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Kate Forbes, a former Scottish National Party (SNP) minister, said she was likely to win the SNP leadership in 2023 until she shared her personal views on gay marriage, which were based on her Christian faith. Despite losing to Humza Yousaf, she said she gained public respect for standing by her beliefs and faced criticism within her party for speaking at a conference with right-wing figures.
Key Facts
Kate Forbes was considered a strong candidate ("slam dunk") for SNP leadership in 2023.
She lost the leadership contest to Humza Yousaf.
Forbes revealed she would have voted against same-sex marriage but would not try to repeal the law.
She is a member of the Free Church of Scotland and expressed conservative views on issues like families and abortion.
Forbes said she was advised to hide her views but chose to be honest, which earned her public support.
Some SNP members disagreed with her speaking at a conference alongside right-wing politicians like Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson.
The conference discussion noted she faced unfair treatment because of her Christian beliefs.
Forbes said she received thousands of messages supporting her right to express her conscience, even when people disagreed with her views.
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In southern India, robotic elephants are being used in Hindu temples to replace live elephants in rituals and festivals. Animal welfare groups support this change, while some traditionalists oppose it because elephants are considered sacred and an important part of the ceremonies.
Key Facts
Robotic elephants are life-size models made of fiberglass, iron, and rubber.
These robots can move parts like ears, tails, heads, and trunks, and can even squirt water.
The robotic elephants cost about $6,000 each and weigh much less than real elephants.
Around 40 robotic elephants have been donated to temples by animal welfare groups like PETA.
The real elephants are considered sacred in Hinduism and have a major role in temple festivals.
Traditional festivals in Kerala, such as the Thrissur Pooram, feature about 100 live elephants dressed in decoration.
The creator of the robotic elephants, Prasanth Prakashan, says the robots do not yet walk but he is working on it.
The use of robotic elephants seeks to prevent animal abuse and dangers posed by live elephants during festivals.
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A church in St. Paul, Minnesota, called the Church of Saint Agnes, continues to offer traditional Latin Mass while being loyal to Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican. This comes as Pope Leo XIV recently condemned a traditionalist group, the Society of St. Pius X, for breaking away from the Catholic Church by rejecting modern reforms and consecrating bishops without approval.
Key Facts
The Church of Saint Agnes holds both Latin and English Masses in a diverse neighborhood in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The church supports maintaining Catholic traditions while staying in full communion with Pope Leo XIV.
Since the Second Vatican Council over 60 years ago, the Catholic Church has modernized its worship practices, but some groups prefer the old Latin Rite.
The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) is a group that rejects these reforms and only celebrates the old Latin Mass.
Pope Leo XIV excommunicated SSPX bishops and priests after they appointed new bishops without Vatican approval.
The Church of Saint Agnes is not affiliated with SSPX and has official permission to celebrate Mass in Latin.
Father John Ubel, the pastor at Saint Agnes, preaches about balancing tradition with loyalty to the Vatican.
The recent schism highlights divisions within the Catholic Church between modern reformers and traditionalists.
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Two strong earthquakes hit La Guaira, Venezuela, on June 24, 2026, killing at least 2,295 people. Rescue and forensic teams are working hard to find, identify, and store the bodies, while many families struggle to claim their loved ones.
Key Facts
The earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and struck back-to-back.
La Guaira, on Venezuela’s northern coast, was the hardest-hit area.
Over 2,295 people have died, and thousands remain missing.
Emergency teams face challenges collecting and identifying bodies.
Families often identify bodies by tattoos, scars, or clothes due to changes after death.
Funeral costs are high, and some families cannot afford them.
The local government is helping by giving free burial spaces to some families.
Forensic workers like Joel Mirabal have been working nonstop for days.
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President Donald Trump criticized the United States' relationship with NATO as unfair and one-sided ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara. He said European countries have not supported the US enough, especially regarding the war in Iran, and wants Europe to take more responsibility for its own defense.
Key Facts
President Trump called it "ridiculous" for the US to keep supporting NATO without fair help from other members.
He posted on Truth Social that NATO countries “were not there for us” and that the relationship is not fair to the US.
Several European countries have limited the use of their military bases by the US because of the war in Iran.
Trump wants Europe to lead its own defense, and the US has begun reducing some military commitments in Europe.
NATO members agreed last year to increase defense spending to 5% of their GDP by 2035 under US pressure.
