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A study in Uganda found that lotion made from catnip oil repels mosquitoes as well as the widely used chemical repellent Deet. The lotion could be produced locally and sold at low cost, offering a new tool to help fight malaria in Africa.
Key Facts
Catnip oil contains nepetalactone, a chemical known to repel insects and cause euphoria in cats.
Researchers tested lotions with 2% and 6% catnip oil against 15% Deet lotion in Uganda.
The 6% catnip lotion was as effective as Deet in reducing mosquito bites; 2% was slightly less effective.
Malaria infects about 282 million people annually and caused 610,000 deaths in 2024, mostly young children in Africa.
Commercial Deet repellents are too expensive for many rural Ugandans.
Local production of catnip lotion could create jobs and keep costs low.
The study was presented at the Society for Experimental Biology conference in Florence.
Experts say repellents need regular use to work well, so they complement other malaria control methods.
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Hamas announced it will give up control of Gaza’s government to a group of Palestinian experts. This change aims to support a peace plan backed by US President Donald Trump and reduce Israeli control over Gaza. However, Israel doubts Hamas’s move, and the situation remains complicated.
Key Facts
Hamas has governed Gaza since 2007 and now says it is stepping back from running the territory.
Control will shift to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a group of Palestinian technocrats.
The NCAG was created under a UN mandate and is supervised by a peace board linked to President Trump’s peace plan.
Israel calls Hamas’s announcement a “stunt” and wants to control most of Gaza.
Egypt is leading talks about the transition, but Israel currently blocks the NCAG from entering Gaza.
Hamas’s workers will remain the same even if governing bodies change.
The removal of Hamas from administration does not mean it will give up its weapons.
The peace plan includes dividing Gaza into zones controlled by Israel and Palestinians, but Israeli troops must withdraw for progress.
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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has lifted the suspension on Russia's Olympic Committee and may allow Russian athletes to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if they follow anti-doping rules. No final decision has been made about whether Russia can use its flag, colors, or anthem at the Games.
Key Facts
The IOC suspended Russia's Olympic Committee in 2023 due to the war in Ukraine.
The suspension is now considered "no longer applicable," so Russian athletes can compete again if they pass doping tests.
The IOC has not decided if Russia can display its national symbols like the flag and anthem at the Olympics.
The IOC will not hold events in Russia or invite Russian government officials to its events.
Some Russian athletes competed as neutrals at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics and 2023 Milan Winter Olympics.
Only 32 Russian and Belarusian athletes competed as neutrals at the 2024 Paris Games, winning five medals; Russia had over 300 athletes and 71 medals at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Russia's sports minister said the decision shows the Olympic movement should stay free from politics and Russia plans to take part in qualifiers for 2028.
The IOC still condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine but believes athletes should not be punished for their government's actions.
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A musical about Dolly Parton's life will open on Broadway this winter. The show will feature her famous songs and new music, telling her story in her own words.
Key Facts
The musical is called Dolly: A True Original Musical.
It will start previews on December 7 at New York’s St James Theatre and officially open on January 19, Dolly Parton’s birthday.
The musical includes Parton’s well-known songs like "I Will Always Love You," "Jolene," and "9 to 5."
Dolly Parton helped create the show to share her full life story honestly and personally.
The show first premiered in Nashville last summer with sold-out performances.
The director is Bartlett Sher, who says the musical reveals Dolly’s true story beyond her public image.
Tickets go on sale to the public on July 10, with early access for fans.
Dolly Parton will turn 81 the day the show officially opens.
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French prosecutors have started an investigation into racist comments made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla against French football player Kylian Mbappé after a World Cup match. The senator’s social media posts insulted Mbappé based on his race, and France’s Football Federation filed a complaint that led to the inquiry.
Key Facts
The investigation was opened by Paris prosecutors following a complaint from the French Football Federation.
Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla posted racist insults about Mbappé, calling him a “colonised Cameroonian” and a “brute.”
Mbappé responded by condemning Amarilla’s remarks and saying she did not represent Paraguay.
The Paris prosecutor’s office said the racist comments could result in up to one year in prison and a fine of 45,000 euros.
Amarilla later posted an open letter blaming Mbappé for her anger and demanded he apologize to her.
