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Sudan's RSF committed crimes against humanity in el-Fasher, Amnesty says

Sudan's RSF committed crimes against humanity in el-Fasher, Amnesty says

July 01, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A rights group, Amnesty International, reported that Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) committed crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing during their attack on the city of el-Fasher in Darfur last year. The RSF reportedly targeted civilians, including children, with violence such as murder, rape, and forced displacement, while Sudan continues to suffer a brutal civil war between the RSF and the regular army.

Key Facts

  • Amnesty International says the RSF committed serious abuses such as murder, torture, rape, sexual slavery, and forcible transfer during an 18-month siege of el-Fasher.
  • More than 6,000 people were killed in just three days of fighting in el-Fasher, according to the United Nations.
  • The conflict in Sudan has forced over 14 million people to leave their homes.
  • Children were not accidental victims; many were deliberately targeted, injured, abducted, or forcibly recruited.
  • RSF fighters targeted people based on their ethnic identity, attacking non-Arab communities.
  • Both the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have been accused of committing atrocities during the civil war.
  • Amnesty International has identified RSF commanders linked to violations of international law and calls for international action to protect civilians.
  • The RSF denies some accusations but admits to some violations.
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BBC Top Stories BBC World
Turkey tightens security and showcases strength and commitment ahead of NATO summit

Turkey tightens security and showcases strength and commitment ahead of NATO summit

July 01, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Turkey is preparing for the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8, 2026, by increasing security with many police officers and strict rules on public gatherings. The country aims to show its strength and commitment to NATO, while leaders from all 32 member countries, including U.S. President Donald Trump, will discuss alliance unity and defense issues.

Key Facts

  • Turkey is deploying tens of thousands of police and putting air defenses on high alert for the NATO summit.
  • Public gatherings are banned, and there are new limits on freedom of expression and assembly during the summit.
  • The NATO summit will be held in Ankara on July 7-8, 2026, with leaders from all 32 member countries attending.
  • U.S. President Donald Trump is attending despite his past threats to leave NATO and cut U.S. troop numbers.
  • Turkey built a new VIP airport from a former military airfield to host NATO leaders.
  • The summit will focus on healing divisions between the U.S. and Europe, especially about defense spending and U.S. roles.
  • President Erdogan calls Turkey a reliable NATO member with a strong army and strategic location.
  • Turkey has acted independently within NATO, causing disagreements over sanctions on Russia and arms purchases.
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AP News
What we know about Taylor Swift's rumoured NYC wedding celebrations

What we know about Taylor Swift's rumoured NYC wedding celebrations

July 01, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce may hold wedding celebrations at Madison Square Garden in New York City over the July 4 weekend. City officials confirmed a permit request to close streets near the arena, where large event preparations and deliveries have been seen.

Key Facts

  • Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce got engaged last summer at Kelce’s Kansas City home.
  • A street closure permit was requested near Madison Square Garden from July 2 to 4.
  • Madison Square Garden can hold around 22,000 people and usually hosts sports and concerts.
  • Reports say a rehearsal dinner of about 100 guests will occur at the arena’s Infosys Theater.
  • A larger celebration for about 1,000 people is planned later that weekend.
  • Workers have been unloading stage equipment, lights, a mirror ball, a staircase railing, and a red carpet at the arena.
  • New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has mentioned “Taylor Swift’s wedding” during recent news briefings.
  • No official confirmation yet states the arena event is the wedding, but many clues suggest it is related.
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BBC Top Stories BBC US
Families search for earthquake survivors in one of Venezuela's hardest hit areas

Families search for earthquake survivors in one of Venezuela's hardest hit areas

July 01, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A strong earthquake struck Venezuela, severely damaging the coastal town of Caraballeda. Many people, including family members and rescue workers, are searching through the rubble for survivors.

