French firefighters are battling two wildfires that have destroyed over 1,900 hectares of the Fontainebleau forest near Paris. Police arrested two people suspected of starting the fires, which forced about 1,000 residents to leave their homes.
Key Facts
The Fontainebleau forest is a UNESCO biosphere reserve located around 60 kilometers southeast of Paris.
Wildfires began on Sunday and spread quickly during a heatwave in northern France.
The fires damaged more than 1,900 hectares (about 4,700 acres) of forest land.
About 1,000 people were evacuated from areas near the fires.
Police arrested two suspects, including an 18-year-old man with no criminal record found with a lighter and soot on his hands.
Firefighters used four Canadair planes, two Dash planes, and three helicopters to drop water and fight the fire.
Around 600 firefighters continued working in shifts to control the blaze.
Officials suspect the fires may have been started on purpose due to multiple ignition points found near each other.
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A new British law is set to make it a crime for public officials and bodies to lie to the public, inspired by the Hillsborough disaster where police falsely blamed football fans. The law, pushed by Keir Starmer’s Labour government, aims to help people fight authorities and ensure honesty, and it is close to final approval in the UK Parliament.
Key Facts
The Hillsborough disaster in 1989 caused 97 deaths due to a crush at a football stadium.
Police wrongly blamed Liverpool football fans for the tragedy, hiding their own mistakes.
After long campaigns, families of victims pushed for a law requiring public officials to be truthful (called the "duty of candour").
The new law also supports fair legal funding for people fighting public bodies, which families lacked in past inquests.
Andy Burnham first proposed the law in 2017 as a private member’s bill, but it stalled under the previous Conservative government.
When Labour returned to power in 2024, the law became a key promise and moved forward under Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The new law has nearly completed its final stages in the House of Commons (the UK Parliament).
The law is seen as a legacy of the families’ long struggle for justice after the disaster.
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A fire at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao music bar in Bangkok has killed 30 people and injured more than 70, with 24 in critical condition. The fire started late Sunday and took firefighters about 30 minutes to control. Authorities are investigating the cause and whether safety rules were followed.
Key Facts
The fire happened in a music bar in northern Bangkok called Rong Beer Na Ladprao.
30 people have died, making it the deadliest fire in Bangkok in 17 years.
Over 70 people are in the hospital, and 24 are in serious condition.
Many victims were found trapped in windowless bathrooms while trying to escape.
The bar claimed it could hold up to 600 customers, but the actual number inside is unknown.
Firefighters took about 30 minutes to put out the fire.
Officials are still investigating how the fire started and if safety regulations were met.
Friends and others have left flowers and messages in different languages at the site to mourn the victims.
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Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson rented an entire cinema in Colchester, Suffolk, for 200 pupils from St Gregory Primary School and their families to watch a new live-action Moana movie. The event included treats for the children, a special video message from Johnson, and was arranged after he saw a video the students made asking to see the film.
Key Facts
The Rock booked all nine screens at a Vue cinema for the exclusive movie event.
About 700 people attended, including pupils, friends, and family members.
Each seat had sweets, popcorn, Moana cupcakes, and a signed poster from Johnson.
The screening was of a live-action remake of Disney’s 2016 animated movie Moana.
Pupils wore Moana costumes and T-shirts for the event.
Johnson first met about 50 students in London during a related Moana Experience trip.
The event followed a viral video made by the students asking Johnson to help them see the movie.
The head teacher said the event created lasting memories and was a positive experience for the children.
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India is investigating a film called Satluj, which tells the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist who exposed illegal killings during a separatist conflict in Punjab in the 1980s and 1990s. The film was initially blocked and censored by Indian authorities and later removed from a streaming platform for security reasons.
Key Facts
Satluj is a movie about Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated forced disappearances and killings by police during the Punjab separatist conflict.
Khalra was arrested in 1995 and is believed to have been killed while in police custody; his body was never found.
The film was blocked for three years by India’s censor board, which demanded changes and cuts before allowing release.
Filmmakers refused to make the cuts and released the film online, but it was removed two days later due to security concerns.
The Punjab insurgency in the 1980s-1990s involved violent clashes between Sikh separatists wanting Khalistan and Indian security forces.
