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World News
Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
Two people, Ivan Kuznetsov and Angelina Nikolau, climbed the Empire State Building without permission and were arrested. During their climb, they got engaged and shared the event on social media. They face several charges related to trespassing and unsafe behavior.
Key Facts
The climbers are Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, and Angelina Nikolau, 33, originally from Russia living in New Jersey.
They were charged with burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, and other offenses.
The couple has a history of climbing tall buildings without safety gear and appeared in a documentary about climbing the Merdeka 118 Tower in Malaysia.
They reached the top of the Empire State Building's transmission tower, which was powered down to avoid safety risks.
Nikolau posted photos and videos of their climb and engagement on social media during the event.
The Empire State Building was not open to the public in the area they climbed, and no visitors or tenants were in danger.
Rooftopping is the practice of climbing tall buildings without permission, often considered dangerous and illegal.
The NYPD arrested the couple peacefully and filmed their arrest.
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Rescue teams from seven countries have found Hernán Gil trapped under rubble in Venezuela after powerful earthquakes hit eight days ago. Gil is alive and in stable condition, encouraging rescuers as they work carefully to free him from the collapsed parking structure.
Key Facts
Hernán Gil, a security guard in his 40s, was trapped under nine meters of rubble in Catia La Mar, Venezuela.
The earthquakes occurred on June 24 and have killed nearly 2,300 people, with tens of thousands missing.
Around 350 rescuers from Venezuela, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Portugal, and the United States are involved in the rescue effort.
Rescuers have made visual contact with Gil using a small camera and have given him water and an intravenous drip.
Gil is described as being in good spirits, able to speak with rescuers, and has no major injuries.
The rescue is slow because some tunnel sections built for access have collapsed, posing risks to both Gil and rescuers.
Gil was protected by a small concrete booth that shielded him from the weight of the collapsing rubble.
Rescuers continue working carefully to reach and free Gil after locating him more than 100 hours ago.
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The US is expecting one of its hottest summers ever due to an intense heatwave linked to El Niño and a severe drought. This heatwave is affecting millions of people, causing wildfires in the western states and poor air quality across much of the country.
Key Facts
The first half of this year was the hottest on record for parts of eight western US states.
A heatwave in the eastern US will bring temperatures close to record highs during the July 4 holiday.
Over 100 million Americans will face extreme heat intensified by El Niño and drought in 45 states.
Wildfires have started in Colorado and other western areas due to low snowfall and dry conditions.
Officials are preparing for a tough fire season by getting more equipment and federal support.
The drought and heat increase the risk of wildfires and make water shortages worse, especially along the Colorado River.
Smoke from western wildfires is causing air quality warnings in midwestern and eastern states.
Extreme heat is the deadliest weather in the US, and this summer may be even more dangerous amid the ongoing World Cup events.
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The UK Home Secretary has acknowledged major failures in public services that led to a deadly attack in Southport in 2024, where three young girls were killed. An official inquiry found that many organizations missed chances to prevent the attack by 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, and the government promises urgent work to fix these problems.
Key Facts
Three girls, aged 6, 7, and 9, were killed in an attack at a dance class in Southport in June 2024.
The attacker, Axel Rudakubana, was 17 years old at the time.
An inquiry led by Sir Adrian Fulford found "catastrophic" failures by public services and the attacker’s parents.
Agencies failed to share important information and passed responsibility between each other instead of acting.
A 2022 police incident involving Rudakubana with a knife was not followed up with proper criminal actions or home searches.
The inquiry criticized the use of the attacker’s autism as a reason to overlook his dangerous behavior.
The Home Secretary vowed to urgently address all failings identified by the inquiry.
The inquiry’s next phase will review how agencies handle risks from young people who may commit serious violence.
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China and the European Union will hold trade talks once or twice a year to try to balance trade between them. The EU faces a large trade deficit with China, and both sides want to work together on areas like artificial intelligence and renewable energy.
Key Facts
China and the EU agreed to hold minister-level trade talks regularly, starting this fall.
The EU’s trade deficit with China reached about 360 billion euros ($410 billion) last year.
Chinese exports to Europe include cars and batteries, which have increased recently.
EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will visit Beijing in the fall as part of the new trade talks.
Both sides plan to work on cooperation in technology areas such as artificial intelligence and clean energy.
The EU introduced new measures to protect its steel industry and limit small parcel e-commerce from Chinese firms.
China wants to import more from the EU but asks the EU to ease export controls on Chinese high-tech products.
G7 countries aim to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals used in tech and defense industries.
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A Papua separatist group said it killed an American pilot whose plane was carrying Indonesian troops into a conflict area in Papua. The group also claimed to have burned the plane because it ignored their warning to stop civilian flights in their zones.
Key Facts
The West Papua Liberation Army (TPNPB) said they shot dead an American pilot named Nicholas F. Goselin.
The pilot was flying a plane operated by the Indonesian airline PT AMA.
The incident happened in Balinggama village, Yahukimo regency, Papua.
TPNPB claims civilian flights are being used to move Indonesian military personnel and supplies into their territory.
