Drill music, a fast and often intense style of hip hop, has recently become very popular in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This music, which used to be mostly heard online, is now common in bars and nightclubs, especially among young people.
Key Facts
Drill is a style of hip hop known for its fast beats and sometimes violent lyrics.
The genre grew popular on social media in Ethiopia last year.
Recently, Drill music has spread widely across Addis Ababa's streets.
It is now played in many mainstream bars and nightclubs.
Young people, especially Generation Z, are a big part of Drill’s growing fan base.
Some believe this rise is linked to uncertainty about politics and the economy among youth.
Ethiopia is a conservative country, and not everyone supports Drill music.
The report was made by journalist Tom Canetti.
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Ukrainian drone strikes on western Russian cities have killed at least eight people and wounded many others, targeting warehouses used for drone and navigation equipment production. At the same time, Russia launched attacks on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, resulting in casualties and damage to facilities.
Key Facts
Ukrainian drones attacked two warehouse facilities owned by Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer, killing at least eight people and wounding dozens.
One warehouse was in Kotovsk, where seven night-shift workers died and 25 were wounded, many with shrapnel injuries.
Another warehouse in Elektrostal was hit, killing one person and injuring 37.
A drone strike also caused a fire at an oil depot in Noginsk, injuring two people.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said the warehouses were important for supplying parts used in Russia’s drone and navigation equipment.
Russia attacked Odesa’s port, killing one person, wounding three, and damaging infrastructure.
Russia also attacked a ship flying the Antigua and Barbuda flag near Odesa.
These attacks come amid ongoing fighting in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, now in its fifth year.
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The United Nations refugee agency and the Ethiopian government have opened a new centre in Addis Ababa to help refugees. The centre offers free legal advice and helps refugees access important services and documents, aiming to improve their chances of finding jobs.
Key Facts
The new refugee support centre is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital.
It provides free legal advice to refugees.
The centre helps refugees deal with government paperwork and obtain necessary documents.
One goal is to help refugees find work more easily.
Ethiopia hosts over one million refugees, making it the third-largest refugee-hosting country in Africa.
The project is a joint effort between the UN refugee agency and the Ethiopian government.
The centre aims to improve the overall support available to refugees in Ethiopia.
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Keir Starmer is stepping down as the UK prime minister and has not yet decided what to do next. Friends suggest he may take time to think and possibly work in international roles, such as at NATO, where he has earned respect from other leaders.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is ending his time as UK prime minister.
He joked about taking a cooking course and cutting hedges after leaving office.
Starmer has spent significant time on international matters during his career.
He is seen as successful and respected by global leaders.
Starmer may seek a role with international organizations like NATO.
He plans to remain a member of parliament for now but may reconsider.
His local party members want him to stay to avoid a risky election in his area.
He views his legacy as having saved the Labour party after Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.
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An Indian activist who was on a hunger strike for 20 days to protest the country’s exam system was taken to a hospital by the police. This event has attracted a lot of attention and sparked new discussions about education reforms and how public protests are managed in India.
Key Facts
The activist went on a hunger strike for 20 days.
The protest focused on changes needed in India’s examination system.
Police intervened and took the activist to a hospital.
The case received widespread public and media attention.
It has renewed debates about education reforms in India.
It also raised questions about how authorities handle public protests.
The report was covered by France 24’s correspondent Navodita Kumari.
The incident occurred in India and is part of the Asia / Pacific region news.
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More than 900 wildfires are burning across Canada, causing heavy smoke to spread into over a dozen U.S. states and worsen air quality. President Donald Trump criticized Canada’s handling of the fires and suggested tariffs against the country. Meanwhile, severe storms with heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and tornado risks are expected in parts of the Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Key Facts
Over 900 wildfires are active in Canada, sending smoke into the U.S.
Smoke has caused poor air quality alerts from the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
President Donald Trump criticized Canada’s response to the wildfires and proposed tariffs.
A storm system may help reduce the smoke haze on Saturday.
Severe weather risks include damaging winds, hail, possible tornadoes, and flash flooding.
Flood watches are in effect for parts of the Northeast, including New York City and Philadelphia.
Thunderstorms could bring heavy rain and flooding from West Texas to southern Utah.
Major cities like New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Buffalo face risks from storms.
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The White House supports Argentina’s football players for showing a banner claiming the Falkland Islands during their World Cup semi-final win against England. UK officials, including Labour leader Keir Starmer, have called for FIFA to investigate the incident, emphasizing that politics should stay out of football and affirming the UK's position on the Falklands.
Key Facts
Argentina players displayed a banner saying “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” after beating England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final.
The Falkland Islands are a disputed territory; Argentina calls them “Las Malvinas,” while the UK administers them.
The White House Fifa taskforce head, Andrew Giuliani, defended Argentina’s free speech rights during the event held in the U.S.
UK Labour leader Keir Starmer and business secretary Peter Kyle criticized the banner and urged FIFA to investigate the political message.
The UK government stated the Falkland Islands belong to the islanders and reaffirmed commitment to their self-determination.
