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Oprah Winfrey has chosen the novel "Little Wonder" by Sophie Chen Keller for her latest book club. The story follows two characters, Song and River, as they live apart and confront their pasts in Beijing, exploring themes like family, identity, music, and the meaning of home.
Key Facts
"Little Wonder" is set in Beijing and focuses on two characters, Song and River.
The story moves back and forth in time and place.
Song feels like "a nobody," while River is seen as very special because of his musical talent.
The novel explores how motherhood affects Song's life and how River's life is shaped without his mother.
It asks what "home" means—whether it is a place, a person, or something else.
The book discusses both biological family and chosen or "found" family.
Music is important to River, serving as a way to communicate and cope.
Themes include how social class, chance, and small actions influence the characters' lives.
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A young child in Gaza lost most of her hearing after a blast during the conflict between Israel and Gaza. Many children in Gaza are now suffering hearing loss due to explosions, but medical help and devices are hard to get because of the damaged healthcare system and import restrictions.
Key Facts
Wateen al-Ajrami, a toddler in Gaza, lost about 85-90% of her hearing after a blast in August 2023.
Her hearing loss was caused by the blast wave from an Israeli strike.
Thousands of people in Gaza had hearing disabilities before the war, estimated at 20,000.
Since the war began in October 2023, the number of people with hearing loss may have risen to 30,000-40,000.
Hearing loss in children often results from blast waves, brain trauma, and psychological shock.
Gaza’s healthcare system is damaged, making it hard to get hearing aids, cochlear implants, and related medical help.
Import restrictions prevent enough medical devices and parts from entering Gaza.
Many rehabilitation centers that help with hearing, speech therapy, and education have been damaged or closed, threatening children’s development.
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The UK Court of Appeal has confirmed the government’s decision to label the activist group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. The group uses direct action tactics, like damaging property linked to weapons manufacturers, to protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The debate raises questions about the history and limits of protest in the UK.
Key Facts
Palestine Action was founded in 2020 and targets companies involved with arms linked to Israel.
The UK government declared Palestine Action a terrorist organization, a decision upheld by the Court of Appeal.
Supporters view Palestine Action as part of a long British tradition of civil disobedience.
Critics argue the group crosses the line from protest to terrorism due to property damage and vandalism.
The article compares Palestine Action to past UK protest movements like the suffragettes, who used direct action including property damage and arson to campaign for women’s voting rights.
The suffragettes were often imprisoned, with some labeled as political prisoners or terrorists at the time.
Other major UK protest movements since the 1950s have included anti-nuclear campaigns and the anti-poll tax riots, which sometimes involved clashes with police.
The history shows a range of protest tactics in the UK, with varying public and government responses.
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Britain’s top military officer warned that the UK will have to reduce military activities if it does not get more money from the government. The Defence Secretary resigned after disagreements over defence budget increases, as current plans may not meet NATO spending targets.
Key Facts
The UK’s Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton, said military operations and exercises will be scaled back without extra funding.
Defence spending proposals target 2.68% of the UK’s GDP by 2030, but more money may be needed for daily military activities.
Defence Secretary John Healey resigned due to disagreements over defence budget increases and spending plans.
Capital spending on defence (long-term investments) has risen, but day-to-day spending (operational costs) has not kept pace.
The UK aims to meet NATO’s suggested defence spending target of 3.5% of GDP by 2035.
Rising costs such as aviation fuel have increased operational expenses.
The Ministry of Defence’s 10-year investment plan was delayed after Healey’s resignation, with a large budget gap remaining.
The UK is involved in military activity in Europe, Ukraine, and the Middle East, including offers to lead peacekeeping missions.
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A court ruled that the ban on Palestine Action, a protest group, is lawful because of national security concerns. The group's co-founder said they will keep fighting the ban legally and through protests, aiming to overturn it even in the European court of human rights if needed.
Key Facts
Palestine Action is the first direct action protest group to be banned under the UK Terrorism Act.
