Hungary’s government is investigating a large deal with Chinese electric carmaker BYD after former Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó left Parliament to work for the company. The investigation will look into whether Szijjártó used his government position to help BYD receive major public subsidies and other benefits.
Key Facts
Péter Szijjártó resigned from Parliament to take an executive job at BYD, a leading Chinese electric carmaker.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced a probe into decisions made by Szijjártó related to BYD’s investments.
BYD received hundreds of billions of forints in public money, tax breaks, permits, and other state support while Szijjártó was in office.
The investigation will review subsidies, tax incentives, environmental exemptions, and infrastructure projects tied to BYD and other multinational firms.
BYD planned to open its first European factory and research center in Hungary, benefiting from Hungary’s efforts to become a lithium-ion battery manufacturing hub.
Szijjártó was involved in attracting Chinese companies to invest in Hungary during the administration of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
The company’s European operations in Hungary helped BYD avoid EU import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
Neither Szijjártó nor BYD have responded publicly to the conflict of interest allegations so far.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Philippine military accused China's coast guard of injuring a Filipino sailor during an incident at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. China claimed Filipino boats attacked its patrol boat first. The conflict highlights ongoing tension over territorial claims in these waters.
Key Facts
The incident happened at the Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed area in the South China Sea.
Chinese coast guard personnel allegedly hit a Filipino sailor on the head with a wooden baton.
The Filipino sailor was injured, and his small boat was damaged.
Filipino sailors recorded the incident on video.
China accused Filipino boats of ramming its patrol boat and attacking Chinese personnel with sticks and oars.
The Filipino navy vessel BRP Sierra Madre, stationed on the shoal, is a key point of the territorial dispute.
The Philippine military said Filipino personnel acted peacefully and only asked the Chinese to back away.
Both countries claim the area, with China demanding the removal of the Philippine vessel.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The European Union fined the Chinese online marketplace AliExpress 550 million euros for not stopping the sale of unsafe and fake products on its website. This is the largest penalty under the EU’s Digital Services Act, which aims to keep online users safe and protect their rights.
Key Facts
AliExpress was fined 550 million euros (about $629 million) by the European Commission.
The fine is for failing to prevent the sale of dangerous and counterfeit goods on its platform.
This is the biggest fine ever given under the EU’s Digital Services Act.
The Digital Services Act is a law to protect people from harmful or illegal online content and products.
AliExpress’s parent company is the Chinese tech giant Alibaba.
Alibaba also agreed to pay $600 million to the U.S. government over illegal import claims.
AliExpress must submit a plan by October 20 to fix its risk management problems.
The EU previously fined other companies like Temu and Elon Musk’s social media site X for similar issues.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A ferry capsized off the coast of Guyana, leading to a search for survivors and a criminal investigation. Authorities found many passengers were not on the official list, and the ferry captain tested positive for marijuana.
Key Facts
The ferry MV Barima capsized on Saturday near Guyana’s Essequibo coast.
At least 67 people were rescued, but many more passengers were believed to be on board than listed.
Officials said 32 of the rescued were not on the passenger manifest, which is the official passenger list.
Passengers have reported that seats are often sold unofficially without recording names.
The ferry’s captain and another crew member tested positive for marijuana and are in police custody.
Only 10 bodies were recovered by Monday, and the search for survivors continued.
The ferry was built over 80 years ago and had recent repairs in 2024, with more planned for October.
Guyana’s Prime Minister and President promised a full investigation focusing on safety, the accurate number of passengers, and crew actions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Volunteers in southern Taiwan have begun an excavation to find the remains of Japanese soldiers who died during World War II when their ships were sunk in the Bashi Channel by U.S. forces in 1944. The goal is to recover bodies washed ashore and, if possible, identify them through DNA testing for return to Japan.
Key Facts
The excavation is taking place in Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, southern Taiwan.
The operation aims to recover remains from Japanese military ships sunk in 1944 by U.S. forces in the Bashi Channel.
Over 4,700 Japanese soldiers and crew died in the sinking, while 65 survived.
Japan ruled Taiwan as a colony from 1895 until the end of World War II in 1945.
