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Two British Royal Navy F-35 jets flew to intercept a Russian maritime patrol plane near the HMS Prince of Wales carrier strike group in the Norwegian Sea. The Russian plane, designed to detect submarines, flew low and dropped devices called sonobuoys near the British ships before leaving after being escorted away.
Key Facts
The incident occurred over the Norwegian Sea near a British carrier strike group.
The Russian plane involved was a "Bear-F," used to hunt submarines.
The aircraft flew at low altitude near the HMS Prince of Wales.
It dropped multiple sonobuoys, which are devices used to detect submarines in the water.
Two British F-35 fighter jets scrambled to intercept and escort the Russian plane out.
The UK Ministry of Defence described Russia’s behavior as unsafe and unprofessional.
The British jets remained with the Russian plane until it left the area.
The situation is ongoing and may have further updates.
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As Europe faces a new heatwave, many people in and around Paris rushed to buy affordable air conditioners made in China. This demand grew despite ongoing trade tensions between China and the European Union.
Key Facts
A heatwave is approaching Europe, increasing the need for air cooling.
People in Paris and nearby areas crowded supermarkets to buy air conditioners.
Chinese air conditioners are popular because they are cheaper than other brands.
Buying Chinese AC units happens even though the European Union and China have trade disagreements.
The rush led to scuffles and shouting matches in stores.
The article was reported by FRANCE 24 correspondent Yena Lee.
The situation reflects how weather events can affect buying choices and international trade.
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Scaffolding has been set up around some of the White House’s North Portico columns. The White House says the work is routine repair, but some people are wondering if President Trump plans to change the columns’ style from Ionic to Corinthian.
Key Facts
Workers were seen on scaffolding around the White House’s North Portico columns over the July 4 weekend.
There is no public proof that the columns will be replaced; the White House calls it standard stone repair.
Rodney Mims Cook Jr., chairman of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, suggested replacing the Ionic columns with Corinthian ones.
Corinthian columns are considered more decorative and are used on other government buildings.
The idea to change columns has faced criticism from architects and historic preservation groups.
President Trump posted on social media about Corinthian columns shortly before the scaffolding appeared.
The White House is also conducting several other renovation projects in Washington, D.C., including work on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and plans for a large new ballroom.
Some of these renovation projects have faced legal challenges and public concerns.
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The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is taking action against online shops that do not show all costs clearly before checkout. They want shoppers to see any extra fees upfront and know if they can get compensation for hidden charges.
Key Facts
The CMA is focusing on unclear pricing in online shopping.
Hidden fees often appear only at checkout, surprising buyers.
Shoppers are advised to watch for extra charges before completing a purchase.
The CMA aims to make online prices clearer and fairer.
Consumers may be able to claim money back if they were charged hidden fees.
BBC Money Box explains how to identify these fees and understand rights.
The news is recent, published less than an hour ago.
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Hamas announced it has dissolved its governing body in the Gaza Strip after nearly 20 years. This move allows a new Palestinian technocratic committee, set up by a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, to take over Gaza’s administration.
Key Facts
Hamas has ruled Gaza since 2007 after taking control from the Palestinian group Fatah.
The governing body Hamas dissolved managed Gaza’s civilian affairs for almost 20 years.
The new committee is called the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).
NCAG was established by a peace board created through a deal brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Hamas has said it will transfer governance but wants its armed group to remain until a Palestinian administration is formed.
Israeli forces control about 70 percent of Gaza and oppose the NCAG entering Gaza so far.
The ceasefire between Hamas and Israel began in October 2025.
Negotiations continue over Hamas’s disarmament and the terms for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is attending a NATO summit amid pressure from the US to increase the UK’s defense spending to meet alliance targets. The US ambassador criticized some NATO members, including the UK, for not spending enough on defense, while UK officials plan to work on raising defense budgets in the coming years.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer will attend the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
NATO members agreed last year to spend at least 3.5% of GDP on defense by 2035.
