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Zelensky stripped of highest Polish honour over WW2 name of army unit

Zelensky stripped of highest Polish honour over WW2 name of army unit

June 19, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky was stripped of Poland's highest honor, the Order of the White Eagle, because Ukraine named a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), a group controversial for actions during World War II. Poland views the UPA as responsible for the killing of many ethnic Poles, while many Ukrainians see the UPA as heroes fighting for their country's independence.

Key Facts

  • President Zelensky received the Order of the White Eagle from Polish President Andrzej Duda in 2023.
  • Poland removed the honor after Ukraine named a military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
  • The UPA fought during World War II and is seen by many Ukrainians as freedom fighters against Soviet, Nazi, and Polish forces.
  • Poland accuses the UPA of carrying out a genocide against ethnic Poles in the Volhynia region in 1943-45, with about 100,000 Poles killed.
  • Polish President Karol Nawrocki called Ukraine’s decision to honor the UPA "outrageous" and "deeply disappointing."
  • Despite the dispute, Poland says it will continue supporting Ukraine against Russia.
  • Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned Poland's decision as a "strategic mistake" and said it benefits Russia.
  • Ukraine aims to join the European Union and is involved in early membership talks.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories
James Burrows, director of classic sitcoms including 'Cheers' and 'Friends,' dies at 85

James Burrows, director of classic sitcoms including 'Cheers' and 'Friends,' dies at 85

June 19, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

James Burrows, a well-known TV director behind many popular comedy shows like "Cheers" and "Friends," died at age 85. His family said he passed away peacefully with them present, but did not say where or how.

Key Facts

  • James Burrows directed over 1,000 episodes of classic TV sitcoms.
  • He co-created "Cheers" and directed most of its episodes.
  • He directed all episodes of "Will and Grace" and many episodes of "Friends" and "Frasier."
  • Burrows began his TV directing career in 1974 at age 35.
  • He directed pilots for shows like "Two and a Half Men" and "The Big Bang Theory."
  • Burrows believed great comedy combines a good script, strong acting, and actors’ chemistry.
  • His family praised his kindness and how he made people around him feel valued.
  • Born in 1940, he grew up in New York and studied drama at Yale before working in TV.
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PBS NewsHour
Strait of Hormuz feels tense and uncertain as peace deal takes hold

Strait of Hormuz feels tense and uncertain as peace deal takes hold

June 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow but important waterway where tensions have risen due to recent conflict. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced it was closed, making it difficult for ships to pass, which affects global trade and raises concerns about safety and stability in the region.

Key Facts

  • The Strait of Hormuz is a key passage for ships transporting goods, especially oil.
  • The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared the strait closed during the ongoing conflict.
  • This closure has caused many ship captains to avoid crossing the strait for safety reasons.
  • The situation in the strait has caused concern worldwide because it affects global oil supply.
  • The area has become tense and uncertain as peace efforts are trying to take effect.
  • The strait's status is important because it is a narrow passage linking major bodies of water.
  • Control over the strait offers significant strategic and economic power.
  • The conflict and closure have disrupted normal shipping routes and impacted global markets.
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The Hill
US announces new round of Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington next week

US announces new round of Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington next week

June 19, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

The United States is hosting new talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington next week to work toward peace and economic recovery. These talks follow a recent ceasefire but have not yet included Hezbollah, a group involved in ongoing conflict with Israel.

Key Facts

  • The US State Department announced talks between Israel and Lebanon will happen on June 23 and 25 in Washington, DC.
  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun about the upcoming talks.
  • This series of talks is the first direct contact between Israel and Lebanon since 1993.
  • Israel and Lebanon have paused fighting after meetings in April and June, but Hezbollah has not joined the talks.
  • Recent violence has caused many deaths in southern Lebanon, despite the ceasefire.
  • Lebanon’s government wants Hezbollah to disarm and is pushing for Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon.
  • A US-Iran agreement aims to protect Lebanon’s territory and sovereignty but has been threatened by recent conflicts.
  • President Donald Trump criticized Israel for actions that undermine the peace process.
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Al Jazeera
6/19: The Takeout with Major Garrett

6/19: The Takeout with Major Garrett

June 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Israel and the group Hezbollah have agreed to stop fighting in Lebanon. There are new problems with the Reflecting Pool, even after President Trump recently renovated it.

