In Gaza, there is a sharp rise in premature births, low-weight newborns, stillbirths, and birth defects since October 7, 2023. These issues are linked to malnutrition, stress, poor prenatal care, and limited hospital resources caused by ongoing conflict and blockades. Hospitals face shortages of incubators, medicine, and power, making it hard to care properly for newborns.
Key Facts
Yazan Al-Khalidi was born prematurely at eight months and needs intensive care due to breathing problems.
His mother, Noor Salem, lost her first baby during a famine in Gaza caused by ongoing conflict.
Since October 7, 2023, the number of premature babies and birth complications in Gaza has sharply increased.
UNICEF reports that 1 in 5 newborns in Gaza requires intensive neonatal or thermal care.
Causes include malnutrition, psychological stress, displacement, and declining prenatal health services.
Dr. Afnan Abu Hasaballah notes many pregnant women arrive at hospitals exhausted and stressed due to deprivation and bombings.
Gaza’s only central neonatal hospital faces shortages of incubators, ventilators, medicines, and has frequent power outages.
These shortages threaten the health and survival of premature babies who need continuous monitoring and care.
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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited Syria, the first UN chief to do so in 17 years. During the trip, he met Syrian leaders and planned to promote stability and recovery after years of conflict.
Key Facts
Guterres arrived at Damascus airport and was greeted by Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.
This is the first official visit by a UN chief since 2009, before Syria’s 14-year civil war began.
Guterres will meet President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took power after Bashar al-Assad was removed in 2024.
The visit includes talks with government officials and Syrian civil society representatives.
Guterres will inspect the UN Disengagement Observer Force in the Syrian Golan Heights, monitoring a ceasefire with Israel.
He aims to support Syria’s recovery and promote a more stable and inclusive future.
This visit follows recent bombings in Damascus linked to ISIS, with suspects arrested by Syrian authorities.
Guterres is expected to address Syria’s new parliament during his several-day visit.
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President Donald Trump signed an order to put temporary exhibits and signs outside the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. The signs will point out what his administration says are wrong facts inside the museum and offer information the White House calls accurate.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an executive order related to the Smithsonian museum.
The order requires temporary exhibits and signs outside the National Museum of American History.
The signs will warn visitors about "inaccurate information" inside the museum.
The White House released a report criticizing how the Smithsonian presents American history.
The signs will guide visitors to what the administration calls "accurate information."
The Interior Department and National Park Service will carry out the order.
This action aims to influence how the public learns about U.S. history at the museum.
The story is still developing and may have updates later.
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Nearly 75% of riverbanks in England do not allow public access, according to research by the Right to Roam campaign. The group is urging the government to create legal rights for people to use rivers and their banks for activities like swimming and walking.
Key Facts
The study found 71% of riverbanks along main rivers and small streams in 89 river areas had no public land or paths within 100 meters.
Across England and Wales, 96% of rivers have no legal right for people to use the water itself.
Many river access problems exist even near urban areas and popular walking routes.
Some walking trails named after rivers do not run alongside them because access is blocked by private land.
Campaigners want the government to start a consultation on expanding nature access and include a right to use rivers.
The government has planned nine new national river walks, but the first one along the River Mersey hasn’t improved public river access.
Public interest in river access has grown due to recent heatwaves, as people look for outdoor cooling spots.
Regional differences in riverbank access are large, with some areas like Middle Shropshire having 90% of riverbanks off limits.
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Wildfires are burning strongly near Bordeaux, France, forcing thousands to leave their homes. In Spain, a national emergency was declared as fires close to Madrid and Ávila forced over 63,000 people to evacuate or stay indoors, with firefighters and the military working to control the blazes.
Key Facts
Thousands of people were evacuated from suburbs near Bordeaux, including Le Haillan, Eysines, and Merignac.
Over 141,000 people have been evacuated from the Gironde and Landes regions in France.
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the wildfires are at a level never seen before.
