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Research in the UK shows that women from Black and Asian backgrounds are less likely than white women to receive epidural pain relief during childbirth. Experts say this highlights racial inequalities in healthcare, where people of color often get less pain treatment.
Key Facts
The study looked at data from over 2.7 million births in the UK up to 2021.
Women from Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Black Caribbean backgrounds were 24%, 15%, and 8% less likely than white women to get epidurals during vaginal births.
Black Caribbean-British women were 58% more likely to receive general anesthesia rather than regional anesthesia during planned C-sections compared to white women.
General anesthesia puts the mother fully to sleep and is mostly used in emergencies, while regional anesthesia (like epidurals) allows the mother to stay awake and recover faster.
The findings reflect wider racial inequalities in pain treatment in UK healthcare, from emergency care to cancer pain relief.
Medical professionals call for better data to understand and fix how pain is treated for ethnic minority patients.
The report links these inequalities to deeper problems, including institutional racism and harmful stereotypes about Black and Asian women.
Similar racial disparities in maternity care have also been reported in other countries like the US and Australia.
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An Albanian-American man, Artur Shehu, who sold land for a luxury resort project supported by President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, is under investigation in Albania for drug trafficking, money laundering, and financial fraud. The planned resort has caused large protests in Albania due to concerns about environmental damage and government corruption.
Key Facts
Artur Shehu, an Albanian-American living in Miami, is being investigated for drug trafficking and money laundering by Albanian prosecutors.
He sold land in a protected natural coastal area to a company linked to Jared Kushner and other investors planning a luxury resort.
The resort plans have triggered over a month of protests in Albania’s capital, Tirana, involving many groups worried about wildlife and corruption.
Albania’s anti-corruption agency has issued arrest warrants for people involved in international drug trafficking, though names are not publicly confirmed.
Albanian courts have frozen a bank account with more than $127 million linked to the land sale involving Shehu.
Albanian residents claim disputes over the rightful ownership of the land Shehu sold; legal challenges are ongoing.
The investigation into the project does not currently include Kushner’s company, according to Albanian prosecutors.
Shehu has stated his ownership of the land is undisputed and that he sold it through a middleman.
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The Vatican has declared the Society of St Pius X (SSPX) to be in formal schism for consecrating four bishops without the pope’s approval. This led to the excommunication of those bishops and others who support the group, banning them from certain church duties.
Key Facts
The SSPX consecrated four bishops without Pope Leo XIV’s permission.
Consecration is a religious ceremony where a bishop gives authority to new bishops through prayer and symbolic actions.
The Vatican declared this act a schism, which means a serious break in church unity.
Those involved, including the new bishops and their supporters, were excommunicated, the strictest Church penalty.
The SSPX rejects many changes made by the Catholic Church during the 1960s reforms known as Vatican II.
The SSPX began in 1970 and follows traditional Catholic practices like the Latin Mass.
The Vatican does not officially recognize the SSPX as part of the Catholic Church.
Despite warnings from Pope Leo XIV, the SSPX proceeded with the consecrations, calling them a necessary defense of tradition.
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The northern lights, also called the aurora borealis, might be visible at the start of the July 4 weekend. This natural light show in the sky could offer a colorful display alongside typical holiday events like fireworks.
Key Facts
The northern lights are natural lights seen in the night sky near the North Pole.
They occur when charged particles from the sun hit Earth's atmosphere.
The lights can show many colors, like green and red.
This natural display might be strong enough to be seen over the July 4 weekend.
People often watch the northern lights in places with dark skies away from city lights.
The event could offer an alternative to typical July 4 fireworks and celebrations.
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A new study reviewed evidence on artificial and low-calorie sweeteners and found they may affect metabolism and gut bacteria. The research showed these sweeteners could raise markers linked to blood sugar control and potentially change gut microbes, though long-term health effects are still uncertain.
Key Facts
The study analyzed 21 clinical trials and large observational studies on non-nutritive sweeteners.
