Cuba is facing a growing shortage of electricity and fuel, partly due to U.S. sanctions. People in Havana often have only about two hours of power each day and are expressing frustration with the situation. The Cuban government has introduced major economic changes, but energy supplies remain very limited.
Key Facts
Cuba is experiencing a worsening crisis in electricity and fuel supply.
The U.S. government has imposed an oil blockade on Cuba earlier this year.
Many Havana residents get about two hours of electricity daily.
Frustration among Cubans is increasing as power cuts happen frequently.
The Cuban government announced broad economic reforms in response to the crisis.
Energy rationing continues despite government efforts to improve the situation.
Residents are openly criticizing the government because of the hardships caused by the shortages.
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Alan Greenspan, who led the US Federal Reserve from 1987 to 2006, died at age 100. He was praised for managing the economy through crises and a long boom but was later criticized for policies linked to the 2008 financial crash.
Key Facts
Greenspan chaired the US Federal Reserve for nearly 20 years, serving under four presidents.
He helped prevent economic disasters after the 1987 stock market crash and the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
His leadership saw one of the longest US economic booms from 1991 to 2001.
Greenspan's approach favored less government control of banks, trusting them to police themselves.
This approach was later blamed for contributing to the 2008 financial crash.
He admitted in 2008 that his belief in self-regulation by banks was flawed.
Greenspan was influenced by philosopher Ayn Rand and her ideas about capitalism and limited government.
A 2010 congressional report found that his policies helped remove important financial protections, leading to economic risks.
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ABC is asking the public to support the network as it faces two investigations by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). One investigation looks at a rule for the daytime talk show The View, and the other questions whether ABC can renew licenses for its eight local TV stations.
Key Facts
The FCC is investigating whether The View broke a rule about giving equal time to political candidates.
The FCC is also reviewing ABC’s request to renew licenses for eight local TV stations.
Public comments on The View investigation are open until June 22.
Petitions against ABC’s license renewals can be submitted until June 29.
ABC will air ads urging viewers to support the network during The View and in local markets like New York and Los Angeles.
The ads highlight The View’s history and ABC’s service to local communities.
Some ABC licenses are not set to expire until 2031.
Critics say the FCC’s open investigations may be targeting ABC because it has been criticized by President Donald Trump.
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A pregnant fin whale was found dead on the front part of a cruise ship that arrived in Seward, Alaska. Authorities are investigating the cause of death and have started an animal autopsy to learn more.
Key Facts
The dead whale was a pregnant female fin whale, an endangered species.
It was found on the "bulbous bow," the front part, of a cruise ship in Seward, Alaska.
NOAA Fisheries Alaska is handling the investigation and working with the Alaska SeaLife Center to perform a necropsy (animal autopsy).
It is illegal for people to take any parts of the whale unless they are Alaska Natives using the parts for traditional purposes.
Fin whales are the second-largest whale species and face serious threats from being hit by ships.
Nearly 725,000 fin whales were killed by whaling in the Southern Hemisphere during the 20th century.
Other recent fin whale deaths have occurred, including a similar case in New Jersey and one near Anchorage, Alaska.
Icelandic hunters recently resumed fin whale hunting after a pause, causing concern among conservationists.
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A man from North Carolina was sentenced to eight years in prison for trying to join ISIS, a terrorist group. Authorities stopped him at the airport as he tried to fly overseas to fight with ISIS.
Key Facts
Alexander Justin White, 30, was convicted of trying to support ISIS, a foreign terrorist group.
He was arrested while trying to board a flight to North Africa to join ISIS fighters.
White had been sharing ISIS-related videos online and encouraging others to join from May to October 2024.
He tried to raise and send money to help terrorist activities and discussed plans on social media and encrypted messaging apps.
White expressed willingness to carry out violence, including attacks on U.S. military and civilians.
ISIS is a militant group that controlled parts of Iraq and Syria but lost most territory by 2019 after U.S.-led military efforts.
Despite losing territory, ISIS still inspires attacks worldwide, including "lone wolf" attacks in the U.S.
U.S. officials warn the threat from ISIS remains and continue to act against those who support terrorism.
