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Protests erupt in Colombia as far-right set to win presidential election

Protests erupt in Colombia as far-right set to win presidential election

Summary

Protests have started in Colombia as the far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella is close to winning the presidential election. The left-wing candidate Ivan Cepeda is behind by about 250,000 votes and plans to challenge the election results.

Key Facts

  • Abelardo de la Espriella is a far-right lawyer and businessman supported by President Donald Trump.
  • The election results are nearly complete but official winners have not been declared yet.
  • Ivan Cepeda, the left-wing senator, trails by approximately 250,000 votes.
  • Cepeda and his team plan to challenge the vote counts from many voting stations.
  • Protests have broken out in Colombia due to the anticipated victory of de la Espriella.
  • The election has attracted international attention because of de la Espriella’s political stance and U.S. connections.
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Iran set to return to mainstream oil market as US temporarily waives sanctions

Iran set to return to mainstream oil market as US temporarily waives sanctions

Summary

The United States and Iran have been negotiating for 60 days and have reached a temporary agreement. The U.S. is waiving sanctions on Iranian oil exports, allowing Iran to sell oil on the global market again. In return, the U.S. expects Iran to allow nuclear inspections, but Iran denies agreeing to this.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. has had sanctions on Iranian oil exports for many years.
  • These sanctions cut Iran off from the main global oil markets.
  • Because of sanctions, Iran was only able to sell oil cheaply to China.
  • The U.S. has temporarily lifted sanctions on Iranian oil exports as part of peace talks.
  • The peace talks between the U.S. and Iran have lasted 60 days.
  • The U.S. expects Iran to allow international inspectors to check its nuclear program.
  • Iran denies agreeing to allow these nuclear inspections.
  • The negotiations also include discussions on a ceasefire in Lebanon.
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In Iran, Trump’s victory claims only deepened a self-made catastrophe | Sidney Blumenthal

In Iran, Trump’s victory claims only deepened a self-made catastrophe | Sidney Blumenthal

Summary

President Donald Trump repeatedly declared victory during the conflict with Iran, even as the situation worsened. His actions led to increased Iranian power in the region and strained alliances with countries such as Israel and European nations.

Key Facts

  • President Trump declared victory multiple times during the Iran conflict, despite ongoing problems.
  • He signed a ceasefire deal on June 17 at the Palace of Versailles.
  • The deal and war efforts were criticized by Israeli leaders and media.
  • Iran gained control over the Strait of Hormuz, an important global oil route, early in the conflict.
  • Trump’s military actions did not achieve clear strategic success.
  • The conflict increased Iran’s regional influence and pushed Gulf states to doubt US protection.
  • China’s influence in the region also grew amid the conflict.
  • The war strained US relations with Israel and European allies.
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Iran-US peace deal faces various threats, from Lebanon, Israel and Trump

Iran-US peace deal faces various threats, from Lebanon, Israel and Trump

Summary

President Trump and Vice President Vance are leading talks to improve relations between the U.S. and Iran. Despite progress in the first round, the peace deal faces challenges from Lebanon, Israel, and political pressures within the U.S.

Key Facts

  • The U.S.-Iran negotiations are underway with initial talks showing some progress.
  • Vice President Vance described the first talks as having created a strong foundation.
  • Iran has agreed to extend an invitation related to the peace talks (specific details not fully stated).
  • There are concerns about interference from Lebanon and Israel affecting the peace process.
  • Political challenges involving President Trump could influence the success of the deal.
  • The talks are part of efforts to reduce tensions and improve peace in the region.
  • The situation remains complex with multiple countries involved and differing interests.
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New pictures show dozens of items bought illegally by Peter Murrell

New pictures show dozens of items bought illegally by Peter Murrell

Summary

Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP), was jailed for more than five years for stealing £400,000 from the party over 12 years. Police released new pictures showing the expensive items he bought illegally with the stolen money, including a motorhome, luxury bags, watches, and pens.