Human rights groups reported torture, secret killings, enforced disappearances, and unreported cremations during the crackdown on the movement.
The film stars Diljit Dosanjh as Khalra and has been praised by critics as a powerful drama.
The conflict included the 1984 Indian military attack on the Golden Temple, a major Sikh holy site, which resulted in many deaths.
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Free cooking classes in Guernsey helped parents learn how to prepare healthy and affordable meals for their families. The classes were led by a professional chef and supported by the Health Improvement Commission to make cooking fresh food easier for busy parents.
Key Facts
The classes were run by St Martin's Community Centre in partnership with the Health Improvement Commission.
A professional chef taught parents how to cook simple, fresh meals like stir fry costing about £2 per portion.
Parents said the classes gave them new ideas and confidence to cook healthy meals at home.
Many parents struggle to find affordable, quick, and healthy meal options due to busy schedules.
Learning to cook at home can help families save money and encourage children to try healthy foods.
More than 57% of adults in Guernsey are overweight or obese, and nearly a third of Year 5 children have excess weight.
Guernsey’s Healthier Weight Strategy includes promoting healthier eating as a key goal.
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President Donald Trump has warned that the United States might attack a well-protected underground nuclear site in Iran called "Pickaxe Mountain." This warning came after the US carried out three nights of military strikes and demanded a payment from shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump threatened to attack an underground nuclear facility in Iran named "Pickaxe Mountain."
The facility is described as heavily fortified, meaning it is strongly protected.
The US has conducted military strikes in Iran for three consecutive nights.
The US demanded to receive 20% of the value of all cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
These actions represent a rising tension between the US and Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway for global oil transport.
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The investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe is now led by counter-terrorism police, prompting renewed public discussion about the safety of politicians in the UK. MPs and public figures are concerned about increasing threats, partly linked to violent language on social media, and the government is considering stronger measures to protect political figures.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe’s death investigation is now handled by counter-terrorism police.
MPs are discussing how to keep politicians both safe and accessible to the public.
Sir Bernard Jenkin said MPs face a higher risk of violent death than some armed forces or police members.
Many politicians say social media has increased violent language and threats against them.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood acknowledged more action may be needed to improve MPs’ security.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage expressed concerns about his own safety and refused a reduced government security offer.
Officials are challenged with assessing threats to current and former MPs, as well as active political figures outside Parliament.
There is worry about whether political careers will seem safe and attractive for future generations.
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Aaron Houghton, a blacksmith from Wales, worked as an armourer on the sets of the TV series House of the Dragon, helping to make weapons look real and authentic for fight scenes. He also teaches blacksmithing and continues to work on fantasy film sets using his metalworking skills.
Key Facts
House of the Dragon filmed its second and third series in north Wales.
Aaron Houghton worked full-time on the armoury team, making and repairing weapons.
The show is based on George RR Martin’s book series A Song of Ice and Fire.
The production received funding from Creative Wales to film in the region.
Aaron studied metalwork at Hereford College of Arts and now teaches blacksmithing.
Filming locations included the Trefor granite quarry, Dinorwig slate quarry, and Beaumaris.
Weapons for the show were made in Hertfordshire but finished on set.
Aaron’s interest in historical European martial arts helped him in his armourer role.
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A fire at a pub in Bangkok caused the deaths of 30 people, making it the deadliest fire in the city in 17 years. Police are investigating the cause, focusing on possible negligence and an electrical short circuit as the main factors.
Key Facts
The fire started early Monday morning at a pub in northern Bangkok.
Thirty people have died, and many others were injured, with 24 in critical condition.
Police believe an electrical short circuit in an air conditioner caused the fire.
The pub said it will fully cooperate with the investigation and apologized for the tragedy.
Several exit doors might have been locked or blocked, trapping victims inside.
Most victims were found in windowless bathrooms near a rear exit that was not used.
Officials are checking if flammable decorations and improper wiring contributed to the fire.
Some survivors escaped by luck, and at least one victim was identified as a migrant worker from Laos.
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Campaigners want the Greater London Authority (GLA) to create a common "Right to Grow" plan that would help London communities use unused public land for growing food. Some local councils already have similar policies, but many people on waiting lists want more allotments and gardens for food growing.