The UK plans to raise defense spending from 2.6% of GDP in 2027 to 2.7% by 2030, aiming for 3% in the next parliament.
The US ambassador to NATO said President Trump wants all members to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP as soon as possible.
The UK’s defense secretary, Dan Jarvis, supports increasing spending to show progress toward NATO goals.
There is uncertainty about the UK’s future defense plans if Andy Burnham becomes prime minister.
Recently, UK jets intercepted a Russian plane that flew near the HMS Prince of Wales in the Norwegian Sea.
The Russian aircraft dropped sonar devices near the UK aircraft carrier, which the UK described as unsafe behavior.
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The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has started in Manila over allegations including corruption and plotting against President Ferdinand Marcos. The trial may decide if she can run for president in 2028 and is taking place amidst political conflicts between Duterte and Marcos supporters.
Key Facts
Vice President Sara Duterte is being impeached on charges of corruption, bribery, and an assassination plot.
She denies all allegations and is not appearing in person but is represented by lawyers.
The impeachment trial is held by the Philippine Senate, with a two-thirds vote needed to remove her and ban her from future office.
Duterte is considered a leading candidate for the 2028 Philippine presidential election.
The impeachment is the second complaint after an earlier one was dismissed by the Supreme Court.
Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos come from two powerful political families; they once allied but are now in conflict.
The trial is happening amid political turmoil, including the arrest of a Duterte ally senator and violence in the Senate building.
Several senators involved have ties to past controversial police actions related to the so-called "war on drugs."
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Millions of people gathered in Tehran on July 6, 2026, to attend the funeral procession for Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed recently. The event lasted about 10 hours and drew large crowds showing emotion and respect on the streets.
Key Facts
Ali Khamenei was Iran’s supreme leader and was recently killed.
His funeral procession took place in Tehran on July 6, 2026.
Authorities estimated millions of people attended the funeral.
The public tribute for Khamenei lasted around 10 hours.
Large crowds showed admiration and strong emotions during the procession.
The funeral had significant preparations to handle the expected turnout.
Khamenei’s sons attended the funeral, but Iran’s new leader did not.
The event reflects the importance of Khamenei’s leadership in Iran’s society.
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The Trump administration plans to change the rules for employers who sponsor foreign workers for permanent U.S. residency. The Department of Labor aims to update the PERM labor certification process, which could make it harder and slower for employers and foreign workers to complete green card applications.
Key Facts
The Department of Labor will update the Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) system used for employer sponsorship of foreign workers.
Employers must currently prove no qualified U.S. workers are available before hiring a foreign worker permanently.
The process includes wage reviews, job ads in newspapers and online, and recruiting efforts like job fairs or campus recruiting.
These rules have not been updated much since 2004, despite changes in how employers recruit workers.
Planned changes may include stricter documentation, more recruitment steps, and stronger protections for U.S. workers.
These updates could increase the time and cost of sponsoring foreign workers for permanent residency.
The review fits into the Trump administration’s broader efforts to tighten legal immigration programs.
Details of the new rules are not yet published and are being closely watched by businesses and immigration attorneys.
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More than ten days after two earthquakes hit Venezuela, the official death count is at least 3,342 people, but the true number might be higher. People from around the country are helping by treating the injured, finding places for survivors to stay, and searching for those missing.
Key Facts
Venezuela experienced twin earthquakes over ten days ago.
The official death toll is at least 3,342 people.
The hardest-hit area is the northern coastal region of Venezuela.
Survivors and volunteers from across the country are actively helping.
They provide medical care, shelter, and search for missing persons.
Rescue teams are working to manage the aftermath of the disaster.
Foreign rescue workers have also joined efforts to recover victims.
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A Paris court will decide if Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right National Rally party, can run in the 2027 presidential election after she was found guilty of misusing European Parliament funds. If the court bars her, her protege Jordan Bardella, who is already the party president, would replace her as the candidate.
