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Chris Mason: All eyes on Downing Street - what does the PM say, and when?

Chris Mason: All eyes on Downing Street - what does the PM say, and when?

Summary

The article discusses the growing pressure on UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to announce when he will leave office. This comes after recent events in British politics where previous prime ministers resigned due to loss of support within their own party, and growing support inside the Labour Party for Andy Burnham as a possible replacement.

Key Facts

  • Sir Keir Starmer is expected to announce a plan to leave office soon due to pressure from his own party.
  • Three prime ministers in four years, including Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, resigned because their parties no longer supported them.
  • Andy Burnham recently won a by-election, becoming a Member of Parliament and gaining support within Labour.
  • Some senior Labour ministers have told Starmer he should set a clear timetable for his departure.
  • Options for Starmer include dismissing dissenting ministers, setting a resignation timetable, or holding a leadership contest.
  • Some party members want a quick leadership change without involving a full vote by all party members.
  • Burnham is seen by many as a strong candidate to succeed Starmer as Labour leader and potentially Prime Minister.
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US and Iran meet for ‘tense’ but ‘constructive’ ceasefire talks

US and Iran meet for ‘tense’ but ‘constructive’ ceasefire talks

Summary

Representatives from the US and Iran met in Switzerland to discuss an agreement to stop the war. The talks were tense at times, especially after President Donald Trump warned Iran against closing an important shipping route called the Strait of Hormuz.

Key Facts

  • US and Iranian negotiators held talks in Switzerland.
  • The goal was to reach a ceasefire agreement to end the war.
  • Discussions were described as both tense and constructive.
  • President Donald Trump warned Iran not to close the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for global oil shipments.
  • The warning from President Trump caused a brief strain in the talks.
  • The meeting aimed to resolve conflicts between the two countries peacefully.
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Ebola outbreak worsening in Congo, response hampered by Trump's USAID cuts

Ebola outbreak worsening in Congo, response hampered by Trump's USAID cuts

Summary

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is getting worse. Efforts to fight the virus are being slowed down partly because of funding cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under President Donald Trump.

Key Facts

  • Ebola cases are increasing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • There is currently no approved medicine or vaccine for Ebola being widely used there.
  • USAID is a U.S. government agency that helps with international health emergencies.
  • Funding for USAID was reduced during President Donald Trump’s administration.
  • These funding cuts have made it harder to respond quickly and effectively to the outbreak.
  • The worsening outbreak threatens more people’s health in the region.
  • International health groups are involved but face challenges from limited resources.
  • Controlling Ebola requires fast medical support and vaccines, which are currently limited.
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WATCH:  Dangerous sneaker waves in Northern California

WATCH: Dangerous sneaker waves in Northern California

Summary

A fisherwoman near San Francisco in Northern California was caught and pulled into the ocean by a strong and unexpected sneaker wave. The incident highlights the danger posed by sneaker waves, which are large, sudden waves that can appear without warning along the coast.

Key Facts

  • The event happened outside San Francisco, Northern California.
  • A fisherwoman was swept into the ocean by a sneaker wave.
  • Sneaker waves are unexpectedly large waves that can suddenly crash onshore.
  • These waves can be very powerful and dangerous for people near the water.
  • Authorities and experts often warn about the risks of sneaker waves in coastal areas.
  • The incident was recorded and shared through a news video.
  • Sneaker waves are a known hazard along the Northern California coast, especially in areas popular with fishers and beachgoers.
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Ebola closure cuts off a lifeline between DRC’s Goma and Rwanda

Ebola closure cuts off a lifeline between DRC’s Goma and Rwanda

Summary

The border crossing between Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Gisenyi in Rwanda has been closed since May 16 due to a confirmed Ebola case in Goma. This closure has stopped daily trade between the two cities, affecting many people who rely on cross-border commerce for their livelihoods.

Key Facts

  • The Petite Barrière border post connects Goma (DRC) and Gisenyi (Rwanda).
  • Thousands of people crossed this border daily before the closure, many as small-scale traders.
  • The border was closed after an Ebola case was confirmed in Goma on May 16, 2024.
  • Rwanda banned entry to travelers who had been in the DRC in the past 30 days to prevent Ebola spreading.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) advises against closing borders during Ebola outbreaks, recommending traveler monitoring instead.
  • Traders in Goma, like tomato and pepper sellers, have lost income because they cannot cross to buy goods.
  • Some traders have had to find alternative markets within the DRC, but profits are lower.
  • Health experts say surveillance at border points is more effective than border closures for controlling Ebola.
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At least 70 major fires burning in western U.S.

At least 70 major fires burning in western U.S.

Summary

At least 70 large wildfires are currently burning across several states in the western United States. These fires are spreading quickly because of very hot weather and strong winds.