Key Facts
Some London boroughs, like Hounslow, Southwark, and Hackney, have started policies to turn unused land into food gardens and allotments.
The GLA is being asked to make a standard "Right to Grow" framework for all 32 boroughs and the City of London.
Around 30,500 people are on waiting lists for allotments in London, with some places having waits up to 12 years.
In Islington, only 106 allotment plots exist for about 17,000 households without gardens.
The campaign aims to improve food security and make London greener by 2035.
Deputy Mayor Mete Coban said increasing green space is important for social and environmental fairness.
City Hall has planted 640,000 trees and supports community projects with a £12 million Green Roots Fund.
City Hall has not confirmed if it will create the proposed Right to Grow framework.
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Mexico will ask U.S. courts to file criminal charges after more than a dozen Mexican citizens died in the custody of U.S. immigration authorities. This request follows the recent killing of Mexican citizen Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE agent during a raid in Houston.
Key Facts
Mexico plans to formally request criminal charges in U.S. courts regarding deaths of its citizens in ICE custody.
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican citizen, was shot and killed by an ICE agent on July 7 in Houston.
Since President Donald Trump’s return to office last year, 17 Mexican nationals have died during immigration raids or while detained by U.S. authorities.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called for national solidarity and stressed that Mexico should speak out against human rights violations even while maintaining relations with the U.S.
Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco announced the government’s plan to request criminal charges in the U.S.
Mexico’s action is its strongest response so far to deaths linked to President Trump’s immigration enforcement policies.
The situation occurs amid tense U.S.-Mexico relations, including disputes over tariffs, trade agreements, and U.S. intelligence actions against Mexican drug cartels.
Despite tensions, Mexico continues to cooperate with the U.S. on issues like drug trafficking and migration while emphasizing its sovereignty.
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Yemen’s Houthi group said they fired missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport. This was in response to an attack on Sanaa’s international airport, which the Yemeni government said it carried out.
Key Facts
The Houthis attacked Abha airport in Saudi Arabia using missiles and drones.
They said this attack was retaliation for a strike on Sanaa’s international airport in Yemen.
The Yemeni government claimed responsibility for the strike on Sanaa airport.
The Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia for the strike on Sanaa airport.
The Houthis warned airlines to avoid flying over Saudi Arabian airspace.
Abha airport is located in Saudi Arabia near the Yemen border.
Sanaa is the capital of Yemen where the international airport was targeted.
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Brazil’s Supreme Court has banned Flavio Bolsonaro from visiting his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, for 90 days because they broke the rules of Jair Bolsonaro’s house arrest. The court’s decision came after Flavio read a letter from his father on social media, which Jair Bolsonaro is not allowed to do while under house arrest.
Key Facts
Flavio Bolsonaro is a presidential candidate and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Jair Bolsonaro is under house arrest after being sentenced for trying to overturn the 2022 election results.
The court ruled that Flavio and Jair Bolsonaro violated house arrest rules by sharing a letter publicly.
The 90-day ban on visits will last through most of Brazil’s presidential election campaign.
Jair Bolsonaro is prohibited from using social media or communicating through others during house arrest.
The court asked Jair Bolsonaro’s lawyers to explain if he knew the letter would be posted online.
Flavio Bolsonaro criticized the ruling as unfair and said it interferes with the election.
Jair Bolsonaro has endorsed Flavio as his political successor despite his conviction and house arrest.
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A nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton named “Gus” is being auctioned in New York with an estimated price of $20 million to $30 million. Scientists are concerned because fossils sold to private buyers may become unavailable for study, which can hurt scientific research.
Key Facts
The T rex skeleton is about 67 million years old and stands 3.8 meters tall.
It was found on private land in South Dakota and excavated from 2021 over three years.
The skeleton is expected to sell for $20 million to $30 million at Sotheby’s auction.
High auction prices make it difficult for museums and scientists to acquire fossils.
In the USA, fossils found on private land can legally be sold by their owners.
Some scientists worry that fossils sold privately are lost to public research.
A stegosaurus named Apex was sold for $44.6 million and loaned to a museum afterward.
Previous famous T rex fossils, like Sue, were bought by museums with private and corporate support.
