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An article by senior Ethiopian officials argues that Ethiopia is not being forced into war by outsiders, but this view is challenged by critics who say Ethiopia's government is responsible for internal conflicts and tensions with Eritrea. The conflict in northern Ethiopia from 2020 to 2022 stemmed mainly from internal ethnic and political divisions, not external forces, and Eritrea entered the war to defend itself at Ethiopia’s request.
Key Facts
Ethiopian officials claim Ethiopia is reluctantly involved in conflict due to external pressure.
Critics say this claim hides the ruling Prosperity Party’s role in domestic problems.
The war in northern Ethiopia started in November 2020 and ended with a ceasefire in November 2022.
The war was caused mainly by internal ethnic and political conflicts in Ethiopia.
Eritrea joined the conflict after being invited by the Ethiopian government to defend itself.
Ethiopian leaders previously thanked Eritrea for its role, contradicting recent claims that Eritrea was hostile.
The story that peace talks in Pretoria were nearly violent but then peaceful is disputed as exaggerated.
The peace agreement was the result of ongoing confidential discussions before formal talks began.
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Members of the U.S. House of Representatives welcomed Han Kuo-yu, head of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, to Washington and expressed strong support for Taiwan. This visit comes as the Trump administration reviews a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which has already received preliminary approval from Congress.
Key Facts
Han Kuo-yu leads an eight-person Taiwanese parliamentary delegation visiting Washington.
Over 30 U.S. House members from both parties attended a reception to show support for Taiwan.
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and other lawmakers emphasized bipartisan support for Taiwan’s peace and commerce.
The Trump administration is considering a $14 billion arms sales package to Taiwan.
Taiwanese delegation also met several Democratic senators who urged quick approval of the arms sale.
Taiwan is a key player in advanced chip production through Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), important to the U.S. economy.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to take control.
The U.S. lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to Taiwan’s self-defense and opposing Chinese pressure.
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A severe heat wave in Paris and across Europe has made living in attic apartments under zinc roofs dangerous due to extreme heat. Research shows that these rooftops absorb heat, increasing health risks, especially for those who cannot afford cooler, lower-floor apartments.
Key Facts
Paris and many parts of Europe are experiencing a historic and intense heat wave.
Zinc roofs cover about three-quarters of Paris rooftops and absorb a lot of heat.
Attic apartments directly under these roofs become very hot and can harm health.
A 2003 heat wave study found that living in attic rooms under roofs increased death risk by over four times.
Paris had the highest risk of heat-related deaths among 30 European capitals studied.
Many attic residents are students or low-income people who pay high prices for small rooms.
Zinc roofs are valued culturally and listed as a heritage by UNESCO but contribute to heat problems.
The heat wave has caused more deaths and serious health threats across Europe.
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A UK hybrid school called London Park School (LPS) Hybrid offers students a mix of online and in-person learning. This approach has helped some students, like Ellie Ball and Ahlam De Chausay, improve their school experience and confidence. The school has been recognized for its mental health support and ability to help students who struggle with traditional schooling.
Key Facts
Ellie Ball, 16, attends LPS Hybrid four days a week online and once a week in person.
Ellie struggled to attend her old local school but now enjoys school and plans to take four A-levels.
LPS Hybrid is part of Dukes Education and was shortlisted for national and international education awards.
The school uses technology and screen time as part of learning, which some students find helpful.
The UK government plans to ban social media for young people but says this will not affect educational platforms.
Ellie’s father fears the ban may limit access to important online learning resources for many students.
Another student, Ahlam De Chausay, said hybrid learning helped her become more confident and independent.
The school emphasizes a balance of screen time and independent, offline study to build students’ skills.
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EU officials held talks with the Taliban in Brussels to discuss increasing deportations of Afghan migrants. The meeting caused strong anger among Afghan women and human rights groups, who see it as giving legitimacy to a regime that severely restricts women's rights.
Key Facts
The talks focused on deporting Afghans without legal residence permits in the EU.
Many Afghan women feel the meeting is a betrayal because the Taliban restricts their rights, such as banning schooling past age 11 and excluding them from work and public life.