The French army has been called in to help fight the fires.
Spain declared a national emergency due to wildfires near Madrid and Ávila.
More than 63,000 people in Spain were evacuated or told to stay indoors because of the fires.
Spain’s national emergency declaration lets the central government take control from regional authorities.
Spanish officials warned that the fires have reached a critical stage and firefighting resources are stretched.
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President Donald Trump joked at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner about running for a fourth term as U.S. president, even though the Constitution does not allow more than two terms. The dinner celebrates the press and journalism and was held after being canceled last year due to a shooting.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump made a joke about running for a fourth presidential term.
The U.S. Constitution limits presidents to two terms in office.
The joke happened at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
This event celebrates the freedom of the press and honors journalists.
The dinner was postponed last year because of a shooting incident.
The event took place three months after the cancellation.
President Trump is currently serving his second term as president.
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Wildfires are spreading through southwest France near the city of Bordeaux. Strong winds and very dry conditions have made it hard to control the fires, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate.
Key Facts
Wildfires are happening in southwest France, close to Bordeaux.
Over 40,000 people have had to leave their homes to stay safe.
The fires are growing because of very dry weather described as "tinder-box" conditions.
Extremely strong winds are making the fires worse and harder to stop.
The region is vulnerable to wildfires due to dry conditions and heat.
These events are part of a wider pattern of wildfires in France and near Spain during this period.
Emergency services and authorities are working to manage the evacuations and fight the fires.
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President Donald Trump hosted a second White House Correspondents' Dinner after the first event was disrupted by a gunman firing near a security checkpoint. The suspect was charged with trying to kill the president, and the event was attended by many journalists.
Key Facts
The first White House Correspondents' Dinner in April was interrupted by gunfire near a security checkpoint.
A federal agent was shot but was protected by a bullet-proof vest.
The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, is 31 years old and charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump.
President Trump held a second dinner event after the first was disrupted.
Hundreds of journalists attended the rescheduled event.
The dinner is intended to celebrate the freedom of the press.
The BBC reporter Bernd Debusmann Jr attended and described the event.
Security measures were increased for the second dinner.
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Thousands of people have been evacuated from areas near Madrid due to large wildfires burning close to the city. Firefighters are working to control these fires, which have been made worse by a heatwave and dry conditions.
Key Facts
Large wildfires are burning near Madrid, Spain.
Thousands of residents have been forced to leave their homes for safety.
Firefighters are actively trying to contain and control the fires.
The wildfires are linked to a heatwave causing very hot and dry weather.
Authorities are monitoring the situation to prevent further damage.
The fires present a serious natural disaster risk to the region.
Smoke from the fires can be smelled miles away in surrounding areas.
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Andy Burnham has become the UK's 59th prime minister, replacing Sir Keir Starmer as Labour Party leader. In his first week, Burnham introduced several plans to help with the cost of living, including cutting VAT on electricity bills, capping bus fares at £2, and reducing business rates for pubs and music venues.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham became prime minister and Labour Party leader at the start of the week.
Burnham announced cutting VAT on electricity bills to save households about £45 a year.
Bus fares will be capped at £2, funded by shifting government spending priorities.
Pubs and small live music venues will get a 20% cut in business rates.
Some people in southern England welcomed these measures as helpful but see more help as needed.
Burnham spent a day working at No 10 North in Manchester, a new government office aimed at local economic growth.
Political experts say Burnham’s early moves have caused a small rise in opinion polls.
Business owners warn that without more support, some local businesses may close permanently.
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Many parents struggle to manage work and childcare during the six-week summer school holiday. A survey found most parents take paid or unpaid leave for childcare and face high costs, while parents of children with special needs have extra difficulties.
Key Facts
89% of parents used paid leave to cover summer holiday childcare; one-third took unpaid leave.
Half of parents said childcare costs affected their ability to pay for basic needs.
