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Dubai luxury hotels court local residents as tourism slumps

Dubai luxury hotels court local residents as tourism slumps

Summary

Dubai’s luxury hotels are now mostly serving local residents rather than tourists. This change happened because fewer tourists are coming due to war in the region, so hotels offer special deals to attract people living in Dubai.

Key Facts

  • Dubai’s top luxury hotels used to host mostly wealthy tourists from other countries.
  • Due to ongoing war in the Middle East, fewer tourists are visiting Dubai.
  • Now, these hotels depend mainly on local residents for business.
  • Hotels offer strong discounts and staycation deals to attract residents.
  • Popular locations like the Palm island remain busy on weekends and holidays.
  • The shift helps hotels maintain visitors despite the drop in international tourism.
  • The article connects the tourism slump to regional conflicts affecting travel.
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Peru votes for its ninth president in 10 years

Peru votes for its ninth president in 10 years

Summary

Peru is holding a presidential runoff election to choose its ninth president in 10 years. The two candidates are conservative Keiko Fujimori and leftist Roberto Sanchez, both trying to gain support from voters concerned about political instability and rising crime.

Key Facts

  • Peru has had nine presidents in the past 10 years.
  • The election is a close runoff between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sanchez.
  • Keiko Fujimori is running for president for the fourth time.
  • Keiko Fujimori is the daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori.
  • Voters are worried about ongoing political chaos in the country.
  • Rising crime is a major issue for Peruvian voters.
  • The election takes place in 2026.
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1 million turn out for pope’s Mass in Spain and iconic procession along flower-carpeted route

1 million turn out for pope’s Mass in Spain and iconic procession along flower-carpeted route

Summary

More than one million people gathered in Madrid to attend a Mass and procession led by Pope Leo XIV, marking the first papal visit to Spain in 15 years. The event featured traditional flower carpets and happened on the Catholic feast day of Corpus Christi, highlighting Spain’s religious customs and the pope’s message to encourage young people’s faith.

Key Facts

  • Pope Leo XIV visited Madrid, Spain, for a weeklong trip, starting Saturday.
  • Over 1.2 million people attended the main Mass and procession held at Plaza Cibeles and nearby streets.
  • The celebration coincided with Corpus Christi, a Catholic feast involving processions with the Eucharist.
  • Flower carpets made from more than 30,000 flowers decorated the procession route, a tradition lasting about 200 years.
  • About 600,000 young people participated in a vigil with the pope the night before the Mass.
  • Pope Leo XIV encouraged young people to consider religious vocations during the visit.
  • The flower carpet tradition in Spain is similar to practices in Latin America and Poland; Spain seeks UNESCO recognition for its tradition.
  • Religious processions remain popular in Spain, attracting both believers and tourists.
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Ukraine Claims Russian Drone Struck Nuclear Facility Near Chernobyl

Ukraine Claims Russian Drone Struck Nuclear Facility Near Chernobyl

Summary

Ukraine said that a Russian drone hit a site where used nuclear fuel is stored near Chernobyl, calling it "nuclear terrorism." This comes shortly after Russian authorities claimed a Ukrainian drone attacked a different nuclear plant, a claim denied by Ukraine.

Key Facts

  • Ukraine reported a Russian drone struck a spent nuclear fuel storage facility about 15 km from the Chernobyl plant.
  • The strike targeted the container reception building at the Centralized Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Facility near Buriakivka.
  • Ukraine called the attack "nuclear terrorism."
  • Russia’s state nuclear company, Rosatom, said a Ukrainian drone hit a turbine hall at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
  • Ukraine’s military denied attacking the Zaporizhzhia plant and called Russia’s claim propaganda.
  • Both incidents involve the use of drones around nuclear facilities in the conflict zone.
  • The situation remains fluid with updates expected as more information becomes available.
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Police wanted to release statement during trial of Henry Nowak’s killer – UK politics live

Police wanted to release statement during trial of Henry Nowak’s killer – UK politics live

Summary

The police wanted to speak publicly during the trial of Henry Nowak’s killer to correct false information online. The Crown Prosecution Service warned that this could harm the case, so the police did not release a statement. Henry Nowak was fatally stabbed by Vickrum Digwa, who carried a ceremonial knife used in the attack.

