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About 20,000 people protested in Erfurt, Germany, against the far-right party AfD during its annual meeting. The protesters blocked roads and public transport to voice their opposition, while most party members still attended the event on time.
Key Facts
The protest took place in Erfurt, Thuringia state, with around 20,000 participants.
The demonstrators blocked roads and public transport to disrupt the AfD's congress.
The AfD is a far-right party currently leading national opinion polls in Germany.
Some protesters called for a ban on the AfD, citing concerns about anti-democratic views and hate speech.
The AfD denies accusations of provocations, including holding its meeting on the 100th anniversary of a Nazi conference nearby.
Police deployed thousands of officers; minor clashes occurred, but protests were mostly peaceful.
The AfD has gained popularity especially in eastern German states, with upcoming regional elections seen as critical.
Other German parties refuse to cooperate with the AfD in government to block its rise.
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Cristiano Ronaldo reached out to Andres Mieles, a young boy from Venezuela who survived an earthquake on June 24 but lost his leg and both parents. The boy had asked for a Ronaldo trading card to stay hopeful, and Ronaldo responded with a personal message.
Key Facts
Andres Mieles is a Venezuelan boy who survived an earthquake on June 24.
He lost his leg in the disaster and is currently in the hospital.
Andres also became an orphan because his parents died in the earthquake.
He asked Cristiano Ronaldo for a trading card to help keep his spirits up.
Cristiano Ronaldo responded by sending a personal message to Andres.
The message was meant to encourage and support the boy during his recovery.
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Ear plugs are becoming popular at music festivals to protect people’s hearing from loud sounds. Newer ear plugs are designed to look stylish and help listeners hear music more clearly while reducing harmful noise. Experts say hearing loss is common and advise checking that ear plugs meet safety standards.
Key Facts
Ear plugs are increasingly used by music fans, including at major concerts like Harry Styles and BTS shows.
New ear plugs come in fashionable designs and can reduce unwanted noise while keeping music clear.
Brands like Loop, Alpine, and Hears target young people with colorful, stylish ear plugs often promoted on social media.
Some companies collaborate with big festivals such as Coachella to promote their ear plugs.
Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities, affecting about one in three adults in the UK.
Audiologists compare the damage loud noises cause to ears like grass being trampled at a festival, where hearing cells get damaged over time.
Experts recommend buying ear plugs that follow safety rules and checking their Single Number Rating (SNR), which shows how much noise they block.
Wearing ear plugs is becoming more accepted as a normal part of going to concerts rather than just protective gear.
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President Donald Trump pardoned 11 people, including a former business partner of lobbyist Jack Abramoff and nine individuals involved in violating vehicle emissions laws. The pardons come as part of Trump’s broader use of executive power during his second term and follow a memo allowing Americans more freedom to fix their own vehicles.
Key Facts
President Trump pardoned 11 people on Friday.
Nine of the pardoned individuals were charged with bypassing vehicle emissions control systems.
The pardons followed a memo Trump signed allowing Americans to fix their vehicles without strict regulation.
One of the pardoned is Adam Kidan, a former business partner of Jack Abramoff, who served prison time for fraud and conspiracy.
Kidan now leads a staffing company and hosted a political fundraiser at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.
Another person pardoned was ranch owner Jack Harvard, praised for letting the military and NATO use his land for training.
Trump announced some pardons on social media without naming who was pardoned.
The White House described the emissions-related pardons as relieving consumers from regulatory burdens.
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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce got married in a big ceremony on Friday night. Their wedding took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City with about 1,000 guests attending.
Key Facts
The wedding happened on a Friday evening.
The location was Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Around 1,000 people attended the event.
Purple screens outside MSG showed the message "JUST&T MARRIED."
A representative for Taylor Swift confirmed the marriage.
The event was described as star-studded, meaning many famous people were there.
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New rules are being considered in England and Wales to give unmarried couples more legal rights around money and inheritance. Currently, if one partner dies without a will, the other may get little or nothing, but the proposed changes would allow for some inheritance and payments after a breakup.