US Secretary of State said Trump is unhappy with NATO allies for not joining more actively in operations against Iran.
Senator Marco Rubio said the tensions will be discussed at the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8.
NATO was formed in 1949 and is seen as a US-led alliance that helped maintain security in Europe during the Cold War and after.
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Interim President Delcy Rodriguez of Venezuela reported that 80% of the buildings that collapsed during recent earthquakes were privately built. She also confirmed that over 2,500 people have died and rescue efforts are ongoing.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes recently struck Venezuela.
About 80% of collapsed buildings were built by private developers.
More than 2,500 people have died because of the earthquakes.
Search and rescue teams are still working to find survivors.
The government is responding to public concerns about its disaster handling.
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A hosepipe ban will start on 10 July for about one million people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to save water. The ban follows very low river levels and dry weather, and may last until autumn unless there is heavy rain.
Key Facts
The hosepipe ban affects customers of Southern Water in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
It begins on 10 July but people are encouraged to stop using hosepipes immediately.
The River Test, the main water source, is at critically low levels due to dry weather and a heatwave.
This is the second year in a row the ban has been introduced by Southern Water.
Hosepipes use about 1,000 litres of water per hour, roughly one person's weekly water use.
Some customers with special health or mobility needs are exempt from the ban.
Southern Water plans a new reservoir by 2040 to reduce pressure on rivers.
The reduction in water leaks this year equals 27 million litres a day saved.
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A member of the European Parliament, Stelios Kouloglou, was repeatedly targeted with spyware made by NSO Group while investigating the misuse of this software in Europe. Researchers from Citizen Lab found signs that the attacks were related to past hacking campaigns against journalists but could not identify which government was responsible.
Key Facts
Stelios Kouloglou, a Greek MEP and journalist, was targeted by Pegasus spyware during his work on a European parliamentary committee investigating spyware abuses.
The spyware used was made by NSO Group, an Israeli company that sells it to governments for security purposes.
Kouloglou’s phone was first infected in October 2022 during an intense period of committee activity, and again in March 2023 as the committee was finalizing its report.
The committee investigating Pegasus abuses is called Pega and was created in March 2022 after the Pegasus Project exposed government spying on journalists and activists.
Citizen Lab could not identify which government used the spyware against Kouloglou but noted similarities to previous attacks on Russian and Belarusian journalists living in Europe.
Kouloglou was hacked while hospitalized and in contact with another journalist who was also targeted by spyware in Greece.
This is the first time a member of the Pega committee has been confirmed as a spyware target.
Experts warn that other European politicians may be unknowingly hacked with spyware.
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The historic Furka steam railway in the Swiss Alps is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Volunteers restored this mountain railway after it closed in the 1980s, and it now runs as a tourist attraction through scenic Alpine landscapes during the summer.
Key Facts
The Furka Pass is one of Switzerland’s highest Alpine passes at 2,431 meters (7,976 feet).
The steam railway first operated a continuous journey over the pass on July 3, 1926.
It provided an important rail link between the regions of Uri and Valais in central Switzerland.
In the early 1980s, the route was closed after a tunnel diverted rail traffic away from the mountain pass.
Hundreds of volunteers restored the line and steam trains, reopening it as a heritage railway starting in 1992.
The current 18-kilometer (11-mile) track runs between Realp and Oberwald stations and operates in summer for tourists.
Steam trains use vintage carriages, and volunteers with special skills drive the locomotives.
Tourists enjoy views of rivers, Alpine meadows, pastures, and snow patches on the journey.
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Iran has started funeral events for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The coffin will travel across the country before being buried in his hometown of Mashhad on July 9.
Key Facts
Iran is holding a seven-day funeral ceremony for Ali Khamenei.
The funeral events will begin in Tehran.
The coffin will move through various parts of Iran during the ceremonies.
Ali Khamenei was a Supreme Leader of Iran.
The final burial will take place in Mashhad, Khamenei’s hometown.
The burial is scheduled for July 9.
This marks a significant event in Iran’s political and religious life.
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Fans attending the 2026 World Cup are enjoying local foods in the host cities across North America. Visitors are trying well-known fast food and regional dishes, appreciating the variety and flavors of American and Canadian cuisine.
Key Facts
World Cup fans traveled from many countries to North America for the soccer tournament.