The European Parliament has condemned the persecution of Afghan women and girls in recent resolutions.
The European Commission said deportations would focus on those seen as security threats, but the invitation to the Taliban mentioned all Afghans without legal status.
There were protests and criticism from human rights groups against the EU for engaging with the Taliban.
The rise of right-wing politicians in the European Parliament is linked to tougher migration policies and has influenced this approach.
The Taliban regained control in Afghanistan in 2021 after the withdrawal of US and NATO forces, leading to worsening conditions for women.
The EU received about 1 million asylum claims from member states in recent years, including many from Afghans.
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The UK set a new June temperature record of 36.1°C in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday. This record may be broken again on Thursday as temperatures could reach up to 37 or 38°C in central southern England, with hot weather continuing into Friday before cooling down over the weekend.
Key Facts
A new June temperature record of 36.1°C was set in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday.
Temperatures on Thursday might rise to 37 or 38°C, breaking the record again.
Red and amber heat warnings are in place due to extreme heat risks like transport disruption and heat illnesses.
The hottest areas on Thursday include central southern England, the Midlands, and parts of Wales.
Scotland and Northern Ireland will be cooler, with highs between 15-30°C depending on the region.
Thunderstorms and heavy showers are expected in southwest England on Thursday evening, with risks of flash flooding.
The heatwave will begin to ease from Friday, with temperatures dropping to normal levels by Sunday.
Heat warnings will remain active in some areas through Friday and Saturday.
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President Donald Trump called UK Labour’s Andy Burnham “extremely liberal” and suggested he might oppose oil exploration in the North Sea. Trump also criticized the UK’s support in the ongoing Iran conflict during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the frontrunner to replace Keir Starmer as Labour party leader in the UK.
President Trump said Burnham “probably won’t open up the North Sea” for oil drilling.
Burnham has criticized Trump before, calling US politics “polarised” and “poisonous.”
Since Trump’s 2024 election win, Keir Starmer initially tried to keep good relations but later faced tensions over the Iran conflict.
Trump met NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office to discuss alliance issues.
Trump has expressed anger at some NATO allies, including the UK, for not supporting the US in the Iran war.
Rutte showed evidence of European defense spending increases and military cooperation to reassure Trump.
Trump praised Rutte’s leadership but remained skeptical about the overall support from NATO allies.
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Two strong earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 hit Venezuela, causing widespread damage and killing at least 32 people. The government declared a state of emergency, and rescue teams are searching for survivors in heavily damaged areas, especially in the capital, Caracas.
Key Facts
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, with magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5.
At least 32 people died and about 700 were injured; more casualties are expected as rescue efforts continue.
The worst damage is in Caracas, especially in the Altamira and El Paraíso districts.
The earthquakes originated in Yaracuy state, west of Caracas, with shallow depths that increased shaking.
The government declared a state of emergency, closed Caracas’s main airport, and suspended school classes.
Emergency workers, including doctors and nurses, were asked to help treat the injured.
Tremors were felt as far away as Colombia and Brazil’s Amazon region.
US Geological Survey warned the death toll could rise significantly due to vulnerable building materials.
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Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela near the town of Moron, killing at least 32 people and injuring over 700. The government declared a state of emergency as rescue teams search collapsed buildings and remote areas.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in strength.
The earthquakes happened within one minute of each other.
Moron, located about 170 km west of Venezuela’s capital Caracas, was near the epicenter.
At least 32 people died and more than 700 were injured.
Venezuela’s main airport was shut down after the quakes.
Many buildings collapsed, causing people to flee into the streets.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency.
These are some of the strongest earthquakes in Venezuela in over 100 years.
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A family in east London is struggling with very hot indoor temperatures in their flat, which reached over 31°C, making it hard to keep their baby safe and comfortable. Experts warn that many children in England live in overheated homes, which can cause health problems, and call for better home designs and government support to handle rising heat from climate change.
Key Facts
Jackson Bylett and his family live in a hot flat in east London, where temperatures have passed 31°C indoors.
The NHS advises babies should sleep in rooms between 16 and 20°C to avoid health risks.