There was past controversy in 2024 when Spanish players were banned for political chants in football celebrations.
The Falklands conflict in 1982 caused over 900 deaths and remains a sensitive political issue.
The UK rejected Argentina’s complaint about a Royal Navy ship traveling through disputed waters, citing international law compliance.
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Several Latin American countries like Colombia and Peru recently elected right-wing leaders who share some political views with President Donald Trump. This shift is linked to voters’ concerns about crime and weaker centrist parties, rather than a strong change in political beliefs. Brazil’s upcoming election will show if this trend continues.
Key Facts
Colombia and Peru elected right-wing leaders in close elections.
These leaders are seen as aligned with President Donald Trump’s politics.
Analysts say the shift is due to worry about crime and weakening centrist parties, not a clear change in ideology.
President Trump has hosted some Latin American political allies in Florida.
Trump’s trade tariffs on Brazil led to a rise in support for Brazil’s left-wing President Lula.
Brazil will hold a key election in October 2026.
That election may decide if more Latin American countries move toward right-wing politics.
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Indian police removed activist Sonam Wangchuk from a protest in New Delhi and took him to a hospital due to health concerns from a 20-day hunger strike. The hunger strike is part of a youth-led campaign against corruption in India’s exam system and calls for the Education Minister’s resignation.
Key Facts
Sonam Wangchuk, a 59-year-old activist and engineer, was taken to hospital by police on court orders because his health was declining during a hunger strike.
The hunger strike began on June 28 at Jantar Mantar, a protest site in New Delhi.
The protest is led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth movement opposing corruption in India’s education system.
The CJP formed after a Supreme Court justice compared unemployed youth to “cockroaches.”
India’s medical entrance exam was canceled due to leaked questions, forcing 2.2 million students to retake it under strict security.
The exam leak caused distress among students; some tragically died by suicide.
The protesters want Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign, a reform of the exam system, and compensation for affected families.
Wangchuk’s family refuses forced medical treatment and says he will continue his hunger strike.
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Ukrainian drones struck two warehouses of Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries, killing seven people and injuring 49, according to Russian officials. Ukrainian President Zelensky said the attacks targeted key logistics used to supply parts for Russian drones and were in response to Russian attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine.
Key Facts
Seven people died and 49 were injured in Ukrainian drone strikes on two Wildberries warehouses in Russia.
Most deaths and injuries occurred at a warehouse in Tambov, about 295 miles southeast of Moscow.
The other warehouse hit was in Elektrostal, in the Moscow region.
Ukrainian President Zelensky said the warehouses supplied parts for Russian drone production and navigation.
Ukraine also attacked targets in the Sea of Azov, Black Sea, and Russian-occupied Crimea.
Russian officials said many drones were shot down defending the warehouses; 28 near Tambov and 48 near Moscow.
Wildberries is Russia's biggest online retailer, similar to Amazon, valued at about $12.6 billion.
Russian emergency services are working at the sites; some injured are in serious condition.
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The U.S. military has increased attacks on several targets in Iran, including ports, energy sites, and bridges. President Trump aims to pressure the Iranian government, while Iran has responded by hitting U.S. bases and infrastructure in nearby areas, raising the risk of a larger conflict.
Key Facts
The U.S. military has struck multiple Iranian infrastructure targets like ports and energy facilities.
President Trump is directing efforts to pressure the Iranian regime.
Iran has responded by attacking U.S. military bases near its borders.
Iran also targeted power plants and desalination plants in retaliation.
These actions have increased tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
The situation is moving closer to the possibility of a full-scale war.
The conflict involves attacks on critical infrastructure that supports daily life and military operations.
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Laos cannot officially determine the cause or who is responsible for the deaths of six tourists linked to methanol-tainted alcohol, as no autopsies were done. The distillery owner faces minor charges for selling harmful food products and running an illegal business, but not for causing the deaths.
Key Facts
Six tourists died in Laos in November 2024 after drinking alcohol suspected to contain toxic methanol.
The victims included people from Britain, Australia, Denmark, and the United States.
Laos authorities said they lacked proof to blame anyone or confirm the exact cause because no autopsies were allowed.
The distillery owner faces charges that could lead to up to one year in jail and fines, but not for the deaths directly.
Australia’s government expressed strong disappointment over the light charges and summoned the Laos ambassador.
Methanol is a poisonous liquid often used in paint thinner and sometimes illegally mixed with alcohol to save money.
Symptoms of methanol poisoning include vomiting, loss of balance, blurred vision, and in severe cases, blindness or coma.
The victims stayed at a backpacker hostel where several people were fined earlier for destroying evidence after the incident.
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Sam Roberts, a 36-year-old from Sydney, Australia, has spent most of the last 10 years living on cruise ships after his divorce. He uses his investment income to fund this lifestyle and now travels on cruises for about 300 days each year.
Key Facts
Roberts started living on cruise ships after his 2016 divorce.
He spends roughly 300 days a year on cruise ships.
His investments provide income that supports his cruising lifestyle.
He spends between $100,000 and $150,000 annually on cruises.