Key Facts
Amelia lost her fiance suddenly and, because they were not married and he had no will, his parents inherited his assets.
Amelia spent nearly £10,000 on legal advice and could not recover all the money and items she shared with her fiance.
Many people wrongly believe that unmarried couples have the same legal rights as married couples, but in England and Wales, they do not.
The Ministry of Justice has started a 10-week consult to consider changing the law for unmarried couples.
Proposed changes would allow a surviving partner to inherit assets and receive payments after a breakup in certain situations.
Countries like Sweden and Australia already have similar laws protecting unmarried couples.
Some groups support the changes to protect those widowed or in abusive relationships; others question the need since marriage and civil partnerships already offer legal protection.
Currently, unmarried partners can try to claim assets under the Inheritance Act, but this process is costly, slow, and unreliable.
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This article describes a TV program called Tech Now that showcases how new technology is being used in different areas. The show features stories about preserving historic ships, innovations in sports, medicine, farming, space, and more.
Key Facts
Tech Now is a TV series highlighting the use of technology in many fields.
It covers subjects like restoring warships in Sweden and tech at the FIFA World Cup.
The program explores advances in medical imaging, prosthetics, and heart surgery.
It features underwater technology and AI solving art mysteries.
Episodes include topics on climate science, insect farms, phone technology, and space exploration.
The series showcases innovations from global events like VivaTech and CES.
It also reports on eco-friendly tourism, sustainable mining, and wildfire detection using tech.
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Europe and the UK experienced record-breaking heatwaves in May and June, with temperatures much higher than usual. Scientists say these extreme heat events are caused by human-driven climate change and are expected to become more common.
Key Facts
In June, temperatures reached 37.7°C in Lingwood, Norfolk, setting a new UK record for June.
More than a dozen European countries broke their June temperature records, sometimes by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius.
Some places in Europe had temperatures over 40°C in June, which is usually cooler than July.
The heatwaves brought high humidity and warm nights, making it hard for people to cool down or sleep.
Tropical nights, where temperatures stay above 20°C, happened widely in England and Wales for the first time.
Scientists link these extreme heatwaves to human activities that release greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels.
Weather experts called these heatwaves “historic” and “exceptional” because of their intensity and widespread impact.
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The state of West Bengal in India plans to replace eggs with vegetarian options in some government school lunches as part of a pilot program run by a Hindu group known for vegetarian meals. This decision has caused debate about school nutrition, as eggs are a common, affordable protein source for poor children, and critics say the change may be influenced by religious beliefs.
Key Facts
West Bengal's new government will hand over some school meal preparation to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon), which serves only vegetarian food.
The mid-day meal program provides free lunches to millions of underprivileged children in government schools across India.
Eggs are a cheap and nutritious protein source that have been part of the local diet for generations.
Iskcon plans to replace eggs with other protein sources like soybeans or kidney beans, which are less common locally.
Critics say removing eggs may be motivated by religious or political ideology rather than nutrition science.
The opposition party accuses the current government of trying to impose vegetarianism on children.
Some suggest offering children a choice between eggs and vegetarian options to respect preferences.
Iskcon denied forcing any religious practices and claims their vegetarian meals provide adequate nutrition.
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Many rural primary schools in Kenya are closing because the new Competency-Based Education (CBE) system requires more resources than these schools have. As a result, student numbers drop and children must travel much farther to attend better-equipped schools.
Key Facts
Kaliluni Primary School in southern Kenya had over 200 pupils three years ago but now has only five, and often no teacher present.
The new CBE curriculum started in 2017 focuses on practical skills and extends education by adding junior secondary school (grades 7 to 9).
Primary schools now must teach fewer grades (up to grade 6) but need more classrooms, science labs, teachers with special skills, and new materials for the CBE.
Many rural schools lack basic facilities like science labs, which are necessary under the CBE system.
Some schools in Kitui county, like Sooma Primary and Manooni Primary, have closed due to very low student enrollment.
Students must travel long distances, sometimes over rough terrain, to attend other schools after local closures.
Parents and education experts worry the CBE system, intended to improve education equality, might worsen it for poor rural communities.
