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New video footage shows the ship Quest, the last ship of explorer Ernest Shackleton. Scientists took the footage during an expedition to the shipwreck off Newfoundland where Shackleton died in 1922.
Key Facts
The ship Quest belonged to Ernest Shackleton, a famous Antarctic explorer.
Quest was the last ship Shackleton built before modern engines became common.
The shipwreck is located in the Labrador Sea near Newfoundland, Canada.
The exploration was done by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
The footage is the first video captured of the Quest wreck.
Shackleton died on or near the ship in 1922.
Shackleton was a key figure during the early 1900s period called the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.
The video was produced and edited by Meiying Wu.
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An ICE agent shot and killed a man during a law enforcement operation in Houston, Texas. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the shooting.
Key Facts
The incident involved an ICE agent, part of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
The shooting occurred during a planned enforcement operation in Houston.
The man who was shot died from his injuries.
Officials have opened an investigation into the shooting.
There are no further details provided about the identities or reasons behind the operation.
CBS News reported the event through their correspondent Shawna Mizelle.
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Marine Le Pen announced she will run for French president in 2027 despite being legally convicted of embezzlement. An appeal court confirmed her guilt but reduced her ban from running, allowing her to continue her presidential bid while she appeals the court’s decision on an electronic monitoring sentence.
Key Facts
Marine Le Pen is the leader of France’s far-right National Rally party.
She was convicted for embezzling European Parliament funds in a fake jobs scam.
The appeal court upheld her conviction but shortened her ban on running for office.
She faces a one-year sentence that could require wearing an electronic tag to monitor her movements.
Le Pen appealed the electronic tag ruling, delaying its enforcement until a higher court decision.
This legal situation creates uncertainty about her ability to campaign freely.
Le Pen has run for president twice before, losing both times to Emmanuel Macron.
Her party president, Jordan Bardella, supports her and may become her future prime minister if she wins.
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President Donald Trump attended the NATO summit, expressing surprise praise for the alliance despite earlier criticisms. He also discussed ongoing tensions with Iran, stating that a ceasefire recently agreed upon is effectively over due to Iranian attacks, and emphasized the goal of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Key Facts
President Trump called the NATO meeting positive, highlighting unity among member countries.
Earlier, he had complained about NATO’s support on issues like the Iran conflict and defense spending.
Trump praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and mentioned progress toward ending the Ukraine-Russia war.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said European leaders credited Trump with helping NATO progress.
Trump declared that Iran violated a recent ceasefire agreement by attacking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
He recalled past Iranian actions against US forces, reinforcing US hostility toward Iran.
Trump stated the new goal is Iran’s denuclearization and suggested future US military strikes might occur.
Some of Trump’s statements included incorrect names or mixed-up words during his remarks.
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Graham Platner may decide soon whether to stay in Maine’s U.S. Senate race after sexual assault accusations were made against him. His campaign is asking supporters for input before making a choice, while the Maine Democratic Party plans how to select a new candidate if he withdraws.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is a Democratic candidate in Maine’s U.S. Senate race.
He faces sexual assault allegations from two women, which he denies.
Platner’s campaign started a two-day process to gather supporters’ opinions on his future in the race.
Senator Bernie Sanders advised Platner to step aside because of the allegations.
Maine law allows the Democratic Party to replace a nominee by July 13 if they withdraw.
The party must pick a new candidate by July 27 if needed.
Maine Democratic Party leaders say they will create a fair process to choose a replacement.
Platner’s team denies trying to influence the party’s replacement decision.
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UK parliament members have called for the full release of a government report warning that the collapse of ecosystems abroad could cause severe problems for the UK’s national security. The report, kept mostly secret, predicts serious food shortages, political instability, and possible conflict due to environmental damage and climate change.
Key Facts
A secret UK intelligence report says ecosystem collapse overseas threatens UK national security.
The government has only shared a limited, redacted version of the report despite demands for full publication.