Key Facts

  • There are at least 70 major fires burning in the western U.S.
  • The fires are happening in multiple states, not just one area.
  • Extreme heat is making the fires grow faster.
  • Strong, gusty winds help spread the fires quickly.
  • Firefighters are working to control these wildfires.
  • The situation is affecting communities near the fires.
  • The western U.S. often faces wildfire problems during hot, dry conditions.
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Trump threatens new attacks as U.S. and Iranian negotiators meet

Trump threatens new attacks as U.S. and Iranian negotiators meet

Summary

President Donald Trump has warned of more attacks on Iran. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance is in Switzerland, attending talks with Iranian negotiators aimed at making peace.

Key Facts

  • President Trump has threatened to carry out additional attacks against Iran.
  • U.S. and Iranian officials are meeting in Switzerland to negotiate peace.
  • Vice President JD Vance is leading the U.S. side in these talks.
  • The negotiations focus on reducing tensions and improving relations between the two countries.
  • President Trump's statements come as talks are still ongoing.
  • The meetings are part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent conflict.
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Trump-backed right-wing lawyer appears to win Colombia's presidential election

Trump-backed right-wing lawyer appears to win Colombia's presidential election

Summary

Abelardo De la Espriella, a right-wing lawyer supported by President Donald Trump, appears to have won Colombia’s presidential election based on preliminary results. He campaigned on a tough approach to crime and plans to build large prisons to tackle violence in Colombia.

Key Facts

  • Abelardo De la Espriella leads with about 49.7% of the vote in the runoff election, with 99% of votes counted.
  • He has no previous elected political experience and is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Colombia.
  • De la Espriella was endorsed by President Donald Trump earlier in June 2026.
  • He supports strict security policies inspired by El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele.
  • Colombia’s current president, Gustavo Petro, questioned the election results, citing possible voting irregularities.
  • De la Espriella’s opponent was Iván Cepeda, a long-time left-wing senator.
  • Some Colombians voted for strong security measures, while others wanted social and economic reforms.
  • U.S. officials expressed optimism about closer ties and cooperation with De la Espriella’s anticipated government.
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Largest ever cocaine bust in Australia after police raid underground bunker

Largest ever cocaine bust in Australia after police raid underground bunker

Summary

Australian police seized 2.7 tonnes of cocaine, the largest ever in the country, from an underground bunker in western Sydney. Two men were arrested at the scene, and investigations are ongoing into the organized crime group behind the smuggling.

Key Facts

  • Police found 2.7 tonnes of cocaine in underground bunkers beneath false floors in three shipping containers in Londonderry, western Sydney.
  • The cocaine’s estimated street value is about A$816 million (around £433 million or €500 million).
  • Two men aged 21 and 25 tried to escape but were arrested and charged with possessing a commercial quantity of an illegal imported drug.
  • The cocaine was smuggled into Australia through Midge Point, a small town in North Queensland.
  • The arrests and raid were part of "Operation Minjiang," which started after 40 kg of cocaine was found near Midge Point in May.
  • Six other people were arrested in Queensland and New South Wales connected to the case.
  • A suspected "mother vessel" linked to smuggling has been detained in the Solomon Islands.
  • Police are working with international and local agencies to uncover the full criminal network involved.
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The Papers: 'Starmer expected to announce exit' and 'Game over'

The Papers: 'Starmer expected to announce exit' and 'Game over'

Summary

Sir Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, is expected to announce when he will leave his position soon due to growing pressure and recent political losses. Andy Burnham, a political rival, plans to become the next prime minister later this year, with discussions about a smooth transition underway.

Key Facts

  • Sir Keir Starmer is facing strong pressure to resign as UK prime minister.
  • He is expected to set a timetable for his departure very soon, possibly Monday.
  • Andy Burnham won a recent by-election and wants to become prime minister by September.
  • Both Starmer and Burnham prefer an orderly handover of power during the summer.
  • US President Donald Trump commented on the situation, saying Starmer "will resign" and wished him well.
  • Some senior politicians warn that Burnham's plans could lead to higher taxes and more welfare spending.
  • Starmer is described by some media as politically finished amid reports of a cabinet revolt.
  • This leadership change would make Burnham Britain’s seventh leader since Brexit over the last decade.
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The Doobie Brothers Pay Tribute to Chicago's Walter Parazaider

The Doobie Brothers Pay Tribute to Chicago's Walter Parazaider

Summary

The Doobie Brothers honored Walter Parazaider, a founding member of the band Chicago, who died at age 81. They shared memories of their long friendship that began in the 1970s and expressed condolences to his family and bandmates.