Many bodies from the sunken ships are believed to have reached the shore near the excavation site.
Japan enacted a law in 2016 to speed up the recovery and identification of war remains, extending the effort through 2030 with improved DNA testing.
Around 15,600 Japanese soldiers who died in Taiwan remain missing; about 26,300 bodies have been recovered previously.
The last excavation in Taiwan was in 1975, recovering 242 bodies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Thames Water has started a hosepipe ban for over 10 million customers due to very low rainfall and several heatwaves this year. The ban stops people from using hosepipes for activities like watering gardens and washing cars to protect water supplies.
Key Facts
The hosepipe ban begins on Thursday and affects all Thames Water drinking water customers.
Thames Water serves 10.1 million people in areas including London, Surrey, Kent, and the Thames Valley.
This year has had 40% less rain than usual and record numbers of very hot days above 34°C.
Water use is 7-10% higher than normal during the drought, adding about 100 million extra liters used daily.
The ban prohibits hosepipes for watering plants, washing cars, filling pools, and cleaning windows.
Essential water use like drinking, cooking, and hygiene is still allowed.
Buckets and watering cans can still be used, and some customers with special needs have exemptions.
Thames Water is facing financial trouble with about £20 billion in debt and a recent government rejection of a rescue plan.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jackie, a bald eagle in California's Big Bear Valley, is recovering after a fight with two younger eagles. She had been missing from her nest, which caused concern.
Key Facts
Jackie is a bald eagle known on the internet.
The eagle lives in Big Bear Valley, California.
Jackie got into a fight with two younger eagles.
After the fight, Jackie was absent from her nest.
Jackie is currently recovering from the fight.
The story was reported by ABC News' Danny New.
Bald eagles are a protected bird species in the U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun will meet with President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and efforts to disarm the Lebanese group Hezbollah. The talks come amid regional tensions involving the U.S., Iran, and ongoing conflicts between Hezbollah and Israel.
Key Facts
President Aoun is visiting Washington to seek U.S. support for Lebanon’s demands that Israel withdraw from southern Lebanon.
Aoun wants Hezbollah to be disarmed as part of the agreement between Lebanon, Israel, and the United States.
The meeting aims to strengthen cooperation between Lebanon and the U.S. to support Lebanon’s military and economy.
Aoun met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who emphasized support for the Lebanese government as a way to counter Hezbollah and Iran’s influence.
The trilateral framework calls for creating “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon where the Lebanese Armed Forces will take over after Israeli withdrawal and prevent Hezbollah presence.
Hezbollah rejects the framework and will not comply with the agreement.
Critics in Lebanon say the deal compromises Lebanon’s sovereignty and links Israel’s withdrawal to conditions set by Israel and the U.S.
The deal includes a clause that Lebanon will not seek international legal action against Israel for past abuses.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
AI technology is increasingly used in modern warfare to help make faster decisions and control military actions like drone strikes. One system, Project Maven, processed thousands of strikes quickly in the US-Israel war on Iran, but mistakes have raised questions about AI's ability to handle moral decisions in war.
Key Facts
AI systems are being used in conflicts in Kyiv, Gaza, Tehran, and during the US-Israel war on Iran.
Project Maven helped strike over 1,000 targets on February 28, including a mistaken attack on a school in Minab that killed more than 150 people.
The Pentagon’s investigation into the school attack is delayed, with outdated satellite data blamed for the error.
Global military spending increased to $2.87 trillion in 2023, with AI military spending expected to grow from $11.7 billion to $19.3 billion by 2030.
The US military aims to become an “AI-first fighting force” to speed up decision-making using the OODA loop concept (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act).
Project Maven uses AI to analyze drone and surveillance footage, identify targets, select weapons, and assess damage much faster than traditional methods.
Before AI, military analysts tracked enemies manually, which took hours or days; now AI compresses this timeline to seconds.
AI use in war raises concerns about whether machines can make ethical decisions about life and death.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Andy Burnham became the new prime minister of the United Kingdom and announced a tax cut on electricity bills by removing VAT starting October 1. His government will end the planned digital ID scheme to cover the lost revenue and aims to bring political stability and economic change to the UK.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the new prime minister of the UK, replacing Keir Starmer.
