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EU won’t lift key Iran sanctions until formal nuclear deal reached

EU won’t lift key Iran sanctions until formal nuclear deal reached

Summary

The European Union (EU) will not remove important sanctions on Iran until they reach a formal agreement on Iran’s nuclear program. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, also said that sanctions related to human rights issues will remain in place.

Key Facts

  • The EU has sanctions in place against Iran.
  • These sanctions include those targeting Iran’s nuclear activities.
  • The EU wants a formal nuclear deal before lifting these key sanctions.
  • Kaja Kallas is the EU’s foreign policy chief.
  • Kallas said human rights sanctions against Iran will continue regardless of nuclear talks.
  • The sanctions aim to pressure Iran on its nuclear program and human rights record.
  • No timeline was given for when a formal nuclear deal might happen.
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Colombia sees new peace breakthrough as 100 rebels hand over arms

Colombia sees new peace breakthrough as 100 rebels hand over arms

Summary

About 100 rebels from a Colombian guerrilla group surrendered their weapons in the southern Putumayo province under a peace deal with President Gustavo Petro. This move is part of Petro's "total peace" plan and comes just before the country’s presidential runoff election.

Key Facts

  • 99 rebels from the National Coordinating Committee of the Bolivarian Army handed over their arms.
  • The event took place in the southern region of Putumayo.
  • The rebels wore camouflage and placed their weapons in a large container with a peace message.
  • These guerrillas split from the FARC group, which disarmed in 2016 after decades of conflict.
  • Their disarmament is the first success of Petro's peace plan since coming to office.
  • President Gustavo Petro aims for peace with armed groups in Colombia.
  • Colombia will hold a presidential runoff election three days after the rebels surrendered.
  • The election will decide Petro’s successor; Petro will hand over power on August 7.
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SNP concedes Aberdeen South with Scottish Conservatives set to win

SNP concedes Aberdeen South with Scottish Conservatives set to win

Summary

The Scottish National Party (SNP) lost the Aberdeen South seat to the Scottish Conservatives in a recent election. The byelection happened because the previous SNP MP, Stephen Flynn, left to join the Scottish Parliament.

Key Facts

  • Aberdeen South was previously held by the SNP before the recent loss.
  • Stephen Flynn gave up the Aberdeen South seat to become a member of the Scottish Parliament (Holyrood).
  • The Scottish Conservatives have gained a Westminster byelection seat only five times this century.
  • Flynn had won Aberdeen South in the 2024 general election with 3,758 more votes than others.
  • The Conservatives focused heavily on the election, including visits by UK party leader Kemi Badenoch.
  • The campaign highlighted issues such as increasing oil and gas production in the North Sea.
  • Some voters may have been influenced by a scandal involving the theft of £400,000 from the SNP, linked to former party chief Peter Murrell.
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Zimbabwe bill to scrap presidential elections sparks backlash

Zimbabwe bill to scrap presidential elections sparks backlash

Summary

Zimbabwean lawmakers have passed a bill proposing to stop direct presidential elections and let parliament choose the president instead. Supporters say this will help keep steady policies, while critics worry it will reduce democracy and increase the ruling party’s control.

Key Facts

  • The bill would replace direct presidential elections with a vote by members of parliament (both Senate and National Assembly together).
  • On June 1, the National Assembly approved the bill with 216 votes for and 42 against.
  • The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is expected to pass with the needed two-thirds majority.
  • Justice Minister Ziyambi said the bill does not extend presidential terms or postpone elections and does not concentrate power in the president’s hands.
  • Critics believe the bill would strengthen President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s power and may allow him to stay in office beyond 2028.
  • Supporters, including members of both the ruling party ZANU-PF and some opposition, argue the change will support long-term development plans.
  • ZANU-PF has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980; Mnangagwa became president in 2017 after Robert Mugabe stepped down.
  • Some activists warn the amendment will weaken democracy, worsen economic conditions, and deepen one-party dominance.
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'Toddler critical' and 'cost of living hope'

'Toddler critical' and 'cost of living hope'

Summary

A three-year-old boy in Cambridgeshire was seriously injured after being thrown into a crocodile enclosure by a man unknown to him. The police have arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder. Other news includes the Bank of England holding interest rates steady and discussions about inflation, UK infrastructure costs, and international events related to Russia and Ukraine.

