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Two men, Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc, were sentenced to jail for arson attacks on property connected to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. They were recruited by an unknown person on Telegram to set fires and were found guilty of endangering lives by reckless fire damage.
Key Facts
Roman Lavrynovych (22, from Ukraine) was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Stanislav Carpiuc (27, from Romania) was sentenced to two years in prison.
Both men were found guilty of conspiring to commit arson on a car and two buildings linked to Keir Starmer.
The fires included a car once owned by Starmer, a property he managed, and his former home where family members lived.
They were recruited by an anonymous Russian-speaking individual using the Telegram app, called "El Money."
Lavrynovych was described by the judge as reckless and used without knowing the full agenda of the attacks.
A third man, Petro Pochynok, was acquitted of charges.
Defense lawyers described Lavrynovych as naive and Carpiuc as the person handling money through cryptocurrency.
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Tensions are increasing along the border between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso due to armed attacks by militias from Burkina Faso and the threat of jihadist groups. Civilians in this area live in fear, and the Ivorian army is present to manage the high-risk situation.
Key Facts
The border region between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso is experiencing rising violence.
Armed groups from Burkina Faso have crossed into Ivory Coast.
There is a threat from jihadist militant groups in the area.
Civilians living near the border feel unsafe because of these dangers.
The Ivorian army is actively involved in securing the border zone.
This is part of wider security challenges in West Africa and the Sahel region.
The report included rare access by journalists alongside the Ivorian military.
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A Scottish judge has ruled that the current guidance allowing some transgender prisoners to be housed in prisons based on their gender identity is unlawful. The ruling states that prisoners must be housed according to their biological sex, following a Supreme Court decision about the legal definition of a woman.
Key Facts
The judge ruled that Scottish prison rules letting transgender prisoners be held according to gender identity break legal requirements.
The Supreme Court had previously decided that sex segregation in prisons should be based on biological sex.
A campaign group called For Women Scotland challenged the guidance, wanting only people born female to be held in women’s prisons.
Scottish government lawyers said housing transgender prisoners by biological sex could risk their rights and increase suicide danger.
The current Scottish Prison Service assesses risks individually to protect women’s safety in prisons.
Human rights laws require consideration for transgender prisoners, but do not guarantee housing by gender identity.
Exceptions may apply in serious cases, such as suicide risk, where prison placement might differ to protect life.
Scottish government leaders said they accepted the Supreme Court ruling but believe current guidance doesn’t need changing.
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Talks between the U.S. and Iran about a nuclear agreement and lifting sanctions have been delayed. The White House said organizing these discussions is complicated, and a planned meeting this weekend was postponed.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran are negotiating a deal about nuclear issues and sanctions relief.
Technical talks planned for the weekend were delayed.
The White House described the negotiations as having complex and unpredictable logistics.
Fighting broke out in Lebanon overnight, adding regional tension.
These negotiations aim to address concerns around Iran’s nuclear program.
The delay marks a slow start to the current round of talks.
The talks involve detailed technical discussions, not just political agreements.
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Andy Burnham won an important by-election in Ashton-in-Makerfield, a town in northern England. This victory could lead to a challenge for Labour Party leader and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s position. Burnham needs support from Labour Members of Parliament and local groups to formally begin a leadership contest.
Key Facts
The by-election took place in Ashton-in-Makerfield, a northern English town.
Andy Burnham, former mayor of Manchester, won the by-election by a large margin.
Burnham plans to challenge Labour leader and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Labour rules require a challenger to get nominations from 20% of Labour MPs (81 MPs).
Burnham also needs support from local party branches and trade unions.
Starmer won the 2024 general election but with narrow margins and has faced criticism and low approval ratings.
The Reform Party, led by Nigel Farage, is applying pressure on Labour from the right.
Voters in Makerfield are divided but many see Burnham as a potential new leader for Labour and prime minister.
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Wikipedia labeled Iran as the winner of the recent conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which began with joint U.S.-Israeli attacks. The ongoing peace talks have faced delays, complicated by tensions involving Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Key Facts
The conflict started on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Wikipedia called the outcome a "political and diplomatic victory" for Tehran.
President Donald Trump and Iran both claim successes in the conflict.
Critics say the peace deal does not fully address Iran's nuclear program or missile capabilities.
The war has caused the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and large financial and military costs.
Negotiations for a final peace deal started but faced setbacks, including the cancellation of a U.S. envoy’s visit to Switzerland.
Israeli forces remain in southern Lebanon, raising tensions with Iran-backed Hezbollah, which Israel fights there.
Recent violence in Lebanon includes Israeli attacks that killed at least 18 people and Hezbollah attacks that killed some Israeli soldiers.
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Two men have been jailed for planning and carrying out arson attacks on properties linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. One of the men was sentenced to seven years, and the other to two years, while a third man was found not guilty.
Key Facts
Roman Lavrynovych, 22, a Ukrainian national, was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, a Romanian national born in Ukraine, was sentenced to two years in prison.
Both men were convicted at the Old Bailey court for arson attacks connected to Keir Starmer.
The attacks included setting fire to a car once owned by Starmer and two homes, one rented by Starmer’s sister-in-law.