Visitors are tasting local foods like lobster rolls in Boston, barbecue in Kansas City, and poutine in Toronto.
Some fans are trying popular American fast-food chains that they cannot find at home, such as Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out Burger.
Scottish fan Gary Bishop described poutine as a delicious dish with chips, gravy, and cheese.
Restaurant owners in host cities have seen increased customers and excitement because of the World Cup.
Fans from places like Scotland, Brazil, and England have gathered around local food spots during the tournament.
Some food chains are using the World Cup to attract more customers.
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President Donald Trump has accepted an invitation to the NATO summit in Turkey, largely due to his close relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Trump praised Erdogan and suggested that the U.S. might soon approve sales of advanced military equipment, like F-35 jets, to Turkey despite previous restrictions.
Key Facts
President Trump often criticized other NATO leaders but praised Turkish President Erdogan as a “hell of a leader” and a good friend.
Erdogan personally invited Trump to attend the NATO summit in Ankara, emphasizing the importance of U.S. participation.
Trump’s attendance is seen as helping to avoid problems within NATO caused by his previous threats to reduce U.S. forces in Europe.
The U.S. and other NATO members have long disagreed on defense spending, with Trump pressing allies to increase it.
Turkey has been barred from receiving F-35 fighter jets because of its close ties with Russia.
Trump hinted he might announce progress on selling jet engines or F-35 jets to Turkey during the summit.
Experts note Trump tends to have better relations with leaders like Erdogan, who are considered strongmen and not traditional allies.
Erdogan avoided engaging closely with President Biden but is relying on his ties with Trump.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin downplayed the impact of fuel shortages in Russia caused by repeated Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries. Despite the damage to Russia’s fuel industry and continued fighting, Putin insists the war will go on until his goals are met.
Key Facts
Since March, Ukraine has launched over 50 attacks on Russian and Crimea energy facilities.
These attacks have cut about one-third of Russia’s oil refining capacity.
Gasoline production in Russia has dropped roughly 17%, leading to fuel rationing and long lines at gas stations.
Crimea faces the worst fuel shortages, with gasoline sales to individuals stopped completely.
Russian military launched a large 11-hour attack on Kyiv, killing at least 21 people.
Putin described the Ukrainian attacks as attempts to distract from Ukraine’s battlefield losses.
He considers the fuel shortages “not critical” and rejected ceasefire suggestions.
Repairs to damaged refineries, including one in Moscow hit twice, will take months to complete.
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Neil is a 1,000 kg (2,200 pound) elephant seal who returns every six months to southern Tasmania, Australia, where he causes property damage and disrupts local areas. Officials warn that his growing social media fame is causing crowds that might jeopardize both Neil’s safety and the public.
Key Facts
Neil is a 5-year-old male elephant seal, weighing about 1,000 kg (2,200 pounds).
He visits southern Tasmania’s beaches twice a year after feeding at sea.
Neil has damaged traffic bollards, signs, fences, and cars during his visits.
He often rests in places like roads, which can stop traffic in towns.
Neil has a TikTok following of 1.4 million people, more than double Tasmania’s human population.
Experts say Neil’s behavior is normal as he practices for fights he would have with other seals in the wild.
Officials are concerned that Neil’s popularity leads to risky human-seal encounters.
Tasmania’s Department of Natural Resources asks fans to respect Neil’s space to keep everyone safe.
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Singer Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce are planning to get married on July 2, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The wedding event is expected to start at 5 p.m. and last until 4 a.m. the next day, with security and preparations underway at the venue.
Key Facts
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding is scheduled for July 2, 2026.
The wedding location is Madison Square Garden, a large arena in New York City.
The event is planned to start at 5 p.m. and could last until 4 a.m. the following morning.
A smaller rehearsal dinner is expected to take place on the night before the wedding.
Security is tight, and the venue is being prepared with tents and special setups.
Madison Square Garden’s windowless design helps provide privacy for the event.
The wedding is a major topic among fans and the public due to the couple’s high profile.
New York City Police are involved in security but have not officially confirmed the wedding location.
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Lam Wing-kee, a Hong Kong bookseller known for opposing Beijing’s control over free speech, died in Taiwan at age 70. He had been seized by Chinese authorities in 2015 and later moved to Taiwan, where he reopened his bookstore before falling ill last year.