Key Facts

  • Caraballeda, a coastal town in La Guaira, was heavily damaged by the earthquake.
  • Tall buildings were destroyed and turned into piles of rubble.
  • Families and rescue teams are looking for missing loved ones.
  • The disaster has caused major destruction in the affected area.
  • The report included an interview with a 15-year-old boy searching for his brother.
  • The earthquake affected multiple locations in Venezuela.
  • Rescue efforts are ongoing despite difficult conditions.
  • The BBC reported these events from Venezuela’s Latin America correspondent.
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BBC Top Stories
More than 100,000 killed in Myanmar since 2021 coup, monitor says

More than 100,000 killed in Myanmar since 2021 coup, monitor says

July 01, 2026 • France24

Summary

Since a military coup in Myanmar in 2021 removed the elected government, more than 100,000 people have died in conflict across the country, according to a recent report. The ongoing civil war involves government forces, pro-democracy groups, and ethnic minority armies, causing widespread violence and displacement.

Key Facts

  • Over 100,000 people have been killed in Myanmar since the 2021 military coup.
  • The coup ousted the democratically elected government and detained its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.
  • Pro-democracy protesters formed armed groups and joined ethnic minority armies to fight against the military.
  • Myanmar’s military chief Min Aung Hlaing became civilian president after controlling the country for five years.
  • The 2025 elections were widely seen as unfair and excluded major opposition groups.
  • More than 3.7 million people have been forced to move inside Myanmar due to the conflict.
  • Over 20% of the population faces serious food shortages amid worsening poverty.
  • Myanmar was the second most conflict-affected country in 2025, after the Palestinian territories.
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France24
‘I did nothing wrong’: Sweden’s migration regime hardens, upending lives

‘I did nothing wrong’: Sweden’s migration regime hardens, upending lives

July 01, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Sweden has introduced stricter migration laws that make it harder for asylum seekers and residents without citizenship to stay permanently. These changes include limiting asylum seekers to temporary permits and requiring government agencies to report undocumented people to the police, affecting many lives.

Key Facts

  • Raquel Viveira, a Brazilian woman in Sweden, was ordered to leave after her residency status was revoked due to a change in visa type.
  • Sweden has sharply reduced the number of asylum applications, from 163,000 in 2015 to about 9,000 recently.
  • New laws active from July 2024 limit new asylum seekers to temporary residence permits only, removing chances for permanent residency.
  • The EU’s Migration and Asylum Pact influences these stricter policies, which Sweden is enforcing at the toughest level allowed.
  • The “informer law” requires six state agencies to report suspected undocumented immigrants to police, breaking previous confidentiality rules.
  • These laws create uncertainty and fear among immigrants and asylum seekers, changing how they live day-to-day.
  • Many affected people include family members of Swedish citizens and long-term residents who now risk losing their legal status.
  • Experts say these changes mark a significant shift in Sweden’s migration policy, moving away from previous integration efforts.
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Al Jazeera
Wednesday briefing: After two powerful earthquakes, what is the reality on the ground in Venezuela?

Wednesday briefing: After two powerful earthquakes, what is the reality on the ground in Venezuela?

July 01, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela’s Caribbean coast last Wednesday, causing many buildings to collapse and killing over 1,700 people officially. Thousands remain missing as rescue efforts continue amid widespread destruction and a fragile political situation.

Key Facts

  • Two earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, struck Venezuela seconds apart.
  • More than 1,700 people have died, but tens of thousands are still missing.
  • Many buildings and homes, especially in the city of La Guaira, were destroyed.
  • A young man was rescued after being trapped under rubble for over four days.
  • The country faces challenges like economic troubles, corruption, and political instability following the capture of Nicolás Maduro earlier this year.
  • Families are searching for missing loved ones by walking through damaged streets and showing photos.
  • Mortuaries are overwhelmed by bodies arriving in cars and motorcycles.
  • The UN is trying to provide 10,000 body bags to help Venezuelan authorities manage the disaster’s aftermath.
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Guardian World
Can China target critics abroad with its new 'ethnic unity' law?

Can China target critics abroad with its new 'ethnic unity' law?

July 01, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

China has introduced a new "Ethnic Unity Law" that aims to promote national unity among its ethnic groups but also allows the government to take action against people and groups outside China who it says threaten this unity. Critics living abroad, including activists and advocates for ethnic minorities like Tibetans and Uyghurs, fear the law could be used to intimidate or punish them even if they are outside China's borders.