Key Facts

  • Walter Parazaider was a founding member of the band Chicago.
  • He passed away last week at the age of 81.
  • The Doobie Brothers and Chicago became friends in the early 1970s while playing shows together.
  • Parazaider was known for his warm smile and friendly nature.
  • He often called friends just to check in and stayed genuinely connected.
  • The Doobie Brothers thanked him for the music legacy he helped create.
  • They expressed sympathy to his wife, family, and bandmates.
  • The tribute was shared on social media by the Doobie Brothers.
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Russian troop build-up threatens city seen as key to seizing Ukraine's Donbas

Russian troop build-up threatens city seen as key to seizing Ukraine's Donbas

Summary

Russian troops have entered the city of Kostyantynivka in eastern Ukraine, a key location for controlling the Donbas region. Ukrainian forces say they still hold control but acknowledge Russian soldiers are inside the city and trying to surround it.

Key Facts

  • Kostyantynivka is a strategic gateway to the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine.
  • Russian troops have infiltrated the city and are attempting to surround it.
  • Ukrainian commanders claim the city remains under their control despite some Russian presence.
  • About 130 Russian soldiers are reportedly inside Kostyantynivka.
  • Russian forces advancing here could push toward other important eastern cities like Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.
  • Fighting has been difficult in the city’s urban environment, with soldiers hiding in buildings and trees providing cover.
  • Russian drone pilots target Ukrainian drone launch sites to protect their infantry.
  • Ukrainian forces have struggled to counter Russian drone pilots due to limited resources.
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BTS fans desperate to catch comeback tour lose more than $100,000 to scammers

BTS fans desperate to catch comeback tour lose more than $100,000 to scammers

Summary

Fans of the Korean music group BTS have lost over $100,000 to scammers trying to sell fake tickets for the band's comeback world tour. Many fans faced high demand and long waits, leading some to turn to unofficial sellers who then disappeared after receiving money.

Key Facts

  • BTS is on a large world tour after a break of more than three years.
  • Fans in Southeast Asia, where BTS is playing 15 of 88 shows, lost over $100,000 to ticket scams.
  • A fan named Vevee paid $1,200 for four VIP tickets from a reseller but never received them.
  • Scammers have infiltrated fan groups, offering fake tickets and using tricks like fake legal documents to seem real.
  • Authorities in Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia have received many complaints and are investigating the scams.
  • The tour started in April 2024 and will run until 2027, covering 34 cities globally.
  • BTS and their label expect to earn nearly $2 billion from concerts, merchandise, and music sales.
  • Some online marketplaces, like Carousell, have banned ticket reselling to combat scams until the tour ends in Singapore in December 2024.
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The BTS fans losing thousands as scammers cash in on comeback tour ticket war

The BTS fans losing thousands as scammers cash in on comeback tour ticket war

Summary

Fans of the music group BTS have faced difficulties and scams while trying to buy tickets for the group’s worldwide comeback tour. Many people paid large amounts of money to resellers but were tricked and lost their money. Authorities in different countries have received many complaints and are working to stop these scams.

Key Facts

  • BTS is on a big world tour after a break of more than three years.
  • Demand for tickets is very high, with 15 times more people trying to buy them than tickets available in Asia.
  • Some fans paid thousands of dollars to resellers but never received their tickets.
  • Scammers have used fake offers, including "power of attorney forms," to convince fans they were buying real tickets.
  • Police in Singapore and Malaysia have received many reports of ticket scams.
  • Online platforms like Carousell have banned ticket reselling to prevent fraud.
  • BTS and their music company expect to earn around $2 billion from the tour and related sales.
  • New shows are being added in some cities to meet high demand, including extra concerts in Jakarta and the Philippines.
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It's not just about nudity warns actress - the complex reality of images and online abuse

It's not just about nudity warns actress - the complex reality of images and online abuse

Summary

A new report from gender justice group Chayn shows that women suffer serious harm when private images of them, even without nudity, are shared without consent. Pakistani actress Ayesha Omar and other women, like Mahnoor, have lost their reputations and jobs because fully clothed photos were spread in their communities.

Key Facts

  • Pakistani actress Ayesha Omar lost work after swimsuit and shorts photos of her were shared online.
  • Chayn's report says social media and authorities wrongly focus mostly on nudity in image-based abuse cases.
  • Mahnoor, a university lecturer from Pakistan, had private photos shared by her ex-husband without her consent.
  • The photos were not nude but showed her in Western clothing and bare shoulders, which damaged her social standing.
  • Mahnoor faced rejection from family, friends, and colleagues after the images circulated.
  • Her ex-husband edited photos to imply she had an affair.
  • The report highlights that non-nude images can cause serious harm, especially in conservative communities.
  • Chayn’s author Hera Hussain says harm does not depend on nudity but on consent and community impact.
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Football fans in Gaza gather to watch Spain-Saudi Arabia match

Football fans in Gaza gather to watch Spain-Saudi Arabia match

Summary

People in Gaza came together to watch Spain’s win over Saudi Arabia in the World Cup. They supported Spain because of its positive position on Palestine and saw football as a break from the conflict around them.