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U.S. Vice President JD Vance recently finished two days of talks with Iran and is hopeful about progress. However, there are still important disagreements that could prevent a deal between the two countries.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance met with Iranian officials for two days of discussions.
The talks focused on reaching an agreement between the U.S. and Iran.
Vance expressed optimism after the meetings.
Despite positive signs, some key issues remain unresolved.
These unresolved issues might stop the two sides from making a final deal.
The talks are part of ongoing efforts to improve U.S.-Iran relations.
Details about the exact disagreements have not been fully shared in the report.
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President Donald Trump launched a $14 million project to repaint Washington DC’s Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in a dark blue color for the U.S. 250th anniversary. The project faced delays, cost overruns, algae problems, and public criticism, with Trump blaming vandalism for the issues.
Key Facts
The reflecting pool is a famous site between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, known from Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963.
President Trump wanted to repaint the pool "American flag blue" quickly for the July 4th celebrations, awarding a no-bid contract to Atlantic Industrial Coatings.
The project’s cost rose from an initial estimate of $1.8 million to nearly $15 million.
The Obama administration had spent about $34 million on a longer renovation that improved leaks, filtration, and water usage.
The pool turned green soon after repainting due to algae growth in standing water, causing public concern.
Trump claimed the water was "crystal clear" and blamed negative reports on "fake news."
The government is using advanced technology called "nanobubblers" to try to remove the algae.
A lawsuit was filed opposing the blue paint, arguing it disrupts the memorial's traditional look and dignity.
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, is backing several progressive candidates in New York’s congressional primaries. These candidates are running against more traditional Democrats, and the results will show how much support Mamdani’s progressive movement has in the city.
Key Facts
Mayor Zohran Mamdani supports progressive and socialist candidates in New York congressional races.
Mamdani is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and was elected mayor in 2025.
He endorsed Brad Lander over incumbent Dan Goldman in New York’s 10th District.
He also supports Darializa Avila Chevalier (a DSA member) against incumbent Adriano Espaillat in the 13th District.
In the 7th District, Mamdani backs Assemblymember Claire Valdez against Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
Valdez and Chevalier are DSA members; Lander is not affiliated with the DSA.
Polls show mixed results, with some suggesting Valdez and Reynoso are close in the 7th District race, and prediction markets favor Valdez.
Representative Nydia Velázquez is retiring, creating an open seat in the left-leaning 7th District.
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Twin brothers Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye from Nigeria married twin sisters Taiwo and Kehinde Adediran in a joint wedding ceremony in Ibadan. The couples met in university, became friends, and reunited years later to start their relationships, celebrating a strong twin culture among the Yoruba people.
Key Facts
The wedding took place in Ibadan, a city in south-west Nigeria.
Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye are fraternal twin brothers; Taiwo and Kehinde Adediran are identical twin sisters.
The Yoruba people have a high number of twin births and consider twins a blessing.
The twin names Taiwo and Kehinde have special meanings related to birth order.
The couples first met at the University of Ibadan about 10 years ago.
Both couples waited years before starting their romantic relationships.
Families warmly welcomed the unions, and many other twins attended the wedding.
The Oguntoye brothers are involved in promoting twin culture and tourism locally.
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The concert movie "Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour," co-directed by Billie Eilish and James Cameron, showed her live tour in 3D in theaters worldwide. Starting June 23, 2026, the movie will be available to rent or buy on digital platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV.
Key Facts
The film is 114 minutes long and shows Billie Eilish’s live tour experience.
It was co-directed by singer Billie Eilish and James Cameron, who has won three Academy Awards.
The movie was originally shown in 3D in theaters globally in May.
From June 23, 2026, it can be rented or purchased on Video on Demand services such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.
The movie is not yet available on streaming services.
There is no confirmed release date for DVD, Blu-ray, or 4K Ultra HD versions yet.
The film offers a behind-the-scenes look and shows Billie Eilish’s connection with her audience during the tour.
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Will Cathcart is stepping down as head of WhatsApp after nearly seven years. Kunal Shah, the founder of the Indian fintech start-up Cred, will take over leading the messaging app, which is used by over three billion people worldwide.