Key Facts

  • The new Ethnic Unity Law became effective recently in China.
  • The law intends to promote harmony and a shared identity among China’s 56 ethnic groups, including Tibetans and Uyghurs.
  • A specific clause (Article 63) lets Chinese authorities act against people or groups outside China who undermine ethnic unity.
  • Zhang Yadi, a Chinese student abroad who supported Tibetan rights, was arrested in China and faces charges related to national unity.
  • China is accused of pressuring and tracking down critics and activists living overseas, including Uyghur and Hong Kong pro-democracy supporters.
  • The law could extend China’s influence over dissidents living in other countries, possibly causing diplomatic issues.
  • European lawmakers have warned their countries to be cautious about extradition agreements with China due to this law.
  • China is simultaneously working to improve its global image by hosting foreign leaders and promoting tourism.
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BBC Top Stories
Doorbell camera helps neighbours pull woman from fire

Doorbell camera helps neighbours pull woman from fire

July 01, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Neighbours in Wigston, Leicestershire, rescued an 87-year-old woman with Alzheimer's from a house fire after seeing the fire on her doorbell camera. The fire was accidental, and the fire service arrived quickly, but the neighbours’ quick actions saved the woman’s life.

Key Facts

  • The fire started at 11:30 pm in Phyllis Day’s house in Wigston, Leicestershire.
  • Phyllis Day, 87, was asleep and unaware of the fire due to Alzheimer's and not wearing her hearing aids.
  • Suzanne Wright, her daughter, saw the fire through the doorbell camera and guided neighbours via the camera’s intercom to get inside.
  • Neighbours Pav Sarpal and Stephan Smart entered the burning house, located Day, and helped her escape.
  • The fire caused heavy smoke and flames, making rescue efforts very dangerous.
  • Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was accidental and reminded people not to enter burning buildings due to risks.
  • The rescue brought neighbours closer, and Wright praised them for saving her mother’s life.
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BBC Top Stories
Chris Mason: The crunching trade-offs and big numbers Burnham may soon confront

Chris Mason: The crunching trade-offs and big numbers Burnham may soon confront

July 01, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Andy Burnham, expected to become the next UK prime minister, will face a £4.7 billion cost to deliver the Defence Investment Plan before addressing how to increase defense spending further for the upcoming election. Current Prime Minister Keir Starmer published the plan ahead of the NATO summit but acknowledged major budget challenges and trade-offs.

Key Facts

  • The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) has a £4.7 billion bill to be paid soon after the next prime minister takes office.
  • Additional defense spending needs may require finding another £5 billion from existing government budgets.
  • The current government delayed the DIP but published it before the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
  • Defense Secretary Dan Jarvis supported the DIP, sparing Burnham from announcing it himself.
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the decision involved difficult choices due to economic challenges like high debt and taxes.
  • Starmer admitted his government faced internal disagreements on budget priorities.
  • Andy Burnham will inherit the pressures of managing defense costs amid other financial demands.
  • The DIP publication marks one of Starmer's last acts as prime minister before he leaves office.
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BBC Top Stories
Specieswatch: How heatwaves play havoc with bees’ fertility

Specieswatch: How heatwaves play havoc with bees’ fertility

July 01, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A study found that heatwaves reduce the fertility of solitary red mason bees. This could lead to fewer bees the following year and less pollination for important food crops.

Key Facts

  • Researchers simulated a three-day heatwave in the UK in a lab setting.
  • Male bees exposed to the heatwave had sperm activity cut by half.
  • Female bees from the heatwave group had 15% fewer and smaller developing eggs.
  • Both heatwave and control groups spun cocoons and hibernated normally.
  • Over 90% of UK bee species live alone without nest mates.
  • Reduced bee fertility could cause fewer bees and lower pollination of crops like apples and oilseed rape.
  • The study was published in the Journal of Thermal Biology.
  • The research was led by Professor James Gilbert from the University of Hull.
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Guardian World
Canada celebrates its birthday as Mark Carney battles to keep it intact

Canada celebrates its birthday as Mark Carney battles to keep it intact

July 01, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Canada is celebrating its 159th birthday while facing challenges that threaten its unity. In Alberta and Quebec, movements pushing for independence are gaining attention, and Prime Minister Mark Carney is working to keep the country united.

