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South African civil groups warn that cuts to U.S. funding for HIV programs will harm vulnerable groups, especially adolescent girls and women. The U.S. is ending its support through the PEPFAR program, which has funded South Africa's HIV fight for 20 years and helped save millions of lives.
Key Facts
The U.S. plans to phase out over $400 million in annual HIV program funding to South Africa by September 2025.
South Africa has about 8 million people living with HIV, the highest number in the world.
President Donald Trump ordered the cut in foreign aid due to political disagreements, including South Africa’s land and racial policies.
The U.S. State Department required South African officials to condemn race-based violence as part of the conditions for continued aid.
PEPFAR funding made up about 17% of South Africa’s HIV program budget but did not cover most HIV medication costs.
Some local HIV programs have already closed, and around 3,000 health workers lost their jobs after funding was reduced.
South Africa created a $45 million emergency fund to address the funding gap from the U.S. cutbacks.
Prevention services for HIV have suffered, with focus shifting to maintaining treatment for existing patients.
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A dog expert explains that hugging dogs may make them uncomfortable because it limits their freedom to move. Many dogs tolerate hugs but do not enjoy them, and owners should watch for signs that their dog is uneasy during close contact.
Key Facts
Hugging is a human way to show love, but it is not natural or comfortable for most dogs.
Dogs may feel pressured or trapped by hugs because they can’t easily move away.
Some dogs tolerate hugs due to trust but do not necessarily enjoy them.
Dogs scared by hugs might include rescue dogs, those with health issues, or dogs not used to close contact.
Signs of discomfort include freezing, turning the head away, licking lips, yawning, showing the whites of eyes, pinned ears, tucked tail, avoiding eye contact, or trying to move away.
Children often hug dogs tightly and may not recognize warning signs of stress or fear in dogs.
Owners should never punish a dog for growling, as growling is a way dogs communicate discomfort.
Alternative ways to bond include gentle petting, playing games, and letting dogs have choices in interactions.
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A mother from Nebraska used a baby camera to check on her twin two-year-old sons and saw them sitting inside a drawer talking and rubbing lotion on each other’s feet. The twins had just been moved from cribs to beds, which led to new mischief at bedtime.
Key Facts
Taylor Dane has twin sons named Briggs and Breck, who are close and care for each other.
The twins were moved from cribs to big kid beds after climbing out of their cribs.
After moving to beds, the boys started new mischievous behaviors at night.
One night, at 10:45 p.m., Dane saw on the baby cam that the twins pulled out a drawer and sat inside it talking.
The twins were rubbing lotion on each other’s feet during this time.
Dane laughed but eventually put them back to bed against their wishes.
The video of this event was recorded four years ago, when the twins were two years old.
Even though they are now six, the twins continue to be playful and active.
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A priest from the rebel Catholic group Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) compared their situation to that of Joan of Arc, who was condemned by the Church but later declared a saint. The SSPX plans to consecrate four new bishops without approval from the Pope, a move that could lead to their excommunication.
Key Facts
The SSPX is a breakaway Catholic group that opposes certain modern Church changes.
They will consecrate four new bishops on July 1 without papal approval.
The Vatican warns this could result in the SSPX being excommunicated.
SSPX Father Denis Puga compared the group’s persecution to Joan of Arc’s condemnation.
Joan of Arc was condemned for heresy in 1431 but later retried and declared a saint.
The SSPX rejects a Vatican 2023 declaration allowing blessings of same-sex couples.
The SSPX split from the official Church after unauthorized bishop consecrations in 1988.
Pope Benedict XVI lifted some SSPX excommunications in 2009 but did not restore full Church status.
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Two earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday night, causing severe damage and many deaths. Rescue teams are searching for survivors amid ongoing efforts to assess the impact.
Key Facts
Venezuela experienced two earthquakes in a short time on Wednesday night.
The earthquakes caused significant destruction in affected areas.
The death toll has risen substantially after the events.
Emergency crews are actively looking for people trapped or injured.
Authorities are still evaluating the full extent of the damage.
Experts, including geologists, are analyzing the earthquakes to understand them better.
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This week, peace talks continued between the United States and Iran. In other news, the former head of the Scottish National Party, Peter Murrell, was sentenced to prison for stealing over £400,000 from the party, and a man in Cardiff returned dumped rubbish to the person who illegally left it after checking CCTV footage.
Key Facts
The US and Iran held ongoing peace talks this week.
Peter Murrell, former SNP chief executive, was jailed for embezzling more than £400,000.
A Cardiff resident returned seven bags of illegally dumped rubbish to the fly-tipper’s home.
The man found the fly-tipper by reviewing CCTV recordings.
The quiz mentioned in the article covers various current world events.
The article briefly involves former President Donald Trump but does not detail the specific incident.
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Taylor Swift has reportedly rented Madison Square Garden for the Fourth of July weekend. There are rumors that she and Travis Kelce might get married there.
Key Facts
Taylor Swift has booked Madison Square Garden for the Fourth of July weekend.
The New York Times reported this news.
Rumors suggest the booking could be for a wedding.