The Paraguayan government stated that Amarilla’s comments did not represent the country’s views.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña publicly condemned the racist remarks.
France’s assistant coach described the senator’s attack as “disgraceful, vile, outrageous.”
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Prince Harry recently lost a lawsuit against British newspaper publishers Associated Newspapers. Over the years, he has been involved in multiple legal cases alleging phone hacking and illegal information gathering by the U.K. media, with some cases settled and others dismissed by courts.
Key Facts
Prince Harry sued Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, accusing them of phone tapping and impersonation between 1993 and 2011.
The U.K. High Court dismissed these claims on July 7, ruling they could not be proven.
Harry sued News Group Newspapers (publisher of The Sun) in 2019 for voicemail hacking; this case was settled in January 2025 with an apology and damages paid to Harry.
Harry also sued Mirror Group Newspapers for hacking and illegal info gathering; this case settled in February 2024 with damages paid and legal costs covered.
Harry’s court testimony in the Mirror Group case marked the first time a senior British royal testified in court since the 19th century.
A judge found only some of the Mirror Group articles were based on illegal hacking, awarding Harry a modest sum.
Harry dropped a separate libel lawsuit against Associated Newspapers over an article about his security dispute with the U.K. government.
Many of the alleged illegal activities date back decades, involving various methods like voicemail interception and deceptive investigation.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Australia for the first time in three years, attending events in Melbourne with large crowds expected. Ahead of the visit, there are protests planned by human rights groups, and calls for the Australian government to discuss India’s human rights record during talks with Modi.
Key Facts
Modi’s visit to Australia begins on Wednesday evening and lasts for three days.
Melbourne will host a major event called “Melbourne Meets Modi,” expecting 25,000 to 30,000 attendees.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet Modi during the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit.
Amnesty International urges Australia to raise concerns about human rights and the safety of journalists in India.
The Alliance Against Islamophobia plans protests against Modi’s visit, highlighting issues like anti-Muslim hate and caste discrimination.
Australian Federal Police warned an individual over an alleged threat made online against Modi but say there is no current risk to the public.
Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party promotes Hindu ethno-nationalism, and some of Modi’s policies face criticism for discrimination against Muslims.
Melbourne is home to the largest Indian-born community in Australia.
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Europe experienced a surge in wildfires in early 2024, with France and Spain seeing more than double the usual burned land for that time of year. Scientists link the fires to a mix of heavy rains that encouraged plant growth followed by heatwaves that dried this vegetation, creating more fuel for the fires.
Key Facts
Wildfires have burned 28,000 hectares in France and 50,000 hectares in Spain by July 1, 2024.
Record-breaking June heat in Europe was made far more likely by climate change caused by fossil fuel use.
Wet winter and spring in Spain led to more plant growth, which then dried out during heatwaves, increasing fire risk.
Dry vegetation acts as fuel for wildfires, and Europe has enough overgrown plants to sustain large fires.
Rural areas in southern Europe are becoming overgrown as people move away, reducing land management.
Experts warn fire policies focus too much on fighting fires instead of preventing conditions that cause them.
Climate change causes weather extremes that can worsen wildfire risks and other disasters like floods.
Scientists call for improved climate actions and land use planning to reduce future wildfire risks.
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A Chinese court ruled that the local tea chain Molly Tea copied Louis Vuitton’s floral trademark design and ordered Molly Tea to pay damages. This decision caused anger among many Chinese internet users, who say Louis Vuitton is using the law to claim ownership of traditional Chinese designs.
Key Facts
The court in Jiangsu province found Molly Tea infringed seven of Louis Vuitton’s registered trademarks.
Molly Tea’s four-leaf floral logo was judged very similar to Louis Vuitton’s Monogram Canvas design.
Molly Tea was ordered to pay about $1.4 million in damages and additional legal fees.
The ruling is not final; Molly Tea may appeal the decision.
Many Chinese social media users say Louis Vuitton’s designs come from traditional Chinese culture that is over 1,000 years old.
Critics argue that companies should not trademark cultural patterns that are widely used and ancient.
A similar court case earlier this year punished a Nanjing restaurant for using a vintage floral decor seen as infringing Louis Vuitton’s marks.
The case sparked jokes on social media comparing Louis Vuitton bags to old Chinese toilet decorations because of the floral pattern.