Over 70,000 babies in England live in homes that become uncomfortably hot, with 1.59 million children affected overall.
Babies are vulnerable to heat because they cannot regulate their body temperature well, increasing risks like sudden infant death syndrome.
A survey showed 70% of parents said overheating disrupts their children's sleep, and nearly half said it affects concentration.
England’s homes were mostly built for cooler climates, so now keeping heat out is a growing challenge.
Experts recommend using blinds, reflective films, and staying hydrated as short-term solutions.
Longer-term solutions include better data, home upgrades, and government funding for changes like external shutters and reflective paint.
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Three sisters from Brazil have been recognized as the longest-living trio of sisters in the world, with a combined age of 316 years. Scientists are studying their DNA to learn about the genes that help people live longer and stay healthy.
Key Facts
The three sisters live in Brazil.
Their combined age totals 316 years.
They hold the record for the longest-living trio of sisters worldwide.
Researchers are analyzing their DNA.
The goal is to understand genetic factors behind long life and good health.
This study may help explain how genes contribute to aging.
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President Donald Trump said that Andy Burnham, who is expected to become the next UK leader, is "extremely liberal." He also expressed concern that Britain is "dying" and called for more oil drilling in the North Sea.
Key Facts
President Trump commented on Andy Burnham, the likely next UK leader.
Trump described Burnham as "extremely liberal."
Keir Starmer has announced he will step down as leader.
Andy Burnham is the only candidate expected to succeed Starmer.
Trump said that Britain is "dying."
He urged for increased oil drilling in the North Sea.
These comments are President Trump’s first on the UK leadership change.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves supports Andy Burnham as the next prime minister of the UK. Burnham is likely to replace current leader Sir Keir Starmer after his resignation, and Reeves said she is ready to back him despite possible changes to her cabinet role.
Key Facts
Rachel Reeves is the current Chancellor of the Exchequer in the UK government.
Andy Burnham plans to become the next prime minister and is currently the only candidate for Labour Party leadership.
Burnham may replace Reeves as chancellor if he becomes prime minister.
Reeves supports Burnham and says decisions about her role are up to him.
Sir Keir Starmer resigned recently after several senior cabinet members left their jobs.
Burnham could become prime minister as soon as July 17 if no one challenges him.
Reeves stressed the importance of keeping government spending under control to avoid high inflation and interest rates.
Reeves highlighted her pride in raising minimum wages and improving the economy during her time as chancellor.
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The United States military has more than 12,000 personnel stationed at bases across the UK. When US service members are accused of crimes on British soil, many are tried by US military courts called courts martial instead of British courts. This practice comes from an agreement between the US and UK governments made in 1951.
Key Facts
There are over 12,000 US military personnel at at least 15 bases in the UK, mostly in England and one in Scotland.
US service members accused of crimes, including serious offenses like sexual assault and violent attacks, are often tried in US military courts on UK bases.
Courts martial are military trials that follow the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the US military's own legal system.
These trials happen on military premises and are generally not open to the public like British courts.
The 1951 Status of Forces agreement between the US and UK sets the rules for who prosecutes US troops in the UK.
The US prosecutes troops for crimes committed while on duty or involving US military people or property.
For other crimes, British authorities technically have the first right to prosecute but often allow US military courts to handle the cases.
UK police and prosecutors can choose to give jurisdiction to US military courts if requested, which can lead to fewer British criminal trials for offenses by US personnel.
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France is facing record-breaking high temperatures, causing many people to suffer in homes that are not built to stay cool. Poorly insulated apartments, especially in low-income areas, are trapping heat and making it hard to live comfortably or sleep. The extreme heat has led to health problems, school closures, power cuts, and damage to agriculture.
Key Facts
Over 44 million people in France were under the highest heat alert during the recent heatwave.
Many French homes, especially older buildings, lack proper insulation and cooling features, making them very hot inside.
Schools have closed because classrooms reached unsafe temperatures, affecting many children’s education.
Power outages affected thousands, preventing people from using fans or electric blinds to cool down.