The UK government will remove value-added tax (VAT) from domestic electricity bills starting October 1.
The tax cut's cost will be balanced by canceling a digital ID scheme meant for verifying workers’ rights.
The digital ID plan faced opposition and was changed from mandatory to voluntary before being scrapped.
Burnham has reshuffled his cabinet by removing Starmer’s loyalists and promoting his allies.
John Healey is now chancellor, replacing Rachel Reeves, and is expected to increase defense funding.
Burnham had a positive phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump about trade, military issues, and oil.
Ed Miliband was made foreign secretary; he is known for supporting zero-carbon energy goals and stopping new oil and gas licenses.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Australian politician Barnaby Joyce paused a live television interview to yell at his dog. This happened while he was being asked questions about Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, and her meeting with far-right UK activist Tommy Robinson.
Key Facts
Barnaby Joyce is an Australian politician.
He was giving a live TV interview when he stopped to shout at his dog.
The interview focused on Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party.
Hanson had a meeting with Tommy Robinson, a far-right activist from the UK.
The moment when Joyce interrupted the interview became popular online.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A nine-year-old boy named Dáithí Mac Gabhann, who inspired new organ donation laws in Northern Ireland, has received a heart transplant after waiting eight years. The surgery was done at Freeman Hospital in England, and his family expressed great gratitude for the donor and hospital staff.
Key Facts
Dáithí was born with a heart condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
He waited eight years for a heart transplant before receiving the operation.
The transplant took place at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Dáithí’s family campaigned for better organ donation laws in Northern Ireland.
The 2023 law, called "Dáithí’s Law," makes all adults potential organ donors unless they choose not to be.
His father said Dáithí has shown signs of recovery, such as having pink lips and warm hands and feet.
The British Heart Foundation in Northern Ireland praised the family’s campaign for saving lives.
Organ donation decisions are encouraged to be recorded and shared with family.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Britain’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a plan to cut the tax (VAT) on household energy bills to help reduce living costs for people. He said this tax cut will be paid for by stopping a previous plan to create digital ID cards.
Key Facts
The UK government will reduce VAT on household electricity bills.
This tax cut aims to lower energy costs for many people in Britain.
The move was announced just before Prime Minister Burnham’s first cabinet meeting.
The tax cut funding will come from canceling the former prime minister’s digital ID scheme.
Andy Burnham became the UK Prime Minister in July 2026.
The change is part of Burnham’s efforts to ease the cost of living in the UK.
This decision aims to reassure financial markets about the new government’s plans.
The digital ID scheme was introduced by the outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Moroccan man named Abderrahim Fakir died in Bologna, Italy, after police restrained him while he called for help. This led to protests and demands for answers as authorities investigate the incident, which has drawn comparisons to other cases of police restraint causing death.
Key Facts
Abderrahim Fakir was 42 years old and lived in Italy since he was five.
Fakir reportedly had heart problems and asthma.
Police restrained Fakir on Sunday after residents called about his aggressive behavior.
A video shows Fakir asking for help while two officers hold him down.
Police used pepper spray and restrained him, later checking his vital signs only after he stopped moving.
Prosecutors have started an investigation and asked for police body camera footage.
Protests occurred in Bologna with some demonstrators throwing firecrackers, and police used teargas and water cannons.
Italian politicians and human rights groups have different reactions, some defending police and others calling for accountability.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tangier, a port city in Morocco, is hosting the first International Photography Festival called "Photo Tangier." The festival runs from June 17 to August 31 and uses public spaces, galleries, and museums to showcase photography under the theme "The Call of the Open Sea."
Key Facts
The event is the first edition of the International Photography Festival in Tangier.
The festival lasts two and a half months, from June 17 to August 31, 2026.
The theme for this year is "The Call of the Open Sea."
The festival transforms Tangier into a large open-air art space.
Photography works are displayed in private galleries, museums, and public areas around the city.
Tangier is known as a key port city connecting Europe and North Africa.