Key Facts

  • A 3-year-old boy was critically injured at Johnsons zoo in Cambridgeshire after entering a crocodile enclosure.
  • Police arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder connected to the incident.
  • The boy was pulled from the enclosure by the zoo owner’s wife.
  • The Bank of England kept interest rates at 3.75% due to eased inflation risks after a US-Iran deal lowered oil prices.
  • Inflation and cost of living remain key concerns, with predictions that food prices may stabilise next year.
  • UK ministers reportedly waste around £8 billion annually by paying too much on transport and energy projects compared to other countries.
  • Kyiv experienced its biggest air raid on Moscow since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
  • The UK marks the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum with mixed opinions on future ties to the European Union.
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Five tips to keep your kids cool this weekend

Five tips to keep your kids cool this weekend

Summary

The article gives five simple tips to keep children safe and cool during hot weather. It explains how to help kids stay hydrated, protect their skin from the sun, avoid heat, and sleep comfortably.

Key Facts

  • Kids lose heat less easily than adults, so they can get hotter faster.
  • Giving children foods with high water content, like watermelon and soup, helps keep them hydrated.
  • Sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and four stars should be applied 30 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours.
  • Babies under six months should not use sunscreen and must be kept out of direct sunlight.
  • Staying in the shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. reduces sun exposure.
  • Loose, dark clothing and hats with wide brims or legionnaire styles offer better sun protection.
  • UV protective swimwear with a UPF 50 rating blocks harmful sun rays.
  • Bedrooms should be set up to help children sleep well in the heat.
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Five tips to keep your kids cool

Five tips to keep your kids cool

Summary

The article gives practical advice to help keep children cool and safe during very hot weather, especially in summer. It explains how to keep kids hydrated, protect their skin from the sun, and make their environment comfortable.

Key Facts

  • Kids heat up faster and sweat less than adults, making it harder for them to cool down.
  • Encourage children to eat water-rich foods like watermelon, oranges, jelly, and soup to stay hydrated.
  • Babies who breastfeed get enough water from breast milk; formula-fed babies can have some cooled boiled water.
  • Sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and a four-star rating should be applied 30 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours.
  • Sunscreen must be reapplied after swimming or towel drying, even if labeled water resistant.
  • Babies under six months should avoid direct sunlight completely because their skin is very sensitive.
  • Staying in the shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. helps prevent sunburn and heat exposure.
  • Loose, dark-colored clothes and UV-protective swimwear with UPF 50 provide better sun protection. Wide-brimmed or legionnaire hats and wraparound sunglasses protect the head, neck, and eyes.
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When will traffic in the Strait of Hormuz return to normal?

When will traffic in the Strait of Hormuz return to normal?

Summary

Ships have started to travel through the Strait of Hormuz again after a U.S.-Iran agreement reopened the waterway. However, experts say that normal traffic levels may take some time to return.

Key Facts

  • The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for international shipping.
  • There was a recent agreement between the U.S. and Iran that allowed ships to pass through again.
  • Traffic through the strait had previously been restricted or stopped.
  • Shipping is slowly resuming but has not yet returned to normal levels.
  • Experts, including Scott Savitz from RAND School of Public Policy, are studying the situation.
  • The agreement has improved access but challenges remain for full normalcy.
  • The situation affects global trade and energy transportation.
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JD Vance tells Iran deal critics in Israel: Trump is your only ally left in the world

JD Vance tells Iran deal critics in Israel: Trump is your only ally left in the world

Summary

US Vice President JD Vance defended the recent Iran deal and criticized Israeli officials who oppose it. He said President Donald Trump is Israel's strongest ally and reminded Israel that much of its military aid comes from the United States.

Key Facts

  • JD Vance spoke at a White House news briefing defending the Iran deal.
  • Vance said President Trump is the only world leader currently sympathetic to Israel.
  • The US provides Israel about $4 billion per year in military aid.
  • Some Israeli leaders have criticized the Iran deal, saying it fails to address Iran’s missile and nuclear programs.
  • Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not publicly criticize the deal but his cabinet members expressed strong opposition.
  • Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s need for security in southern Lebanon and showed maps of expanded military zones there.
  • Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, strongly opposed the deal and insisted Israeli troops remain in Lebanon.
  • Vance urged Israeli critics to trust the US and avoid attacking their closest ally, President Trump.
  • Iran deal: An agreement aimed at ending conflict with Iran by limiting its nuclear program and missile development.
  • Hezbollah: A militant group in Lebanon considered hostile to Israel.
  • Military aid: Financial support from one country to another to buy weapons and defense systems.
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Even after a brain tumor altered this artist's sight, he crafted his greatest work yet

Even after a brain tumor altered this artist's sight, he crafted his greatest work yet

Summary

Artist Vincent Serritella had surgery to remove a brain tumor that affected his eyesight. Despite changes in his vision, he managed to create his best artwork so far.

