A wildfire in Almería, Spain, killed at least 13 people and left 23 missing, with victims including British and other foreign nationals. The fire, possibly caused by a fallen power line, trapped victims in vehicles and on foot. Over 1,000 residents were evacuated, and Spain's Military Emergency Unit was deployed. The fire burned approximately 7,000 hectares. Today, a British couple returned to their home in Bédar, finding it intact, as the death toll rose to 13 after a 93-year-old woman, believed to be British, died in hospital. Evacuees criticized the lack of mobile alerts, while authorities defended their response. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to visit the affected area on Monday.

Background: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, allowing Russian athletes to compete in Olympic qualifying events and the 2028 Los Angeles Games under strict conditions, though the use of the Russian flag, colors, and anthem remains undecided. Today: The IOC voted to provisionally lift the 2023 suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, which was imposed for incorporating sports organizations from occupied Ukrainian territory. The decision was announced as Russian missile strikes killed dozens of Ukrainians and destroyed over 800 sports facilities, including 20 Olympic training centers. IOC President Kirsty Coventry stated the move was to ensure all athletes could compete, but critics argue it undermines the Olympic Charter's principles of peace and human dignity. Ukrainian officials noted that 660 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed since the full-scale invasion began.

Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) remains hospitalized since June 14 after a fall at home, with his physician reporting minor injuries, no fractures or neurological issues, and pneumonia that responded to antibiotics. He has not voted since June 11 and stated on Sunday he will not return to the Senate floor 'quite yet.' His prolonged absence, combined with the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, narrows Republican margins on the Senate Appropriations Committee, complicating passage of defense spending bills and the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2027.

Background: Senate Republicans previously stated that Congress is unlikely to pass a third reconciliation bill for defense priorities, casting doubt on the administration's $350 billion request. Today: Sen. Mitch McConnell's prolonged hospitalization since June 14 has stalled the Senate Appropriations Defense subcommittee, which he chairs, preventing Republicans from advancing defense funding bills without Democratic support. With only 24 legislative days left, the stalled process risks a funding gap by Sept. 30, impacting Pentagon operations already strained by the Iran conflict. The White House also seeks an $87.6 billion supplemental to backfill resources, but faces congressional resistance. McConnell's absence may force Republicans to seek a bipartisan deal or consider replacing him on the committee.

According to a New York Times report, Russia has been using Japan as a base for technology procurement and espionage in its war against Ukraine. Russian spies, expelled from Western countries, have relocated to Japan, exploiting weak espionage laws and the high-tech industry. Ukrainian estimates indicate 90% of Russian missiles and drones contain Japanese parts. A Russian military intelligence unit, the 20th Directorate, operates in Tokyo under diplomatic cover. Separately, US senators announced agreement with the White House on a Russia sanctions bill.

Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) has asked President Trump for an endorsement in the special primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Trump requested a week to decide. The filing period opens July 21, with a primary on August 11. Norman and Rep. Nancy Mace are potential candidates after both lost the gubernatorial primary. The Republican nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) died on Saturday evening from a brief illness, later preliminarily ruled as aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease by the D.C. medical examiner. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the bureau is assisting local authorities, though no foul play is suspected. Graham, 71, had recently returned from a trip to Ukraine where he met with President Zelensky. His death has prompted condolences from President Trump and colleagues.

Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) called President Trump's new Air Force One a security risk on CNN, highlighting concerns about in-air refueling capabilities and potential threats. The Secret Service reportedly advised Trump against using the newer Qatari-gifted aircraft at a NATO summit due to threats from Iran. The White House defended the aircraft's security protocols.

Senator Lindsey Graham, who died suddenly, spent his final weeks laying groundwork for a diplomatic push to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, viewing it as a key postwar settlement. He discussed the initiative with President Trump, envoys, and foreign officials, and planned a trip to Saudi Arabia and Israel. The effort faced challenges including Israeli political conditions and the need for a U.S.-Saudi defense treaty requiring Senate approval.

An opinion piece argues that U.S. export restrictions on AI and semiconductor technology to China are proving ineffective, as China's new LineShine supercomputer circumvented restrictions using standard microprocessors. The author contends that Congress should focus on making American AI platforms the global standard rather than expanding export controls, which risk driving customers to Chinese alternatives like Huawei. The piece cites the CHIPS Act as a positive step toward domestic semiconductor production.

Dennis Baum, an 82-year-old Jewish heir of the Simson moped company, is publicly opposing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's use of the iconic East German brand in its campaign materials, particularly in Thuringia where Björn Höcke leads. Baum traveled from New York to Germany to demand the family name be removed from politics, citing the AfD's far-right and antisemitic stance. The dispute highlights the AfD's strategy of appropriating cultural symbols to soften its radical image and appeal to regional nostalgia.

Growing public concern over AI data centers' impact on energy prices, land use, and the environment is becoming a major flashpoint in several US gubernatorial elections. Candidates in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Georgia are shifting their stances, with some calling for moratoriums or stricter regulations on new data center construction, reflecting a broader political backlash against the tech industry.

The 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment (35e RAP) of the French Army is developing a new configuration of the Proteus anti-drone system, mounting it on the lightweight, airdroppable RIDER Fardier vehicle. This Standard 2 upgrade, integrating a fire control software developed with the Defense AI Agency, aims to provide greater mobility and versatility for paratrooper units in countering drone threats, reflecting the Army's focus on dominating the 'very low layer' of the battlespace.

Meta removed its Muse Image AI model from Instagram days after launch following widespread criticism over privacy and copyright concerns. The feature automatically opted in all users, drawing backlash from SAG-AFTRA and Public Citizen. Meta stated it heard the feedback and removed the feature, though it remains available on WhatsApp and the Meta AI app.

The French Air and Space Force has officially validated the capability for night aerial refueling of the Mirage 2000D fighter by the KC-130J Hercules tanker, using night vision goggles. Previously, the Mirage 2000D could only be refueled by A330 MRTT Phénix or C-135 tankers. This new tactical refueling option allows operations closer to the front lines, increasing flexibility in mission planning and execution. The qualification follows earlier tests with the Rafale and marks a significant expansion of the KC-130J's role, which was originally acquired for helicopter refueling. The KC-130J has now been qualified for fighter aircraft refueling, enhancing operational flexibility.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman proposed repurposing an engineering model of the Mars Perseverance rover, renamed Promise, for a mission to the lunar south pole. The nuclear-powered rover would explore permanently shadowed craters for water ice and resources, potentially delivered by SpaceX Starship or Blue Origin New Glenn. The plan reflects a cost-saving approach under Isaacman's leadership, alongside the announcement of four new Commercial Lunar Payload Services missions for late 2028.