Scientists predict a very strong El Niño event this winter, which usually brings more rain to California. While this could increase water in reservoirs, many of California's largest reservoirs are already full, so managers might release some water to prevent flooding.
Key Facts
El Niño is a climate pattern where ocean waters in the tropical Pacific become warmer than usual.
NOAA says there is a 75 to 81 percent chance of a very strong El Niño between November and January.
Strong El Niño events tend to bring more rainfall to California during its wet season.
California’s biggest reservoirs, like Lake Shasta and Lake Oroville, are currently at or above their usual water levels.
Because reservoirs are nearly full, water managers may release water early to create space for upcoming storms.
Releasing water early can reduce the ability to store rainwater from future storms.
Not all rain benefits California’s water supply equally, partly because the state depends on snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
The relationship between El Niño and California’s rainfall is clearer with very strong El Niño events than with weaker ones.
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Taylor Coulter, an 18-year-old from Scotland, was injected with a date rape drug called GHB using a needle while at a nightclub in Magaluf, Spain. She received hospital treatment and is now recovering but suffering side effects that affect her ability to exercise and train for football.
Key Facts
The incident happened on June 21 at Bananas nightclub in Magaluf.
Taylor felt a sharp pain in her arm before the drug took effect within 20 seconds.
The drug was gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), known to cause extreme sleepiness and memory loss.
Blood tests also found an anti-depressant drug in her system.
Taylor’s friends helped her immediately and called her parents and medical professionals.
She is on anti-viral medication to protect against infections from the needle, which causes fatigue and limits her physical activity.
Taylor is a football player who was due to start a scholarship in the United States soon.
This was her first holiday abroad without her parents, traveling with friends after finishing secondary school.
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Syrian authorities have arrested a group they say was responsible for bombings in Damascus two days ago. These bombs exploded near the Four Seasons hotel during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the city.
Key Facts
Two bombs exploded in Damascus on Tuesday, injuring 36 people.
The bombs were placed in a parked car and a rubbish bin near the Four Seasons hotel.
The explosives detonated as experts tried to defuse them.
Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab said the suspects were caught after raids in four areas of Damascus and its outskirts.
The government will reveal more details about the group after investigations finish.
The bombings happened during Macron’s visit, the first by a European Union head of state since Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December 2024.
Another bomb attack last week killed nine people in a crowded café in central Damascus.
No group has taken responsibility, but officials say some actors want to destabilize Syria.
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The recent fighting between the United States and Iran centers on control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil transport. Iran views control of the strait as a strategic advantage and insists on coordinating ship passage, while the U.S. demands the strait remain open without restrictions, leading to ongoing clashes.
Key Facts
Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz during conflict with the U.S. and Israel to gain strategic control.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for international oil shipments.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the U.S. and Iran aimed to keep the strait open and safe for commercial ships.
Iran wants to coordinate and control ship passage, while the U.S. opposes Iran’s exclusive control.
Recent attacks on commercial ships near the strait led to U.S. military strikes against Iranian targets.
President Donald Trump declared the MoU ended amid renewed fighting.
The MoU’s language about managing the strait is unclear and causes different interpretations by both sides.
The U.S. military claims it has helped ensure safe passage for hundreds of commercial ships in the strait since May.
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Wally Funk, an aviation pioneer and the oldest woman to travel into space at age 82, has died at 87 in Grapevine, Texas. She was part of an early group of female pilots who trained like NASA astronauts in the 1960s but were not allowed to go to space until her flight on Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin rocket in 2021.
Key Facts
Wally Funk died at age 87 in an assisted living facility in Grapevine, Texas.
She was the oldest woman to go into space, flying on Blue Origin’s rocket in 2021 at age 82.
Funk was part of the Mercury 13 program, a group of women who underwent astronaut tests in the 1960s but did not become astronauts then.
Jeff Bezos invited her as an honored guest on his 2021 spaceflight.
Funk was the first female Federal Aviation Administration inspector and the first female air safety investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board.
She had fallen several times and had a leg infection before she died.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised her passion and perseverance after her death.