The festival aims to blend art with the city environment to attract locals and visitors.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Historian Kim Phillips-Fein’s new book, Country of Lords, explores the history of ideas and people in the U.S. who opposed equal rights and economic fairness. It covers figures from the founding era, like John Adams, to modern tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, showing how social and economic inequality has been a long-standing issue.
Key Facts
The book is published during the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, which states that all men are created equal.
It examines groups such as Neo-Aristocrats, Social Darwinists, and Tech Utopians who have challenged equality.
Phillips-Fein studies conservatism and the interaction between capitalism and democracy.
John Adams is portrayed as different from other wealthy or racist figures but was skeptical about too much equality.
The book includes historical figures who supported ideas of racial or economic inequality, such as Andrew Carnegie and George Fitzhugh.
Carnegie accepted wealth concentration but worried it could create hatred and instability; he gave back through philanthropy like building libraries.
Modern tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel are included as part of this historical pattern of economic hierarchy.
The book discusses the challenges extreme economic inequality poses to democracy and social stability.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new report from several UN agencies finds that one in three people worldwide cannot afford a healthy diet, which costs more than the extreme poverty line. Hunger rates have fallen for the third year in a row, but Africa has the highest number of hungry people and faces major challenges due to population growth and shrinking international aid.
Key Facts
About 2.69 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet that provides enough energy and nutrients.
A healthy diet costs around $4.28 per day in local buying power, which is more than the $3 per day extreme poverty line.
Global hunger affected 7.8% of people in 2025, down from 8.1% in 2024.
Africa has the highest hunger rate, with 66.6% of its population unable to afford a healthy diet and about 309 million people hungry.
Hunger is decreasing in Africa for the first time in years, despite less overseas development aid.
Governments often subsidize only cereals and starchy foods, not fruits, vegetables, or animal products, leading to poor diet diversity.
Adult obesity rose from 12.1% in 2012 to 16.2% in 2024, raising health concerns like cancer and diabetes.
The report urges investment in supply chains, research, and policies to make healthy foods cheaper and encourage better diets.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will meet President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss the crisis in Lebanon. The meeting aims to address Lebanon’s challenges and explore ways to reduce support for Hezbollah while maintaining relations with Israel.
Key Facts
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is visiting the White House.
He will meet with President Donald Trump.
The main topic is the ongoing crisis in Lebanon.
Aoun wants to reduce support for Hezbollah, a political and military group in Lebanon.
He also wants to show that he can manage Lebanon’s relations with Israel.
The meeting is considered important by both leaders.
It may influence future U.S. policy towards Lebanon and the region.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United Nations reported a 37 percent rise in civilian deaths and injuries in the Russia-Ukraine war during the first half of 2026. Both Russia and Ukraine have increased attacks on each other's infrastructure, causing more harm to civilians, while peace talks remain stalled.
Key Facts
In the first six months of 2026, 1,396 civilians were killed and 7,978 injured in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
This number represents a 37% increase in civilian casualties compared to the same period in 2025.
Both Moscow and Kyiv deny intentionally targeting civilians but have stepped up air and missile strikes.
The UN considers attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure a violation of international humanitarian law and possible war crimes.
Russia attacked Ukraine’s capital heavily in summer 2026, with June being the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since 2022.
Ukraine increased long-range strikes on Russian infrastructure, including oil depots and warehouses.
A Ukrainian drone strike on warehouses linked to Russia's biggest online retailer killed eight workers; Ukraine alleges the site supplied parts for military drones.
US-led peace talks to end the nearly five-year conflict have not made progress recently.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A shopping centre in Sumy, Ukraine, caught fire after being hit by Russian drone strikes. Emergency responders had to stop fighting the fire because drones were still flying nearby, raising concerns about more attacks.
Key Facts
The shopping centre is located in Sumy, a city in Ukraine.
Russian drones attacked the building, causing a large fire.
Emergency crews began responding to the fire.
The response was paused because drones stayed overhead.
Authorities were worried about the possibility of additional drone attacks.
The fire started as a direct result of the drone strikes.
Ukrainian officials reported these events publicly.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