The Court of Appeal reversed a previous ruling and upheld the ban as lawful, citing national security.
Over 3,000 people have been arrested in support of Palestine Action, mostly for peaceful protests.
Four activists were convicted of criminal damage and other charges for attacking an Israeli arms factory.
The judge associated the activists’ actions with terrorism during sentencing, which was criticized by the group.
Palestine Action’s co-founder argues the ban restricts free speech and the right to protest.
The home secretary stated that Palestine Action promotes violence and is different from lawful protests.
The group plans to continue legal challenges and protests, showing solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
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President Donald Trump criticized Israel's recent airstrikes in Lebanon, calling them excessive and badly timed just before a ceasefire deal with Iran was to be signed. He said he has a good relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but urged Israel to act more responsibly.
Key Facts
President Trump attended the G7 summit in France when he made his comments.
Israel launched strikes on a Hezbollah command center in Beirut, Lebanon.
The strikes happened just hours before a ceasefire agreement with Iran was set to be signed in Switzerland.
Iran said the Israeli attack could harm the ceasefire deal.
Trump described the attack as "vicious" and "too much."
Trump said Israel has been fighting Hezbollah too long and suggested Syria might handle Hezbollah better.
Trump says his efforts have been essential for Israel’s security.
Israeli officials said they expect troops to stay in Lebanon despite the deal, but Iran disagrees.
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Millions of people in four Western U.S. states are under heat warnings this week due to very high temperatures. Weather officials say the heat can cause serious health problems like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially for vulnerable groups.
Key Facts
Heat advisories are in effect across parts of California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
Temperatures may rise above 100°F in California and Nevada, with some valleys in California reaching up to 112°F.
Southern Oregon cities like Medford and Klamath Falls will see highs between 90°F and 104°F.
Even Washington cities such as Seattle and Tacoma expect temperatures between 85°F and 95°F.
Health risks from extreme heat include heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be deadly without prompt care.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, dizziness, and muscle cramps.
Heat stroke signs include high body temperature, confusion, rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness.
Officials advise people to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat, wear lightweight clothes, and use air conditioning or cooling centers.
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A Russian artist who criticized President Vladimir Putin was shot and killed in the eastern Polish town of Biała Podlaska. Polish authorities have detained two Belarusians related to the case but have not charged them.
Key Facts
The victim, identified as Robert Kuzovkov, used the artistic name Semyon Skrepetsky.
He was shot five times, including once in the head, on Monday in Poland.
Skrepetsky was known for his criticism of Russian authorities and had recently protested in Berlin.
Two Belarusian men were detained but have not been formally charged.
Polish prosecutors are focusing on the victim’s identity as important for the investigation.
Poland is concerned about Russian spies targeting the country due to its support for Ukraine.
Polish security agencies are closely working with police and prosecutors on this case.
The Russian embassy in Warsaw did not provide a comment on the incident.
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President Donald Trump warned Iran that the U.S. will respond strongly if Iran tries to develop a nuclear weapon. He also criticized Israel’s recent military actions in Lebanon, urging Israel to be more careful and suggesting Syria should handle Hezbollah instead. The U.S. and Iran are close to signing an agreement to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Key Facts
President Trump said the U.S.-Iran deal would stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
A formal agreement between the U.S. and Iran is expected to be signed in Geneva soon.
After signing, both sides have 60 days to finalize the deal.
Trump believes Iran’s current leaders are more reasonable compared to previous leadership.
He criticized Israel for heavy military attacks in Lebanon that harmed civilians.
Trump said he has a good relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu but urged more responsibility.
Trump suggested that Syria should deal with Hezbollah, an armed group in Lebanon.
Trump considers Iran a bigger threat than the smaller conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
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The US and Iran are set to sign an agreement in Switzerland that could create a $300 billion investment fund for Iran. This fund would support Iran’s economy if the country follows the rules of the deal, which aims to address issues related to Iran’s nuclear program and end the conflict affecting global energy markets.