Key Facts

  • Vincent Serritella is an artist whose vision changed due to a brain tumor.
  • The tumor was located on his optic nerve, which is important for sight.
  • He had surgeries to remove the tumor.
  • The surgeries altered how he sees the world.
  • Serritella adapted to his new vision challenges.
  • After this, he created his greatest work to date.
  • CBS News shared his story through reporter Tony Dokoupil.
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The pressure on the Church of England to ditch its slavery reparations plan

The pressure on the Church of England to ditch its slavery reparations plan

Summary

The Church of England has admitted it profited from investments in the historical slave trade, including the South Sea Company, which brought in large returns in the 18th century. The Church promised to use £100 million from these profits to fund social projects as a form of reparation, but this money has not yet been spent amid debate about the Church's responsibility and the politics around these payments.

Key Facts

  • Rochester Cathedral’s archives revealed profits from slavery-linked investments helped fund major renovations in the 18th century.
  • The Church of England’s endowment fund historically included shares in the South Sea Company, known for slave trading.
  • These investments yielded profits equal to about £1.4 billion today, which were incorporated into the Church’s current funds.
  • Archbishop Justin Welby apologized in 2023 for the Church’s links to slavery and pledged £100 million for a social impact fund.
  • The £100 million reparation money remains unspent as of now amid disagreement about the Church’s role in slavery compensation.
  • The issue reflects wider institutional reckonings with historic racism and injustice following George Floyd’s murder in 2020.
  • Many British institutions, including universities and museums, reexamined their ties to slavery after global protests.
  • The debate continues whether the political and public will to follow through on reparations still exists six years after George Floyd’s death.
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Ukraine launches drone attack on Moscow: "If Ukraine burns, then your Moscow will burn as well"

Ukraine launches drone attack on Moscow: "If Ukraine burns, then your Moscow will burn as well"

Summary

Ukraine launched a large drone attack on Moscow, targeting an oil refinery and other sites. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack was a response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Key Facts

  • Ukraine used many drones to attack Moscow.
  • The attack hit a major oil refinery and other places.
  • This was the biggest attack on Moscow since the war started over four years ago.
  • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the attack retaliation.
  • The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing for more than four years.
  • The drone attack represents a significant escalation in the conflict.
  • Moscow is the capital city of Russia.
  • The attack was reported by CBS News.
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Vote counting begins in high-stakes UK by-election

Vote counting begins in high-stakes UK by-election

Summary

Ballots are being counted in the Makerfield by-election in the UK. If Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, wins, he could become the leader of the Labour Party and challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Key Facts

  • The Makerfield by-election is currently underway.
  • Ballots are being counted to determine the winner.
  • Andy Burnham is the mayor of Greater Manchester.
  • Burnham is running as a Labour Party candidate.
  • If Burnham wins, he may challenge Keir Starmer for Labour leadership.
  • Keir Starmer is the current Prime Minister of the UK.
  • This by-election has attracted close attention.
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BBC pulls new Ashley Cain series after sexist language accusations

BBC pulls new Ashley Cain series after sexist language accusations

Summary

The BBC has decided not to show a new series hosted by Ashley Cain after finding old social media posts where he used sexist and offensive language about women. The BBC is investigating how these posts were missed during their content checks and will not work with Cain on future projects.

Key Facts

  • The BBC pulled the second series of "Ashley Cain: Into the Danger Zone" from broadcast plans.
  • Ashley Cain was accused of using sexist and offensive language towards women on his social media account.
  • Some posts included abusive terms and jokes about violence against women.
  • The BBC admitted their vetting process failed to catch these issues before filming.
  • Cain’s social media account linked to these accusations has been removed.
  • The BBC has no current or future projects planned with Ashley Cain.
  • The first season of "Into the Danger Zone" remains available on BBC iPlayer.
  • Cain is a former professional footballer turned TV personality and podcaster.
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White House defends Iran agreement as U.S. lifts Strait of Hormuz blockade