The potential wedding is between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
Madison Square Garden is a large and famous arena in New York City.
Neither Taylor Swift nor Travis Kelce has officially confirmed the wedding plans.
The news was covered by CBS News.
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The U.S. military is helping Venezuela after two strong earthquakes hit the country and caused many deaths. U.S. forces are moving quickly to provide airlift, logistics, and lifesaving aid to people affected by the disaster.
Key Facts
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela overnight.
More than 160 people died because of the earthquakes.
The U.S. military is working with the U.S. State Department to provide aid.
The U.S. Southern Command is leading the military response.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the quick deployment of aid.
The aid includes airlift and logistical support to reach those in need.
The goal is to deliver lifesaving help as fast as possible.
This response shows cooperation between the U.S. and Venezuelan aid efforts.
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President Donald Trump said the U.S. took control of Venezuela six months ago by sending special forces to capture leader Nicolás Maduro. After two large earthquakes hit northern Venezuela, the U.S. is sending search and rescue teams, medical supplies, and aerial images to help assess the damage, while promising to support the Venezuelan people during the crisis.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed U.S. special forces entered Venezuela to capture Nicolás Maduro six months ago.
Two massive earthquakes struck northern Venezuela, causing at least 164 deaths and over 1,000 injuries.
Buildings collapsed in Caracas, and the main international airport in La Guaira was shut down due to damage.
The U.S. is sending search and rescue teams, medical supplies, and aerial images to Venezuela.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed solidarity with Venezuela’s people and is coordinating aid efforts.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which handled much humanitarian aid, was closed nearly a year ago.
The closure of USAID may slow the U.S. response to natural disasters and reduce humanitarian support in places like Venezuela.
Venezuela faces ongoing challenges such as heavy national debt, lack of democratic elections, corruption, and damaged infrastructure.
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A sociologist from New York University says that during heatwaves, strong community connections are just as important as technology to save lives. He studied Chicago’s 1995 heatwave and found that neighborhoods with good social support had fewer deaths than others with the same poverty level. He warns that as climate change speeds up, cities need to build both social and physical ways to protect vulnerable people.
Key Facts
Professor Eric Klinenberg from NYU studied the 1995 Chicago heatwave.
He found that death rates depend on social connections, not just weather or technology.
Social infrastructure means places and activities that help neighbors check on and help each other.
Neighborhoods with similar poverty suffered different death rates based on social support.
France is currently experiencing a heatwave and has improved since a deadly one in 2003.
Klinenberg warns climate change is happening faster than cities can adapt.
Social isolation and inequality make heatwaves more dangerous for some people.
Building community ties is as important as using cooling technology to protect people.
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President Donald Trump criticized European NATO allies during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. He expressed frustration over their lack of support for a U.S.-Israeli conflict involving Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The discussion focused on the situation with Iran.
President Trump expressed anger toward European allies.
He felt European NATO members were not supporting the U.S. and Israel in the conflict.
The report was covered by CBS News correspondent Aaron Navarro.
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A Ukrainian attack on Crimea and parts of Russia killed at least five people, according to Russian officials. Both Ukraine and Russia have been targeting each other's fuel and transport facilities amid ongoing conflict, while diplomatic tensions between Russia and Romania continue to rise.
Key Facts
At least five people died in Ukrainian strikes on Crimea and Russian border regions.
Two people, including a child, died in Crimea following overnight attacks.
Drone strikes killed two people in Bryansk and one in Belgorod regions of Russia.
Russia claims to have shot down 269 Ukrainian drones over Russia and Crimea in one night.
A drone strike caused a fire at an oil depot in Krasnodar Krai, Russia.
Crimean authorities plan to impose temporary power cuts due to damage to energy infrastructure.
Russia attacked rail locomotives and petrol stations in Ukraine, killing one train driver.
Russia expelled Romania’s consul general after Romania closed Russia’s consular office following a drone incident near the Ukrainian border.
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Gulf countries have welcomed a new agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending a regional conflict. These Gulf states support the deal mainly to stop the war and promote dialogue with Iran, despite ongoing mistrust and past attacks on Gulf cities by Iran.
Key Facts
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) includes Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
The GCC was formed in 1981 partly due to concerns about Iran's growing influence.
Recent Israeli and US attacks on Iran, followed by Iranian attacks on the Gulf, pushed Gulf states to reassess their relationships.
The Gulf states support a US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed recently to reduce conflict.
Gulf countries remain wary of Iran but prefer diplomacy to military action.
Iran’s use of drones and proxy groups to attack Gulf states is seen as a bigger threat than Iran’s nuclear program by GCC members.
US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are visiting Gulf nations to reassure them about the Iran deal.
Gulf states want a broader agreement with Iran that addresses both nuclear and security concerns.
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Abelardo de la Espriella, endorsed by President Donald Trump, will become Colombia’s president in August. His election follows a trend where several Latin American countries have chosen conservative leaders who focus on tough crime policies and economic changes.
Key Facts
Abelardo de la Espriella, called "The Tiger," will be Colombia's next president and was supported by President Trump.