Some parents work early mornings and late nights to manage both work and childcare.
Parents working from home still find it hard to juggle both responsibilities safely and effectively.
Many parents rely on grandparents for informal childcare during holidays.
One in three mothers reduce work hours, and 5% stop working entirely due to childcare needs.
Holiday clubs and childminding can cost hundreds of pounds a week.
There is pressure on parents to give children memorable summer experiences, which can increase spending.
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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited Syria for three days, marking the first UN chief visit since before the civil war started. He aims to support Syria’s rebuilding and encourage a stable and inclusive future after President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s leadership replaced Bashar al-Assad in 2024.
Key Facts
Antonio Guterres arrived in Damascus, Syria, for a three-day visit.
This is the first visit by a UN secretary-general to Syria since 2009.
Syria’s civil war lasted over 13 years and ended with Assad’s overthrow in December 2024.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who replaced Assad, leads a new government formed from Islamist rebel factions.
The UN supports Syria’s rebuilding and a political system that includes all ethnic and religious groups.
Violence against minority groups, including Alawites and Druze, has occurred since the transition.
Guterres called for accountability for sectarian violence during his visit.
Guterres plans to meet with President Sharaa, civil society leaders, and the new Syrian parliament.
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One month after earthquakes struck Venezuela, families are still looking for missing people in collapsed buildings. More than 5,500 people have died, and thousands are unaccounted for. Survivors say that recovery efforts and help from other countries are still very much needed.
Key Facts
Earthquakes hit Venezuela about one month ago.
More than 5,500 people have died due to the earthquakes.
Thousands of people are still missing.
Families continue searching through collapsed buildings for their loved ones.
Memorial events have been held to honor those who died.
Survivors say that efforts to recover and rebuild need more support.
They also urge more international aid to help with the crisis.
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President Donald Trump gave a speech at the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner, three months after the event was stopped by a suspected assassination attempt. During the speech, he criticized the news media, joked about running for a third and fourth presidential term (which is not allowed by the Constitution), and expressed respect for journalists.
Key Facts
The White House Correspondents' Dinner was rescheduled after being canceled due to a gun attack in April.
President Trump called the media "fake news" and mentioned "Trump derangement syndrome."
He joked about running for a third and even a fourth presidential term, though the Constitution only allows two terms.
Trump threw a "Trump 2028" hat as part of his joke about a future run.
He acknowledged giving the press unusual access by answering many questions and taking calls.
Trump said speaking to the press helps get better news coverage.
The event had high security after the April assassination attempt.
Cole Allen, 31, pleaded not guilty to charges related to attempting to kill President Trump.
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Andy Burnham, who grew up near Culcheth in Cheshire, is now the UK’s prime minister. He is the first northern prime minister in 50 years and focuses on reducing the gap between rich and poor regions by promoting growth outside London.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is from the village of Culcheth, near Manchester and Liverpool.
He became the UK prime minister and is the first northern leader since Harold Wilson 50 years ago.
Burnham has strong ties to his local community and often speaks about his northern roots.
He wants to shift power away from London to improve economic growth in all areas.
Burnham recently opened No 10 North in Manchester to support this goal.
Warrington, near his hometown, is being developed with new projects including an AI data center.
Locals have mixed feelings about whether having Burnham as prime minister will change things.
The Cherry Tree pub in Culcheth is a local spot tied closely to Burnham’s personal story.
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Andy Burnham, the new UK Prime Minister, is using social media actively and in a casual, engaging style. He shares short videos and collaborates with influencers to reach younger and wider audiences, using platforms like TikTok. His approach has drawn comparisons to Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York, who has a similar online style.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham became UK Prime Minister recently and promised to change the way politics is done.
Burnham’s social media uses fun, mobile-friendly videos, emojis, and memes to engage people.
His TikTok following and searches surged by over 2,000% when he took office.
Burnham released videos about policy, such as cutting VAT on energy bills and ending rough sleeping.