White House defends Iran agreement as U.S. lifts Strait of Hormuz blockade

Summary

The United States has ended its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, allowing ships to pass again. Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei approved of the agreement with the U.S., saying President Trump agreed to talks because of urgent need.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. had blocked the Strait of Hormuz, stopping sea traffic.
  • The blockade was in place since nearly the start of a conflict.
  • The U.S. decided to lift the blockade to reopen the passage for ships.
  • Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei supported the deal with the U.S.
  • Khamenei said President Trump was driven by "desperation" to negotiate.
  • The news was reported by Liz Landers.
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Trump's goals for the Iran war and what he's saying now

Trump's goals for the Iran war and what he's saying now

Summary

After the U.S. began a conflict with Iran, President Donald Trump initially set strong goals to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities and prevent its nuclear program. Recently, he has softened his position, showing willingness to allow Iran to keep some missiles and not pushing for regime change, while a new agreement aims to extend a ceasefire and continue nuclear talks.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. started a war against Iran in late February.
  • President Trump first promised to destroy Iran’s missiles and stop its nuclear program.
  • A new memorandum of understanding has been signed to extend the ceasefire and restart nuclear negotiations.
  • Trump now says it is acceptable for Iran to keep some ballistic missiles if other countries have them too.
  • The memorandum does not specifically address Iran’s ballistic missiles.
  • The U.S. and its allies are worried about Iran’s missiles because they can reach nearby countries including Israel.
  • Trump praises current Iranian leaders as rational and wanting to help their country.
  • The U.S. will work with Persian Gulf nations on missile and other non-nuclear issues in parallel to nuclear talks.
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News Wrap: Ukraine strikes major oil refinery near Moscow

News Wrap: Ukraine strikes major oil refinery near Moscow

Summary

Dozens of Ukrainian drones attacked several targets, including a large oil refinery near Moscow. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Texas man who argued that using marijuana should not make it illegal for him to own a gun. Former President Obama welcomed visitors to his new presidential center in Chicago.

Key Facts

  • Ukraine used multiple drones to strike targets near Moscow.
  • One of the targets was a major oil refinery close to Russia’s capital.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court made a decision supporting a Texas man’s gun rights despite his marijuana use.
  • Marijuana use was central to the legal argument in the court case.
  • Former President Barack Obama opened his presidential center in Chicago.
  • The presidential center is a new museum and public space dedicated to his time in office.
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Injured Israeli soldier recounts experience on frontlines against Hezbollah

Injured Israeli soldier recounts experience on frontlines against Hezbollah

Summary

An Israeli soldier who was injured fighting Hezbollah shared his experience from the frontlines. The recent clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have raised concerns about affecting the U.S.-Iran agreement.

Key Facts

  • The fighting between Hezbollah and Israel has been intense and deadly.
  • Many Israeli soldiers involved are reservists, meaning they were called back to serve again.
  • These soldiers face personal risks during the conflict.
  • Nick Schifrin spoke with an Israeli officer on the border in March and later after he was nearly killed in fighting with Hezbollah.
  • The ongoing conflict could disrupt the agreement between the U.S. and Iran.
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6/18: CBS Evening News

6/18: CBS Evening News

Summary

Life-threatening flash floods have hit parts of the southern United States. The White House responded to criticism about the recent Iran nuclear deal.

Key Facts

  • Severe flash floods affected the southern U.S. on June 18.
  • These floods posed serious danger to people in the affected areas.
  • The White House addressed critics who opposed the Iran nuclear agreement.
  • The floods caused disruptions to local communities and emergency responses.
  • The Iran deal remains a significant topic in U.S. foreign policy discussions.
  • CBS Evening News covered these events on their June 18 broadcast.
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Andrew Lloyd Webber on the creative process behind his acclaimed musicals

Andrew Lloyd Webber on the creative process behind his acclaimed musicals

Summary

Andrew Lloyd Webber is the composer behind the famous musical "Cats." A new version called "Cats: The Jellicle Ball" is currently popular on Broadway and has won three Tony Awards.

Key Facts

  • "Cats" is a well-known musical about a group of cats.
  • Andrew Lloyd Webber composed the original musical.
  • A new version titled "Cats: The Jellicle Ball" is running on Broadway.
  • This new show has been praised by audiences and critics.
  • It has won three Tony Awards, which honor achievements in theater.
  • Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown interviewed Andrew Lloyd Webber.
  • The interview is part of the arts and culture series called CANVAS.
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