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Three unusual things about the King's tax bill

Three unusual things about the King's tax bill

June 26, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

King Charles has voluntarily paid a £12.9 million tax bill, a practice based on an agreement with the UK government rather than a legal requirement. The Royal Household released this information to increase transparency, but details about how the amount was calculated and the exact breakdown of his income and taxes are unclear.

Key Facts

  • King Charles is not legally required to pay income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax.
  • He pays some taxes voluntarily under a government agreement called the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), updated in 2023.
  • The King's tax bill is £12.9 million, but the calculation details are not fully explained.
  • The King pays VAT (value-added tax), employer taxes, and local rates as required by law.
  • His private income includes money from the Duchy of Lancaster, which owns assets like the Savoy Hotel.
  • The Privy Purse income from the Duchy of Lancaster was £25.2 million for the year ending March 31.
  • Official royal expenses can be deducted from taxable income, so only personal spending is taxed voluntarily.
  • The Sovereign Grant, government funds for official royal duties, is tax-free.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories
What's needed on the ground in Venezuela after the devastating earthquakes

What's needed on the ground in Venezuela after the devastating earthquakes

June 26, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela, causing destruction and leaving many people missing. Rescue teams are working quickly to find and help those trapped under rubble.

Key Facts

  • Venezuela experienced two powerful earthquakes.
  • Many people are missing after the quakes.
  • Rescue workers are searching through debris to find survivors.
  • Doctors Without Borders is involved in helping people in Latin America.
  • Immediate aid and medical help are needed on the ground.
  • The situation is urgent, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
  • The news report was shared by CBS News.
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CBS News
What is the framework agreement signed by Israel and Lebanon?

What is the framework agreement signed by Israel and Lebanon?

June 26, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement in Washington, with the United States helping to broker the deal. The agreement aims to restore Lebanon’s control over its land, disarm Hezbollah, and set up a military coordination group between the two countries, but details and trust remain uncertain.

Key Facts

  • The agreement was signed in Washington and involved Israel, Lebanon, and the United States.
  • The deal aims to restore Lebanon’s sovereignty and dismantle Hezbollah’s military presence.
  • It creates a trilateral Military Coordination Group for Israel, Lebanon, and the US to work together.
  • Lebanon’s Prime Minister sees the deal as a continuation of past agreements and UN resolutions.
  • Reports say Israel may withdraw from some parts of southern Lebanon, but officials have denied this publicly.
  • Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues, with Israel still controlling about one-fifth of Lebanon’s territory.
  • Israeli air attacks have killed people in southern Lebanon as recent as the day the agreement was signed.
  • The agreement is seen as a first step, but significant challenges remain for lasting peace.
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Al Jazeera
Crews race to find survivors in mountains of rubble after Venezuela earthquakes

Crews race to find survivors in mountains of rubble after Venezuela earthquakes

June 26, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela just seconds apart, causing buildings to collapse. Rescue teams are urgently searching through the rubble to find people who may still be alive. So far, over 900 people have died, and many more are missing.

Key Facts

  • Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds of each other.
  • The quakes caused large amounts of buildings to fall down.
  • Rescue crews are working quickly to find survivors trapped under debris.
  • More than 900 people have been confirmed dead.
  • Tens of thousands of people are still missing after the earthquakes.
  • The situation is critical and time is running out to save lives.
  • The report is by journalist Nick Schifrin.
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PBS NewsHour
Reporter in Caracas describes earthquake destruction and response in Venezuela

Reporter in Caracas describes earthquake destruction and response in Venezuela

June 26, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

A strong earthquake has caused severe damage in Caracas, Venezuela, destroying many neighborhoods. International groups, including the United States and the United Nations, are sending aid to help with the disaster.

Key Facts

  • Powerful earthquakes hit Caracas and nearby areas in Venezuela.
  • Many neighborhoods were heavily damaged or destroyed.
  • The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
  • The United States, United Nations, and other international teams are providing aid.
  • Reporter Andreina Fermin is covering the situation on the ground in Caracas.
  • Efforts are ongoing to assist people affected by the earthquakes.
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PBS NewsHour
Desperate families search for missing loved ones in Venezuela

Desperate families search for missing loved ones in Venezuela

June 26, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

More than 50,000 people are missing after two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela on Wednesday night. Rescue teams and local people are searching through the rubble to find survivors.