There is little government support to improve struggling rural schools affected by the CBE transition.
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A family-owned company called Pyrotecnico will put on what is expected to be the largest fireworks display in history in Washington, D.C., for the 250th Independence Day celebration. President Donald Trump will give a speech before the fireworks start on the evening of July 4, with the event expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people.
Key Facts
The fireworks show will have 850,000 individual fireworks lasting 40 minutes.
Pyrotecnico has five generations of experience and has worked on big events like the Super Bowl.
The company has been planning the show since January and used computer simulations to design it.
Eight barges on the Potomac River will launch the fireworks, controlled by GPS and communication devices.
President Trump will speak at 9:45 p.m. Eastern Time before the fireworks begin at 10:45 p.m.
The event is called the "Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks" and is on the National Mall.
CBS will broadcast a special program featuring the fireworks and other Independence Day celebrations.
The show honors America’s 250th birthday and expects a very large crowd.
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Thousands of people in Albania are protesting against Prime Minister Edi Rama, demanding his resignation. The protests began over plans for a luxury resort near a protected area but have grown to include broader concerns about corruption, jobs, schools, and living conditions.
Key Facts
The protests are called the "Flamingo Revolution" after flamingos that live near the proposed resort site in Narta Lagoon.
A group of international investors, including Jared Kushner, plan to build a luxury resort, and the Albanian government gave them special status.
No official permission has been granted yet, and environmental assessments have not started, but construction activity has been noticed.
A viral video showed private security beating a protester, which the prime minister confirmed happened.
Protesters have expanded their demands to include better schools, hospitals, jobs, and infrastructure.
Prime Minister Edi Rama and his Socialist Party have been in power for 13 years, during which Albania’s tourism and cityscape have grown rapidly.
Albania is progressing with plans to join the European Union and is close to completing negotiations.
Critics say the government supports corruption and is linked to organized crime, using construction projects for money laundering.
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Wes Streeting, a former UK health secretary, has urged Parliament to use its authority to require senior NHS staff to testify about a major maternity care scandal at Nottingham University Hospitals. The scandal involved avoidable harm to hundreds of mothers and babies, but many senior staff refused to give evidence during the official inquiry.
Key Facts
The Nottingham maternity scandal review found many babies and mothers suffered avoidable harm.
Donna Ockenden conducted the review, interviewing 35 out of 66 senior staff approached.
Wes Streeting called senior staff who refused to participate "cowardly" and wants them summoned before a parliamentary committee.
Parliamentary committees can compel witnesses to attend and answer questions.
The review involved input from about 2,500 families and 800 NHS staff members.
Some senior executives currently working at Nottingham University Hospitals have cooperated with the inquiry.
The inquiry found that different care could have changed outcomes for 260 babies who died or were harmed.
Whistleblower Jack Hawkins, whose daughter was stillborn, expressed concern that parliamentary hearings could interfere with an ongoing police investigation.
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ABC News showed how security agents are preparing to keep people safe during big Fourth of July celebrations from New York City to Washington, D.C. These efforts involve military support and focus on popular events and landmarks. The goal is to protect the public during this important holiday weekend.
Key Facts
ABC News was given special access to the security preparations for Fourth of July events.
Security measures cover major cities including New York City and Washington, D.C.
Military forces are involved in the security plans for the holiday celebrations.
The celebrations include large crowds at events like concerts and national monuments.
The Fourth of July marks America’s Independence Day, celebrated in many cities.
Security aims to prevent any problems and ensure everyone’s safety during the holiday.
Other news stories featured include heat waves, legal battles, and cultural events around the same time.
The report highlights the scale and complexity of security needed for these large public gatherings.
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Parts of the UK are expected to experience another heatwave this weekend, with temperatures possibly rising above 30°C, especially in southern and south-eastern England. This heatwave could last into mid-July and may be the third one of the year for some areas, though it is not expected to be as hot as the June heatwave.
Key Facts
Temperatures in southern and south-eastern England could reach up to 33°C.
Some northern areas like South Yorkshire might see temperatures around 30°C.