Key Facts

  • Peter Murrell embezzled £400,000 from the SNP over a 12-year period.
  • He used the stolen money to buy over 1,000 items, such as jewelry, cosmetics, two cars, and a £124,550 motorhome.
  • The police took hundreds of pictures of these items during their investigation.
  • The published photos show goods found at several locations, including the former Glasgow home of Murrell and his estranged wife, Nicola Sturgeon.
  • Murrell admitted to the crimes last month and has been sentenced to more than five years in prison.
  • Only some of the stolen goods have been recovered and photographed.
  • The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service released the new images after the case concluded.
  • A police search of Murrell and Sturgeon’s property took place in 2023 as part of the investigation.
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After a decade, Brexit’s cost to Britain is not only economic

After a decade, Brexit’s cost to Britain is not only economic

Summary

Ten years after Britain voted to leave the European Union in the Brexit referendum, public opinion in the UK has shifted, with most people now viewing Brexit as a mistake. Brexit has caused not only economic problems but also political instability and increased social divisions in Britain.

Key Facts

  • The Brexit referendum took place on June 23, 2016.
  • Initially, 64% of Britons believed leaving the EU was the right choice; now only 30% do.
  • 57% currently think Brexit was a wrong decision, and 60% consider it a failure.
  • The UK economy has shrunk by about 6% due to Brexit, according to the Bank of England.
  • Brexit has led to political instability, with Britain having seven prime ministers in ten years.
  • The referendum intensified debates about immigration and increased negative attitudes toward minorities.
  • Rhetoric once seen as extreme, such as fears about immigration and challenges to human rights, has become more common in political discussions.
  • Successive governments have introduced stricter immigration policies influenced by the Brexit debate.
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Brexit 10 years on: What has changed in the UK explained in maps and charts

Brexit 10 years on: What has changed in the UK explained in maps and charts

Summary

Ten years after the UK voted to leave the European Union in 2016, many promises made during the Brexit campaign have not been fulfilled. The UK economy has grown slower than the EU average, migration levels are still high, and the country faces challenges compared to other European nations.

Key Facts

  • On June 23, 2016, 51.9% of UK voters chose to leave the EU, while 48.1% voted to remain.
  • England and Wales mostly voted to leave; Scotland and Northern Ireland mostly voted to remain.
  • Britain joined the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973 due to economic reasons but became skeptical about European integration over the years.
  • Political pressure from conservative MPs and the rise of the UK Independence Party pushed Prime Minister David Cameron to call the referendum.
  • After the Leave vote, Cameron resigned, Theresa May tried but failed to pass a withdrawal deal, and Boris Johnson completed Brexit in January 2020.
  • Since the referendum, UK economic growth per person has been slower than the EU average, with a projected growth of only 1.3% per year through 2030.
  • Trade barriers introduced by Brexit have contributed to the slower economic growth.
  • Migration to the UK remains high despite government efforts to reduce it.
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France faces historically hot temperatures as heatwave carries on

France faces historically hot temperatures as heatwave carries on

Summary

France is experiencing a heatwave with record high temperatures affecting most of its population. The extreme heat has caused disruptions at schools, trains, and sports events, and has been linked to around 20 drowning deaths since the weekend.

Key Facts

  • Millions of people in France are experiencing very hot weather.
  • The heatwave is causing unusual and extreme temperatures across the country.
  • Many places in France lack widespread air conditioning.
  • Schools, train services, and sports events are being affected by the heat.
  • About 20 drowning deaths have been reported since the weekend.
  • The government held a crisis meeting to address the heatwave situation.
  • Some public restrictions, like banning alcohol in public spaces during events, have been introduced due to the heat.
  • The heatwave is a repeated event, with another early heatwave occurring less than a month ago.
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UK facing 'pivotal moment' as it prepares for 7th PM since Brexit vote

UK facing 'pivotal moment' as it prepares for 7th PM since Brexit vote

Summary

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned less than two years after winning a large election victory in 2024. The United Kingdom is preparing to have its seventh prime minister since the Brexit vote ten years ago, highlighting ongoing political changes.