Key Facts

  • Henry Nowak, 18, was stabbed to death in Southampton last December.
  • Vickrum Digwa, 23, stabbed Nowak with a ceremonial Sikh knife 21 centimeters long.
  • Police arrested Nowak despite him being injured and claiming he could not breathe.
  • The police wanted to release a statement during the trial to address false information.
  • The Crown Prosecution Service warned this could prejudice the trial’s outcome.
  • Digwa was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 21 years.
  • Justice Secretary David Lammy discussed possible review of laws on carrying ceremonial blades.
  • Hampshire police apologized after criticism from public figures and events caused unrest in Southampton.
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Search for lesbian grandmothers who inspired children’s book

Search for lesbian grandmothers who inspired children’s book

Summary

A performer named Mama G is trying to find two lesbian grandmothers who inspired her to write a new children’s book about LGBTQ+ diversity. The book features two older queer women and will be published on July 1, but despite searching, their identities remain unknown.

Key Facts

  • Mama G is a pantomime dame and performer who noticed a lack of lesbian grandmothers in children’s books.
  • Two lesbian grandmothers spoke to her in 2021 at Blackpool Pride, expressing frustration about poor representation in literature.
  • Inspired by them, Mama G wrote The Proudest Bird in the World, with two lesbian grandparents as main characters.
  • The book will be published on July 1 and is about being true to oneself and learning about pride.
  • Mama G does not know the grandmothers’ names or where they are from and is trying to find them.
  • There is less visibility of lesbian and older LGBTQ+ people in media compared to gay men or younger LGBTQ+ groups.
  • Larger publishers have been reluctant to publish diverse children’s books, so Mama G’s books were published by smaller companies.
  • Mama G hopes to dedicate the new book to the grandmothers if she finds them.
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100 Days of Iran War: Winners and Losers

100 Days of Iran War: Winners and Losers

Summary

The conflict involving Iran has lasted 100 days, causing many deaths, injuries, and the displacement of millions. While Iran has faced attacks and economic problems, its government remains in power and has pushed back against its enemies, including the United States and Israel, while China has become a significant partner.

Key Facts

  • The Iran war has caused about 2,211 deaths, over 22,000 injuries, and displaced more than 3.9 million people.
  • The conflict has spread to Lebanon and disrupted global energy markets.
  • The U.S. and Israel began attacks on Iran in late February, targeting military infrastructure.
  • Despite damage and economic pressure, Iran's government is still in control.
  • Iran has retaliated with strikes and limited access for international nuclear inspectors.
  • The Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil, is effectively controlled by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard.
  • China buys most of Iran's oil and supports calls for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen.
  • There are ongoing efforts for a ceasefire extension and new nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S.
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The Scan Suggested Down Syndrome. The Doctor's Next Words Stunned Me

The Scan Suggested Down Syndrome. The Doctor's Next Words Stunned Me

Summary

A woman learned during her 20-week ultrasound that her unborn baby might have Down syndrome, based on a marker called an absent nasal bone. Although doctors suggested tests and mentioned termination, she chose to continue the pregnancy. Her daughter, Aria, was born with Down syndrome and a mild blood disorder, but the family has embraced her fully.

Key Facts

  • The woman was pregnant with her fourth child and considered high-risk due to being 35 years old.
  • A 20-week scan showed an absent nasal bone, a soft marker linked to Down syndrome.
  • Doctors recommended further tests: NIPT (a blood test) and amniocentesis (a sample of fluid from the womb).
  • Termination was mentioned but was not an option the woman considered.
  • She experienced shock, fear, and uncertainty but grew to love and accept her baby.
  • The baby, named Aria, was born weighing 6 pounds 1 ounce with Down syndrome on July 10, 2025.
  • Aria required oxygen after birth and was treated for transient abnormal myelopoiesis, a mild blood disorder that resolved on its own.
  • The family views Aria as more than her medical diagnoses and loves her deeply.
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How 100 Days of Iran War Exposed US Vulnerability