Key Facts

  • Israel and Hezbollah reached a ceasefire in Lebanon.
  • The ceasefire means both sides agreed to stop fighting.
  • The Reflecting Pool has some new issues.
  • President Trump recently completed renovations on the Reflecting Pool.
  • The situation in Lebanon is part of ongoing regional tensions.
  • The Reflecting Pool is a well-known site that required repair or improvements.
  • The news was reported by CBS News on June 19.
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CBS News
Italian Prime Minister says she didn’t ‘beg’ Trump for G7 photograph

Italian Prime Minister says she didn’t ‘beg’ Trump for G7 photograph

June 19, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denied President Donald Trump’s claim that she begged him for a photo at the G7 summit. She shared a video saying she was surprised by the claim and stated that neither she nor Italy would beg.

Key Facts

  • The event took place at the G7 summit involving world leaders.
  • President Trump said Meloni begged for a photo with him.
  • Meloni responded by posting a video denying this claim.
  • She said she was “stunned” by Trump’s statement.
  • Meloni emphasized that she and Italy do not beg for anything.
  • The disagreement is about how their interaction at the photo opportunity was described.
  • This involves leaders from Italy and the United States.
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Al Jazeera
Israel kills ‘a child a day’ on average in Gaza despite ceasefire, UN says

Israel kills ‘a child a day’ on average in Gaza despite ceasefire, UN says

June 19, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Since a ceasefire was declared in October 2025, at least one Palestinian child has been killed each day in Gaza, according to the United Nations children's agency, UNICEF. Despite the truce, Israeli attacks continue, causing many deaths and injuries among children and worsening the humanitarian situation.

Key Facts

  • At least 265 Palestinian children have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire began in October 2025.
  • More than 400 children have been injured, many with serious wounds.
  • Children have died in homes, schools, and public places, including while playing or fishing.
  • Israeli forces continue to carry out attacks despite the ceasefire, exposing its failure to protect civilians.
  • Medical supplies and access to treatment are limited due to Israeli restrictions, increasing health risks for wounded children.
  • UNICEF describes the psychological impact on Gaza’s children as severe and long-lasting due to constant fear and violence.
  • Since fighting escalated on March 2, at least 247 children have died and 992 have been injured in Lebanon.
  • Palestinian authorities report over 73,000 Palestinians killed and 173,000 wounded since the conflict started in October 2023.
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Al Jazeera
Ebola: healthworkers worry for their life

Ebola: healthworkers worry for their life

June 19, 2026 • France24

Summary

The World Health Organization (WHO) says the Ebola outbreak is spreading quickly despite efforts to stop it. Health workers are concerned about their safety while treating patients in affected areas.

Key Facts

  • The Ebola outbreak is getting worse and spreading fast.
  • Health workers fear for their lives while working with Ebola patients.
  • WHO is warning about the serious situation caused by Ebola.
  • The report comes from a program called "Eye on Africa."
  • Other news mentioned includes drone strikes in Sudan and African designers showcased in Paris.
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France24
Poland strips Zelensky of country's highest honour, escalating World War II-era row

Poland strips Zelensky of country's highest honour, escalating World War II-era row

June 19, 2026 • France24

Summary

Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki took away Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s highest award because Zelensky named a Ukrainian army unit after a group involved in massacres of Poles during World War II. This has increased tensions between Poland and Ukraine, though Poland has been a key ally to Ukraine during the Russian invasion.

Key Facts

  • Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki revoked the Order of the White Eagle from President Zelensky.
  • Zelensky named a Ukrainian military unit after a World War II insurgent group linked to massacres of Polish civilians.
  • The decision has caused a diplomatic dispute between Poland and Ukraine.
  • Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk asked both countries not to damage their strong alliance.
  • Poland has supported Ukraine by accepting refugees and serving as a logistics hub amid the Russian invasion.
  • The historical conflict relates to killings by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) in the 1940s.
  • Ukraine called Poland’s move a "strategic mistake" that benefits Russia.
  • Poland is hosting the Ukraine Recovery Conference soon, but Zelensky’s attendance is uncertain due to the conflict.
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France24
The UK: No. 10 Revolving Door

The UK: No. 10 Revolving Door

June 19, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under increased pressure after Andy Burnham won a by-election. This win has led to talk about a possible challenge to Starmer’s leadership within the Labour Party.

Key Facts

  • Keir Starmer is the current Prime Minister of the UK.
  • Andy Burnham recently won a by-election, which is a vote held to fill a vacant parliamentary seat.
  • Burnham’s win has caused some people to question Starmer’s leadership.
  • There is growing discussion about whether someone within the Labour Party might try to replace Starmer.
  • The situation shows ongoing changes and challenges in UK political leadership.
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Al Jazeera
Ghost Ship of Brooklyn: Revolutionary War Story Worth Remembering

Ghost Ship of Brooklyn: Revolutionary War Story Worth Remembering

June 19, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The HMS Jersey was a British warship turned into a prison ship during the American Revolutionary War. Thousands of American prisoners were held on the ship under brutal conditions, leading to many deaths from disease, cold, and poor sanitation.