Key Facts
Lam Wing-kee was seized by Chinese authorities in October 2015 after crossing from Hong Kong to mainland China.
He was held under strict surveillance in Ningbo, China, for five months and forced to confess on Chinese TV.
Lam worked at Causeway Bay Books in Hong Kong, which sold books about Chinese leaders and political scandals.
He moved to Taipei, Taiwan, in 2019 due to fears of legal problems and reopened the bookstore in 2020.
Lam died in June 2024 after a cancer relapse, passing away in a Taipei hospital.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te expressed condolences and praised Lam’s courage in defending freedom.
Other booksellers from Causeway Bay Books also disappeared or were detained, including Gui Minhai, who was sentenced to prison in China.
After large protests in 2019, Hong Kong authorities increased controls on speech and arrested people for selling certain publications.
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Millions of people will take part in seven days of funeral ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, starting July 3. The events will occur in cities across Iran and Iraq, ending with his burial at a holy shrine in Mashhad, Iran, on July 9.
Key Facts
Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, died after a U.S.-Israeli air strike on February 28.
The funeral was delayed from March due to ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel with Iran.
The ceremonies begin in Tehran, where the coffin will lie in state at the Grand Mosalla prayer complex.
Public funeral processions will continue through Tehran and then move to Qom, a key center for Shia Islamic study.
On July 8, ceremonies will take place in Iraqi cities Najaf and Karbala, which have important Shia holy sites.
Najaf is home to the Imam Ali Shrine, believed to hold the tomb of Imam Ali, a central figure in Shia Islam.
Karbala hosts shrines for Imam Hussein and Abbas, key historical figures in Shia tradition.
The final burial will be at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, Iran’s holiest city and Khamenei’s birthplace.
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A new portrait of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel was unveiled at Berlin's Bode-Museum after private sessions between Merkel and artist Jérémie Queyras. The painting shows Merkel wearing a blue blazer and carries marks of the long years she served in power. The portrait will later be displayed in the chancellery and was reportedly paid for by Merkel herself.
Key Facts
Jérémie Queyras, a 28-year-old artist, painted Angela Merkel’s portrait after months of private meetings in Berlin.
Merkel and Queyras spent hours together chatting and listening to classical music during the painting process.
The portrait shows Merkel in a blue blazer, with signs of the toll her 16 years in office took on her.
Queyras waited three years after sending a letter before Merkel gave him the commission.
Merkel advised Queyras about the challenges of painting her portrait, including potential criticism from other artists and political groups.
Merkel arranged secret access for Queyras to see portraits of previous German chancellors to prepare for the work.
Merkel personally paid for the portrait, ensuring her control over it rather than it becoming government property.
The painting will be displayed at the Bode-Museum until October and then moved to the chancellery, hung next to a portrait of Gerhard Schröder.
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Scientists found that bottlenose dolphins in the Adriatic Sea are increasingly following fishing boats called trawlers to find food because natural fish are scarce due to heavy fishing. Baby dolphins learn this behavior from their mothers, but feeding near trawlers can be risky and harmful for dolphins.
Key Facts
Dolphins follow trawlers to eat leftover or discarded fish because natural food is hard to find.
Overfishing in the Mediterranean Sea is twice the level considered sustainable by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.
In the 1990s, about 10% of trawlers were followed by dolphins; recent studies show up to 76% of trawlers are now followed.
Dolphins may get injured by fishing gear and suffer hearing damage from noisy trawlers.
Baby dolphins learn to follow trawlers by watching their mothers, passing this behavior from one generation to the next.
The Adriatic Sea has lost many common dolphins, a sign of environmental decline.
Scientists urge reducing fishing and using less harmful fishing methods to help dolphins find natural food again.
The study was published in the journal Frontiers and involved researchers from Italy and the US.
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A US pilot was killed in Indonesia’s Papua region after separatist rebels said they shot him and burned his plane. The incident is part of a long-running conflict where some groups want independence from Indonesia.
Key Facts
A US pilot was killed in the Papua region of Indonesia.
Separatist rebels claimed responsibility for shooting the pilot.
The rebels also said they set the pilot’s aircraft on fire.
Papua has a long-standing independence movement.
More than 122,000 people have been displaced in Papua since 2022 because of the conflict.
The attack adds to the ongoing violence in the area.
The conflict involves demands for independence from Indonesia.
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