How 100 Days of Iran War Exposed US Vulnerability

Summary

The war between the United States and Iran has lasted 100 days, shifting from early U.S. successes to a difficult stalemate. Despite heavy damage to Iran, its government remains strong and has used tactics like blocking the Strait of Hormuz to impact global oil trade and challenge U.S. power.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. and Israel initially showed strong military power against Iran.
  • Iran’s supreme leader and many top officials were killed, and much of its military was damaged.
  • Iran survived the attacks and is fighting back with strategies like controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
  • The blockade has raised global energy prices and caused concern for international observers.
  • Experts warn other countries, like China, might copy Iran’s tactic of controlling important waterways instead of starting full wars.
  • U.S. goals, including stopping Iran from getting nuclear weapons, have been unclear and hard to measure.
  • Iran’s nuclear facilities have not been significantly set back since the war began.
  • Iran’s leadership has largely united behind the new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, strengthening the hard-line military group known as the IRGC.
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Lebanon army chief in Pakistan, funeral plans for soldiers killed by Israel

Lebanon army chief in Pakistan, funeral plans for soldiers killed by Israel

Summary

Lebanese soldiers killed in an Israeli attack will be buried on Sunday. Lebanon's army chief is visiting Pakistan as part of wider peace efforts amid ongoing fighting between Israel and groups in Lebanon, with many civilians harmed.

Key Facts

  • Three Lebanese soldiers, including a brigadier general, died in an Israeli strike on a military vehicle.
  • Israel says it is investigating the attack.
  • A ceasefire starting April 17 was supposed to stop fighting but Israel continued airstrikes, and Hezbollah responded with attacks.
  • Over 3,500 people have been killed in Lebanon since fighting restarted on March 2.
  • A conditional ceasefire was proposed but rejected by Hezbollah because it did not include them or require Israel to leave southern Lebanon.
  • Lebanon’s army chief Rodolphe Haykal is visiting Pakistan, which is mediating talks between the US and Iran.
  • Israeli airstrikes and artillery hits have targeted multiple towns in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.
  • Lebanese health officials report deaths and injuries to civilians, including children, from these attacks.
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Palestinians suffer from lack of proper toilets across Gaza’s vast tent cities

Palestinians suffer from lack of proper toilets across Gaza’s vast tent cities

Summary

Many Palestinians living in Gaza’s large tent camps do not have proper toilets. Families often build makeshift latrines near their tents, which causes bad smells and health problems. Most sewage systems in Gaza are damaged, and aid to fix the situation remains limited.

Key Facts

  • Over 1.7 million Palestinians in Gaza are homeless and live in tent camps.
  • Proper toilets do not exist in these tent cities; people dig shallow pits for waste.
  • Makeshift toilets often smell bad and attract flies and mosquitoes.
  • Families must clean sewage pits regularly, causing difficult living conditions.
  • Fear of using communal toilets, especially among women at night, is common.
  • More than 80% of sewage pumping stations in Gaza have stopped working due to damage.
  • Some small projects helped improve toilets, but major reconstruction has not started.
  • The ceasefire agreement includes a plan for reconstruction, but disagreements and limited aid delay progress.
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Iran war day 100: US, Iran trade attacks again, raising tensions

Iran war day 100: US, Iran trade attacks again, raising tensions

Summary

The US military shot down two Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz, increasing tensions amid ongoing conflict. Iran launched missile attacks on US allies Bahrain and Kuwait, while diplomatic talks continued with Pakistan trying to mediate. Meanwhile, fighting in Lebanon involved Israeli strikes that killed Lebanese soldiers and injured Israeli troops.