Sweeteners were compared with noncaloric controls like water or placebo to focus on their direct effects.
Consumption was linked to higher fasting insulin and higher HbA1c, a long-term blood sugar measure.
Results suggest artificial sweeteners might not be metabolically inactive as previously thought.
Types of sweeteners studied mainly included synthetic ones like aspartame, saccharin, and acesulfame potassium.
Artificial sweeteners may change the composition and function of gut bacteria, based on microbiome testing.
Experts say reducing sugar intake remains important despite potential sweetener effects.
More research is needed to understand how different sweeteners impact health over time and in typical amounts consumed.
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Algerians voted on July 2, 2026, to choose a new parliament. The election saw low expected voter turnout and controversy over the disqualification of about a third of potential candidates.
Key Facts
The election was held on July 2, 2026, in Algeria.
Around 25 million people were eligible to vote.
Many voters were expected not to participate, causing low turnout.
The government disqualified roughly one-third of the candidates.
Some candidates were blocked from running in important areas.
The election took place amid concerns about the cost of living.
Media coverage included explanations of how the election works.
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The Vatican has excommunicated over 500,000 members of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), a traditionalist Catholic group, after the SSPX consecrated four new bishops without the Pope’s permission. This decision includes all the group’s lay members, marking a rare and severe Church penalty.
Key Facts
The Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) is a conservative Catholic group founded in 1970 opposing Church reforms from the 1960s.
The SSPX has about 600,000 followers worldwide, mainly in the US, France, and the UK.
On Wednesday, the SSPX consecrated four new bishops in Geneva against the Pope’s direct order.
The Vatican excommunicated all six SSPX bishops and declared all lay members to be schismatic and excommunicated.
Excommunication means these members are cut off from Church sacraments and religious life.
SSPX prefers Latin Mass and more traditional practices, rejecting modern changes like using local languages or allowing communion to be received standing.
The Vatican said those who leave SSPX and want to return to the Catholic Church will be welcomed back.
The excommunication represents a stronger break between SSPX and the main Catholic Church than before, despite earlier attempts at reconciliation.
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The Vatican has officially removed six bishops from the ultraconservative Society of St Pius X from the Catholic Church. This decision came after the group secretly appointed four new bishops, ignoring Pope Leo XIV’s request to stop and deepening a split that began in 1988.
Key Facts
Six bishops from the Society of St Pius X were excommunicated by the Vatican.
The Society of St Pius X is an ultraconservative, breakaway group from the Catholic Church.
The group consecrated four new bishops without the Vatican’s approval.
Pope Leo XIV had asked the group to stop consecrating new bishops.
Any church members who officially support the breakaway group risk excommunication as well.
The split between the Society of St Pius X and the Catholic Church started in 1988.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) announced the hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius is over following the completion of the last person's quarantine. Since May 25, no new cases have been reported, with a total of 13 cases and three deaths confirmed among passengers and crew.
Key Facts
The hantavirus outbreak was linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship.
The last person exposed to the virus completed a 42-day quarantine and tested negative.
There have been 13 total hantavirus cases and three deaths, all from the ship.
Over 650 contacts of infected people were tracked across 33 countries.
The virus strain involved is Andes virus, a rare hantavirus that can spread between people.
The outbreak likely started when the first infected person caught the virus on land before boarding the ship.
WHO will continue studying the outbreak to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Eighteen Americans exposed on the cruise ship completed their quarantine recently.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked the United States for more help after Russia attacked Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. He said that Ukrainians will win the war and called again for support from allies.
Key Facts
Russian forces carried out strikes on Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital.
The attacks caused deaths and damage, though exact numbers are not mentioned.
President Zelenskyy spoke with CBS News about the situation.
He asked the U.S. and other allies for more aid to help save Ukrainian lives.
Zelenskyy expressed confidence that Ukraine will win the war against Russia.