Key Facts

  • Canada Day marks 159 years since the country’s founding.
  • Alberta will hold a referendum in October to decide if it should push for sovereignty later.
  • Support for Alberta’s independence movement is around 25% to 30%.
  • Quebec’s Parti Quebecois is leading in polls and plans a referendum on independence by 2030 if elected.
  • Quebec has held two previous referenda on independence, in 1980 and 1995.
  • Prime Minister Mark Carney is campaigning for national unity and compares current separations risks to Brexit.
  • Alberta’s movement partly stems from dissatisfaction with federal policies on energy and environment.
  • The separatisms in both provinces highlight long-standing regional and cultural differences in Canada.
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BBC Top Stories BBC US BBC World
It looks like an ordinary house - but our tropical garden is packed with poisonous plants

It looks like an ordinary house - but our tropical garden is packed with poisonous plants

July 01, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A couple in Newport, Wales, created a tropical garden with many exotic and some poisonous plants behind their ordinary-looking house. They started with a banana tree and now grow a wide variety of plants, teaching their son about them and balancing safety with their interest.

Key Facts

  • Dave Robinson and Gemma Furby live in Alway, Newport, Wales.
  • They began their tropical garden in 2016 after buying their first home with a large garden.
  • The garden includes plants from Africa, Asia, South America, and other regions.
  • They grow some poisonous and spiky plants, which their seven-year-old son Arlo has learned to identify.
  • The couple draws inspiration from their travels and places like Cornwall’s Eden Project.
  • Milder winters and hotter summers in the UK help them grow exotic plants outdoors.
  • They source plants from rare and niche nurseries and garden centers in Wales.
  • Serious poisoning from garden plants in the UK is uncommon, according to the Royal Horticultural Society.
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BBC Top Stories
Anti-immigration protesters march in South Africa, as some immigrants leave the country

Anti-immigration protesters march in South Africa, as some immigrants leave the country

July 01, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Thousands of people protested in South Africa against illegal immigration, marking the largest related protests since 2008. The marches were mostly peaceful, but some incidents of looting happened, and some migrants have left the country amid tensions.

Key Facts

  • The protests occurred in parts of South Africa on June 30, 2026.
  • Authorities said the marches were mostly peaceful, with some arrests made.
  • Government officials said anyone committing crimes during protests would be prosecuted.
  • Protesters want all illegal migrants to leave, blaming them for unemployment and crime.
  • South African leaders disagree about the causes of social and economic problems.
  • Some migrants, including Nigerians and Malawians, have been deported.
  • President Cyril Ramaphosa met protest leaders to encourage peaceful demonstrations.
  • Groups leading protests include March and March, Operation Dudula, and Progressive Forces.
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AP News
Gojek co-founder, turned Indonesian Education Minister jailed for 10 years

Gojek co-founder, turned Indonesian Education Minister jailed for 10 years

July 01, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Nadiem Makarim, co-founder of the Indonesian tech company Gojek and former Education Minister, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for corruption. He claims the charges are politically motivated and intends to appeal the verdict.

Key Facts

  • Nadiem Makarim helped start Gojek, a major tech company in Indonesia.
  • He served as Indonesia’s Education Minister before his conviction.
  • A court found him guilty of corruption.
  • He was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
  • Makarim says the charges are motivated by politics.
  • He plans to appeal the court decision.
  • Makarim was once a billionaire linked to Indonesia’s growing technology sector.
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Al Jazeera
Tutoring centre roof collapses killing 14 children in Pakistan

Tutoring centre roof collapses killing 14 children in Pakistan

July 01, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

A roof collapsed at a private tutoring centre outside Lahore, Pakistan, killing at least 14 children. The centre was operating inside a home and was not officially registered, and the roof was unsafe.

Key Facts

  • The accident happened at a private tutoring centre near Lahore, Pakistan.
  • At least 14 children died due to the roof collapse.
  • The tutoring centre was located inside a residential building.
  • The building's roof was declared unsafe by officials.
  • The centre was unregistered, meaning it did not have official permission to operate.
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Al Jazeera
World’s oceans experience hottest June ever, scientists say more heat ahead

World’s oceans experience hottest June ever, scientists say more heat ahead

July 01, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

The world’s oceans had their hottest June ever recorded, and they may continue to get even warmer in the coming months due to climate change and a possible El Niño event. Scientists warn that these high ocean temperatures can lead to more extreme weather and harm marine life.