Key Facts

  • The US Central Command said it destroyed two Iranian drones threatening the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipments.
  • Iran responded with missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, both US allies in the Gulf region.
  • Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran carrying a message from Pakistan’s leaders aimed at promoting peace talks.
  • The US plans to redirect frozen Iranian assets to Gulf countries to help rebuild damage caused by the conflict.
  • Iran demands the release of $24 billion in frozen assets as a condition for a peace deal.
  • Some Iranian World Cup team members received US visas, but others were denied due to security concerns.
  • In Lebanon, Israeli strikes killed two Lebanese army officers and a soldier; Israel reported injuries from drone attacks by Hezbollah.
  • Jordan called on Israel to stop attacks on Lebanon, saying they violate Lebanon’s security and sovereignty.
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Steve Rosenberg: Lasting image of Russia's economic forum is plume of smoke over St Petersburg

Steve Rosenberg: Lasting image of Russia's economic forum is plume of smoke over St Petersburg

Summary

During the International Economic Forum in St Petersburg, Ukrainian drones attacked the city, causing thick smoke and damaging infrastructure. President Vladimir Putin rejected Ukraine’s proposal for peace talks and emphasized Russia’s strength despite ongoing war and sanctions.

Key Facts

  • Ukrainian drones attacked St Petersburg during the economic forum, creating a large plume of black smoke.
  • Local officials confirmed infrastructure was damaged but did not provide details.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sent an open letter to President Putin, proposing a peace meeting in a neutral country.
  • President Putin called Zelensky’s letter rude and refused to meet, urging Russian soldiers to continue fighting.
  • Putin claimed Russia’s economy is stable despite war and sanctions.
  • The war between Russia and Ukraine is in its fifth year with heavy losses for Russia.
  • Long-range Ukrainian drones are increasingly striking deep inside Russian territory.
  • Russian officials at the forum echoed Putin’s hardline stance on the conflict.
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Fisher with a mission: first woman to chair Grayling Society wants to protect ‘lady of the stream’

Fisher with a mission: first woman to chair Grayling Society wants to protect ‘lady of the stream’

Summary

Dr. Marnie Lovejoy has become the first woman to chair the Grayling Society, a group focused on protecting the grayling fish. She aims to encourage more women and young people to enjoy fishing and raise awareness about the importance of grayling fish in river ecosystems.

Key Facts

  • The grayling is a type of fish known as the “lady of the stream” and lives in clear English chalk streams.
  • The Grayling Society had never been led by a woman until Dr. Marnie Lovejoy’s appointment.
  • Fly-fishing and angling have traditionally been male-dominated sports with limited female participation.
  • Dr. Lovejoy was inspired by a female instructor to start fly-fishing and now wants to attract more women and youth to the sport.
  • Grayling fish are sensitive to water pollution and serve as an early warning sign of river health problems.
  • Historically, grayling were wrongly considered pests and were removed from rivers to protect trout.
  • The society plans to increase outreach using social media like Instagram and hold events to promote fishing.
  • Youth membership in the Grayling Society is free to encourage younger people to join.
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What to know about a rare visit by China’s Xi to North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un

What to know about a rare visit by China’s Xi to North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un

Summary

Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit North Korea next week, his first trip there in almost seven years. The visit aims to strengthen the relationship between China and North Korea, as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un seeks more support amid shifting alliances and growing isolation.

Key Facts

  • Xi Jinping’s upcoming trip to North Korea is his first visit since 2019.
  • The visit is part of China’s efforts to reinforce ties with North Korea, a historic ally.
  • Kim Jong Un has increasingly leaned on Russia for military support during its war in Ukraine.
  • North Korea wants closer relations with China to improve its economy and reduce isolation.
  • Kim has tried to balance relationships between China and Russia to gain the most benefits.
  • The last meeting between Xi and Kim was in September 2025 in Beijing.
  • North Korea views its alliance with China and Russia as a united front against the U.S.
  • Economic aid from China is seen as vital for improving North Korea’s living conditions.
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Middle East live: US downs two Iranian drones targeting Hormuz shipping traffic

Middle East live: US downs two Iranian drones targeting Hormuz shipping traffic

Summary

The US military shot down two Iranian drones that threatened ships near the Strait of Hormuz. This event is part of ongoing tensions and clashes between Iran and US-allied forces in the Middle East.