The article highlights an ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The call for support aims to strengthen Ukraine’s defense efforts.
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A couple from Russia climbed to the top of the Empire State Building’s antenna in New York City to display a banner with a message about love and peace. Their daring action appeared to be part of a high-altitude marriage proposal, but they were arrested shortly afterward.
Key Facts
The couple, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, climbed the Empire State Building’s antenna without safety gear.
They displayed a large banner that said, “when the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”
Their stunt was captured on video from a news helicopter, showing them balancing on a narrow ledge and kissing.
The Empire State Building antenna is 1,454 feet (443 meters) tall.
The couple is featured in a 2024 Netflix documentary called "Skywalkers: A Love Story."
They are known for “rooftopping,” which means climbing tall buildings for photos and videos.
After their stunt, they were arrested for trespassing and unauthorized climbing.
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Parents Patti and Marko Milosevic found that playing music by Bad Bunny calmed their crying 10-month-old son, Ollie, who even started dancing to the song. Studies show that babies can recognize and respond to music they heard before birth, which might explain Ollie’s reaction.
Key Facts
Babies cry for many reasons, including hunger, tiredness, or discomfort.
Common calming methods include swaddling, gentle movement, and soothing sounds.
The Milosevics play Bad Bunny’s music to calm their son Ollie, who loves music and dances when he hears it.
Research shows fetuses can learn melodies heard in the womb and recognize them after birth.
Music sounds in the womb are muffled, more like vibrations than clear songs.
Ollie’s dancing videos have become popular on TikTok and Instagram, especially within the Latino community.
The family recently moved from the United States to the Netherlands.
Patti Milosevic expressed admiration for Bad Bunny’s music for bringing people together.
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A 31-year-old beginner climber fell about 1,500 feet while climbing Mount Shasta in California but was rescued and taken to a hospital. She had injuries including a possible broken ankle but was conscious and in good spirits when found.
Key Facts
The woman was climbing the Left of Heart route on Mount Shasta with two other novice climbers.
She fell from around 13,000 feet elevation.
Rescue started midday after a call was made to rangers.
Helicopter rescue was impossible at first due to cloud cover, so three rangers climbed up on foot.
A member of the climbing party and a helpful climber stayed with rescuers during the rescue.
The woman was lowered on a rescue stretcher to Lake Helen and then airlifted to a medical center.
Mount Shasta is a difficult mountain with steep snow, ice, and rockfall hazards.
The Forest Service advises climbers to be honest about their experience and to use proper equipment like crampons, ice axes, and helmets.
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The film "Into the Darkness" looks into claims that Palestinians in Israeli prisons face torture such as beatings, starvation, and sexual violence. It shares stories from former detainees who describe harsh treatment under Israeli military control.
Key Facts
The documentary focuses on alleged torture of Palestinians in Israeli prisons and military detention centers.
Former prisoners report abuse like beatings, lack of food, sexual violence, poor medical care, and mental suffering.
The film features personal stories, including a Palestinian American arrested at age 15 and a detainee from Gaza describing sexual violence.
Rights groups and former prisoners say the detention system acts without punishment or checks on power.
The documentary was filmed in Gaza, the West Bank, Tel Aviv, Florida, and London.
It examines allegations that the Israeli military and officials, such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, are responsible for these practices.
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A three-year-old boy was seriously injured after entering a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Cambridgeshire. The boy was rescued quickly by staff and emergency responders, and a man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Key Facts
The incident happened on June 18 at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
The boy was attacked by at least one crocodile while inside the enclosure.
Staff responded within minutes of the first radio call, rescued the boy, and gave first aid.
Off-duty paramedics and police officers helped during the rescue.
Police arrested and bailed a 30-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder.
The boy is currently in stable condition at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.
The zoo is family-owned and has over 100 animals, including lions, tigers, meerkats, crocodiles, caimans, and alligators.
The family and zoo thanked the staff and community for their support during this difficult time.