Key Facts

  • The HMS Jersey was built in 1776 and served as a British warship before becoming a prison ship.
  • After British forces took New York City, they used the Jersey to hold American prisoners of war.
  • Around 1,000 prisoners were locked inside the ship at once, with hatches and windows sealed.
  • Prisoners suffered from disease, cold weather, overcrowding, and contaminated water.
  • The ship gained a reputation as "the Ghost Ship" because of the many deaths on board.
  • British authorities used the ship’s horror as propaganda to warn others not to fight against them.
  • David Sprout, known for cruelty, was put in charge of the prison ship.
  • It is estimated that more Americans died on the Jersey than in combat during the Revolutionary War.
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Newsweek
Details on delay for next phase of U.S.-Iran talks

Details on delay for next phase of U.S.-Iran talks

June 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The next round of talks between the United States and Iran, planned to start in Switzerland, has been postponed. Officials say logistical problems caused the delay, while others report Iran paused the talks because of fighting in Lebanon.

Key Facts

  • The U.S.-Iran negotiations were set to begin on a Friday in Switzerland.
  • The White House stated logistical issues caused the postponement.
  • Some officials told news agencies that Iran stopped the talks temporarily.
  • The reason for Iran’s pause is related to ongoing conflict in Lebanon.
  • The discussions are part of ongoing diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Iran.
  • No new date for the talks has been announced yet.
  • CBS News reporters Nancy Cordes and Aaron MacLean covered the story.
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CBS News
Iran deputy FM says ‘ready to move forward’ in deal with US

Iran deputy FM says ‘ready to move forward’ in deal with US

June 19, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Iran’s deputy foreign minister said Iran wants to keep working with the United States on their agreement if the U.S. respects the deal and Israel follows its terms. The planned talks between the U.S. and Iran were canceled after recent fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Key Facts

  • Iran wants to continue talks with the U.S. if both sides act seriously and follow the agreement.
  • The U.S.-Iran talks scheduled in Switzerland were canceled last minute.
  • Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon increased tensions and led to deaths.
  • Iran says Israel’s attacks have serious consequences and seeks peace in the region, including Gaza and Lebanon.
  • The agreement includes ending the war in Lebanon as part of a broader ceasefire plan.
  • Iran will keep allowing ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without fees for 60 days under the deal.
  • Iran wants all its frozen funds released as part of any future deal.
  • Israel’s ambassador said Israel supports a ceasefire if Hezbollah stops fighting.
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Al Jazeera
DR Congo's deadly Ebola outbreak is 'evolving fast', WHO warns

DR Congo's deadly Ebola outbreak is 'evolving fast', WHO warns

June 19, 2026 • France24

Summary

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is spreading quickly despite increased health efforts, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreak, caused by a rare Ebola strain with no vaccine or specific treatment, has led to many cases and deaths, mostly in conflict-affected regions.

Key Facts

  • The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo began in mid-May 2026 and is caused by the Bundibugyo strain.
  • There is no vaccine or specific treatment for this Bundibugyo strain.
  • So far, there have been 896 confirmed Ebola cases and 232 confirmed deaths.
  • More than 90% of cases are in the Ituri province, with spread to North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
  • The WHO increased treatment beds from zero to over 500 and can now run more than 2,000 tests daily.
  • About 75% of contacts of infected people are being traced; the WHO aims for 95% to control the outbreak.
  • Some infected people delay seeking treatment, first visiting traditional healers.
  • 75 healthcare workers have been infected; 17 of them have died so far.
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France24
Emergency crews respond to train collision north of London

Emergency crews respond to train collision north of London

June 19, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Two trains collided north of London near Bedfordshire on Friday evening. Emergency crews responded quickly, and witnesses reported seeing injured people and emergency vehicles at the scene.

Key Facts

  • The train collision happened south of Bedfordshire on railway lines connecting London’s St. Pancras station to central England.
  • Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue crews arrived after the incident was reported at 6:45 p.m.
  • Witnesses described injuries including head wounds and broken legs.
  • Photos showed two damaged trains still on the tracks with victims having bandages.
  • Ambulances, fire engines, and police were present at the site.
  • Bedford hospital was notified to expect up to 50 injured people.
  • No official casualty numbers were released immediately after the crash.
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PBS NewsHour
What we know so far about Bedford train crash

What we know so far about Bedford train crash

June 19, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Two passenger trains collided near Bedford, England, causing serious injuries to passengers and staff. Emergency services are working at the site, and investigations are underway to find out exactly what happened.