Wally Funk was known for being optimistic despite facing many rejections in her career.
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Syrian officials said they arrested several people linked to recent bombings in Damascus, including attacks during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit. The explosions killed one person, wounded dozens, and happened as Syria’s government faces pressure to rebuild after a long civil war.
Key Facts
Syrian security forces arrested suspects behind recent bombings in Damascus.
The arrests followed raids in the capital and nearby areas to dismantle the bombing cell.
Bombs exploded in a garbage bin and a parked car during President Macron’s visit to Syria.
Macron was unharmed and continued his meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
The bombings killed 1 person and injured 36 others, according to Syria’s Health Ministry.
Another bombing last week in a cafe near Damascus’s judicial complex killed at least 10 people.
No group has claimed responsibility for these attacks.
Syria is working on rebuilding after nearly 14 years of civil war that caused massive death and destruction.
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Twin earthquakes in Venezuela last month caused many deaths and destroyed hundreds of buildings, especially in La Guaira. People displaced by the quakes face health problems like diarrhea and chronic illnesses due to crowded shelters and poor water and sanitation. The United Nations is seeking $300 million to help 1.3 million people in urgent need.
Key Facts
Powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela on June 24, causing major damage in La Guaira state.
Around 190 buildings collapsed and 856 others were damaged in the quakes.
Many people live in crowded shelters, increasing the risk of diseases.
Doctors report rises in skin problems, diarrhea, and chronic illness cases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
The United Nations requested about $300 million to help 1.3 million vulnerable Venezuelans.
Mobile kitchens, clinics, and field hospitals are set up to support affected communities.
Venezuelan nongovernmental organizations are providing relief after government restrictions eased.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher noted people now need treatments beyond immediate injuries, including ongoing health care.
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Wally Funk, a pioneering female pilot who became the oldest woman to travel into space, has died at age 87. She flew on Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin rocket in 2021 after decades of trying to become an astronaut.
Key Facts
Wally Funk died at age 87 in Grapevine, Texas.
She was cared for by Grapevine City Councilwoman Duff O'Dell at the time of her death.
Funk was one of 13 women tested alongside NASA's male astronauts in the 1960s but did not go to space then.
In 2021, at age 82, she flew to space on Blue Origin’s rocket, making her the oldest woman in space at that time.
Her record was later surpassed by actor William Shatner and astronaut candidate Ed Dwight, both aged 90.
Jeff Bezos invited Funk as an honored guest on the Blue Origin flight from West Texas.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised her passion for flight and inspiration to Americans.
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Explosions were reported in several locations in Iran, including near a nuclear plant, but the US military denied involvement. Tensions between Iran and the US, as well as Israel, continue to rise with ongoing military exchanges and threats.
Key Facts
Explosions occurred near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant, Choghadak, and Konarak.
Iran’s deputy governor said the Bushehr blast was caused by air defense systems and a military headquarters was hit by a projectile.
The US Central Command confirmed it carried out no strikes in Iran recently.
Iran and the US have exchanged attacks since Tuesday, including Iranian strikes on Gulf military sites in Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Israeli leaders said the conflict with Iran is ongoing and declared readiness for further military action.
Tensions also involve attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
The US removed a waiver on Iranian oil exports, increasing economic pressure on Iran.
Both sides have not formally ended a ceasefire deal but the situation remains unstable with risks of wider conflict.
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Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Maysak caused severe flooding in southern China, killing 39 people and leaving nine missing. Rescue teams evacuated over 10,000 people, and preparations are underway for Typhoon Bavi, which is expected to hit parts of China and Taiwan soon.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Maysak caused heavy rain and flooding in southern China, especially in Guangxi province.
The partial collapse of a reservoir dam in Hengzhou caused 26 deaths.
Nine people remain missing across the Guangxi region.
Over 10,000 students and teachers were rescued from flooded schools in Guigang city.
More than 100 animals are reported missing from a zoo after the floods.
A second storm, Typhoon Bavi, is approaching China and Taiwan with strong winds and is expected to make landfall on Saturday.
About 130,000 people have been evacuated due to the floods.