De la Espriella wants to stop peace talks with rebel groups and build large prisons like those in El Salvador.
Argentina elected Javier Milei, nicknamed "The Lion," who is cutting government spending to fight high inflation.
Ecuador’s leader Daniel Noboa was reelected and has increased the military’s role in fighting drug gangs.
Noboa’s government faced criticism for human rights issues during its anti-drug campaigns.
Honduras elected Nasry Asfura from the conservative National Party, supported by President Trump.
Chile elected José Antonio Kast, a conservative who plans to tighten border controls and limit illegal immigration.
These recent elections show a shift in Latin America toward conservative governments focusing on security and economic reform.
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British actor Aneurin Barnard stopped a robber who tried to steal a handbag from an elderly woman in Annecy, France, before the premiere of his new film. He caught and held the thief until the police arrived and then returned the bag to the woman.
Key Facts
Aneurin Barnard is a British actor known for roles in Dunkirk and Peaky Blinders.
The incident happened in the city center of Annecy during an animation film festival.
Barnard chased, tackled, and held the bag snatcher until police arrived.
The robbery victim was an older woman who was left traumatized.
The film Barnard was promoting is called Rogue Trooper, based on a UK sci-fi comic.
The film is an animated science fiction story about a super soldier seeking a traitor.
Director Duncan Jones shared the story on social media and praised Barnard’s actions.
The film features other actors like Sean Bean, Asa Butterfield, and Diane Morgan.
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There are rumors that singer Taylor Swift and football star Travis Kelce might get married at Madison Square Garden in New York City over the July 4th weekend. City officials confirmed a street closure permit near the arena, and other signs suggest a wedding event there, though neither Swift nor Kelce’s names are on the permit.
Key Facts
A street closure permit was filed for roads near Madison Square Garden from July 2 to July 4.
The permit application did not include the names Taylor Swift or Travis Kelce.
Several Kansas City Chiefs players have booked hotel rooms near the arena during the holiday weekend.
Amtrak police at nearby Penn Station were told to expect a wedding event related to Taylor Swift.
Reports indicate two celebrations: a smaller one with around 100 guests on July 2, and a larger event on July 3.
Madison Square Garden is an indoor arena with no natural light or scenic views, unlike the outdoor locations some expected for the wedding.
Fans have mixed opinions, with some saying the venue fits the couple’s music and sports careers, and others finding the choice unusual.
The arena offers strong security features, including private entrances and restricted access to prevent paparazzi interference.
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President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that it might never be clear who caused the missile strike on a girls' school in Iran, which killed over 100 people. He mentioned that missiles were flying in many directions, making it hard to determine responsibility.
Key Facts
The missile strike hit a girls' school in Iran.
More than 100 people died in the strike.
President Trump said it may never be known who was at fault.
He explained that many missiles were flying around at the time.
The event took place amid ongoing military tensions in the region.
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Cambodia has taken strong steps to fight online scams by passing a new law and increasing police actions. The government has also deported nearly 19,000 foreign suspects connected to scam activities and is collaborating with other countries to stop these scams.
Key Facts
Cambodia introduced a new law to combat online scams.
Law enforcement efforts against online scams have increased in the country.
Nearly 19,000 foreign nationals were deported for involvement in scam operations.
The government is working with international partners to break up scam networks.
These actions aim to reduce online fraud and protect people from scams.
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France is experiencing a severe heatwave that is making life difficult in its overcrowded prisons. Many prisoners are packed into small cells without good ventilation or cooling, causing extremely uncomfortable and unsafe conditions. Prison guards are also struggling with the heat inside these poorly maintained buildings.
Key Facts
France is facing a historic heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F).
Prisons in France are overcrowded, holding 140% of their capacity on average.
Some remand centres have overcrowding rates above 172%, housing people awaiting trial or with short sentences.
There are nearly 89,000 detainees in French prisons as of May 2026, with only 750 new places created in the past year.
Many prisoners share cells built for only one person and some sleep on mattresses on the floor.
Prison buildings are old, poorly maintained, and not insulated against heat or cold.
Prison staff also suffer from heat inside the facilities, making their work very difficult.
The heatwave exposes long-standing problems in France’s prison system related to overcrowding and infrastructure.
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The UK has recorded its hottest June day ever, with temperatures reaching 36.4°C in Somerset. A red weather warning for extreme heat has been extended, and multiple NHS trusts have declared critical incidents due to the heatwave.
Key Facts
The temperature of 36.4°C in Somerset is the highest ever recorded in the UK during June.
This new record broke the previous one set just a day earlier.
A red weather warning, which signals extreme heat, has been extended in parts of the UK until Friday.
At least six NHS trusts in England have declared critical incidents, meaning the heat is putting heavy pressure on healthcare services.
Climate experts, including BBC’s Climate Editor and a university scientist, have discussed why the heatwave is so severe.
The episode also features a discussion about business leaders' feelings on the upcoming government.
The report was part of the BBC’s Newscast podcast, hosted by Adam Fleming.
Listeners can access this content on smart speakers and online platforms like BBC Sounds.
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