The separatists had issued an ultimatum banning civilian flights in their areas.
The group called on Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to start peace talks about the Papua conflict.
They also asked the United Nations to help organize talks between the government, the separatists, and Papuan representatives.
TPNPB warned they might attack other civilian planes if they keep helping Indonesian military operations.
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Wildfires broke out in southern France due to weeks of dry weather and record heat. Firefighters have been working to control large fires, especially in the Aude and Herault regions, with additional aircraft helping to fight the flames.
Key Facts
Wildfires spread over 900 hectares (2,200 acres) in Aude and Herault regions.
About 800 firefighters and 150 vehicles are involved in fighting the fires.
Two fires near Marseille were brought under control but not fully extinguished.
Fire services have four water-bomber planes (Canadairs) to help put out the fires.
Firefighters aim to control fires quickly because temperatures and wind are rising.
The Aude region often faces wildfires and had France’s largest wildfire last year.
The area is experiencing a severe drought with no rain expected soon.
Dry plants and strong winds increase the risk and spread of fires.
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Talks between the United States and Iran have paused because of funeral events in Iran for the country's late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in strikes by the U.S. and Israel. Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan said progress was made in the talks before the pause, and Iran expects millions to attend the funeral ceremonies starting July 4.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28.
His funeral will take place from July 4 to July 9 and is expected to draw 15-20 million people.
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, called for a large turnout at the funeral to avenge Khamenei’s death.
Representatives from about 30 countries are expected at the funeral, including attendees from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the funeral and visit Turkey for meetings afterward.
U.S. and Iranian officials held indirect talks in Doha with Qatari and Pakistani mediators recently and reported positive progress on Iran’s denuclearization.
The exact presence of Khamenei’s son and successor, Mojtaba, at the funeral remains unknown.
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Russia launched a large missile and drone attack on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 90. Russia said this attack was in response to recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries.
Key Facts
At least 13 people died and over 90 were injured in the overnight attacks on Kyiv.
Russia fired 74 missiles and nearly 500 drones, including four hypersonic Tsirkon missiles, at Ukraine.
The strikes hit 30 areas in Kyiv, damaging homes, an ambulance station, a hotel, a scientific institute, and businesses.
More than 52,000 people took shelter in Kyiv's metro stations during the attacks.
Ukrainian President Zelensky warned citizens about a massive attack before it happened.
Russia claimed the attacks targeted fuel, energy sites, military facilities, and airfields in northern and central Ukraine.
Ukraine has attacked several Russian oil refineries recently to disrupt Russia’s war funding.
Ukrainian officials urged for more air defense systems and stronger Western sanctions on Russia’s economy.
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The Danish Refugee Council warns that the recent Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is making an already difficult humanitarian crisis worse. They say aid efforts must be carefully planned so that fighting Ebola does not reduce support for other community needs.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo started more than a month ago.
The Danish Refugee Council says the Ebola emergency adds pressure to humanitarian aid in the region.
There is a funding crisis affecting aid before Ebola appeared.
Redirecting resources only to Ebola response could harm overall aid programs.
Aid programs help keep communities stable during many hardships.
The Danish Refugee Council’s Secretary-General is Charlotte Slente.
Health experts warn the Ebola epidemic may last a long time.
Coordinated efforts are needed to balance Ebola response and other humanitarian aid.
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Heavy rains in Côte d’Ivoire have caused floods that killed 59 people since May. Neighboring countries in West Africa like Ghana and Nigeria are also facing severe flooding, which experts link to increased extreme weather and urban problems.
Key Facts
59 people have died in floods in Côte d’Ivoire since May.
The rainy season in the region lasts from May to July.
Ghana reported at least 13 deaths and rescued over 400 people due to floods.
Ghana’s president said recent rainfall was much higher than last year’s record.
Experts say climate change is making extreme weather events worse in Africa.
Poor waste disposal and growing cities block water drainage, worsening floods.
Floods have affected Benin, Togo, and Nigeria, with no reported deaths there yet.
Nigeria expects more rain and has already seen some power outages from flooding.
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Macdi is a popular content creator from Senegal who makes funny videos about daily life. He has more than 9 million followers on TikTok, mostly French-speaking, which helps him reach a wider audience beyond his local language.
Key Facts
Macdi is a star social media influencer from Senegal.
He creates humorous content about everyday situations.
In the past three months, he gained over 2 million new followers on TikTok.
He now has around 9 million followers on the Chinese app TikTok.
Most Senegalese creators use the Wolof language, but Macdi uses French.
Using French allows him to reach more people across different countries.
France 24’s reporter Elimane Ndao met Macdi in Dakar, Senegal’s capital.
Macdi is the most popular Senegalese influencer on TikTok.
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The article argues that a peace deal with Iran cannot happen while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and radical religious leaders control the country. It suggests that Iran believes President Trump has become less strict toward them, but the true outcome remains uncertain.
Key Facts
Iran is under the control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and radical clerics.
These groups hold significant power in Iran’s government.
A peace agreement with Iran is unlikely as long as these groups stay in power.