Key Facts

  • The US destroyed two Iranian one-way attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The drones were targeting international shipping traffic in a crucial waterway.
  • Iranian forces previously launched drones and ballistic missiles toward US allies such as Kuwait and Bahrain.
  • The Israeli military intercepted two projectiles coming from Lebanon.
  • The Iran war has disrupted oil shipments through the Gulf, causing global oil prices to rise.
  • OPEC+ is meeting to discuss increasing oil production to try to control high prices.
  • Iran’s World Cup team is traveling to Mexico amid diplomatic tensions with the US that complicated visa approvals.
  • The conflict in the Middle East has led to casualties and humanitarian concerns, with millions facing food shortages.
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Armenians go to the polls under Russian pressure aimed at preventing a drift toward West

Armenians go to the polls under Russian pressure aimed at preventing a drift toward West

Summary

Armenians voted in parliamentary elections amid increasing pressure from Russia, which opposes Armenia moving closer to Western countries. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his party seek a strong mandate to continue shifting Armenia’s foreign policy toward the West while maintaining balanced relations with all regional powers.

Key Facts

  • The parliamentary elections took place on June 7, 2026, with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party seeking a new mandate.
  • Russia applied new trade restrictions on Armenian exports and warned against Armenia’s western shift, comparing it to Ukraine’s situation.
  • Armenian investigators issued arrest warrants against opposition party members accused of vote-buying shortly before the election.
  • Armenia’s National Assembly requires at least 101 members, elected for five-year terms; parties need at least 4% of votes to get seats.
  • Seventeen parties and two political blocs participated in the election.
  • Pashinyan has advocated for a balanced foreign policy involving the U.S., Europe, Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
  • Western leaders and U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for Pashinyan.
  • The opposition includes parties with strong pro-Russian positions.
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North Korea calls the US push for its denuclearization ‘anachronistic dream’

North Korea calls the US push for its denuclearization ‘anachronistic dream’

Summary

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un and his sister Kim Yo Jong criticized the United States' efforts to make North Korea give up its nuclear weapons. Kim Yo Jong said the U.S. demands are outdated and will not stop North Korea from increasing its nuclear weapons. This statement came just before Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea.

Key Facts

  • Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, called the U.S. push for denuclearization an "anachronistic dream."
  • She said the U.S. attempts to challenge North Korea’s status as a nuclear weapons state are not legally binding.
  • Kim Yo Jong denied U.S. claims that President Trump and Chinese President Xi agreed to denuclearize North Korea during their summit.
  • North Korea is focusing on expanding its nuclear weapons program.
  • The collapse of talks between President Trump and Kim Jong Un in 2019 ended hopes for denuclearization diplomacy.
  • North Korea aims to be recognized internationally as a nuclear state to get sanctions lifted.
  • Chinese President Xi Jinping visited North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un, his first visit in seven years.
  • North Korean state media showed Kim Jong Un visiting missile and nuclear fuel production facilities.
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Outrage over Palestinian ‘dog rape’ joke at Tribeca Film Festival

Outrage over Palestinian ‘dog rape’ joke at Tribeca Film Festival

Summary

Two American entertainers made offensive jokes about Palestinians and sexual violence during the Tribeca Film Festival while promoting an Israeli film. Their remarks sparked anger and condemnation.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened at the Tribeca Film Festival in the United States.
  • The two people involved are Elon Gold, an actor, and Lizzy Savetsky, an influencer.
  • They made jokes mocking Palestinians who are allegedly victims of rape and sexual abuse in Israeli prisons.
  • Their comments caused public outrage and backlash.
  • The film they were promoting was made in Israel.
  • The issue relates to serious accusations about treatment of prisoners in Israel.
  • The festival is a high-profile event for movies and entertainment.
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The Plot to Eliminate Alyssa Burkett

The Plot to Eliminate Alyssa Burkett

Summary

The article reports on a criminal case where a harmful couple planned to kill a woman named Alyssa Burkett. CBS News correspondent Peter Van Sant covers the details of this crime story.

Key Facts

  • The story involves a couple who created a plan to kill Alyssa Burkett.
  • Alyssa Burkett is the targeted victim in this case.
  • The crime is described as elaborate and premeditated.
  • The report is by Peter Van Sant for the CBS News program "48 Hours."
  • The story includes coverage available on the CBS News app and website.
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