Key Facts

  • Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday night.
  • Over 50,000 people are reported missing after the earthquakes.
  • Rescue workers and locals are working together to find survivors.
  • The search is ongoing as of Friday.
  • Families are using online platforms to share information about their missing loved ones.
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Al Jazeera
California appeals court upholds Weinstein’s rape conviction but says he must be resentenced

California appeals court upholds Weinstein’s rape conviction but says he must be resentenced

June 26, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A California appeals court confirmed Harvey Weinstein’s 2022 conviction for rape and sexual assault but ordered a new sentencing. Weinstein remains in prison, while prosecutors in New York dropped one rape charge after the accuser declined to testify again.

Key Facts

  • A California appeals court upheld Weinstein’s 2022 conviction for rape and sexual assault.
  • The court said Weinstein must be resentenced, meaning a new sentencing hearing is needed.
  • Weinstein was sentenced to 16 years in prison in December 2022 in California.
  • New York prosecutors dropped one rape charge after the accuser said she could not testify again.
  • Weinstein still faces another sexual felony conviction in New York.
  • More than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual assault or misconduct.
  • Weinstein has denied all allegations.
  • He appealed the California conviction, arguing a key witness’s testimony was unfairly limited.
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Guardian World
U.S. strikes Iran after drones targets cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz

U.S. strikes Iran after drones targets cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz

June 26, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

The U.S. military carried out strikes against Iran after President Donald Trump said Iran broke the ceasefire. This action followed an attack involving drones targeting a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. struck Iranian targets in response to recent attacks.
  • President Donald Trump said Iran violated a ceasefire agreement.
  • The incident involved drones attacking a cargo ship.
  • The event took place near the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
  • The U.S. military's response was described as new or additional strikes.
  • Nick Schifirin reported on the situation.
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PBS NewsHour
Early details about U.S. retaliatory strikes on Iran

Early details about U.S. retaliatory strikes on Iran

June 26, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The United States carried out airstrikes against Iran following an Iranian attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military confirmed the retaliatory actions in response to the incident.

Key Facts

  • Iran attacked a ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday.
  • The U.S. responded by launching airstrikes on targets in Iran.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for international shipping.
  • The U.S. military announced the retaliatory strikes publicly.
  • The exact locations of the U.S. airstrikes were not detailed in the report.
  • The incident reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
  • National security experts are providing analysis on the situation.
  • The airstrikes are part of the U.S.’s efforts to protect maritime security.
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CBS News
News Wrap: Bolton pleads guilty to retaining classified information

News Wrap: Bolton pleads guilty to retaining classified information

June 26, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

John Bolton admitted to keeping classified documents illegally. Texas officials decided that some Bible stories must be taught in public schools. Russia reported stopping over 600 drones sent by Ukraine during a large attack.

Key Facts

  • John Bolton pleaded guilty to one charge of illegally keeping classified information.
  • Texas education leaders voted to require teaching certain Bible stories in public schools.
  • Russia claimed it intercepted more than 600 drones from Ukraine during a major attack.
  • Ukraine launched one of its biggest attacks since the war began.
  • The news covers events related to security, education, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
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PBS NewsHour
Appeals court upholds Harvey Weinstein's California rape conviction

Appeals court upholds Harvey Weinstein's California rape conviction

June 26, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

An appeals court in California upheld Harvey Weinstein's 2022 conviction for rape and sexual assault but ordered a resentencing. Weinstein remains in prison and faces sentencing in New York on a separate sexual assault conviction.

Key Facts

  • A California appeals court confirmed Weinstein's 2022 rape and sexual assault conviction.
  • The court decided Weinstein’s original sentence must be reconsidered.
  • Weinstein was sentenced to 16 years in California for crimes against Evgeniya Chernyshova, formerly known as Jane Doe 1.
  • Weinstein’s lawyers argued that key evidence about Chernyshova’s relationship with a film festival head was unfairly limited at trial.
  • The New York prosecutors dropped a fourth trial after the accuser declined to testify again.
  • Weinstein is still convicted of a sexual assault charge in New York and awaits sentencing there.
  • Prosecutors in New York are seeking a 20-year sentence for Weinstein.
  • Weinstein’s defense plans to ask the California Supreme Court to review legal issues from his trial.
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CBS News
Sergei Ivanov, former Russian defense minister once seen as Putin's likely successor, dies at 73

Sergei Ivanov, former Russian defense minister once seen as Putin's likely successor, dies at 73

June 26, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Sergei Ivanov, a former Russian defense minister and close ally of President Vladimir Putin, has died at 73. Ivanov held several important roles in Russia’s government and was once considered a possible successor to Putin.