Key Facts
Will Cathcart has led WhatsApp for almost seven years and helped it grow to more than three billion users.
Cathcart announced his decision to step back while WhatsApp is in a strong position.
Kunal Shah, founder of Cred, will become the new head of WhatsApp.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg praised Shah’s experience and global outlook.
Cred is an Indian fintech company that rewards users who pay their credit cards on time.
Meta invested $900 million in Cred, owning about 20% of the company.
Meta has no access to Cred’s member data despite the investment.
WhatsApp has about 853 million users in India and is part of Meta’s family of apps.
WhatsApp is exploring new revenue ways like ads, paid subscriptions, and AI features.
WhatsApp has faced privacy concerns and legal challenges in India related to data sharing.
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Clive Davis, a famous music producer known for helping stars like Whitney Houston and Barry Manilow, has died at the age of 94. He was a longtime head of Columbia Records and played a big role in the music industry.
Key Facts
Clive Davis was 94 years old when he died.
He was a legendary record producer.
Davis was the former head of Columbia Records.
He helped launch the careers of artists like Whitney Houston and Barry Manilow.
His death was confirmed by ABC News.
The story is still developing with more updates expected.
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Two British hackers pleaded guilty to breaking into Transport for London's computer systems in 2024, causing £39 million in damage and affecting 10 million people’s data. The attack disrupted payment services and live travel updates, and one hacker also admitted hacking two U.S. healthcare companies.
Key Facts
Thalha Jubair (20) and Owen Flowers (18) pleaded guilty at Woolwich crown court to computer misuse offenses.
They attacked Transport for London (TfL), affecting live tube info, payment systems, and customer data for about 10 million people.
The hack caused losses estimated at £39 million.
TfL emailed over 7 million customers to warn them about the incident and possible data theft.
Flowers also admitted hacking two U.S. healthcare firms in September 2024.
Jubair faces additional accusations from the U.S. related to cyber-attacks on 47 organizations, involving over $100 million in ransom.
Both hackers were held in custody while awaiting sentencing in July 2024.
Some charges against them were not pursued further after guilty pleas on key offenses.
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People who receive federal disability benefits are still contacted by debt collectors, but there are important legal protections for those benefits. Disability payments, especially Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), are generally safe from being taken by private debt collectors through bank account seizures or wage garnishments, although debt collectors can still try to collect in other ways.
Key Facts
Federal disability benefits have legal protections that keep them mostly safe from private debt collectors.
Debt collectors can still call, send letters, or sue, but they usually cannot take money directly from disability benefits.
If a debt collector contacts you, you should first verify the debt is valid and belongs to you.
Debt collectors must provide details about the debt, such as the amount owed and the original creditor.
You can dispute a debt if it is incorrect or does not belong to you.
Banks generally protect a portion of federal benefits automatically from most private creditors.
Certain government debts like unpaid federal taxes or student loans may affect disability benefits differently and can sometimes be collected directly.
It is helpful to keep disability funds in a separate bank account to avoid confusion or accidental seizure.
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Spain’s Supreme Court sentenced former transport minister José Luis Ábalos to 24 years in prison for taking bribes related to public contracts for sanitary equipment during the Covid pandemic. His aide, Koldo García, was sentenced to 19 years, and both were found guilty of corruption-related crimes. The trial is part of wider scandals involving Spain’s government under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Key Facts
José Luis Ábalos was jailed for 24 years for accepting bribes tied to Covid sanitary contracts.
Koldo García, Ábalos’s aide, received a 19-year prison sentence.
Both were found guilty of crimes including bribery, money laundering, and misuse of public funds.
The court said these crimes harm democracy by turning public power into personal gain.
The sentencing happened just days after a separate court ruled Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, may flee and took away her passport over her own corruption case.
Begoña Gómez is accused of using her influence to get sponsors for a university course and misusing state funds.
The judge’s comments about Gómez’s security detail triggered disciplinary actions and criticism from police and the government.
The corruption cases are part of broader political struggles in Spain, with accusations of politically motivated legal actions from opposition groups.
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Clive Davis, a well-known music industry leader who helped launch the careers of stars like Whitney Houston and Bruce Springsteen, has died at age 94. He was the chief creative officer at Sony Music and previously led major record labels including Columbia and Arista.