The report warns of food shortages in the UK within five years due to environmental damage and climate change.
MPs say the government is ignoring links between climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and security risks.
There are concerns that cuts to UK overseas aid and climate budgets worsen the problem.
The Amazon rainforest is mentioned as a key ecosystem at risk of reaching a tipping point.
Parliament members urge urgent government action to protect ecosystems and address the crisis.
The report involves the joint intelligence committee and other government departments.
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Israeli air strikes in Gaza killed at least eight people, including two children, according to Palestinian health officials. These attacks happened despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas brokered by the United States in October 2023.
Key Facts
At least eight people died in recent Israeli air strikes in Gaza, including children aged 6 and 10.
The attacks struck locations such as near a school, a displaced persons’ tent, and a vehicle.
Twelve people were wounded in these air strike incidents.
The Israeli military said it targeted fighters but did not confirm civilian casualties.
Since the ceasefire in October 2023, over 1,000 people have been killed and more than 3,400 injured due to Israeli actions, according to Gaza health officials.
The overall death toll in Gaza from the conflict has reached over 73,000 with more than 173,000 injuries.
Israel has increased its control over Gaza territory by about 11% beyond agreed boundaries from the ceasefire.
The UN reports worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, including nearly 9,300 chickenpox cases in overcrowded health facilities.
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Federal Reserve officials had different views on the future of the U.S. economy and inflation at their recent meeting. While they agreed to keep interest rates the same for now, some members believe rate increases might be needed if inflation stays high due to factors like strong demand from AI development and global events.
Key Facts
Federal Reserve officials see various possible future paths for the economy and inflation.
All members agreed to keep interest rates unchanged at the last meeting.
Some officials want to raise rates soon because inflation risks remain high.
Others expect inflation to ease as energy prices and tariffs decline.
Inflation may stay above the Fed's 2% target due to strong demand related to AI and global conflicts.
Officials are split on whether interest rates will rise or fall by the end of the year.
Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh did not give a clear forecast or guidance on future rate changes.
The Fed sees risks to inflation as more likely to increase rather than decrease for now.
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President Donald Trump said he is Iran’s main target and mentioned that the US has killed many Iranian leaders before. He also expressed doubt about making a deal with Iran and suggested continuing efforts against the country.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump called himself Iran’s “No. 1 target.”
He said the US has repeatedly eliminated Iranian leaders in the past.
Trump is uncertain about making a deal with Iran.
He suggested finishing the job, implying further actions against Iran.
The statements highlight ongoing tensions between the US and Iran.
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Hannah Dugan, a former Wisconsin judge convicted of obstructing federal immigration agents, was sentenced to pay a $5,000 fine but did not receive prison time. The judge in the case said prison was not necessary, noting Dugan’s past public service and that she made a poor decision in the moment.
Key Facts
Hannah Dugan was found guilty of felony obstruction related to immigration agents.
She was accused of blocking federal immigration officials and hiding an undocumented man at a courthouse.
A jury convicted her of obstruction but acquitted her of concealing the undocumented immigrant.
She resigned from her judge position after the conviction.
U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman sentenced Dugan to a $5,000 fine and no prison time.
Dugan faced a maximum prison term of five years but was spared jail.
The judge described Dugan as a dedicated public servant who made a bad choice.
Prosecutors wanted a strong sentence, citing harm to justice when a judge obstructs legal processes.
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A judge has ordered that President Donald Trump pay over $5 million to writer E Jean Carroll. This money comes from a civil case where Trump was found responsible for sexually abusing and defaming her, and the funds were held in a court account during appeals.
Key Facts
Judge Lewis Kaplan ordered the release of more than $5 million owed to E Jean Carroll.
The money was held in a court-controlled account after Trump deposited it following the ruling.
President Trump was found liable for sexually abusing Carroll in the 1990s and defaming her later.
Carroll won the damages in a 2023 New York jury trial.