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Actress Lisa Faulkner shared that she is recovering well after surgery for early-stage breast cancer. She thanked the NHS for mammograms that helped detect her cancer early and said she will soon start radiotherapy.
Key Facts
Lisa Faulkner had breast cancer surgery two weeks ago.
Her cancer was found at a very early stage.
The surgery removed all the cancer, and she is now "all clear."
She will begin radiotherapy treatment in a few weeks.
Faulkner encourages people to attend mammogram screenings.
She praised the NHS for providing early detection and treatment.
Lisa Faulkner is 54 years old and is known for acting roles in EastEnders, Holby City, and Spooks.
She is married to chef John Torode, and they co-hosted a cooking show together.
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Four Venezuelan police officers were arrested for allegedly stealing valuables from a collapsed building after two strong earthquakes struck the country. The earthquakes caused over 2,200 deaths and thousands of injuries, severely damaging hospitals and infrastructure in northern Venezuela.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 hit Venezuela on June 24, causing heavy damage.
At least 2,295 people died, and more than 11,000 were injured in the disaster.
Four officers from Venezuela's main police force, CICPC, were arrested for looting.
Rescue teams, including international groups, are searching for survivors despite some delays.
Hospitals are overwhelmed, some at 900% capacity, with many damaged or destroyed.
The United Nations ordered 10,000 body bags as morgues are full and the death toll may rise.
Many survivors lack access to clean water, toilets, and electricity due to ongoing outages.
The Venezuelan government declared a week of national mourning amid criticism of their response.
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Cuba’s healthcare system is facing serious problems due to energy shortages and lack of resources. Hospitals lack supplies and working equipment, causing delays in important treatments for patients like cancer patients. The situation has worsened under tight U.S. sanctions that limit Cuba’s access to fuel and funding.
Key Facts
Cuba’s healthcare, once highly praised, is now in decline due to energy shortages.
Key medical equipment like CT scanners are broken and cannot be repaired because of missing parts.
Hospitals are suffering shortages of basic supplies such as syringes, vaccines, and anesthetics.
Many medical workers and specialists have left Cuba.
Patients face delayed treatments and difficulties following prescribed diets due to food shortages.
The U.S. tightened sanctions on Cuba’s energy sector, worsening fuel shortages and power outages lasting up to 20 hours a day.
Cuba’s economy was already weak after the COVID-19 pandemic and lost support from Venezuela after the U.S. captured its former president.
The U.S. also pressured other countries not to sell fuel to Cuba or do business with it.
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A pair of strong earthquakes struck Venezuela, destroying buildings and forcing many people to leave their homes. Those affected are now living in crowded tent camps because they have nowhere else to go.
Key Facts
Venezuela experienced two powerful earthquakes that caused serious damage.
Many homes were destroyed, leaving people homeless.
Displaced families are sheltering in tents in crowded camps.
The situation is causing hardship for those affected.
News reports include coverage from Caracas, the capital of Venezuela.
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The U.S. military has identified the remains of 1st Lt. Franklin H. McKinney, a pilot who disappeared during a World War II spy mission over Thailand and Burma 82 years ago. His remains were found in 2022 at a crash site in Thailand and confirmed using modern forensic methods.
Key Facts
1st Lt. Franklin H. McKinney was 21 years old and part of the 35th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the "Redhawks."
He disappeared on November 5, 1944, during a reconnaissance flight over Burma and Thailand from a U.S. base in China.
No contact or crash evidence was found immediately after his plane vanished, and his remains were missing for decades.
A wartime report suggested his plane was struck by lightning and crashed in Thailand's Lampang Province.
Researchers found a crash site in 2018, and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) investigated it in 2019 and 2021.
Possible human remains were uncovered in 2022 and later identified as McKinney’s through forensic testing.
His family will be briefed, a rosette will be added next to his name on the Walls of the Missing, and he will receive a military burial with honors.
McKinney’s name had been listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines.
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