Key Facts
Clive Davis died at the age of 94 after recently being hospitalized with breathing problems.
He was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a nerve disorder, in 2021.
Davis signed famous musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, Janis Joplin, Santana, Whitney Houston, Billy Joel, and Aerosmith.
He worked as president of Columbia Records and later led Arista, J Records, RCA Group, and BMG North America.
Davis was chief creative officer at Sony Music from 2018 until his death.
He grew up in Brooklyn, graduated from New York University and Harvard Law School.
He began his music career as a lawyer for Columbia Records and quickly rose to leadership by signing influential rock and pop artists.
Davis credited his strong work ethic to challenges he faced after losing his parents at a young age.
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted and then deleted a controversial social media image linking the U.S.-Mexico border wall to the U.S. men's national soccer team after their World Cup win. The posts drew criticism because many team players are immigrants or children of immigrants, highlighting tensions around immigration and citizenship policies.
Key Facts
DHS posted an edited photo showing the U.S. men's soccer team with a border wall and caption "Built the wall."
The post was deleted shortly after widespread backlash.
Another DHS post before the match used immigrant players to promote a homeland defense message.
Many U.S. team players were born outside the U.S. or have immigrant parents.
Folarin Balogun, one of the team’s star players, is a U.S. citizen by birthright, born in Brooklyn.
Birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment is currently challenged in a Supreme Court case, Trump v. Barbara.
Legislation like the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025 could force dual citizens to choose one nationality, possibly affecting players’ eligibility.
Lawmakers and experts say such citizenship restrictions would be unconstitutional.
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A one-year-old boy named Kohen Wiley was fatally shot by police in Senatobia, Mississippi, during a response to a shoplifting call involving alleged stolen diapers. The incident has caused protests and raised concerns about police treatment of Black residents and calls for better police accountability.
Key Facts
Kohen Wiley, a 1-year-old Black boy, died after police shot at a vehicle connected to a shoplifting call.
The police responded to a Walmart call about stolen diapers but the boy’s family denies the theft.
Police say the driver almost hit an officer before the shot was fired; the family disputes this account.
A police expert said shooting at a moving vehicle is very dangerous and should be avoided.
The shooting has sparked protests and calls for police reform in Senatobia, a town of about 8,000 people.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is representing Kohen’s family.
The case echoes a 2023 shooting of a pregnant Black woman in Ohio, also linked to a shoplifting stop.
Civil rights advocates highlight this as part of a broader issue of Black Americans dying in police encounters over minor offenses.
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Afro B, a British Afrobeats artist, released a new song called "Mapouka" that honors his Ivorian heritage. The song is the first single from his upcoming album "Afro Ivoire." The article also highlights French singer-songwriter Yoa, who began making music during the COVID-19 pandemic and won a major French music award last year.
Key Facts
Afro B is known for the hit "Drogba (Joanna)" which was one of the first Afrobeats songs to hit the US charts.
He has worked with artists like French Montana and Chris Brown.
"Mapouka" celebrates Afro B’s roots in Ivory Coast and is part of his upcoming album "Afro Ivoire."
Yoa is a French singer-songwriter who originally trained as an actress.
She started creating music during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Yoa's lyrics focus on personal themes such as mental health and sexual assault.
Last year, Yoa won the award for Best New Live Act at France’s Victoires de la Musique.
Yoa is re-releasing her debut album titled “La Favorite.”
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A French court has decided not to hold a trial over the use of a harmful insecticide called chlordécone in the French West Indies. This chemical, considered possibly cancer-causing since 1979, was used there from 1972 to 1993 due to a legal exception that bypassed its ban.
Key Facts
Chlordécone is a toxic insecticide linked to health risks, including cancer.
It was labeled possibly carcinogenic in 1979.
France banned chlordécone in 1990.
Despite this ban, chlordécone was used in the French West Indies until 1993.
A by-law allowed its continued use after the official ban.
The health impact of this insecticide has been a scandal for about 20 years.
A French court rejected calls for a trial related to this issue in June 2026.
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