Key Facts

  • Sergei Ivanov died at the age of 73; no cause of death was given.
  • He and President Putin knew each other since the 1970s when both worked as KGB officers.
  • Ivanov served as Russia’s defense minister from 2001 to 2007, overseeing the war in Chechnya.
  • He was seen as a likely successor to Putin when Putin stepped down as president in 2008.
  • Putin chose Dmitry Medvedev as a temporary president instead of Ivanov.
  • Ivanov then served as deputy prime minister and later as Kremlin chief of staff until 2016.
  • He was appointed as a presidential envoy for environment and transport in 2016, a less influential position.
  • Ivanov was sanctioned by the U.S. and the EU due to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.
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PBS NewsHour
Madonna was 'jealous of Kylie' - and more things we learned in her Graham Norton interview

Madonna was 'jealous of Kylie' - and more things we learned in her Graham Norton interview

June 26, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Madonna talked about her new album, Confessions II, in an interview with Graham Norton. She shared personal stories, including feeling jealous of Kylie Minogue, working on a song with her daughter, and possibly headlining the Glastonbury festival in the future.

Key Facts

  • Madonna’s new album is called Confessions II and focuses on dance music and her early days in 1980s New York.
  • She performed a duet with her daughter, Lola, on the album, addressing challenges in their relationship.
  • Madonna mourns her brother Christopher, who died from cancer in 2024, in one of the album tracks.
  • She hinted she might headline the Glastonbury festival in 2027, after missing the chance in 2024.
  • Madonna admitted feeling jealous of Kylie Minogue because her ex-husband, Guy Ritchie, had a crush on Kylie.
  • Kylie Minogue appeared in the interview in a playful segment serving Madonna a cocktail.
  • Madonna said she loves dancing because it creates community and relationships.
  • Her daughter Lourdes Leon had been cautious about working with her mother to avoid the “nepo baby” label, but they collaborated on a healing song together.
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BBC Top Stories
6/26: CBS Evening News

6/26: CBS Evening News

June 26, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A strong earthquake struck Venezuela, causing damage and prompting rescue teams to search for survivors. Additionally, a large airplane made an unusually low flight over an area, causing concern.

Key Facts

  • There was a significant earthquake in Venezuela.
  • Rescue workers are looking for people trapped or injured after the quake.
  • The earthquake caused damage in affected areas.
  • A large jet flew very low over a location, which alarmed people.
  • The news report covered these two major events on June 26.
  • CBS Evening News provided updates on both the earthquake and the low jet flyover.
  • The events took place in Venezuela and relate to public safety.
  • The low flyover incident did not mention any accidents or injuries.
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CBS News
Emergency crews in Venezuela race to find survivors after earthquakes

Emergency crews in Venezuela race to find survivors after earthquakes

June 26, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela, causing many buildings to collapse. Rescue teams are working hard to find people trapped under the rubble. So far, at least 920 people have died and more than 3,300 are injured.

Key Facts

  • Two earthquakes struck Venezuela recently.
  • The earthquakes caused severe damage, including building collapses.
  • At least 920 people have died due to the earthquakes.
  • Over 3,300 people have been injured.
  • Rescue teams are searching for survivors trapped in the debris.
  • Officials continue to update the death and injury toll as rescue efforts proceed.
  • The situation is ongoing and emergency crews are actively responding.
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CBS News
U.S. targets missile, drone storage locations in Iran, CENTCOM says

U.S. targets missile, drone storage locations in Iran, CENTCOM says

June 26, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The U.S. military carried out strikes in Iran targeting missile and drone storage sites and coastal radar stations. These actions were in response to an Iranian attack on a cargo ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. launched retaliatory strikes against locations in Iran.
  • Targets included places storing missiles and drones.
  • Coastal radar sites in Iran were also targeted.
  • The strikes were a direct response to an Iranian attack.
  • The attacked ship was a cargo vessel flagged in Singapore.
  • The incident happened in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
  • The information was provided by CENTCOM, the U.S. military command responsible for the Middle East.
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CBS News
South Korea plans to train entire military as "drone warriors"

South Korea plans to train entire military as "drone warriors"

June 26, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

South Korea plans to train every member of its nearly 500,000-strong military to operate drones like personal weapons. This effort aims to keep an edge against North Korea by making drones common tools for combat and surveillance.