Authorities are working on restoring electricity, repairing roads, and cleaning up mud and debris in affected areas.
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The US National Weather Service says there is a high chance of a very strong El Niño forming by the end of 2026, with effects lasting into spring 2027. This climate event heats parts of the Pacific Ocean, which can cause extreme weather worldwide, including heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rain.
Key Facts
There is an 81% chance a strong El Niño event will develop before the end of 2026.
There is a 97% chance the El Niño conditions will continue through spring 2027.
El Niño warms the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, changing weather patterns globally.
A "super El Niño" increases ocean temperatures by about 2°C (36°F) above average, causing severe weather impacts.
The 2015 super El Niño caused droughts in Ethiopia, water shortages in Puerto Rico, and a harsh hurricane season.
Areas like Australia, southern Africa, India, and parts of South America usually experience drought during El Niño events.
Other regions, including the southern US, the Middle East, and south-central Asia, often get heavier rainfall.
Recent heatwaves in Europe and the US have already set temperature records and caused thousands of deaths and wildfires.
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Mohammed al-Wahidi, a Palestinian aid worker known for organizing World Cup match screenings and humanitarian relief in Gaza, was killed in an Israeli missile strike. He was traveling in a taxi in Gaza City when the strike also killed three others, including two children.
Key Facts
Mohammed al-Wahidi was a 65-year-old Palestinian aid worker in Gaza.
He worked with the Egypt-backed Egyptian Relief Committee coordinating food aid and shelter for displaced families.
Al-Wahidi helped organize public World Cup football screenings in Gaza to provide comfort during the conflict.
He died in an Israeli air strike that hit the taxi he was riding in, along with three other people, including two young boys.
The Israeli military said the strike targeted a Hamas member but acknowledged civilian deaths.
Al-Wahidi was well known in Gaza for his hands-on humanitarian work and kindness.
Since the war began in October 2023, many aid workers in Gaza have been killed, with the UN recording at least 593 deaths.
The conflict started after a Hamas attack on southern Israel killed about 1,200 people and led to a major Israeli military campaign in Gaza.
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Colombia’s special court handling crimes linked to the conflict with the FARC rebel group faces uncertainty after the president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, said he wants to dismantle it. The court investigates war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the peace deal but is protected by Colombia’s Constitution and international agreements.
Key Facts
The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP) was created to deal with crimes from Colombia’s conflict with the FARC rebels.
President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has called the court “failed” and wants to dismantle it.
The court is protected by Colombia’s Constitution and supported by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The ICC ended its examination of Colombia in 2021 because the country was meeting justice obligations through the SJP.
The SJP investigates cases until 2028 and can continue trials for five more years, with the possibility of extension by Congress.
About 14,000 suspects have been investigated by the SJP, mostly former FARC rebels and some security forces members.
Colombia still faces violence from armed groups involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining, including FARC dissidents and other groups.
The justice minister designated by de la Espriella says he will review the court’s budget and demand results but does not plan to fully eliminate it.
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A Ukrainian intelligence officer, Vladyslav Reut, who initially confessed to killing Anastasiia Berezovska, the suspected bomber behind an attack in Monaco, later denied shooting her and said his accomplice was responsible. The case involves complex claims and is being closely watched as President Zelensky promised more updates soon.
Key Facts
Anastasiia Berezovska was suspected of trying to assassinate businessman Vadim Yermolayev in Monaco.
Berezovska was found dead in Ukraine, and Vladyslav Reut led investigators to her burial site.
Reut is a member of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (GUR) and initially admitted to shooting Berezovska.
Later in court, Reut denied killing her, blaming Vitalii Zhykovych, a former Ukrainian security service (SBU) agent.
Reut said Zhykovych shot Berezovska and made him bury her body.
Reut claimed he was threatened by Zhykovych to keep quiet.
Berezovska had arrived in Ukraine shortly after the bombing in Monaco and was traveling from Poland.
The motive behind the Monaco bombing remains unclear; the targeted businessman had lost Ukrainian citizenship and was sanctioned for business ties to Crimea.