The attacks were reportedly carried out on behalf of Russia.
Lavrynovych was recruited by a Russian-speaking user on the messaging app Telegram called "El Money".
A third man, Petro Pochynok, 35, was found not guilty of conspiracy to commit arson.
The events took place in London in May 2025.
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Gun-related murders in Canada have increased by nearly 90 percent over the last ten years. Most illegal guns used in crimes come from the United States, causing Canadian officials to call for stronger border controls to stop the flow of weapons.
Key Facts
Gun murders in Canada have risen sharply, up about 90% in the past decade.
Toronto Police data shows 88% of guns seized in crimes last year came from the US.
Illegal weapons are crossing the border from the United States into Canada.
Canadian police want tighter security and checks at Canada-US border crossings.
The increase in gun violence is linked to the easy availability of illegal firearms from the US.
This is raising concerns among Canadian officials about public safety and crime.
The report includes input from journalists François Rihouay, Joanne Profeta, and Fraser Jackson.
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Bologna is hosting the 40th edition of Il Cinema Ritrovato, a nine-day festival showcasing restored and forgotten films from around the world. The event attracts large audiences, including many young people, who gather to watch classic movies in outdoor locations across the city.
Key Facts
Il Cinema Ritrovato is a film festival focused on restored, rediscovered, and overlooked films.
It lasts nine days and takes place in Bologna, Italy.
The festival started in 1986 and celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
Last year, the festival attracted a record 140,000 visitors.
The event features films from early cinema to the 1980s, including newly restored works.
It grew from a small niche event to an internationally known festival with famous directors attending.
The festival shows films in public squares and historic venues, creating a communal viewing experience.
Younger audiences have recently become a large part of the festival’s attendance, discovering classic cinema alongside modern streaming content.
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Afghanistan’s defence ministry said its air force attacked locations in Pakistan that it said were used by armed groups planning attacks against Afghanistan. This strike increases tensions between the two neighboring countries, which have a fragile ceasefire after months of cross-border fighting.
Key Facts
Afghanistan launched air strikes on Thursday night targeting hideouts in Pakistan’s Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
The Afghan defence ministry claimed these sites were used by hostile groups and intelligence circles to plan attacks against Afghanistan.
Afghanistan does not have fighter jets but has several aircraft, helicopters, and drones.
Pakistan denied Kabul’s report that the strikes took place.
Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring militant groups that attack Pakistan, especially the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The two countries reached a ceasefire in March, but it collapsed after both sides accused the other of violations.
China has tried to mediate peace talks, but so far without success.
The United Nations reported at least 372 Afghan civilians killed in cross-border fighting in early 2026.
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Western Europe is experiencing a second heatwave this year, with temperatures expected to go above 40°C (104°F). France and Spain are especially affected, with authorities issuing warnings, adjusting public services, and asking people to stay safe.
Key Facts
More than half of France’s population is under a severe heat warning.
Temperatures in France could reach 40°C in many regions, including Paris.
A man died of cardiac arrest during the heat near Paris.
French rail services canceled 71 intercity trains due to the heat.
Spain expects temperatures over 40°C in southern and some northern areas.
Germany is also seeing high temperatures, with heat warnings issued in some regions.
France’s national power company may reduce nuclear plant output due to warm river water.
Schools in affected areas sometimes shortened or canceled classes because of the heat.
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Venice’s new mayor, Simone Venturini, plans to raise the entrance fee for day visitors to the city up to €50 to reduce crowding during busy times. The fee, introduced in 2024, aims to help manage tourist numbers and fund city maintenance.
Key Facts
Venice charges a fee for day-trippers to enter the city on certain busy days.
The fee started at €5 on 29 peak days in 2024 and expanded to 60 dates in 2025.
Visitors booking last minute pay double the fee.
The fee raised €2.4 million in its first year, more than expected.
Overnight guests and children under 14 do not have to pay the entrance fee.
Most day visitors from the nearby Veneto region are exempt from the fee.
Visitors buy tickets online and show a QR code to enter the city.
Mayor Venturini wants to increase the fee between €30 and €50 on very busy days after getting national government approval.
The money collected will help pay for city services and protect Venice, which costs over €100 million per year to maintain.
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Marilyn Monroe’s image continues to influence ideas about the “ideal woman” even 100 years after her birth. A film expert, Professor Amanda Konkle, explains why Marilyn Monroe’s legacy still shapes cultural standards of beauty and femininity.
Key Facts
The article marks 100 years since Marilyn Monroe’s birth.
Marilyn Monroe is still seen as a symbol of the “ideal woman” in modern culture.
Professor Amanda Konkle is a film specialist who discusses Monroe’s lasting impact.
The topic is part of a cultural program called "The 51 Percent."
The article also mentions other cultural and social issues, like the Ebola outbreak in Congo and discussions on sexism in film.
The video content about Marilyn Monroe is blocked by some browser extensions, requiring users to allow ads for viewing.
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Tensions have increased along the border between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso due to violent actions by the Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (VDPs), a militia group supporting the Burkinabé army. These militias often cross into Ivory Coast, leading to clashes and worsening relations between the two countries.