Roberts appreciates meeting new people and enjoying new places daily.
He acknowledges feeling lonely sometimes despite large crowds onboard.
He misses family events and favorite foods but returns home for Christmas.
Roberts thinks his lifestyle offers valuable education and perspectives.
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Andy Burnham will become the UK Prime Minister soon, and activists say he has a chance to change how the country talks about racism. David Weaver, chair of Operation Black Vote, urges Burnham to address race issues directly and support those affected by the Windrush scandal, while working to unify communities.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham will become the UK Prime Minister after being confirmed as Labour leader.
Operation Black Vote is a civil rights group marking its 30th anniversary.
David Weaver, chair of OBV, says Burnham should focus on both class and race inequalities.
Weaver emphasizes that Black and Asian Britons face rising worries about their future in the UK.
Weaver calls for legal help and better compensation for Windrush scandal survivors.
Weaver wants Burnham to restore the Labour party position to Black MP Diane Abbott.
Research shows some UK voters support removing non-white people or restricting who counts as truly British.
Some politicians have made statements suggesting migrants should leave the UK, increasing fears among Black Britons about racism and exclusion.
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More than 800 wildfires are burning in Canada, causing thick smoke that harms air quality in Canada and several U.S. states. President Donald Trump has blamed Canada’s forest management for the smoke pollution and threatened to impose extra tariffs.
Key Facts
Over 800 wildfires are active across Canada, with about 190 in northern Ontario.
The increase in fires is linked to climate change.
Smoke from the fires has caused poor air quality in parts of Canada and U.S. states like Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, and New York.
The smoke pollution has raised concerns before the World Cup final in New Jersey.
President Donald Trump criticized Canada’s way of managing its forests.
Trump threatened to add more tariffs on Canada because of the smoke issue.
The fires and smoke are an ongoing environmental and cross-border concern.
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France is facing many wildfires caused by extreme heat. One major fire burned about 2,000 hectares in the Fontainebleau forest near Paris, and efforts are underway to replant the damaged trees.
Key Facts
France is experiencing record numbers of wildfires not seen since World War II.
The Fontainebleau forest, south of Paris, lost around 2,000 hectares to fire.
The fires followed very high temperatures and heatwaves.
The French government and organizations are working to restore affected forests.
The Fondation du Patrimoine started a fundraising campaign to help replant trees.
Authorities are investigating possible arson as the cause of some fires.
Firefighters continue to battle and control the flames.
The situation highlights concerns about climate change and its effects on forests.
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Protests in Kyiv continue for a second day as people call for the removal of Ukraine's commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi. The protests started after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s surprise cabinet reshuffle, which did not include reappointing popular defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Key Facts
Demonstrations are happening in Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital city.
Protesters want the commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, to be dismissed.
The unrest began after President Zelenskyy reshuffled his government.
Mykhailo Fedorov, the defense minister, was not reappointed during the reshuffle.
Fedorov is 35 years old and is credited with helping Ukraine succeed in its war with Russia.
His removal caused strong public anger and backlash.
The protests have lasted for at least two days.
The situation is linked to Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.
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The United States has carried out air strikes on Iran for the seventh night in a row. In response, Iran attacked a water and electricity plant in Kuwait, following a similar attack on another plant the day before.
Key Facts
The US has conducted air strikes on Iran for seven consecutive nights.
Iran responded by attacking US military sites in Gulf countries.
One of Iran’s attacks hit a water and electricity plant in Kuwait.
Another similar attack damaged a different plant the previous day.
These events are part of ongoing military tensions in the Middle East.
The strikes and counter-strikes involve US forces and Iran-backed groups.
The situation increases concerns about wider conflict in the region.
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More than 5,000 people died in two strong earthquakes that hit Venezuela on June 24. The country will use $346 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help rebuild areas damaged by the quakes.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck Venezuela within one minute on June 24.
The coastal state of La Guaira, north of Caracas, was heavily damaged.
Officials reported 5,069 people killed and 16,740 injured from the earthquakes.
About 20,000 homeless people are living in crowded camps that often lack water and sanitation.
Venezuela accessed $346 million from the IMF’s reserve funds to support recovery efforts.
Venezuela has about $5.1 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) held by the IMF.
The IMF and World Bank restarted relations with Venezuela after the U.S. removed Nicolas Maduro in January 2026.
Relations with these financial institutions had been paused since 2019 due to political issues.
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A large fire in Drammen, southern Norway, has destroyed more than 100 homes and led to the evacuation of hundreds of people. Firefighters and helicopters are working to control the blaze, which has spread to a nearby forest and is not yet contained.
Key Facts
The fire is burning in Drammen, about 30 miles west of Oslo, Norway.
More than 100 homes have been destroyed in the blaze.
Hundreds of people have been evacuated for their safety.
There have been no reports of casualties or missing persons so far.
Dozens of firefighters are actively trying to put out the fire.
Helicopters are dropping water to help control the flames.
The fire has spread into a nearby forest area.
The dry and hot weather has caused the fire to spread quickly.
The cause and origin of the fire are still unknown.
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