Key Facts
The deal is expected to be formally signed in Switzerland on Friday.
The $300 billion fund would come from companies wanting to invest in Iran, not directly from the US government.
US Vice President JD Vance said Iran’s access to these funds depends on its compliance with the agreement, including allowing inspections of its nuclear program.
President Donald Trump denied claims that the US is giving $300 million directly to Iran.
The fund aims to help Iran rejoin the global economy if it meets the deal’s obligations.
Iran has more than $100 billion in frozen assets held in foreign banks due to sanctions.
The 2015 nuclear deal gave some sanctions relief but was canceled by President Trump in 2018.
The new agreement does not confirm releasing $24 billion of frozen Iranian assets mentioned by Iranian media.
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The United States, which once led global efforts to fight infectious diseases, is now behind in responding to a deadly Ebola outbreak. It is unclear which country or organization will take the lead in controlling the spread of the virus.
Key Facts
The U.S. was previously a leader in fighting infectious diseases worldwide.
There is a new, deadly Ebola outbreak happening.
The U.S. response to the Ebola outbreak is slower than expected.
Other countries or groups have not clearly stepped up to lead the fight.
The delay in leadership may affect global efforts to control Ebola.
Ebola is a serious virus that can cause severe illness and death.
Quick and strong leadership is important to stop Ebola from spreading.
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G7 leaders met to encourage President Donald Trump to focus more on the war in Ukraine following Russia's invasion. French President Emmanuel Macron said he will try to persuade Trump to keep supporting Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia to reach a peace deal.
Key Facts
The G7 is a group of seven major countries that meet to discuss global issues.
The war in Ukraine started over four years ago after Russia invaded.
Recently, the conflict in Iran has attracted more attention than the Ukraine war.
At the G7 summit, allies want to bring the Ukraine war back as a priority for President Trump.
French President Macron is hosting the summit and plans to urge Trump to support Ukraine more.
The goal is to increase pressure on Russia to help find a peaceful solution to the war.
President Trump has not yet publicly changed his focus regarding the Ukraine conflict.
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South Africa is marking 50 years since the Soweto uprising, a protest by young people against apartheid education rules. During the protest, police shot and killed over 200 young demonstrators.
Key Facts
The Soweto uprising happened 50 years ago in South Africa.
It involved young people protesting against apartheid, a system that enforced racial segregation.
The protest focused on the education system under apartheid.
Police responded by shooting at the protesters.
More than 200 young people died during the protest.
The anniversary is a significant moment in South African history.
Apartheid was officially ended years after the uprising.
The event is remembered as a fight for equal rights and education.
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The 2026 G7 summit, hosted by France, will include new guest countries beyond the usual members to address global changes while the United States remains part of the group. This expansion reflects shifts in economic and political power as the G7 adapts to a world where it no longer holds sole dominance, partly influenced by President Donald Trump’s approach to international cooperation.
Key Facts
The G7 usually includes seven major democracies: France, the U.S., Britain, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada, and the European Union.
For the 2026 summit, France invited India, Brazil, South Korea, Kenya, Egypt, Qatar, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates.
Key global institutions like the World Bank, IMF, OECD, and African Development Bank will also join the meeting.
The goal is to address global issues such as Ukraine, the Middle East, AI, economic growth, and resource management.
The G7 now represents 28.4% of global GDP, 9.6% of the world population, and 49.3% of global military spending.
This is a decline from previous dominance, reflecting global power shifts and demographic changes.
The 2026 summit dates were changed, possibly due to President Trump’s 80th birthday.
The summit’s broadened invite list aims to include countries with resources, legitimacy, and strategic importance, as insurance against changing international dynamics.
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Foreign tourism to Cuba has dropped sharply in early 2026 due to stronger US sanctions. These sanctions have caused airlines and hotel companies to halt business, worsening fuel and supply shortages in the country.
Key Facts
Fewer than 360,000 tourists visited Cuba in the first five months of 2026, down 58.4% from last year.