Key Facts
The VDPs were formed to help fight terrorism in Burkina Faso.
Human Rights Watch says the VDPs caused over 1,200 civilian deaths between 2023 and 2025.
The VDPs have killed more civilians than the terrorist groups they fight.
The border between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso is poorly defined and hard to control.
Some VDP militias claim certain Ivorian villages belong to Burkina Faso.
Political tensions are high between Burkina Faso’s leader Ibrahim Traoré and Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara.
The Ivorian army monitors the border to manage the volatile situation.
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Scientists are studying coral reefs that survive high ocean temperatures despite widespread coral bleaching caused by global warming. Using advanced tools like robotic vehicles, researchers hope to learn how these reefs endure heat stress to help protect and restore coral habitats worldwide.
Key Facts
Since 2023, marine heat waves have caused the worst coral bleaching ever recorded.
Over 80% of coral reefs worldwide across 83 countries have been affected.
Bleaching happens when corals lose the algae inside them, which provide food and color.
Some coral reefs, called "super reefs," still thrive despite warmer waters.
Scientist Anne Cohen leads research to find and study these heat-resistant reefs.
The Super Reefs project started in 2018 to identify and protect these resilient coral areas.
Robots like the Yellowfin help researchers explore reefs safely and precisely.
Human activities such as dredging and pollution still threaten coral reef survival.
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A mayor in Mexico is accused of faking her own kidnapping to steal about $2 million in government money disguised as ransom. The mayor denies the charges and says she will cooperate with investigators to find the real criminals.
Key Facts
Nancy Napoles is the mayor of Tenancingo, near Mexico City.
Authorities say she pretended to be kidnapped to hide the theft of $2.3 million from local government funds.
The kidnapping story was based on testimonies from three arrested suspects claiming they forced her into a car at gunpoint.
A witness saw the forced kidnapping and alerted the police, which interrupted the fake kidnapping plan.
Investigators found inconsistencies and believe Napoles’ husband and brother-in-law planned the scheme to justify embezzled money.
No arrest warrants exist for Napoles, but her husband and brother-in-law are fugitives.
Napoles belongs to the ruling Morena party, which focuses on fighting corruption.
Other top Mexican officials have faced criminal charges recently, including drug trafficking and weapons offenses.
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President Donald Trump plans to focus more on North Korea’s nuclear weapons program after reaching an agreement with Iran. South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung said Trump mentioned the need to address North Korea during a recent G7 dinner.
Key Facts
President Trump told South Korea’s leader that it was time to pay attention to North Korea’s nuclear issue.
Lee Jae Myung said sanctions against North Korea have not worked well due to growing military cooperation with Russia.
North Korea remains technically at war with South Korea, with only an armistice treaty since the 1950-53 conflict.
North Korea first tested a nuclear weapon in 2006 and is believed to have many nuclear bombs now.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently supported Russia in its war against Ukraine and met with China’s President Xi Jinping.
China and North Korea have not publicly committed to North Korea giving up its nuclear weapons.
Kim has called North Korea an “irreversible” nuclear state since talks with Trump ended in 2019 without a deal.
President Trump met Kim three times and once said they were “in love,” but no nuclear disarmament agreement was reached.
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Researchers have gained new understanding of why oldest children tend to perform better than their younger siblings. This insight could help improve the well-being and development of all children.
Key Facts
Oldest children often show better outcomes in areas like academic performance and behavior.
New research explains some causes behind these differences.
The findings offer ways to support younger siblings in reaching their full potential.
Improving children's early environments can have long-term positive effects.
The study may influence parenting and educational practices globally.
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Nigel Farage said his party, Reform UK, lost the Makerfield by-election mainly because voters wanted to remove Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. Andy Burnham, the Labour candidate and Greater Manchester mayor, won the seat with a bigger majority, while a new party called Restore Britain came in third.
Key Facts
Reform UK aimed to defeat Andy Burnham in Makerfield but lost by over 9,000 votes.
Farage said voters supported Burnham to try to oust Starmer as Labour leader.
Restore Britain, a new party started in March, got about 7% of the Makerfield vote.
Reform UK lost some votes to Restore Britain, which promises strict immigration policies.
Andy Burnham is expected to challenge Starmer for Labour leadership and Prime Minister.
Reform UK had planned policies like banning non-British nationals from social housing.
Restore Britain's result marks its first national-level election contest.
The by-election was one of three held on the same day in the UK.
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Israeli forces struck southern Lebanon, resulting in deaths on both sides, as talks between the United States and Iran were postponed. The airstrikes killed 18 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers died in the fighting.
Key Facts
Fighting occurred in southern Lebanon involving Israeli military airstrikes.
Eighteen people were killed in Lebanon during the Israeli strikes.
Four Israeli soldiers died as a result of the conflict.
The clashes happened amid tensions related to US-Iran negotiations.
Talks between the United States and Iran were postponed at this time.
The situation has heightened concerns about stability in the Middle East.
The article references recent political developments around a US-Iran agreement.
Lebanon and Israel remain key actors affected by regional disputes involving Iran and the US.
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