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Pauline Hanson, an Australian senator and leader of One Nation, is visiting the UK on what she calls a "fact-finding" trip to understand problems in the country. During her visit, she met with British far-right figures, including activist Tommy Robinson, and plans to share videos about her experience once she returns to Australia.
Key Facts
Pauline Hanson is visiting the UK to learn about issues she sees in the country.
She appeared on a podcast hosted by Tommy Robinson, a British far-right activist.
Hanson called Robinson "a brave man" and said he cares about his nation.
She expressed concern about cultural changes in some UK cities, mentioning women wearing burkas.
Hanson also met Rupert Lowe, leader of the far-right Restore UK party.
Tommy Robinson shared videos of their activities in Luton, England.
Hanson plans to share daily updates and a longer video after her trip.
Separately, Qantas was named the world’s most punctual major airline in June, with 87.16% of flights arriving on time.
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The United Nations expressed serious concern about a continuing drone attack in Sudan amid ongoing conflict. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is preparing to investigate war crimes related to Sudan’s ongoing violent war.
Key Facts
The UN has highlighted an ongoing drone attack in Sudan.
The conflict in Sudan is described as brutal and involves serious violence.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is starting groundwork to investigate war crimes in Sudan.
Rights workers, politicians, and developers are meeting in Geneva for an AI summit, showing global attention to technology and humanitarian issues.
South African artist Credo V. Daniel faced criticism for using AI in music, leading to removal from Apple’s platform.
The news report also mentions other global issues, such as the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and political developments in various countries.
Sudan’s conflict is part of a larger pattern of violence in the region drawing international concern.
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Mexico will ask U.S. prosecutors to file criminal charges over the deaths of 17 Mexicans in U.S. immigration custody or during immigration operations under President Trump's administration. This move follows the recent shooting death of a Mexican man by an ICE agent in Houston, and Mexico is also filing civil lawsuits against detention center operators for human rights violations.
Key Facts
Mexico plans to request criminal charges related to 17 deaths of Mexicans in U.S. ICE custody or enforcement actions.
The request will be sent to U.S. state prosecutors and the Department of Justice but has no legal power itself.
Mexico will file civil lawsuits against companies managing immigration detention centers to address human rights concerns.
The action follows the shooting death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican man killed by an ICE agent in Houston.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says Salgado Araujo was shot after ignoring orders and trying to hit an agent’s vehicle.
Mexico’s government reports 14 Mexicans died in ICE custody and 3 during ICE operations.
Mexico had previously addressed these issues through diplomatic notes and international human rights groups.
Mexican officials have increased oversight of detainees and voiced strong opposition to treatment of Mexican citizens in U.S. custody.
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Mexico plans to ask both state and federal courts in the United States to investigate and prosecute cases involving the deaths of Mexican migrants during U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. This decision comes after a Mexican man was fatally shot in Houston, and Mexico also wants better protections for its citizens in private ICE detention centers.
Key Facts
Mexico will pursue legal action in U.S. state and federal courts over deaths of Mexican migrants.
The push follows a fatal shooting of a Mexican man in Houston.
Mexico wants stronger protections for Mexican nationals in privately run ICE detention centers.
The efforts focus on migrants affected during ICE enforcement operations.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced these plans.
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Andy Burnham, likely to be the next UK prime minister, apologized for the Labour Party’s slow response to Israel’s actions in Gaza. He called for stronger sanctions against those involved in violence and said the UK needs to do more to pressure Israel and support a ceasefire.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham apologized for Labour’s initial response to the conflict in Gaza.
He said the UK was slow to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza.
The UK has recognized the state of Palestine and put sanctions on some Israeli far-right ministers.
More than 1,000 people in Gaza have died since a ceasefire was agreed in October.
Burnham suggested imposing more sanctions and banning trade with illegal settlements.
He did not accuse Israel of genocide but mentioned possible war crimes that need legal review.
Labour also condemns Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, and anti-Semitic violence in Britain.
Some Labour supporters criticized the party for not pushing harder for an immediate ceasefire, causing some to support the Green Party instead.
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