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Lebanese Christian villages denied Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s claim that they asked to join Israel for protection against Hezbollah. Lebanese officials and analysts said Netanyahu’s statements were false and aimed at creating conflict within Lebanon, a country already divided by religious groups and political tensions.
Key Facts
Netanyahu said some Lebanese Christian villages wanted to be annexed by Israel for protection from Hezbollah.
Christian villages and Lebanese officials strongly rejected this claim as untrue.
Lebanon and Israel have an agreement aimed at reducing conflict, but fighting intensified recently with rocket attacks and Israeli military responses.
Israeli attacks have targeted areas in Lebanon and sometimes affected Christian communities, sparking international criticism.
Lebanon’s political system is divided along religious lines, with different sectarian groups sharing power.
Some analysts say Netanyahu’s comments try to increase religious and political tensions in Lebanon.
More than 1.2 million people were forced to leave their homes due to recent fighting in Lebanon.
Despite divisions over Hezbollah’s role, most Lebanese still see Israel negatively.
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Colombia’s President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has paused the official handover process with current President Gustavo Petro’s government after Petro claimed election fraud without giving proof. Both sides have accused each other, and the handover, which is meant to help the new president prepare, is now stopped.
Key Facts
Abelardo de la Espriella won Colombia’s June 21 runoff election by about one percentage point.
President Gustavo Petro did not recognize de la Espriella’s victory and alleged fraud but did not provide evidence.
De la Espriella, who was endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump, called Petro’s government “corrupt” and suspended the transition process.
The official transition, called “empalme,” is a formal exchange of information between outgoing and incoming administrations.
Colombia’s finance minister and transition coordinator for Petro’s government ordered suspension of the handover after de la Espriella’s announcement.
Election observers from the European Union and the Carter Center praised the election’s transparency and reliability.
De la Espriella is a businessman and lawyer with interests in clothing, wine, rum brands, and a restaurant.
Petro’s government has faced criticism for its handling of talks with armed groups and other policies.
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Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, is resigning as a member of parliament after reports about his financial supporters. His resignation triggers a by-election in Clacton, where he plans to run again, amid ongoing investigations into his funding and benefits.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage announced he is stepping down as an MP but intends to stand in the upcoming by-election in Clacton.
He faces investigations after reports revealed he received help from George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster, who paid for staff and allowed Farage to use a London townhouse.
Farage denied any wrongdoing and said he has not broken the law or misused public money.
The Parliamentary Standards Commission is also investigating Farage for accepting £5 million from billionaire Christopher Harborne, initially stated to fund private security.
Farage cited concerns about his family’s privacy and safety as reasons for his resignation.
He described the by-election as a chance for voters to push back against what he called “the establishment.”
George Cottrell was jailed in the U.S. in 2017 for money laundering.
Farage thanked Harborne for providing resources that will ensure his lifelong security.
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France has removed all its diplomats from Burkina Faso after Burkina Faso's military government ended diplomatic relations with France. France also asked Burkinabé diplomats to leave France by July 6.
Key Facts
Burkina Faso, led by a military government, cut diplomatic ties with France.
France responded by withdrawing all its diplomats from Burkina Faso.
France demanded that Burkina Faso’s diplomatic staff leave France by July 6.
The diplomatic break reflects four years of worsening relations between the two countries.
Burkina Faso is a former French colony in West Africa.
This diplomatic pullout is part of ongoing tensions involving France and some African countries.
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President Donald Trump met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara before a NATO summit. The meeting was part of preparations for discussions at the upcoming NATO gathering.
Key Facts
The meeting took place on a Tuesday in Ankara, Turkey.
President Trump and President Erdoğan discussed matters ahead of the NATO summit.
NATO is a military alliance of several countries, including the U.S. and Turkey.
The discussion aimed to address shared concerns and cooperation within NATO.
CBS News reporters and experts covered the meeting and its context.
This meeting is part of ongoing diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Turkey.
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Margaret Atwood, the author of The Handmaid’s Tale, said that her dystopian story now feels closer to real life because issues like democracy, women’s rights, and free speech have weakened. She talked about President Donald Trump, book bans in the United States, and the loss of reproductive rights during an interview at a literary festival in Portugal.
