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A convicted people smuggler named Twana Jamal, who was jailed in France in 2016, is now living and working illegally in Leicestershire, UK. Authorities are concerned that other convicted smugglers may also be living in the UK under false names, raising questions about the effectiveness of border controls for asylum seekers.
Key Facts
Twana Jamal was sentenced to five years in prison in France for people smuggling in 2016.
The BBC found Jamal living in Blaby, Leicestershire, working without legal permission and driving without a license.
Jamal appears to be using a false name and may be seeking asylum in the UK.
Law enforcement in Europe says at least 15 other convicted people smugglers are living in the UK under false identities.
This situation has caused concerns about how well UK border controls check asylum seekers with criminal records abroad.
The UK Home Office says all asylum seekers go through security and identity checks.
The UK has agreements with other countries to share criminal history information.
Immigration enforcement in the UK is currently at its highest level in history.
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A new study by Stockholm University found that the pesticide fluazinam, approved in the EU since 2008, may harm brain development in rats. This challenges a 2005 industry study that said the pesticide was safe, leading experts and campaigners to call for its withdrawal while it undergoes re-evaluation.
Key Facts
Fluazinam is a fungicide used to protect crops like potatoes and apples from fungal diseases.
The pesticide was approved in the EU in 2008 based on safety data that showed no significant effects on brain development.
Stockholm University researchers re-analyzed the original data and found six cases where fluazinam caused negative effects on the brain size and shape of rat offspring.
The new findings suggest the pesticide could cause serious brain development problems.
The original 2005 study has been criticized for not accurately reporting significant harmful effects.
Experts say failing to report these effects may breach EU pesticide laws.
Fluazinam is currently being reconsidered for approval in the EU and remains approved in the UK until 2029.
Campaign groups urge regulators to withdraw fluazinam immediately to prevent potential harm to humans, especially children.
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Orcas have been seen more often and closer to shore near the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast, attracting many wildlife watchers. Experts are unsure why sightings have increased but say it might show the marine environment is improving.
Key Facts
The Farne Islands are known for birds like guillemots and puffins, but recently orcas have appeared more frequently.
Orcas are now often seen near the shore, unlike previous years when they were mostly seen far out at sea.
Dolphin sightings in the area have also increased.
Wildlife tour operators have noticed more visitors since the orcas started appearing regularly.
A government ban on sandeel fishing two years ago may have helped by protecting small fish that form the base of the marine food chain.
More sandeels, mackerel, and herring are now seen, which could attract orcas and dolphins.
Different orca pods have been spotted, not just one group returning.
Experts say better public awareness or shifting orca habits could also explain the rise in sightings.
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A man named Twana Jamal, convicted in France for running people smuggling operations, is now living in the UK and seeking asylum while working illegally. UK authorities struggle to verify criminal records from some countries, allowing convicted smugglers like Jamal to enter and live in the country under false names.
Key Facts
Twana Jamal was sentenced to five years in jail in France in 2016 for people smuggling.
He was described as a top smuggler who earned up to £100,000 a week helping migrants cross the Channel.
Jamal used many fake names and was nicknamed "Pasha" in the French migrant camps.
He was found guilty but later entered the UK where he applied for asylum.
UK border officials say it is harder to check criminal records after Brexit.
European police say 15 convicted people smugglers are believed to live in the UK using false identities.
Jamal lives in Leicestershire and was seen working illegally and driving without a license.
He is linked to Kurdish gangs known for controlling cross-channel smuggling routes.
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Patients in Gaza who need medical treatment abroad face long delays because of slow security checks and limited border crossings. Many patients, including Amina Abu al-Kas, died waiting for permission to leave, while thousands more remain on waiting lists.
Key Facts
Amina Abu al-Kas suffered from a severe infection that Gaza hospitals could not treat.
After approval for medical evacuation, her family waited weeks before her paperwork was ready, but she died before being able to leave.