Key Facts

  • In June, global sea surface temperatures reached a record high of 21.0 degrees Celsius (69.8 degrees Fahrenheit).
  • This June’s temperatures broke previous records set in 2023 and 2024.
  • Around 82 percent of the world’s oceans experienced marine heatwaves during the first half of 2026.
  • Regions like the Mediterranean, central North Atlantic, and equatorial Pacific showed especially high sea temperatures.
  • El Niño, a weather pattern with warm Pacific waters, could increase ocean and air temperatures more this year and next.
  • El Niño can cause extreme weather worldwide, such as floods, droughts, and wildfires.
  • Oceans absorb about 90 percent of excess heat caused by greenhouse gases, making them critical to Earth’s climate.
  • Warmer oceans lead to sea level rise and harm coral reefs, which can bleach and die from prolonged heat.
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Al Jazeera
A US missile killed Iranian schoolchildren four months ago. We still don’t know the full story

A US missile killed Iranian schoolchildren four months ago. We still don’t know the full story

July 01, 2026 • AP News

Summary

A missile strike on a primary school in Minab, Iran, on February 28, 2026, killed mostly children. More than four months later, the U.S. government has not officially confirmed responsibility or released detailed findings from its investigation.

Key Facts

  • The strike was part of the U.S.-Israeli conflict against Iran.
  • The attack was the deadliest reported during this conflict, with many young victims.
  • The Pentagon conducted an investigation but has not publicly shared its results.
  • President Donald Trump said he has not seen evidence that the U.S. carried out the strike.
  • Iran’s government has not responded to requests for comment about the incident.
  • Independent reporters face challenges due to limited Pentagon information and political sensitivities.
  • Families of the victims have not received clear answers about the attack.
  • It remains unclear how many missiles hit the school and the exact number of casualties.
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AP News
Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries plunge Russia into a summer fuel crisis

Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries plunge Russia into a summer fuel crisis

July 01, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Ukrainian drone attacks have hit Russian oil refineries repeatedly, causing major fuel shortages across Russia. This has led to long lines at gas stations, fuel rationing, and higher prices as Russia struggles to produce enough gasoline for its people.

Key Facts

  • Ukraine has launched over 50 attacks on Russian oil facilities since late March 2026.
  • Many refineries have been hit multiple times, including one in Tuapse struck four times in two weeks.
  • Russia’s crude oil processing dropped by 25% in June compared to last year, reaching the lowest level in over 20 years.
  • Gasoline production fell by 17%, creating a big gap between supply and demand.
  • Fuel rationing is in place in many Russian regions with long car lines at gas stations.
  • Moscow’s mayor of Irkutsk brought portable toilets to help people waiting in fuel lines.
  • President Vladimir Putin admitted there are fuel problems and fuel queues but said shortages are temporary and not critical.
  • Russia exports only a small amount of gasoline and mostly relies on domestic production for its fuel needs.
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AP News
What to know about the breakaway traditionalist Catholics defying Pope Leo XIV

What to know about the breakaway traditionalist Catholics defying Pope Leo XIV

July 01, 2026 • AP News

Summary

The traditionalist Catholic group Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) plans to consecrate four new bishops without approval from Pope Leo XIV. This act causes automatic excommunication and deepens a longstanding division within the Catholic Church.

Key Facts

  • The SSPX opposes changes made by the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, including celebrating Mass in local languages instead of Latin.
  • In 1988, the SSPX’s founder consecrated bishops without papal consent, leading to excommunications and the group being without official church status.
  • The SSPX is growing and today includes over 700 priests and hundreds of seminarians and religious members worldwide.
  • Consecrating bishops without the Pope’s approval leads to automatic excommunication under Catholic Church law.
  • Excommunication is the Church’s strongest penalty, intended to encourage repentance and reconciliation.
  • Despite excommunication, SSPX bishops remain validly ordained but their ordinations are considered illicit (not officially allowed).
  • Pope Leo XIV has prioritized unity in the Church and faces his first major challenge from the SSPX’s defiance.
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AP News
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