Key Facts

  • The crash happened around 17:12 BST, just south of Bedford near the Elstow interchange.
  • Two East Midlands Railway trains collided; one train hit another that was stationary or moving slowly.
  • Passengers reported seeing blood and injuries, with some suffering broken bones and facial wounds.
  • Emergency crews, including fire, ambulance, and air ambulance teams, are assisting at the scene.
  • Rail services between Luton and Bedford are currently blocked due to the accident.
  • Authorities have asked people to avoid the area and not to go to the scene.
  • The Rail Accident Investigation Branch is on site gathering evidence.
  • Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed concern about the incident.
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BBC Top Stories
2 trains collide in England, causing "a number of" injuries, U.K. official says

2 trains collide in England, causing "a number of" injuries, U.K. official says

June 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Two trains collided near Bedford, north of London, on Friday, causing injuries to several people. Emergency services responded quickly, and investigations into the cause of the accident are underway.

Key Facts

  • The collision happened between Luton and Bedford, about 56 miles north of London.
  • Several people were injured, with reports of broken legs and other wounds.
  • Emergency teams including an air ambulance and a hazardous area response team attended the scene.
  • The trains involved were East Midlands Railway trains, and both remained upright on the tracks.
  • Rail services between Luton and Bedford were suspended, and passengers were advised not to travel in the area.
  • The Rail Accident Investigation Branch is investigating the crash.
  • Train collisions are rare in the UK, but a few incidents with injuries have occurred recently in Scotland.
  • Network Rail was fined $8.4 million in 2023 for safety failings related to a previous train accident.
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CBS News
Multiple people injured after 2 passenger trains collide in England, officials say

Multiple people injured after 2 passenger trains collide in England, officials say

June 19, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Two passenger trains collided in the Bedford area north of London on June 19, 2026. Several people were injured, and emergency services are responding to the incident.

Key Facts

  • The collision happened between two East Midlands Railway trains.
  • One train was traveling from Corby to London; the other from Nottingham to London.
  • The accident occurred south of Bedford.
  • Multiple people were reported injured, but no specific numbers were given.
  • Emergency services are on the scene assisting those affected.
  • Rail services in and out of London were suspended for the rest of the day.
  • Authorities are working with Network Rail and local partners to support passengers.
  • The situation is ongoing, and updates are expected.
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ABC News
Another orphan dies from Ebola as Congo outbreak spreads

Another orphan dies from Ebola as Congo outbreak spreads

June 19, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

A deadly Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has caused nearly 900 confirmed cases and over 200 deaths, including a 6-month-old girl who recently died at an orphanage. The outbreak is mainly in the Ituri region but has also spread to nearby provinces and Uganda, with no approved vaccine or treatment for this Ebola strain.

Key Facts

  • The current Ebola outbreak in Congo has 894 confirmed cases and more than 200 deaths.
  • A 6-month-old girl was the third child to die at an orphanage due to Ebola.
  • The outbreak is mostly in the Ituri region, which accounts for over 90% of cases.
  • This outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has no approved vaccine or treatment.
  • The disease is spreading despite efforts, partly due to lack of early testing for this strain.
  • Safe burial practices require health workers in protective gear to handle bodies, leading to community tensions.
  • The outbreak has crossed into Uganda, with 19 confirmed cases and 2 deaths there.
  • This outbreak is worse than a similar 2000 outbreak in Uganda, but less deadly than the 2014 West Africa outbreak.
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PBS NewsHour
New Trigger for Alzheimer's Disease May Have Been Found

New Trigger for Alzheimer's Disease May Have Been Found

June 19, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A new study from the University of California, Riverside suggests that Alzheimer's disease may begin with problems inside nerve cells, where two proteins, amyloid beta and tau, interfere with each other. This challenges the previous belief that the disease starts mainly with amyloid beta clumps outside cells.

Key Facts

  • Alzheimer's has been linked to clumps of a protein called amyloid beta (a-beta) in the brain.
  • Treatments aimed at removing amyloid beta clumps have not successfully stopped or reversed Alzheimer's.
  • Another protein, tau, also builds up in the brains of people with Alzheimer's, but how it connects with amyloid beta was unclear.
  • The study found amyloid beta and tau compete for the same spot on structures inside nerve cells called microtubules.
  • Amyloid beta can block tau from doing its normal job, which may disrupt the cell’s internal transport system early in the disease.
  • This competition may cause tau to clump and move where it should not be inside the cell.
  • Researchers say this new insight could help explain early stages of Alzheimer’s and guide future research.
  • Experts note this theory is plausible but still needs more proof to confirm it drives Alzheimer’s in patients.
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Newsweek
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