Gaza’s health ministry reports about 300 Palestinians have died waiting for medical evacuation since last October.
Around 15,000 Palestinians currently await permission to travel for medical treatment abroad.
The World Health Organization helps coordinate patient transfers through Israeli and Egyptian border crossings.
Since the ceasefire began over eight months ago, nearly 2,000 people have been evacuated for treatment outside Gaza.
Patients need to pass security checks by several countries and get acceptance from hospitals abroad before traveling.
The Rafah crossing with Egypt is open three days a week for departures; the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel allows medical evacuations only one day a week.
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The United States is celebrating its 250th year of independence. People from Brazil, Egypt, India, Australia, Canada, and the UK shared their mixed views on America today, showing both respect and criticism.
Key Facts
The US is marking 250 years since its independence.
The BBC asked people in six countries about their views on America.
The countries asked were Brazil, Egypt, India, Australia, Canada, and the UK.
Opinions included both admiration and criticism of the US.
The views reflect on America’s current role in the world.
The article includes video reports from journalists in various countries.
This reflection highlights the complex global perception of the US at this milestone.
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Two recent earthquakes in Venezuela caused damage and affected many people. Survivors are receiving help at a golf course turned into a relief center, but they say international aid is coming too slowly.
Key Facts
Venezuela experienced two earthquakes recently.
Many people were affected by these earthquakes.
A golf course has been converted into a relief center for survivors.
Survivors are receiving assistance from this relief center.
International aid is helping but is not arriving quickly enough.
The report was made by Teresa Bo from Al Jazeera.
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President Donald Trump criticized Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, questioning Italy’s loyalty as an ally. In response, European leaders showed more support for Meloni, which has helped bring Europe closer together on issues like defense, trade, and foreign policy.
Key Facts
President Trump questioned Italy’s reliability as a wartime ally and accused Prime Minister Meloni of seeking his attention.
European leaders rallied around Meloni, improving her relations with countries that had previously been cautious because of her political background.
Europe is working more closely on defense, trade tariffs, and foreign policy due to challenges from Russia, China, and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran.
European leaders aim to act as a united group to protect Europe’s role in global affairs.
Meloni did not allow U.S. bombers to use a Sicilian base without Italy's parliament approval, causing some tensions.
Trump’s direct style and focus on dealing with European countries separately has reduced his influence over Europe’s joint actions.
The increased unity among European countries will be tested at an upcoming NATO summit in Turkey.
Even nationalist parties in Europe that once supported Trump are rethinking their positions because of his trade and foreign war policies.
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The US government has labeled the Ecuadorian gang Chone Killers as a foreign terrorist organization and placed sanctions on them for attacks on civilians and officials. This action is part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to fight drug trafficking and violent crime gangs in Latin America.
Key Facts
The US State Department named Chone Killers a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” group.
The gang is accused of attacking civilians, law enforcement, and government officials, including assassinations.
This move is part of President Trump’s campaign against organized crime and drug trafficking in Latin America.
Other Latin American groups, such as Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, have also been designated terrorists by the US.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Ecuadorian gangs assist Mexican cartels in moving illegal drugs.
Ecuador’s government supports the US decision and backs President Daniel Noboa’s fight against gangs.
President Noboa has imposed curfews and deployed the military in several provinces to reduce gang violence.
The US and Ecuador are working together to stop drug trafficking and weaken criminal organizations.
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Millions of Iranians attended the funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989, resulting in chaotic scenes where people rushed his coffin and caused injuries and deaths. The large crowd made it necessary to delay the burial, with security forces trying to manage the situation.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini died in 1989 and millions gathered to mourn him.
About 10.2 million people took part in the funeral, roughly one-sixth of Iran’s population at the time.
The crowd’s intense grief caused chaos, including people rushing the coffin, which fell into the crowd.
At least eight people died and around 11,000 were injured during the event.