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In Sweden’s upcoming general election, there is a growing difference between how men and women plan to vote. More women support the left-leaning Social Democrats, while more men back the right-leaning Sweden Democrats, a party with far-right roots. This voting gap is the widest seen so far, despite Sweden being known for gender equality.
Key Facts
Sweden’s first female prime minister, Magdalena Andersson, leads the Social Democrats who focus on education, housing, and free dental care.
The Sweden Democrats, with a history linked to neo-Nazism, promise lower taxes, better public safety, and making “anti-Swedishness” a hate crime.
Polls show the Social Democrats and Sweden Democrats are expected to get over half of the votes combined.
Twice as many men as women support the Sweden Democrats, while 10% more women than men support the Social Democrats.
If only women voted, the left-wing bloc would win 64% of the vote; if only men voted, right-wing parties would get 51%.
Research shows men tend to vote for parties favoring lower taxes and less immigration, while women prefer parties supporting welfare, partly because women often care for family members.
Some voters believe men focus mainly on economic benefits like high salaries and low taxes when choosing their party.
The centrist Moderates party has less difference in gender support but holds less than 20% of total voter support.
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The United States launched strikes against Iran for the third night in a row, targeting Iranian military capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran struck two oil tankers near the UAE, causing casualties, while tensions increased as the U.S. announced a blockade and new fees on ships passing through the strategic waterway.
Key Facts
The US carried out three consecutive nights of strikes against Iran, directed by President Trump.
Two Emirati oil tankers were hit by Iranian cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one crew member and injuring eight.
President Trump announced the US would reinstate a blockade on Iranian shipping and charge a 20% fee for ships passing through the strait.
Iran's military said the US has no role in controlling the strait and will not be allowed to intervene.
Explosions occurred in several locations in Iran, including Bandar Abbas and nearby islands, following US strikes.
Oil prices rose to their highest levels in four weeks amid uncertainty about energy flow through the strait.
The International Maritime Organisation stated that passage through the Strait of Hormuz should remain free of tolls under international law.
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen intercepted missiles launched by Iran-aligned Houthis; tensions rose after attacks on Sana’a airport.
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Police arrested a 20-year-old man in Melbourne who they say led a series of arson attacks and other crimes linked to organized crime. Authorities believe he directed offenders through encrypted messages and is connected to an overseas crime leader.
Key Facts
A 20-year-old man was arrested in north-west Melbourne on Tuesday.
Police say he is a high-ranking member of an organized crime group linked to a leader overseas.
He allegedly used encrypted apps to instruct others to commit crimes like arson, kidnapping, and home invasion.
A mistaken-identity kidnapping occurred in Malvern on 14 April where a man was assaulted and taken from his home, then later released near a hospital.
Four men have been charged for the assault related to that kidnapping.
The suspect is also linked to an attempted aggravated home invasion in Doncaster on 28 April.
These crimes are part of Operation Eclipse, targeting criminal groups behind attacks on hospitality venues.
Police called this arrest the most important action since starting Operation Eclipse and said the crimes show how organized groups hire offenders to intimidate others.
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A small plane crashed in the Bahamas on Friday, killing all 10 people on board. Some members of the Bahamian music group Da Pond Band survived and have spoken about the loss of their friends and bandmates.
Key Facts
The plane was operated by Flamingo Air.
The crash happened in the Bahamas.
All 10 people on the plane died.
Some members of Da Pond Band survived the crash.
The surviving band members have spoken publicly after the accident.
The group is well-known and beloved in the Bahamas.
The accident occurred recently, on a Friday.
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Thai police are investigating a deadly fire at a Bangkok bar that killed at least 28 people and injured many others. Early reports suggest the fire spread quickly due to flammable decorations and locked or blocked emergency exits, causing many victims to become trapped.
Key Facts
The fire started near the stage, possibly caused by a short circuit in an air conditioner.
At least 28 people died, many found near locked restrooms where they tried to escape.
Emergency exit doors were locked or partially blocked by furniture.
The bar used highly flammable materials like plastic flowers and foam decorations.
The bar was registered as a "restaurant with live music," so it was not required to use fire-resistant materials.
Survivors said the bar was dark and exit signs were missing or not lit.
Fire safety experts noted toxic smoke likely caused many deaths before burns occurred.
The bar owner previously had another pub that burned down in 2019 without casualties.
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