Key Facts

  • South Korea wants all its soldiers to be able to use drones easily, like they use guns.
  • The military plans to provide 11,000 training drones in 2024 and reach 60,000 drones by 2029.
  • The South Korean defense ministry aims to produce drones fully within the country, avoiding Chinese parts for security reasons.
  • South Korea has about 450,000 active troops, but North Korea has over 1.2 million.
  • The military’s size is shrinking due to fewer births and mandatory service rules that exclude women.
  • South Korea will add more inexpensive drones for observation and attack, plus laser and microwave weapons to counter enemy drones.
  • Ukraine’s use of drones in its conflict inspired South Korea’s shift towards drone warfare.
  • Training so many soldiers is difficult because of shortages in officers and experienced military trainers.
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Ars Technica
Venezuela deadly earthquake: 'Countless lives lost that in a normal country would have been rescued'

Venezuela deadly earthquake: 'Countless lives lost that in a normal country would have been rescued'

June 26, 2026 • France24

Summary

A powerful earthquake hit Venezuela, causing many deaths and missing people. The scale of the disaster was worsened by weak government institutions, corruption, and poor emergency response over many years.

Key Facts

  • Venezuela experienced a deadly earthquake with a death toll rising to at least 920.
  • Tens of thousands of people are reported missing after the earthquake.
  • The earthquake was a natural event, but the large humanitarian crisis was affected by political problems.
  • Corruption and weak public institutions over decades made rescue efforts ineffective.
  • Infrastructure in Venezuela was deteriorated, worsening the impact of the disaster.
  • Lack of a strong emergency response turned a natural disaster into a national tragedy.
  • The situation shows a difference between unavoidable natural damage and preventable institutional failure.
  • The earthquake is described as a “doublet,” meaning two quakes close in time and location caused extra damage.
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France24
Black Opera Project celebrates resilience and richness of the Black American experience

Black Opera Project celebrates resilience and richness of the Black American experience

June 26, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

A new opera in Cincinnati tells the story of a young woman living 400 years in the future who is exiled after finding she has a rare gene that gives her special powers and immortality. PBS stations CET and ThinkTV provide a behind-the-scenes look at this project, which aims to offer a fresh perspective on opera.

Key Facts

  • The opera’s story is set 400 years in the future.
  • The main character is a young woman who discovers she has a rare gene.
  • This gene is linked to special power and immortality.
  • Because of this discovery, she is forced into exile.
  • The opera premieres in Cincinnati.
  • PBS stations CET and ThinkTV are featuring coverage of the project.
  • The project is part of an arts and culture series called CANVAS.
  • The opera seeks to bring a new direction to the art form.
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PBS NewsHour
U.S. strikes Iran in response to drone attack on cargo ship that Trump says violated ceasefire

U.S. strikes Iran in response to drone attack on cargo ship that Trump says violated ceasefire

June 26, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

The U.S. launched strikes against Iran in response to a drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. This incident tests a recent temporary agreement aimed at ending the conflict between the two countries and reopening this important shipping route.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. targeted missile, drone, and radar sites in Iran following a drone attack on a cargo ship.
  • President Donald Trump said the drone attack broke the ceasefire agreed upon last week.
  • Iran said the Strait of Hormuz is controlled by them and called the U.S. strikes “ceasefire management,” not a violation.
  • The British military reported the cargo ship was hit near Oman, but no one was hurt.
  • The United Nations stopped efforts to move ships through the strait after the attack, citing safety concerns.
  • About 115 ships have left the area using a safer route, but 500 remain trapped in the strait.
  • The strait is a key route for global oil shipments and reopening it is important for the world economy.
  • The U.S. and Iran have 60 days to finalize details of their agreement, including safe ship passage and Iran’s uranium stockpile.
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PBS NewsHour
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