Khomeini’s son, Ahmad, was knocked down and passed through the crowd to an ambulance.
Security forces fired warning shots and tried to control the crowd by beating mourners’ hands to release the coffin.
The burial was postponed because the crowd blocked the funeral procession.
The funeral took place on a very hot day, with temperatures around 91 degrees Fahrenheit (about 33 Celsius).
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Iran will use some of its frozen money held in Qatar to buy goods it needs, following talks in Doha. This is part of an agreement under which the United States agreed to release Iranian funds to help end the conflict between the two countries.
Key Facts
Iran has frozen assets worth six billion dollars in Qatar.
Iranian officials met with Qatari authorities to discuss how to spend these funds.
The money will be used to buy goods that Iran needs.
The United States agreed to release some of Iran’s frozen assets under a memorandum of understanding.
The details on how and when the funds will be released are not yet clear.
The talks took place in Doha, Qatar.
The agreement helped to halt the war between Iran and the United States.
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German prosecutors have charged a 50-year-old Ukrainian man named Serhii K with causing explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines in 2022. The pipelines, which carried Russian gas to Europe, were badly damaged by underwater explosions near Denmark, stopping gas flow for months.
Key Facts
Serhii K is accused of attacking civilian energy infrastructure by placing explosives on the Nord Stream pipelines.
The explosions happened in September 2022 near Bornholm Island, Denmark.
Damage to Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines stopped Russian gas from reaching Europe for months.
Prosecutors say Serhii K helped lead the operation on a yacht called Andromeda but was not directly placing bombs or diving.
Serhii K was arrested in Italy in August 2025 and extradited to Germany in November 2025.
He allegedly used fake documents to rent the yacht used in the attack.
Serhii K denies involvement, claiming he was in Ukraine as part of the armed forces, which his lawyers say might protect him legally.
Ukraine’s government denies knowing about or being involved in the sabotage.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said it is too early to comment because official details have not been shared.
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The European Union’s new digital border system called the Entry/Exit System (EES) is causing long travel delays, with passengers waiting in lines for up to five hours. Airport and airline groups warn these problems could get worse during the busy summer travel season and ask the EU to allow suspending the system when needed to avoid more disruption.
Key Facts
The EU introduced the Entry/Exit System (EES) in October to replace passport stamping.
EES collects travelers' personal data including names, passports, fingerprints, and facial images.
Since EES started, passengers have faced delays up to five hours at border controls.
Flights have left with many passengers still in line, causing planes to be half-full.
Airport and airline groups say the situation is putting too much pressure on airports and border officers.
They want EU leaders to allow suspending the EES when passenger numbers exceed border capacity.
The EU expects 40 million more passengers in July and August, increasing the risk of delays.
The World Travel and Tourism Council warned delays could threaten up to $45.4 billion in visitor spending.
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An 11-year-old boy in Canada died from rabies after a bat landed on his face during a family visit in 2024. He showed no visible injuries at first, so his parents did not get medical help immediately. After symptoms appeared, doctors eventually diagnosed rabies, and the boy died 17 days after hospital admission.
Key Facts
The boy was 11 years old and visiting a cottage in Ontario with his family.
He woke up to find a bat on his nose and mouth and swatted it away.
His father caught the bat and released it outside.
The boy had no visible wounds, so his parents did not seek medical care at first.
Symptoms like facial numbness, swelling, fever, and confusion began 19 days later.
Doctors initially misdiagnosed his condition before confirming rabies.
Rabies is very rare in Canada, with only 28 deaths recorded since 1924.
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms start, but early treatment after exposure can prevent infection.
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An Ebola outbreak is ongoing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, mainly in the Ituri province, with the Bundibugyo strain spreading. Health authorities face challenges including limited treatment capacity, people’s fear and mistrust, the need for safe burials, and difficulties reaching displaced populations.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak is in Ituri province, with cases also in neighboring areas.
