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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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EU leaders met to discuss the European Union’s budget for 2028 to 2034, with a proposed total of €2 trillion. They also agreed to keep sanctions on Russia in place.
Key Facts
EU leaders are holding a summit to decide the budget for the next seven years (2028-2034).
The European Commission proposed a budget of €2 trillion.
Some EU countries disagreed with the budget proposal; both those who pay more into the budget and those who receive more money criticized it.
Leaders agreed to extend existing sanctions on Russia.
The discussions are ongoing and involve disagreements among member countries.
The budget will affect many EU programs and policies over the next seven years.
The article mentioned related recent topics, such as Ukraine and Russia conflicts.
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Andy Burnham won a key by-election in Makerfield, England, which allows him to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party. Burnham has called for big changes in the UK’s economy, immigration, education, and industry.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is a lawmaker from Britain’s Labour Party.
He won the Makerfield by-election on June 19, 2026.
The by-election was held so Burnham could run for party leadership.
Burnham is considered the favorite to challenge current Labour leader Keir Starmer.
Burnham wants major reforms in several areas including the economy and immigration.
This election result is seen as important for the future of the Labour Party.
The news was reported by FRANCE 24 and covered by reporter Philip Turle.
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Kenya recently held a large conference to discuss how to protect its ocean and marine life. The country’s coast is facing growing problems like less fish, pollution, and erosion caused by rising sea levels, which is linked to climate change.
Key Facts
Kenya hosted a major conference on ocean protection with thousands of experts, leaders, and donors.
The event aimed to find ways to save marine resources and stop environmental damage.
The East African coast has seen problems like fewer fish, more pollution, and coastal erosion over the last ten years.
Rising sea levels are causing the coastline to wear away, threatening local communities.
Scientists and policymakers are working together to address these climate change impacts.
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa faces a continuing investigation over claims he hid millions of dollars in cash inside a sofa at his farm, which was then stolen. The inquiry could lead to impeachment if the allegations are proven true.
Key Facts
A committee is investigating President Cyril Ramaphosa for possible misconduct.
The investigation concerns millions of dollars Ramaphosa allegedly hid in a sofa.
The money was stolen from his Phala Phala farm.
This case has led to calls for impeachment against Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa has not been able to stop the committee from continuing its work.
The situation remains a major political issue in South Africa.
The article was reported from Cape Town by FRANCE 24 journalist Eunice Masson.
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Ghana is taking new steps to seek reparations for the transatlantic slave trade. After the United Nations called this trade the "gravest crime against humanity," Ghana and other leaders held a conference and created a 10-point plan to act on the UN’s resolution.
Key Facts
Ghana held a conference on reparatory justice in its capital, Accra.
The conference included leaders from Africa and the Caribbean.
The UN described the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.
Ghana adopted a 10-point plan to implement the UN resolution on reparations.
The plan aims to turn calls for reparations into concrete actions.
This effort is part of a wider movement addressing the historical impact of slavery.
The transatlantic slave trade involved millions of Africans being forcibly taken to the Americas and Europe.
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William King, co-founder of the Commodores, said early hip-hop was seen as "just loud" and different from traditional music because it used new technology like drum machines instead of live instruments. Despite initial resistance, the Commodores noticed hip-hop was a real expression from people in tough neighborhoods, and their music still attracts new younger fans today.
Key Facts
William King said early hip-hop lacked traditional musicianship and was different from bands like the Commodores.
Hip-hop used technology like drum machines, samplers, and turntables, unlike live instruments in R&B and funk.
The Commodores tried to mix hip-hop into their music but weren’t fully happy with the results.
"Brick House," one of the Commodores’ biggest hits, nearly didn’t make it onto the album.
Lionel Richie left the Commodores in 1982, a move reportedly encouraged by Motown to boost profits.
The Commodores won a Grammy in 1985 for their song "Night Shift."
The band is working on a new album and performing concerts that attract young people who grew up listening to their music at home.
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In 1979, Michael Chen’s family fled Vietnam by boat to escape danger and seek a better future. Decades later, as an official with UNICEF USA, he returned to Vietnam and reflected on his family’s journey and the ongoing struggles of refugees worldwide.
Key Facts
In 1979, at age 11, Michael Chen and his family left Saigon, Vietnam, on a small fishing boat with about 300 others to escape conflict.
The family spent time in refugee camps in Malaysia and the Philippines while waiting for resettlement in a new country.