The US government targeted Cuba’s tourism sector to pressure its communist leadership.
Air Canada stopped flights to Cuba because of fuel shortages and political uncertainty.
Spanish hotel chains Meliá and Iberostar closed many hotels to comply with US rules against doing business with Cuba’s military-controlled conglomerate Gaesa.
Gaesa is accused by US officials of keeping profits for a small elite and repressing critics.
US sanctions and an oil blockade have worsened Cuba’s shortages of fuel, medicine, food, and electricity.
Power cuts and resource shortages have led to protests, and items like communion wafers are running low.
Cuba’s state media reported a drop in the survival rate for children with cancer since the new sanctions began.
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Prince George will attend Eton College starting this September, following the announcement from Kensington Palace. This move ends years of speculation about his education after completing his time at Lambrook School.
Key Facts
Prince George is leaving Lambrook School, a preparatory school in Berkshire, to start at Eton College.
Eton College is a private boarding school for boys and was also attended by his father, Prince William.
Prince William described Lambrook as a place where George has already started boarding for some nights.
The announcement confirms widespread rumors in the British press about George’s next school.
Prince William experienced Eton as a supportive environment during his parents' divorce.
Prince William and Princess Kate have aimed to raise their children with a focus on normal family life and love.
The family will need to find a different school for Princess Charlotte because Eton is for boys only.
Some speculation suggested Kate preferred other schools, like Marlborough College, which she attended after leaving another boarding school due to bullying.
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Prince George will attend Eton College, the same school his father, Prince William, went to. Kensington Palace officially confirmed this decision, ending years of media guesses.
Key Facts
Prince George is the son of Prince William.
Prince George will go to Eton College for his education.
Prince William also attended Eton College.
Kensington Palace made the announcement.
The news stops years of guesses by the media about Prince George’s schooling.
Eton College is a well-known school in the UK.
This is an official decision shared by the royal family’s representatives.
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President Donald Trump said that Iran has agreed not to get nuclear weapons. He warned that Iran will face very serious consequences if it tries to acquire them. Trump made these remarks during a meeting with Qatar’s leader at the G7 summit in France.
Key Facts
President Trump stated that Iran agreed not to develop nuclear weapons.
He warned that Iran would face “unbelievable consequences” if it obtains nuclear weapons.
The comments were made at the G7 summit, a meeting of major world leaders.
Trump spoke while meeting with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim.
The G7 summit took place in France.
The discussion focused on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and global security concerns.
The phrase “hell will rain down” was used by Trump to emphasize the severity of consequences.
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President Donald Trump announced that the Strait of Hormuz will be fully open starting Friday, claiming a deal with Iran has been signed to prevent them from obtaining nuclear weapons. However, no formal peace or nuclear agreement has been finalized yet, and tensions remain in the region. Meanwhile, the G7 summit is addressing issues including support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
Key Facts
President Trump said the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway, will be completely open from Friday.
He claimed a deal with Iran was signed that stops Iran from having nuclear weapons.
No official peace or nuclear agreement has been signed yet; Iran has mined the strait amid ongoing tensions.
Israel does not support the deal and will maintain its military presence in Lebanon.
A memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed in Geneva on Friday, with technical talks led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance to start soon.
At the G7 summit, leaders plan to increase support for Ukraine and impose more sanctions on Russia.
A B-52 bomber crashed in California, with eight people presumed dead; experts suspect a flight-control malfunction.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said President Trump directed investigations against him and his wife, linked to his potential presidential run.
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President Donald Trump said that Israel would not exist without his help during the G7 summit. This statement revealed increasing tensions between him and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about Israel at the G7 summit.
He claimed Israel's existence depended on his actions.
His remarks showed a growing disagreement with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The statement was described as a sharp criticism.
The news was reported by Newsweek and is still developing.
The G7 summit is a meeting of leaders from major world economies.
No further details about their disagreement were given in the article.
The article was written by Brendan Cole and Toby Meyjes.
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