Trump denied the allegations and tried to delay payment by seeking Supreme Court review.
A federal appeals court upheld the original verdict and rejected Trump's request for a new trial.
Trump’s legal team criticized the case as politically motivated but did not stop the release order.
Carroll is an 82-year-old former magazine columnist who claimed the abuse happened in a Manhattan department store.
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President Donald Trump will fly from Turkey to England on an older Air Force One jet instead of the new, $400 million plane given to the U.S. by Qatar. He said the new plane will be displayed at a U.S. military base in the U.K. so soldiers can see it.
Key Facts
Trump traveled to Turkey on a new Air Force One plane gifted by Qatar last year.
For the trip from Turkey to England, Trump chose the older Air Force One jet.
Trump said the new plane is being sent to U.K. bases for military personnel to tour it.
Reporters asked if security concerns about Iran influenced the decision, but Trump did not confirm this.
Trump said he believes he is a high-value target for Iran and spoke about the risks to his life.
The new plane sparked criticism over security and possible conflicts of interest when accepted.
U.S.-Iran tensions were high, with recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian targets and sanctions on Iranian oil.
Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran over during the NATO summit in Turkey.
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The parents of Calvin "C.J." Dickey Jr., a football player who died after a 2024 practice at Bucknell University, spoke after criminal charges were filed against former coach Mark Kulbis. Kulbis faces charges including aggravated hazing and involuntary manslaughter for making Dickey Jr. do extreme workouts despite knowing about his sickle-cell trait condition.
Key Facts
Mark Kulbis, former Bucknell strength and conditioning coach, is charged with felony aggravated hazing and misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and hazing.
Calvin "C.J." Dickey Jr. died after a football practice where he was made to do 100 "up-downs" despite struggling visibly during drills.
Dickey Jr. had sickle-cell trait, a condition that makes intense exercise more risky, which the coach knew about before the workout.
NCAA rules require all new athletes to be tested for sickle-cell trait and to have proper precautions during exercise.
The coach only called for help after Dickey Jr. passed out, and the player died two days later in the hospital.
Kulbis left Bucknell about six months after the death, and his lawyer denies responsibility.
The Dickey family formed the C.J. Dickey Foundation to raise awareness about sickle-cell trait and filed a civil lawsuit against Bucknell University.
The family hopes the case will lead to better education and safety in sports programs to prevent similar tragedies.
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President Donald Trump and other NATO leaders met in Ankara, Turkey, for a summit where Trump approved Ukraine producing Patriot missile interceptors to help in its conflict with Russia. He also expressed strong criticism toward Iran during the event.
Key Facts
The NATO summit took place in Ankara, Turkey.
President Trump supported Ukraine manufacturing Patriot missile interceptors.
This decision aids Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia.
NATO members view the support for Ukraine positively.
President Trump strongly criticized Iran during the summit.
The meeting involved leaders from NATO member countries.
The summit aimed to discuss security and alliance cooperation.
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Illinois’ two largest private water companies, Illinois American Water and Aqua Illinois, are asking regulators to approve significant rate increases and a merger between their parent companies. The Illinois Commerce Commission is reviewing these requests while a consumer group warns the merger could reduce competition and lead to higher prices without service improvement.
Key Facts
Illinois American Water wants to raise rates by $142 million, increasing water bills by about $14 and wastewater bills by about $28 per month for typical customers.
Aqua Illinois has requested a $26.5 million rate increase, which would raise combined water and wastewater bills by about $23 per month.
The two companies’ parent firms, American Water and Essential Utilities, are seeking approval for a merger that would combine the largest private water services in Illinois.
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB), a consumer watchdog, opposes the merger, citing past complaints about high bills and poor service.
If the merger is approved, over 99.99% of Illinois private water utility customers would be served by American Water and its affiliates.
The requested rate hikes are intended to pay for infrastructure upgrades, replacing lead service lines, and improving cybersecurity.