Key Facts

  • Keir Starmer became UK Prime Minister after a big election win in 2024.
  • Starmer resigned following his party's poor results in local elections.
  • The resignation comes on the tenth anniversary of the Brexit vote in 2016.
  • Since Brexit, the UK has had six different prime ministers before the upcoming new leader.
  • The UK’s future relationship with the European Union is a key issue for the new prime minister.
  • Andy Burnham is seen as a likely candidate to succeed Starmer.
  • There is discussion about whether the UK government can stay stable given frequent leadership changes.
  • An early general election is considered unlikely despite the political shifts.
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Ten years after Brexit, the U.K. marks a lost decade

Ten years after Brexit, the U.K. marks a lost decade

Summary

Ten years after the Brexit vote, the United Kingdom faces political instability, slow economic growth, and ongoing challenges with trade and public services. The country is preparing for its seventh prime minister since the referendum, while broader Western democracies also struggle with anti-establishment political forces.

Key Facts

  • The Brexit referendum occurred on June 23, 2016, promising a "Global Britain" with more control over borders and budgets.
  • Since then, the UK has seen seven prime ministers, including Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak.
  • Britain is experiencing low economic growth, trade difficulties, rising prices, and strained public services.
  • Labour leader Keir Starmer recently resigned less than two years after a historic Labour election win.
  • Right-wing parties like Nigel Farage’s Reform UK have made gains by appealing to working-class voters concerned about migration and the cost of living.
  • Andy Burnham, a former mayor with strong regional support, is positioned to become the next Labour leader and possibly prime minister.
  • Similar anti-incumbent and populist trends are evident in other Western countries, including France, Germany, Hungary, and the United States.
  • President Trump, once an anti-establishment figure, now faces challenges as a sitting leader with declining approval ratings.
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US, Iran agree on Lebanon ceasefire and lifting sanctions on Iranian oil, but much remains

US, Iran agree on Lebanon ceasefire and lifting sanctions on Iranian oil, but much remains

Summary

The United States and Iran held talks in Switzerland on June 22, 2026, to create a plan to end the war in Lebanon and lift sanctions on Iranian oil. Both sides called the negotiations a positive start but left some details, such as control of the Strait of Hormuz, unresolved.

Key Facts

  • The talks took place in Switzerland on June 22, 2026.
  • The main goals were to agree on a ceasefire in Lebanon and lift U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil.
  • U.S. Vice President JD Vance described the talks as a good foundation for peace.
  • Both sides agreed to set up ways to open the Strait of Hormuz for shipping and trade.
  • It is unclear who will control the Strait of Hormuz after the agreement.
  • The Lebanon war has caused an estimated $1.3 billion in damage.
  • Some details still remain unsettled, meaning the full peace deal is not completed yet.
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Can you keep your kids off school or refuse to work during a heatwave?

Can you keep your kids off school or refuse to work during a heatwave?

Summary

The UK Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat in parts of England and Wales, with temperatures possibly reaching 40°C on Wednesday and Thursday. Some schools plan to close early or fully during the heatwave, but there is no legal temperature limit for schools or workplaces, and officials encourage keeping children in school and workplaces open with safety measures.

Key Facts

  • A red weather warning for extreme heat is active from 9 am Wednesday to 9 pm Thursday in central, southern, and southeast England, and parts of south Wales.
  • Temperatures could reach up to 40°C during this period.
  • Some schools in the affected areas will close early or for the day during the worst heat.
  • There is no legal maximum temperature for classrooms or workplaces in the UK.
  • Schools are advised to manage heat by relaxing uniform rules, changing lesson times or locations, and encouraging water drinking.
  • Children should wear light clothes and sun hats, and use sunscreen at school.
  • Employers must provide a comfortable working temperature and fresh air but do not have a strict temperature limit by law.
  • Teachers and unions want more government investment to make schools better prepared for extreme weather.
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MPs urge Darren Jones to run against Andy Burnham for Labour leadership

MPs urge Darren Jones to run against Andy Burnham for Labour leadership

Summary

Some Labour MPs want Darren Jones to run for Labour leader to create a competitive election against Andy Burnham, who is the favorite to win without opposition. Jones is hesitant but may review Burnham’s economic plans before deciding. Burnham could appoint Ed Miliband as chancellor, a choice that worries some MPs and business groups.