Many refugees face difficulties such as lack of language skills and limited job opportunities in new countries.
Michael Chen is now the chief financial officer of UNICEF USA, an organization that helps children worldwide.
He highlights that behind refugee statistics are families making hard decisions out of hope and responsibility.
Nearly 50 million children have been forcibly displaced globally, the highest number recorded.
Humanitarian aid provided vaccinations, education, and support to refugee children like Chen during their displacement.
Michael Chen observed progress in Vietnam, including efforts to use technology to support children with disabilities.
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A 12-year-old boy named Markos in rural Ethiopia took his sick chicken to a human hospital, not knowing there were separate vets for animals. A nurse recorded a video of the effort, which became very popular online and showed Markos' deep care for his chicken.
Key Facts
Markos Abaye, 12 years old, tried to get medical help for his sick chicken at Denbecha Primary Hospital in Amhara, Ethiopia.
A nurse explained to him that the hospital treats people, not animals, and suggested taking the chicken to a vet.
Markos’ uncle had advised him to seek professional help when the chicken got sick.
The video of Markos and the nurse has over 770,000 views on TikTok.
Markos cares deeply for his chicken, watching her closely and even building small bridges so she won’t fall.
He moved to live with his uncle because of a local conflict in Amhara, where his grandparents feared for his safety.
After the story spread, a local poultry company offered to give Markos 100 chickens and poultry farming training.
Markos said his chicken is better and plans to hatch eggs from her.
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A peace agreement between the United States and Iran is at risk after Israel increased its military attacks in southern Lebanon. These attacks have delayed planned negotiations in Switzerland, as Iran wants to see the ceasefire include Lebanon before talks resume.
Key Facts
The US and Iran signed a peace agreement that starts a 60-day period to negotiate a formal deal.
Talks were planned to begin in Switzerland but were postponed after Israeli bombings in southern Lebanon.
Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed at least 18 people and caused many injuries.
Iran says it will not begin negotiations until Lebanon is included in the ceasefire and the agreement shows results.
Israel has occupied part of Lebanon and continues near-daily attacks since March.
Over 3,000 people have died and more than one million have been displaced by the conflict.
Israeli officials have stated they will not withdraw from Lebanese territory despite the peace agreement.
US Vice President JD Vance cancelled his trip to talks due to the violence and logistical issues.
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The UK Met Office has issued an amber Extreme Heat warning for parts of southern and eastern England and south Wales for Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F). The hot weather may affect people’s health, especially those who are vulnerable, and could cause travel delays.
Key Facts
The amber Extreme Heat warning covers southern and eastern England and south Wales.
The warning is in effect for Monday and Tuesday.
Temperatures could reach a high of 35°C (95°F).
Nighttime temperatures will stay above 20°C in some areas.
There is a risk of sunburn, heat exhaustion, and health problems.
Travel delays and other disruptions are possible.
This warning is separate from heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency.
The UKHSA alerts focus on vulnerable groups and increased pressure on health services.
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Experts warn that geoengineering, which tries to cool the Earth by changing the climate using technology, is risky and uncertain. They say it could cause serious problems if stopped suddenly and does not solve the root cause of carbon emissions. These experts call for careful scientific study and global rules before using such risky methods.
Key Facts
Geoengineering includes methods like reducing sunlight to cool the planet.
These methods are seen as quick fixes to slow progress in cutting carbon emissions.
Carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere for thousands of years, but geoengineering effects last only a few years.
Building solar geoengineering systems would take about 20 years and require ongoing maintenance.
Stopping geoengineering suddenly could cause a rapid and dangerous spike in global temperatures, called "termination shock."
Many geoengineering ideas could harm sensitive places like the polar regions or involve costly projects like dams.
The Earth’s climate system is very complex and hard to predict, so geoengineering might cause more problems than it solves.
Experts say geoengineering needs the same careful research and global cooperation that emissions studies have had.
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Iran has signed an agreement with the U.S. government under President Trump to end a recent conflict. Iran's leaders see this agreement as a win, but some inside Iran want stricter terms in the deal.
Key Facts
Iran and the U.S. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end a war that started earlier this year.
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in public recently and may have been injured.
Iran’s leaders consider the agreement a big success against the U.S.
Some hard-line groups in Iran want tougher conditions in the peace deal.
The agreement was made with the Trump administration, which is the current U.S. government.