Aqua Illinois customers could see rate increases starting in April 2027, with some bills rising by up to nearly 30%.
The merger, if approved, is expected to be finalized by early 2027.
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The Federal Reserve’s committee decided to keep interest rates the same last month but showed disagreement about future inflation. Some officials think inflation will drop soon, while others worry new technology investments could keep prices high.
Key Facts
The Federal Reserve kept its key interest rate at 3.6% in the latest meeting.
There are 19 officials on the rate-setting committee, with differing views about inflation.
Some officials believe inflation will go down as gas prices drop and tariffs fade.
Others worry large spending on artificial intelligence and tech products may keep inflation high.
Kevin Warsh became the new Federal Reserve Chair, appointed by President Donald Trump.
Jerome Powell, the previous Chair, remains on the committee as a Fed governor until 2028.
President Trump had criticized Powell for not lowering borrowing costs fast enough.
The minutes show no immediate move by Warsh to cut interest rates.
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Lebanese pop singer Fadel Shaker, who became involved in militancy, was released on bail after months in jail. He faces ongoing investigations related to 2013 clashes between Sunni militants and the Lebanese army near Sidon.
Key Facts
Fadel Shaker surrendered to Lebanese military intelligence in October after 12 years as a fugitive.
He was sentenced to 22 years in prison in 2020 for supporting a terrorist group in 2013 clashes.
Shaker paid 500 million Lebanese pounds (about $5,500) for his release on bail.
He faces charges including membership in an armed group, funding armed groups, and money laundering.
The 2013 clashes near Sidon involved Sunni militants and Lebanese army soldiers, causing deaths and deepening sectarian tensions.
Shaker was close to Sunni cleric Ahmed al-Assir, who was sentenced to death for his role in the clashes.
Shaker denies participating in the clashes but a video shows him taunting the military during the event.
After release, Shaker moved to a rented apartment in Beirut and the legal case is still ongoing.
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Thousands of people in La Guaira, Venezuela, are struggling to get clean water and proper toilets after earthquakes damaged many buildings and water tanks. Relief groups, including the U.S., are providing food, water, and hygiene supplies to help those living in temporary shelters or outside.
Key Facts
Strong earthquakes hit Venezuela on June 24, causing 3,685 deaths.
About 190 buildings collapsed, and 856 were damaged in the affected area.
Many families lost their water storage tanks, making it hard to get water.
Some communities had water service only once a month or less even before the earthquakes.
People are using beaches for showers and toilets due to lack of facilities.
The U.S. is sending humanitarian aid with food, water, and hygiene kits.
Relief workers distributed aid boxes near the beach in Maiquetía, home to the country’s main airport.
Humanitarian groups say better living conditions are needed to stop disease from spreading.
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At the NATO summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump and the other leaders renewed their commitment to defend each other if attacked, despite previous tensions. Trump described the summit as a success and highlighted unity among the allies.
Key Facts
The NATO summit took place in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7-8, 2026.
Leaders confirmed their commitment to Article 5, meaning an attack on one ally is an attack on all.
President Trump said there was “a lot of love” and unity among the leaders during the summit.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said allies welcomed President Trump’s leadership.
Trump authorized U.S. military strikes on Iran shortly after the summit dinner.
Rutte did not rule out a future NATO role in the conflict with Iran, although Iran is outside NATO territory.
The U.S. will license its Patriot air defense system technology to allies.
The summit saw discussions about defense and cooperation amid some past disagreements, including Trump’s interest in Greenland.
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DOGE, a government agency previously led by Elon Musk, is closing down after ending many public contracts and laying off numerous federal workers. The agency had a controversial period under Musk’s leadership.
Key Facts
DOGE was a government agency.
Elon Musk once led DOGE.
The agency canceled billions of dollars in public contracts.
Many federal employees lost their jobs due to DOGE’s actions.
DOGE is now shutting down.
The closure follows a controversial time under Musk’s management.
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