Key Facts

  • Darren Jones is the chief secretary to the prime minister and MP for Bristol North West.
  • MPs want Jones to challenge Andy Burnham for Labour leadership to avoid an uncontested win.
  • Burnham is the strong favorite and may become leader without a contest.
  • Burnham is considering Ed Miliband as chancellor, causing concern among some MPs and businesses.
  • Jones has economic and national security experience and represents a generational change.
  • Labour MPs loyal to Keir Starmer have been encouraging Jones to run since last Friday.
  • Andy Burnham has about 300 MPs supporting his leadership bid.
  • Some Labour ministers, like Nick Thomas-Symonds, prefer a quick transition without a contest.
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A red alert over France, and heat that may rewrite the record books

A red alert over France, and heat that may rewrite the record books

Summary

France is experiencing a severe heat wave with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), affecting about half the country under a red alert. The heat wave is record-breaking and is causing disruptions in daily life, with multiple heat-related deaths reported.

Key Facts

  • Temperatures in Paris reached 44 degrees Celsius (111.2 Fahrenheit).
  • Meteo France placed 54 departments under a red heat wave alert; this covers about half of France.
  • Many public places like schools and trains are affected due to the extreme heat.
  • There have been around 20 drowning deaths linked to the heat since the weekend.
  • France generally lacks widespread air conditioning, making the heat more challenging.
  • This heat wave is unusually intense and early in the summer season.
  • The European Union states Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s.
  • Over 200,000 people in Europe have died from heat-related causes in the past four years.
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Andy Burnham prepares for a UK Labour leadership contest that may be a coronation

Andy Burnham prepares for a UK Labour leadership contest that may be a coronation

Summary

Andy Burnham, a new member of the UK Parliament and former mayor of Greater Manchester, is likely to become the next leader of the Labour Party and prime minister. He is set to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who announced his resignation after two years in office, and Burnham may face no serious challengers in the upcoming leadership contest.

Key Facts

  • Andy Burnham recently won a by-election to enter Parliament with the goal of becoming Labour leader.
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he will step down soon after two years as leader.
  • Burnham is the favorite to replace Starmer and may be the only candidate in the leadership race.
  • Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, a potential rival, has endorsed Burnham.
  • Labour leadership nominations open on July 9 and close a week later.
  • If unopposed, Burnham could become prime minister by July 17.
  • The next UK general election is not due until 2029, so no national vote is needed for this change.
  • Burnham is known for his success as Manchester mayor but has yet to reveal many national policy ideas.
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Iran’s president heads to Pakistan as US-Iran teams work to finalize a war-ending deal

Iran’s president heads to Pakistan as US-Iran teams work to finalize a war-ending deal

Summary

Iran’s president traveled to Pakistan to meet with officials helping negotiate a permanent end to the Middle East war involving Iran and the United States. Meanwhile, U.S. and Iranian teams continued working on a detailed peace agreement after high-level talks in Switzerland, though differences remain on some issues.

Key Facts

  • Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Islamabad to meet Pakistan’s leaders as part of ongoing peace talks.
  • The talks aim to end the war between Iran and the U.S. that began in early 2025.
  • Recent high-level negotiations took place in Switzerland between U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.
  • A “de-confliction cell” was agreed upon to reduce fighting in Lebanon involving Israeli forces and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group.
  • The U.S. and Iran discussed ways to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, a vital passage for global oil shipments, which Iran had blocked during the conflict.
  • Iran’s Foreign Ministry said no visits have yet been scheduled for the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect nuclear sites damaged by U.S. strikes.
  • Security was tight in Islamabad during the visit, marking Iran’s president’s first trip there since the war started.
  • Pezeshkian and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif planned a joint news conference after their talks.
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Turkey detains 209 in raids in the capital of Ankara ahead of July’s NATO summit

Turkey detains 209 in raids in the capital of Ankara ahead of July’s NATO summit

Summary

Turkish security forces detained more than 200 people in raids in Ankara before the NATO summit in July. The suspects are believed to have links to extremist groups, including the Islamic State.