The virus strain, Bundibugyo, is less deadly but has no approved vaccine.
Symptoms appear late, making early detection very important.
The main treatment center in Bunia is full, and more beds are being added.
Over 1.3 million people live in camps due to conflict, complicating outbreak control.
Some community members do not believe Ebola exists or think outsiders caused it.
Isolation tents and health workers have been attacked, increasing difficulties.
Safe burial practices are critical since Ebola can spread from the bodies of those who have died.
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Michael Weatherly will return as Tony DiNozzo in season 24 of the TV show "NCIS," rejoining the cast after leaving in 2016. His return will span the entire season and marks a reunion with the NCIS team.
Key Facts
Michael Weatherly played Tony DiNozzo for 13 seasons on "NCIS" before leaving in 2016.
CBS announced his return to "NCIS" for a season-long story arc in season 24.
Weatherly had previously appeared in a special episode in season 21 honoring late actor David McCallum.
He also starred in the spinoff series "NCIS: Tony & Ziva," which was canceled after one season in December 2023.
Fans reacted online hoping for Cote de Pablo to return alongside Weatherly as Ziva.
Other main cast members in season 24 include Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, and Gary Cole.
"NCIS" season 24 will air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and will be available on Paramount+.
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Kyiv was hit by missile and drone attacks, causing major damage, killing two people, and injuring 11 others. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy had warned earlier about a large-scale Russian attack and urged residents to take shelter.
Key Facts
Kyiv experienced attacks from ballistic missiles and drones overnight.
Two people were killed, and 11 others were injured.
Several buildings, including a hotel and residential high-rises, caught fire.
Residents sought shelter in underground stations, carrying sleeping mats.
Ukraine's Air Force reported incoming ballistic missiles targeting the city.
President Zelenskyy had warned of a “massive Russian strike” hours before the attack.
Zelenskyy urged Ukrainians to stay safe and follow air raid warnings.
Zelenskyy accused Russian President Putin of refusing to end the war that started in February 2022.
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The average temperature of the world's ocean surfaces has reached 21°C, a new record higher than in previous years. This warming is expected to continue as the El Niño climate pattern develops, which usually causes the tropical Pacific Ocean to get warmer for several months.
Key Facts
Ocean surface temperatures have reached an average of 21°C, the highest ever recorded.
This temperature is higher than previous records set in 2023 and earlier in 2024.
El Niño is a natural climate event that causes the tropical Pacific Ocean to warm.
El Niño typically lasts for several months.
The ocean temperatures are expected to rise further as El Niño develops.
Warmer ocean temperatures can affect weather patterns around the world.
The data reflects ongoing heat stress on the oceans.
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Russian forces carried out a large drone and missile attack on Kyiv overnight, killing at least one person and injuring others. The airstrikes caused fires, building collapses, and evacuations, while Poland increased its air defense as a precaution.
Key Facts
Russian drones and missiles attacked several areas in Kyiv, causing destruction and casualties.
At least one person died, and the number of injured rose to 11.
A nine-storey building partially collapsed, trapping some people under the rubble.
Kyiv’s mayor reported damage to an ambulance station and multiple fires.
This was the first major airstrike on Kyiv in over two weeks.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cut short his trip to Dublin after receiving intelligence about the planned attack.
Poland activated fighter jets to protect its airspace as a preventive step.
Poland is part of NATO, which considers an attack on one member an attack on all, but no attacks were reported in Poland.
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Hong Kong's Correctional Services Department released an AI-made anti-drug video on June 26 to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse. Some people criticized the video, saying it made drug use look interesting or attractive.
Key Facts
The video was created using artificial intelligence (AI).
It was published by Hong Kong's Correctional Services Department.
The release date was June 26, on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Some viewers felt the video unintentionally made drugs look appealing.
The controversy was reported by the BBC’s Chinese service.
The video aimed to warn people about the dangers of drugs.
The public reaction included backlash, meaning strong negative responses.
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