Key Facts
Marine Le Pen is the leader of France’s far-right National Rally party.
In March 2025, she and others in her party were found guilty of misusing European Parliament funds to hire aides who did party work instead of parliamentary tasks.
The court ruling on her eligibility to run in the 2027 presidential election is expected soon.
If banned, Jordan Bardella, 30, will become the National Rally’s presidential candidate.
Bardella is of Italian and Algerian descent and grew up in public housing.
Marine Le Pen took over leadership of the party from her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, in 2011, and changed its name from National Front to National Rally in 2018.
Le Pen has run for president twice, reaching the runoff in 2017 and losing to Emmanuel Macron.
Bardella was elected as a member of the European Parliament in 2019 and is a key party spokesperson.
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UK fighter jets intercepted a Russian patrol plane that flew too close to a British aircraft carrier in the Norwegian Sea. The Russian plane dropped devices used to detect submarines, and British jets escorted it away after it did not respond to calls.
Key Facts
Russian Bear-F plane flew low and close to the HMS Prince of Wales carrier in the Norwegian Sea.
The Russian plane dropped 10 sonobuoys, which are used to find submarines underwater.
British forces tried to contact the Russian plane, but it did not reply.
Two UK F-35 jets flew from the carrier to escort the Russian plane away.
The UK Carrier Strike Group is operating near Iceland under NATO command with 1,500 personnel aboard.
The operation is NATO’s first time doing air policing from a European aircraft carrier.
UK Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said the situation shows rising threats from Russia in many areas, including air, sea, and cyberspace.
NATO has warned Russia may use military force by 2030, and the UK is increasing its defense budget by £15 billion.
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Moldova is working quickly to join the European Union and recently started the first step in the EU membership talks. The European Union launched a €1.9 billion investment plan to support Moldova’s economy, focusing on reforms and key sectors like energy, education, and agriculture.
Key Facts
Moldova wants to speed up its process to join the European Union.
The EU opened the first chapter of negotiations for Moldova’s membership.
The EU created a €1.9 billion investment plan to help Moldova’s economy.
The investment plan requires Moldova to make changes in its government and economy.
A major investment conference was held in Moldova’s capital, Chisinau, on June 4, 2026.
The plan includes €641 million for projects in energy, digital infrastructure, education, and sustainable farming.
The goal is to attract businesses and improve Moldova’s economic standards to match Europe’s.
Moldova faces economic challenges and tensions from Russia’s ongoing hybrid war.
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French President Emmanuel Macron plans to visit Syria, marking the first visit by a Western European leader since Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa took office in 2024. The visit aims to strengthen ties between France and Syria and continues efforts toward normalizing relations after years of conflict.
Key Facts
Emmanuel Macron will visit Syria as the first Western European head of state to do so since 2024.
Ahmed al-Sharaa became Syria’s leader in 2024, following the Assad government.
Macron and al-Sharaa previously met in May 2025 at the Élysée Palace in France.
During the 2025 meeting, they discussed security issues and violence between religious groups in Syria.
Syria is seeking to improve and normalize its international relations through this visit.
The visit reflects ongoing efforts to stabilize the region after long conflict and isolation.
Both France and Syria aim to build stronger bilateral (two-way) ties through this dialogue.
The article mentions broader Middle East news but focuses mainly on the Syria-France relationship.
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Nigel Farage, leader of the UK’s Reform UK party, has earned over $2.5 million from outside jobs since becoming an MP in 2024. He is being investigated for not declaring a £5 million ($6.8 million) gift and has faced criticism for promoting expensive gold products despite his working-class supporters.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage leads the far-right, anti-immigration party Reform UK.
Since 2024, he earned more than $2.5 million from jobs outside Parliament.
In June, it was revealed he was paid £270,000 ($360,000) for promoting gold bullion.
Farage received a £5 million ($6.8 million) gift from major Reform UK donor Christopher Harborne.