Key Facts

  • Palestinians in Gaza gathered to watch the Spain vs. Saudi Arabia World Cup match.
  • Spain won the match against Saudi Arabia.
  • Fans supported Spain due to its stance on Palestine.
  • Football player Lamine Yamal was seen as a symbol of support for Palestine.
  • Watching football provided a temporary escape from the ongoing war in Gaza.
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How wildlife photographer Chris Fallows captures the natural world

How wildlife photographer Chris Fallows captures the natural world

Summary

Wildlife photographer Chris Fallows is known for capturing stunning images of great white sharks breaching in False Bay, South Africa. Around 10 years ago, the number of these sharks suddenly dropped, which affected both the ecosystem and tourism. Fallows now works to document and protect wildlife, sharing his experiences and remarkable photos.

Key Facts

  • Chris Fallows is a wildlife photographer based in Cape Town, South Africa.
  • He photographed great white sharks breaching near Seal Island, capturing dramatic moments of them jumping out of the water.
  • About 10 years ago, the population of great white sharks in False Bay decreased significantly.
  • Scientists and conservationists do not agree on the exact reasons for the shark decline.
  • The decrease in sharks led to fewer tourists visiting the area.
  • Fallows' famous photo "Air Jaws" shows a great white shark with its mouth open mid-breach.
  • Fallows often dives without a protective cage to photograph sharks, relying on his wife Monique for safety support.
  • He aims to educate people about the real behavior of great white sharks, which are often misunderstood.
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Documenting the horrors of Mauthausen concentration camp

Documenting the horrors of Mauthausen concentration camp

Summary

In April 1945, American soldiers liberated the Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria near the end of World War II. Army medic LeRoy "Pete" Petersohn documented the terrible conditions he saw, including dead prisoners and starving survivors, through letters, photos, and film.

Key Facts

  • Mauthausen concentration camp was located in Austria and was liberated in late April 1945.
  • Three newborn babies and their mothers arrived at the camp after enduring forced labor.
  • American soldiers, including 22-year-old medic LeRoy Petersohn, helped free the prisoners.
  • Petersohn wrote a detailed letter describing piles of dead bodies and starving prisoners eating grass.
  • He took photos and videos to provide proof of the camp’s conditions.
  • General Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered soldiers to bring civilians to see the camps and document them.
  • Petersohn’s letter was published by a local newspaper as firsthand evidence.
  • His son, Brian Petersohn, shared his father’s story on a CBS News program.
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From tourist hotspot to marine mystery: where are the great white sharks?

From tourist hotspot to marine mystery: where are the great white sharks?

Summary

Great white sharks have disappeared from the coastal waters near Cape Town, South Africa, where they were once commonly seen. Scientists found that orcas, also called killer whales, are likely attacking the sharks and eating their livers, causing the shark population to drop sharply.

Key Facts

  • Cape Town's waters were famous for great white sharks and had many seals for sharks to hunt.
  • Around 10 years ago, shark carcasses began washing ashore with their livers missing.
  • The number of great white sharks in this area has dropped a lot, making sightings very rare.
  • Shark expert Chris Fallows used to see hundreds of great whites each year but now sees none.
  • Marine biologist Alison Kock found small sharks dead with cuts that looked surgical but showed tooth marks, not knife marks.
  • Kock and her team saw orcas near where shark carcasses were found, linking orcas to the attacks.
  • Orcas seem to target shark livers because they are very rich in calories and make up a large part of the shark’s body.
  • This discovery helps explain why great whites have disappeared from this popular location.
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Holocaust's youngest survivors born to Jewish women who hid pregnancies

Holocaust's youngest survivors born to Jewish women who hid pregnancies

Summary

Three Jewish women gave birth to babies while imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps during World War II, despite pregnancy being punishable by death. These children, born in April 1945 just before the war ended, are among the youngest known survivors of the Holocaust.

Key Facts

  • The story focuses on three women: Eva Clarke, Hana Berger-Moran, and Mark Olsky’s mother, who were pregnant while held in Nazi camps.
  • Pregnancy in concentration camps was forbidden and could lead to execution.
  • The women were sent to Auschwitz and forced to work as slave laborers.
  • Each woman successfully hid her pregnancy from Nazi guards and gave birth in the camps.
  • Their children, born in April 1945, were about 80 years old when interviewed.
  • The women came from Jewish families in Czechoslovakia and Poland.
  • They experienced extreme hardship, including living in ghettos before being deported to camps.
  • Eva’s mother was a national swimming champion in Czechoslovakia before the war.
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