High temperatures reduced nuclear energy production because cooling water was unavailable.
The heatwave caused a rise in hospital visits, high air pollution, and the deaths of hundreds of thousands of farm animals.
Poorer areas with concrete housing estates and little green space are most affected, showing a growing climate inequality problem.
French government funding cuts have slowed projects to improve housing and infrastructure for changing climate conditions.
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Two strong earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck Venezuela on the evening of June 24, 2026. These quakes caused building collapses, injuries, and widespread damage, leading the acting President Delcy Rodríguez to declare a state of emergency and cancel school classes for several days.
Key Facts
The earthquakes occurred shortly after 6 p.m. near Morón on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast.
The first quake had a magnitude of 7.2 and the second, a minute later, was 7.5.
Many buildings collapsed in Caracas, the capital, and other parts of Venezuela experienced damage.
Falcon state reported 32 people hospitalized and 15 trapped after the earthquakes.
Key infrastructure like Simón Bolívar International Airport and Caracas subway were damaged or closed.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and asked citizens to report damage via a government app.
School classes were suspended and some schools will serve as shelters and donation centers.
Several countries, including the United States and neighboring nations, offered aid and assistance to Venezuela.
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Two trains collided near Bedford, causing one death and injuring over 100 people, with some passengers stranded. Bedford Borough Council apologized for issuing parking fines to drivers who could not move their cars due to the crash.
Key Facts
The crash involved two East Midlands Railway trains traveling to London St Pancras.
The accident happened around 17:15 BST on Friday near Bedford.
A 60-year-old train driver, Shaun Burton, died in the crash.
More than 100 people were injured; 53 remained in hospital days later, with eight in critical condition.
Some passengers were stuck and could not access their parked cars at Bedford railway station.
Bedford Borough Council issued parking fines to some stranded drivers but apologized for this after complaints.
The council took corrective action and invited people to request ticket cancellations.
An interim report said the Corby train moved past a red signal before hitting the stationary Nottingham train.
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President Donald Trump gave his first public comments on Andy Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, in relation to the possibility of Burnham becoming UK prime minister. Trump called Burnham "the mayor of a town" and said he had heard Burnham is "extremely liberal." Burnham had said the UK should avoid the US's "polarised, poisonous politics."
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the former Mayor of Greater Manchester in the UK.
Burnham is considered a candidate to replace Sir Keir Starmer as UK prime minister.
Burnham said the UK should avoid political division like that seen in the US.
President Trump commented on Burnham during a campaign event in the UK.
Trump described Burnham as "the mayor of a town."
Trump said he had heard that Burnham is "extremely liberal."
The article was published about 24 minutes after Trump's comments.
The context is UK politics and the leadership race within a UK political party.
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Two strong earthquakes struck Venezuela near its capital, Caracas, causing buildings to collapse and forcing many people to evacuate. The government declared a state of emergency while rescue teams work to find survivors, but no official death toll has been confirmed yet.
Key Facts
The first quake measured magnitude 7.2, and the second, stronger one was magnitude 7.5, both occurring seconds apart near Caracas.
Tremors were felt as far as Bogotá, Colombia, over 1,000 km away.
More than 20 aftershocks have been recorded, mainly along Venezuela’s northern coast.
At least two buildings in the Caracas area have completely collapsed.
Over 500 emergency workers are involved in rescue efforts.
Venezuela’s main international airport and public transportation have been closed or paused due to damage.
Internet outages and fuel supply cuts have been reported in Caracas.
Classes in schools are suspended for the rest of the week.
The official number of casualties has not been confirmed, though some deaths have been mentioned.
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Two strong earthquakes hit west of Caracas, Venezuela, with magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5. The damage is severe, and the government declared a state of emergency as experts expect many deaths.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes struck west of Venezuela's capital, Caracas.
The earthquakes measured 7.1 and 7.5 in magnitude.
The area suffered widespread damage.
Interim President Rodriguez declared a state of emergency.
Officials fear thousands of people may have died because of the earthquakes.
Emergency services are responding to the crisis.
The earthquakes caused disruptions in local communities.
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