Key Facts

  • Turkish security forces conducted large raids in Ankara ahead of the NATO summit on July 7–8.
  • Over 200 people were detained for suspected ties to extremist groups.
  • Of those detained, 56 are accused of being Islamic State members.
  • Thirty-five suspects are linked to the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front, a far-left group known for violence in Turkey.
  • The raids are part of Turkey’s increased security efforts before the summit.
  • Turkey’s government regularly carries out security operations targeting extremist groups.
  • The Islamic State has previously carried out deadly attacks in Turkey, including one in Istanbul in 2017 that killed 39 people.
  • U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to attend the NATO summit in Ankara.
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Peter Murrell jailed for five years after embezzling £400,000 from SNP

Peter Murrell jailed for five years after embezzling £400,000 from SNP

Summary

Peter Murrell was sentenced to over five years in prison for stealing more than £400,000 from the Scottish National Party while he was its chief executive. He used the money for personal luxury items and covered up the theft with false accounting.

Key Facts

  • Peter Murrell embezzled £400,315.65 from the Scottish National Party over 12 years.
  • He bought luxury items like a motorhome, a Jaguar SUV, watches, and pens with the stolen money.
  • Murrell falsified invoices and accounting records to hide the theft.
  • The court called his crime a serious breach of trust affecting the party and donors.
  • He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years and three months in prison.
  • The judge said the sentence should warn others not to abuse their position.
  • Murrell’s lawyer said he feels deep guilt, has been socially isolated, and is unlikely to reoffend.
  • Murrell has enough money to repay the stolen amount, but a court hearing on this is pending.
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Iran says technical talks with US in Switzerland conclude successfully

Iran says technical talks with US in Switzerland conclude successfully

Summary

Iran and the United States held technical talks in Switzerland, which ended successfully and set the stage for further negotiations to end their ongoing conflict. Both sides agreed on how to move forward, including mechanisms to implement their June 17 agreement, and the U.S. has agreed to release frozen Iranian funds and allow limited Iranian oil sales.

Key Facts

  • Iran's technical talks with the U.S. and mediators in Switzerland concluded with agreements on future negotiation steps.
  • The talks focused on implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, a framework agreement signed virtually on June 17 by the U.S. and Iran.
  • Iran’s negotiator said the U.S. has agreed to release $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets.
  • President Donald Trump said the unfrozen money will be used by Iran to buy American agricultural products like corn and soybeans.
  • The U.S. Treasury announced a 60-day waiver letting Iran sell its oil and petrochemical products without sanctions.
  • This move allows Iran to sell oil at full market price, bringing significant revenue to its economy.
  • Iran and the U.S. agreed to set up communication to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy shipments.
  • Iran said the control over the Strait of Hormuz will change from before the conflict but promised to follow international law.
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One Protein May Prevent Brain Process Linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

One Protein May Prevent Brain Process Linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

Summary

Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that a protein called tubulin can help prevent harmful clumps of other proteins linked to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Their study suggests that keeping tubulin levels high may stop these clumps from forming and damaging brain cells, offering a new approach to treating these illnesses.

Key Facts

  • Tubulin is a protein that helps build structures inside cells called microtubules.
  • Alzheimer’s disease is linked to harmful clumps of tau protein, while Parkinson’s disease involves clumps of alpha-synuclein protein.
  • These protein clumps damage brain cells and cause memory loss, thinking problems, and movement issues.
  • Tubulin competes with tau and alpha-synuclein in cell droplets called condensates, keeping these proteins in healthy forms.
  • When tubulin is low, harmful clumping increases, leading to neuron loss.
  • Instead of removing harmful protein clumps, researchers suggest maintaining tubulin to keep proteins working normally.
  • The study was done in lab and cell models and needs to be tested in animals and humans.
  • Developing drugs targeting microtubules is difficult because these structures are important throughout the body.
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