Harborne donated over £30 million ($40 million) to Reform UK, including £12 million ($16.3 million) in 2025.
Farage did not declare the £5 million gift before his 2024 election, violating House of Commons rules.
The Conservative Party referred him to the parliamentary standards commissioner for investigation.
Experts say UK political finance rules allow big donations if declared, but Farage’s case tests the limits of transparency and regulation.
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Super Typhoon Bavi, a very strong storm with winds up to 180 mph, hit U.S. Pacific territories Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. It caused dangerous flooding, huge waves, and severe damage to homes and infrastructure, especially on the island of Rota.
Key Facts
Super Typhoon Bavi reached Category 5 strength, the highest level on the hurricane scale.
The storm hit Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, including the small island of Rota.
Winds were around 180 mph, with gusts possibly over 200 mph.
Waves reached heights of up to 35 feet, causing coastal flooding and dangerous sea conditions.
Officials warned over 200,000 residents to stay indoors due to life-threatening weather.
Rainfall of 12 to 20 inches was expected, increasing risks of flash floods and mudslides.
Roads were expected to become impassable, and power outages were likely.
Emergency alerts remained active through at least Tuesday or Wednesday to warn residents.
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Disney aired a special program called "Disney Celebrates America" to mark the 250th birthday of the United States. The coverage included highlights from fireworks, patriotic performances, and celebrations of American history and culture.
Key Facts
The event celebrated America's 250th birthday.
Disney provided 24 hours of coverage for the celebration.
Highlights included fireworks lighting up the sky.
Performances such as Brandi Carlile singing "America the Beautiful" were featured.
The program showcased American history, including military families and cultural heritage.
A parade of tall ships took place on the Hudson River.
The event also included stories about important American figures and legacies.
The special was part of nationwide celebrations for Independence Day.
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Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, was hit by Russian missile strikes for the second time in less than a week. At least 14 people died after missiles struck residential areas, despite Russia saying it targeted military and energy sites.
Key Facts
The missile attack happened early in the morning in Kyiv.
At least 14 people were killed in the attack.
This was the second large Russian missile strike on Kyiv in under a week.
Russia claims it targeted military and energy facilities.
The missiles hit residential neighborhoods where civilians live.
The attack is part of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Reports came from news agency France 24 and its correspondent in Odesa.
The strike follows a series of recent events and attacks related to the war.
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The article explains a tool created using United Nations data that shows where a person’s age fits compared to the whole world population. By entering a birthdate, the tool tells you what percent of people are older or younger than you globally and in specific countries, and it can also predict how this will change over time as populations age.
Key Facts
The tool is based on data from the United Nations Population Division.
It compares a person’s age to the world’s 8 billion people.
It shows what percent and number of people are older or younger than the user.
Users can see comparisons for individual countries.
The tool can predict future age rankings decades ahead.
For example, someone born on January 1, 2000, is older than 44% of the world today.
This same person is younger than about 75% of people in Japan, which has an older population.
The tool was released around World Population Day on July 11.
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Wildfires are burning across southern Europe, forcing thousands to leave their homes. Firefighters in several countries are working to control the blazes, which have spread due to high temperatures and strong winds following a record heatwave.
Key Facts
Wildfires have burned nearly 20,000 hectares (about 49,500 acres) in Portugal, Spain, France, and Greece.
Over 10,000 people were evacuated near the French Pyrenees due to a large wildfire.
Some parts of France have had twice as much land burned so far this year compared to last year.
The early summer heatwaves caused record-breaking temperatures and made the land very dry and prone to fires.
Scientists say the extreme heat would have been almost impossible without climate change.
Officials banned the public from watching a stage of the Tour de France in the Pyrenees to keep people safe.
Fire crews are using hundreds of vehicles and aircraft to fight the fires, with help from neighboring countries.
Temperatures are expected to rise again, which may make controlling the fires more difficult.
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