Iran may think President Trump has softened his approach toward them.
The article questions whether this belief about President Trump is correct or will be proven wrong.
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Gunmen kidnapped 37 people, including 36 students and one staff member, from a secondary school in northeastern Nigeria during national exams. The attack happened in Lassa, Borno state, where classrooms were left abandoned and a teacher was seriously injured.
Key Facts
36 students and one school staff member went missing after a gunmen attack.
The incident occurred during national examinations in northeastern Nigeria.
The school is located in Lassa, in Borno state.
Classrooms were found empty with scattered desks, bags, and exam papers.
A teacher was wounded and is in intensive care.
Parents are protesting and asking officials to help rescue the kidnapped children.
This kidnapping is part of a larger pattern of attacks on schools in northern Nigeria.
The kidnappers are described as jihadists, meaning armed extremists with a religious motive.
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer officially apologized for the state's role in forced adoptions between 1949 and 1976, affecting about 185,000 mothers and children. The government acknowledged it failed to protect families and announced £4 million to help people access adoption records and support services.
Key Facts
Forced adoptions happened in England and Wales from 1949 to 1976 due to stigma around unmarried pregnancy.
Around 185,000 birth mothers and children were affected by these forced adoptions.
The government said it did not do enough to protect families and accepted responsibility for funding and allowing the system.
The government apologized formally, saying sorry on behalf of the British state.
£4 million will fund better access to adoption records, reconnect families, and document personal stories.
There will be more mental health support and a reference group of people with lived experience to monitor progress.
Other institutions, such as the Church of England and Catholic Church, have already apologized.
Northern Ireland is preparing a public inquiry and financial help related to mother and baby homes.
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An 11-year-old boy crashed a pickup truck into a group of monks walking on a pilgrimage in northeastern Thailand, killing eight and injuring 14. The boy had taken his parents’ vehicle without permission, and the crash is under investigation.
Key Facts
The crash happened in Mukdahan province, about 600 km northeast of Bangkok.
Thirty-five monks were walking a 260-kilometer pilgrimage to Ubon Ratchathani province.
Five monks died at the crash site, three died later in hospital, and 14 were injured.
Four injured monks are in critical condition.
Security footage shows the monks walking in a line before the truck hit them.
The boy driver is now in custody and will be questioned by child protection officers.
Police said the vehicle swerved and slid off the road before hitting the monks.
The accident highlights road safety issues in Thailand, which has a high rate of traffic accidents.
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On July 2, 2026, Algerians voted to elect their new parliament. To encourage more people to vote, the government made election day a public holiday and offered free public transport.
Key Facts
Algeria held parliamentary elections on July 2, 2026.
The government wants more people to vote than in the last election.
Only about 25% of voters participated in the previous parliamentary elections.
Election day was declared a public holiday in Algeria.
Public transport was free to make it easier for people to reach polling stations.
The election aims to shape the country’s next legislative body.
Voting turnout is a major concern for Algerian authorities.
The article focuses on the election day in Algeria and the efforts to increase voter participation.
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Russia launched a large drone and missile attack on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, in the early hours of Thursday. The attack caused explosions in the city, killing at least 13 people and injuring 86.
Key Facts
The attack took place at night in Kyiv.
Russia used both drones and missiles in the strike.
At least 13 people died because of the attack.
At least 86 people were injured.
Ukrainian officials reported these casualty numbers.
The attack is among the largest on Kyiv so far.
It caused visible explosions lighting up the city's sky.
The event happened on July 2, 2026.
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Kate, the Princess of Wales, visited Wimbledon tennis on July 2, 2026, marking one of her recent public appearances after her cancer went into remission. She is the patron of the All England Club and has a history of attending Wimbledon and supporting the sport.
Key Facts
Kate visited Wimbledon on day four of the tennis championships in London.
She has been the patron of the All England Club and presented trophies to champions last year.
Kate’s recent public appearances include a trip to Italy to study early childhood education.
She speaks some Italian and introduced herself as Caterina to children during her Italy visit.
Kate offered support to a runner-up player at Wimbledon last year after a tough loss.
In 2024, while recovering from cancer, she missed a women’s final but attended the men’s final.
Kate spent part of her youth in Florence during a gap year.
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The Vatican expelled priests and laypeople from the Society of St Pius X, a breakaway Catholic group, for ordaining bishops without the pope’s permission. The Vatican said this group is now in schism, meaning separated from the main church, and their religious actions are not valid according to church rules.
Key Facts
The Society of St Pius X is a Swiss-based conservative Catholic group.
They conducted ordinations (making new bishops) without approval from Pope Leo XIV.
Only the pope can approve new bishops to maintain the church’s historical continuity.
The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith oversees church teachings for 1.4 billion Catholics.
The Vatican declared the group’s sacraments (like marriages and confessions) invalid and illicit.
The two leading bishops and four priests involved in the ordination ceremony were excommunicated.
Excommunication means these members are officially cut off from the Catholic Church.
The Society said they proceeded with ordinations due to “exceptional circumstances.”
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