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Mzukisi Mbane is the founder of Imprint South Africa, a fashion brand that combines African heritage with modern design. Originally trained in accounting, he has built a label recognized worldwide for celebrating African culture and looking toward the future.
Key Facts
Mzukisi Mbane created Imprint South Africa, a fashion brand.
He studied accounting before starting the brand.
The brand mixes African traditions with modern style.
Imprint South Africa is known internationally.
Mbane emphasizes creativity and identity in his work.
The brand reflects both African heritage and futurism.
The article is part of a series called "Entre Nous."
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Syrian activist Hassan Akkad was detained by security forces in Damascus after criticizing a journalist online. He was arrested at a cafe and remains in custody, though the main legal case against him was reportedly dropped.
Key Facts
Hassan Akkad is a British Syrian activist and founder of a campaign tracking funds for Syria’s reconstruction.
He was detained on Wednesday night in Damascus after criticizing journalist Mousa al-Omar on social media.
Al-Omar filed a legal complaint against Akkad under Syria’s cybersecurity law but later withdrew it.
Akkad was summoned by Syria’s cybersecurity branch on June 4 and arrested without clear legal procedures at the time.
His arrest raises concerns about freedom of expression under laws from the previous Syrian government.
Akkad is a former English teacher and refugee who won awards for documenting his journey fleeing the Syrian civil war.
Witnesses said plainclothes officers entered the cafe, requested Akkad’s phone, then arrested him.
Syrian authorities have not responded publicly to requests for comment on his detention.
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An Indian court has rejected Telegram’s appeal against a temporary ban on the app. India blocked Telegram because officials said it was being used to sell leaked exam questions, causing concern about the fairness of tests.
Key Facts
The New Delhi High Court ruled against Telegram after a private hearing with Indian officials.
India banned Telegram because channels on the app were selling leaked medical exam questions.
The Indian government canceled exam results after allegations of leaked questions.
The court said India followed proper legal steps to impose the ban.
Telegram has over 150 million users in India, its largest market.
Telegram’s founder criticized the ban, saying it punished users even though the leaks were spread elsewhere.
Telegram removed more than 900 links related to illegal exam content.
Other countries like China and Iran have also banned Telegram for long periods.
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Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, won a seat in the UK Parliament, raising the chance he could challenge current Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the Labour Party leadership. Burnham has previously criticized the style of politics associated with President Donald Trump, warning about increased political division and instability linked to U.S. politics.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham recently won the Makerfield by-election with 55% of the vote.
This win allows Burnham to return to Parliament, a step needed for a leadership bid.
Burnham has warned about politics becoming more divided and toxic, similar to U.S. politics.
He said Trump’s leadership brought instability to both the U.S. and the world.
Burnham’s comments contrast with Prime Minister Starmer’s more cooperative approach to President Trump.
Burnham has said politicians should understand why Trump gained support rather than just reject it.
Burnham co-wrote a book suggesting Trump and Nigel Farage connected with voters who feel ignored by politicians.
A Burnham-led UK government might have a different tone in relations with the U.S. than Starmer’s administration.
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Achraf Hakimi, a soccer player for Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco’s World Cup team, is going to stand trial on a rape charge in France. Hakimi denies the accusation and says he looks forward to clearing his name in court.
Key Facts
Achraf Hakimi is a defender for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and plays for Morocco’s national soccer team.
He is accused of rape by a woman who says the incident happened at his home in a Paris suburb in 2023.
The French prosecutor's office opened an investigation into the allegations in 2023.
Hakimi denied any wrongdoing and faced preliminary charges of rape in March 2023.
The Versailles appeals court rejected Hakimi’s appeal against going to trial.
Hakimi welcomed the chance to speak his side during the upcoming trial.
It is not yet known when the trial will start.
Hakimi recently played in Morocco’s World Cup match against Brazil and is set to play against Scotland.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Andi Burnham on winning a by-election in Makerfield on June 17, 2026. Burnham is seen as Starmer’s main rival within the Labour Party, and Starmer said he is ready to face any leadership challenge.
Key Facts
The by-election in Makerfield took place on June 17, 2026.
Andi Burnham won the election and is a leading contender against Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Labour Party members hope Burnham will challenge Starmer’s leadership.
Starmer publicly acknowledged Burnham’s victory and stated he would fight any leadership challenges.
The event is considered important for the future leadership of the UK Labour Party.
The article references other Europe-related news but focuses mainly on UK political developments.
The election result affects internal dynamics within the Labour Party.
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