levied for security and environmental protection. However, reporting indicates conflicting claims regarding negotiations. Iranian representatives maintain talks are occurring primarily with Oman without US participation, while Washington asserts direct involvement alongside warnings from President Trump of military action if the waterway remains closed.

Sources: The Guardian, France24, Bloomberg, Sweden Herald, BBC News.