He collaborates with influencers and celebrities, like athlete Sir Mo Farah and TikTok star Max Klymenko.
His video style is similar to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, including copying some video moves.
Experts say Burnham’s social media work helps him build a new public image outside his traditional base.
Burnham’s team posts both live, casual videos and professionally made campaign clips.
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Swimming lessons have restarted in Gaza after three years of war, with makeshift pools built from sandbags and rubble on the beach. Hundreds of children are learning to swim, giving them a chance to enjoy normal childhood activities in an area affected by violence, loss, and destruction.
Key Facts
Swimming classes are held in five pools made by volunteers on Gaza’s beaches using sandbags and rubble.
These classes help children, many of whom have experienced trauma, to relax and have fun despite the ongoing conflict.
A UN survey found that 96% of children in Gaza feel like they might die soon due to the ongoing war.
Many children have lost family members in Israeli attacks, and Gaza has the highest rate of child amputees globally.
Most schools in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged, and many children have no access to formal education.
The Israeli siege has caused severe shortages leading to hunger and long-term health problems for children.
The swimming academy was founded more than 20 years ago and is run this summer by volunteers to support children.
The pools provide a rare space for physical activity and mental relief from living in crowded, unsafe conditions.
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The UK’s largest Muslim event, Jalsa Salana, is going ahead with extra security due to rising anti-Muslim hate crimes. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which organizes the event, has a long history of facing hostility but continues to promote unity and loyalty to the UK.
Key Facts
Jalsa Salana is the UK’s largest Muslim convention, expected to attract about 50,000 people from over 100 countries.
Security staff have been increased by several hundred, and there is close work with police and emergency services.
Last month, another Islamic event closed early after arrests linked to a far-right threat.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has been in the UK since 1913 and built one of London’s first mosques in 1926.
Anti-Muslim hate crime in England and Wales rose by 19% in the year to March 2025.
One mosque in Britain is attacked every five days on average.
The community promotes interfaith dialogue, local cooperation, and urges members to be proud and visible as Muslims in Britain.
The Ahmadiyya community faces hostility both from far-right groups and from some extremist Muslims.
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UK banks and financial providers are offering higher interest rates on savings accounts due to increased competition. Savers can find instant-access accounts with up to 5% interest, fixed-rate bonds near that level, and regular savings accounts offering up to 8%.
Key Facts
More than half of the 1,385 reviewed savings accounts now pay interest above the Bank of England’s base rate of 3.75%.
Instant-access accounts pay around 2.53% on average, with top offers like Revolut paying 5% until December 4, 2024.
Chase offers a new account paying 4.5% for new customers, requiring a linked current account.
Fixed-rate savings bonds require locking money in for 6 months to 5 years; one-year bonds pay around 4.22% on average, with some bank offers up to 4.9%.
Regular savings accounts, where you save a set amount each month, can pay up to 8% interest but often require a current account and may limit withdrawals.
Lloyds, Halifax, Bank of Scotland, and Santander all provide regular savings accounts paying 8% for 12 months.
Interest earned above tax-free limits on regular savings accounts can be subject to tax if not held in an ISA (Individual Savings Account).
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Avtar Singh, who grew up in India and moved to Canada as a child, spent many years wondering about the identity of his birth mother. Using artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, he was eventually able to uncover family secrets and reconnect with his long-lost family members.
Key Facts
Avtar was raised in India by his grandparents; the woman he thought was his mother was actually his grandmother.
His father emigrated to Canada before Avtar joined him there at age nine.
Avtar struggled to fit in both at school and at home after moving to Canada.
His biological mother’s identity and background remained a secret for many years.
Avtar’s grandmother revealed that his mother was from Africa and had left him in India before returning abroad.
Repeated attempts to get information from his father were blocked.
A school assignment about his family tree motivated Avtar to seek answers.
Avtar eventually used ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence tool, to gather information about his family history.
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