Western parts of the UK, including Lancashire and western Scotland, will be cooler due to an Atlantic breeze.
The heatwave could last several days, possibly until mid-July.
Yellow heat health alerts are issued for parts of England, warning vulnerable people about health risks.
A heatwave in the UK means three or more days in a row with temperatures above certain regional limits (usually 25°C or higher).
The hot weather is caused by a high pressure system from the Azores stretching over the UK, blocking cooler Atlantic weather.
The jet stream, a fast-moving air current in the atmosphere, has shifted north, allowing the high pressure to dominate.
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ABC is preparing a 24-hour special program to celebrate the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday. The coverage includes events like a visit to the Statue of Liberty’s torch, patriotic celebrations, and live views from famous U.S. landmarks.
Key Facts
ABC is airing a 24-hour broadcast for the Fourth of July celebration.
The celebration marks America’s 250th anniversary.
The program features a trip to the Statue of Liberty’s torch.
Live views are shown from Independence Hall in Philadelphia and Navy Pier in Chicago.
Events include a drone show involving the U.S. and France at the Statue of Liberty.
The broadcast highlights American traditions such as football and tailgating.
Coverage includes preparations for military security during the holiday weekend.
The program also shows scenes related to popular culture events like Taylor Swift’s wedding in New York City.
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A New York state trooper narrowly avoided being hit in a chain-reaction crash while responding to a different car accident near Buffalo. One driver involved in the crash was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI).
Key Facts
The incident happened near Buffalo, New York.
A state trooper was on the scene responding to a separate crash.
The trooper dodged a chain-reaction crash that nearly hit him.
One driver involved in the chain-reaction crash was arrested.
The arrested driver was charged with DWI, which means driving while intoxicated.
Body camera footage showed the trooper’s near miss.
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Rishi Sharma has spent 10 years interviewing more than 3,000 World War II veterans across the United States to preserve their stories. His project, Remember WWII, records their experiences and shares the recordings with their families.
Key Facts
Rishi Sharma is 28 years old and started interviewing veterans 10 years ago.
He has interviewed over 3,000 World War II combat veterans.
His project is called Remember WWII and relies on donations for funding.
Sharma began locally in Southern California and expanded his work nationwide using a map of places he wanted to visit.
He recently interviewed 100-year-old Marine veteran Nils Mockler from Yorktown, New York.
Around 700,000 World War II veterans were alive 10 years ago; today about 30,000 remain.
The interviews are recorded for hours and given to the veterans' families.
Rishi believes the WWII generation has been a moral guide for American society.
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The United States has grown significantly over the past 250 years, from 13 colonies along the Atlantic coast to a large nation spanning the continent with a population increase from 4 million to over 343 million. Many of the country's political and cultural divisions today can be traced back to its earliest history, including issues of immigration and territorial expansion highlighted by President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
The US started as 13 colonies covering 430,000 square miles and now covers about 3.7 million square miles.
The population grew from about 4 million in 1790 to 343 million in 2025.
Early political debates over slavery, the constitution, and government created lasting divisions.
The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 nearly doubled the country's size.
US regions have distinct cultural identities shaped by early settlers, such as "Yankeeland" in the north and "Greater Appalachia" in the middle belt.
The Deep South developed a top-down society based on plantation slavery.
The US government attempted to erase Indigenous cultures and expanded westward, driven by the idea of "manifest destiny"—the belief that the US was destined to control the continent.
President Donald Trump's political promises on immigration limits and expanding American power connect to these historical themes.
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The Secret Service is providing high-level security for the Fourth of July celebration on the National Mall. This event is officially designated as a "national special security event," which means extra law enforcement and security measures are in place due to increased threats.
Key Facts
The Fourth of July celebration on the National Mall has been labeled a "national special security event."
This designation typically applies to large events like the Super Bowl or a presidential inauguration.
The Secret Service is leading the security efforts for the event.
There is a heightened threat environment, meaning there are more concerns about possible dangers.
Law enforcement agencies are working closely together to keep the event safe.
The event includes a large gathering of people, requiring expanded security measures.
This is the first Fourth of July event with this level of security classification.
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