Key Facts
Margaret Atwood wrote The Handmaid’s Tale, first published in 1985.
The book is seen as a symbol of resistance against losing freedoms.
Atwood warned for decades about dangers to democracy and women’s rights.
She discussed President Donald Trump and the rise in book bans in the U.S.
Reproductive rights have been rolled back in some places, which she highlighted.
Atwood burned a special edition of her novel in protest against censorship.
She published a new memoir called Book of Lives about her life and career.
The interview happened at the Babell literary festival in Porto, Portugal.
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Prince Harry has lost a court case against the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers, which accused them of using illegal methods to get private information. The U.K. High Court dismissed his claims, saying there was not enough proof.
Key Facts
Prince Harry, Elton John, and Elizabeth Hurley accused Associated Newspapers of phone tapping and impersonation to get personal data.
The alleged illegal acts happened between 1993 and 2011, with claims they continued until 2018.
The court rejected Harry’s claims because they could not be proven.
Associated Newspapers denied wrongdoing and said their articles were based on legal sources.
Harry previously settled a separate phone hacking case with Mirror Group Newspapers and received damages.
The ruling came while Harry was visiting the U.K. without his wife Meghan and children.
Harry has blamed the media for his mother Princess Diana’s death and cited media pressure as a reason for moving to the U.S. in 2020.
The case is expected to be Harry’s last legal fight with British media companies.
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Explosions occurred in Damascus, Syria, injuring more than a dozen people while French President Emmanuel Macron was visiting the country. President Macron met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during this visit.
Key Facts
Explosions happened in Damascus, the capital of Syria.
Over twelve people were injured in the blasts.
Syrian state TV reported the injuries.
French President Emmanuel Macron was visiting Syria at the time.
Macron met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during his visit.
The cause or perpetrators of the explosions were not detailed in the report.
The visit is notable due to the timing of the attacks during Macron’s trip.
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A Paris appeals court confirmed Marine Le Pen's conviction for fraud and sentenced her to three years in jail, with two years suspended and one year under electronic monitoring. She can still run in France’s 2027 presidential election but would have to wear an electronic ankle bracelet, which she opposes.
Key Facts
Marine Le Pen is a far-right leader in France.
A Paris appeals court upheld her fraud conviction.
She received a three-year jail sentence: two years suspended and one year with an electronic ankle tag.
Wearing an electronic bracelet is part of her punishment.
Despite the sentence, Le Pen remains eligible to run in the 2027 presidential election.
Le Pen has said she does not want to wear the electronic bracelet.
The case raises questions about her future political plans.
Related reports mention Le Pen’s past legal issues and her party’s leadership.
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A couple renovating a large historic house in England found a hidden arched brick doorway after removing an overgrown fig tree near the house. The doorway had been covered by years of growth and changes to the property, revealing a secret entrance to part of the house's cellar.
Key Facts
The house is called Ferne Grove House, a Victorian country home with 12 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms.
The home had been empty for around six years before Ceri and Steve Smith bought it recently.
The couple removed a large fig tree as advised by a survey because its roots were close to the house.
When cutting back the tree, they discovered old brickwork, steps, and an arched doorway previously hidden.
The doorway leads to the cellar, which is large and partly unexplored due to partitions inside.
The house had been used commercially for some time, covering or hiding many original features.
The couple is working to uncover more original parts of the home and restore it.
The hidden entrance might have been linked to servants’ quarters, based on historical records.
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NATO leaders met in Ankara for a summit focusing on encouraging Europe and Canada to pay more for their defense. President Donald Trump’s support within NATO depends not just on friendly leaders but on the costs and dependencies that give the U.S. leverage over the alliance.
Key Facts
NATO held a two-day summit in Ankara, Turkey, starting July 7.
The U.S.-led alliance wants Europe and Canada to share more defense costs.
NATO members have a goal to spend 5% of their budgets on defense by 2035.
President Trump said he values loyalty over money from NATO allies.
Some European leaders, like Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, have complicated relationships with Trump.
NATO relies heavily on U.S. troops, bases, and advanced military technology.
The U.S. dominates key technologies like cloud computing and artificial intelligence used in defense.
Europe is working to reduce its dependence on American tech but still needs U.S. systems and software.
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