Abelardo de la Espriella, a far-right millionaire lawyer, was elected Colombia’s next president, narrowly defeating a leftwing senator. His victory marks a shift to the right after Colombia’s first leftist president and has raised concerns about the future of democracy and human rights in the country.
Key Facts
De la Espriella is a millionaire lawyer known for defending paramilitary leaders and has never held public office before.
He won the presidential election by a small margin of around 250,000 votes out of 41 million voters.
He follows a strong far-right political agenda, promising to use lethal force against criminals and protesters.
His campaign drew inspiration from leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump, El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, and Brazil’s Bolsonaro family.
De la Espriella plans major state reforms, including shrinking government size by 40%, which some experts warn could worsen economic and security problems.
He opposes abortion and LGBTQ+ rights and wants Colombia to leave the inter-American human rights system.
His election is part of a broader wave of far-right movements gaining power across Latin America.
Critics fear his presidency threatens Colombia’s democratic institutions and civil rights protections.
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A strong El Niño weather pattern has developed in the Pacific Ocean and may raise food and energy prices in the coming months. Experts warn it could disrupt farming, supply chains, and increase costs for households worldwide.
Key Facts
NOAA announced El Niño conditions formed on June 11, with a 63% chance it will become very strong.
El Niño means unusually warm ocean waters in the tropical Pacific, affecting global weather patterns.
This can cause floods, storms, droughts, and heatwaves, which harm crops and infrastructure.
Past strong El Niños have caused major economic losses, like $5.7 trillion globally in 1997-98.
The World Bank warns the 2016 El Niño caused $327 million in crop losses.
A very strong El Niño could change electricity demand, increasing summer cooling costs and altering heating use in the US.
Rising fertilizer prices and food shortages due to El Niño may worsen inflation and affect food markets worldwide.
Developing countries may suffer most as they spend more on food and face larger risks from supply disruptions.
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Canada’s inflation rate rose to 3.2% in May, the highest in nearly 29 months, mainly because oil prices increased due to tensions between the US and Iran. The rise in fuel costs affected transportation and food prices, but recent news about a US-Iran agreement may help lower oil prices and inflation soon.
Key Facts
Canada’s inflation hit 3.2% in May, above the Bank of Canada’s 1%-3% target range.
Petrol prices increased by 33.2% compared to last year, the biggest rise since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Transportation costs rose 9% in May due to higher fuel prices.
Food prices went up 3.8%, with fresh fruit up 5.3% and vegetables up 9%.
Shelter costs increased by 1.7% in May, with a slight decline in mortgage costs.
The Bank of Canada views the rise in energy prices as a temporary effect, not leading to wide inflation.
An interim peace deal between the US and Iran reopened a key oil shipping route, causing oil prices to drop in June.
Economists see May as likely the peak for inflation but warn that oil price risks remain if tensions grow again.
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The article provides a weather forecast for the United Kingdom for the upcoming week. It focuses on whether the extreme heat expected in some areas will continue.
Key Facts
The forecast concerns weather in the UK for the coming week.
Some regions are predicted to experience extreme heat.
The article aims to clarify how long the hot weather might last.
A video with details is included but requires JavaScript to view.
The information is current as of one day ago.
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Parts of England and Wales will face extreme heat this week, with temperatures possibly reaching 40°C, according to a rare red heat warning from the Met Office. The high temperatures, combined with humidity, could cause serious health risks, travel disruptions, and other problems.
Key Facts
The red heat warning will be in effect from 9:00 AM Wednesday to 9:00 PM Thursday.
Areas affected include London, the Midlands, south-east Wales, and southern England.
Temperatures could reach up to 40°C, close to the UK's record of 40.3°C set in 2022.
The UK Health Security Agency also issued red health warnings covering several regions during this period.
Some schools plan to close early or relax uniform rules due to the heat.
Authorities warn of serious health risks and urge people to take safety measures.
Travel disruptions are expected on roads and railways due to high temperatures.
Fire safety officials remind people to be cautious near open water and outdoor spaces to prevent wildfires and accidents.
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Thousands of people in Tirana, Albania have protested for 21 days against a planned luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner and other investors on a coastal area with natural and historical importance. The protests have grown into a broader movement against alleged government corruption and a lack of transparency about the project and other issues.
Key Facts
The protests focus on plans to build a luxury tourism complex on Sazan Island and the Pishë Poro-Narta coastline.
Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, is one of the investors involved in the project.
The resort could include 800 guest rooms, villas, a golf course, a casino, a water park, and apartments.
The project is still in the design phase, with developers saying they aim to protect the environment.
Other backers include the Qatar-based Assets Group, led by brothers with ties to the Qatari royal family and Washington.
Corporate records show the main development company was registered in Qatar and controlled through a group of shell companies in the Netherlands.
Albanian activists say there was no public consultation and criticize the government’s secrecy and alleged corruption.
These protests are among the biggest in Albania since the end of its communist era in 1991.
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Clive Davis, a famous music executive who helped many well-known artists, has died at 94. He passed away peacefully at his home in New York due to age-related illness, surrounded by family.
Key Facts
Clive Davis died at age 94 from an illness related to aging.
He passed away at his home in Manhattan with family present.
Davis was a five-time Grammy Award winner.
He helped launch and guide famous artists like Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, and Whitney Houston.
Davis started his career as a lawyer before joining Columbia Records.
He became head of Columbia Records without formal music training.
He signed major artists including Barry Manilow, Patti Smith, Billy Joel, and Earth Wind and Fire.
Other music professionals praised him for respecting artists and focusing on their success.
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A weather pattern called a heat dome is causing very high temperatures in parts of Europe and the United States. This happens when high pressure traps hot air, making heat build up for days or weeks and increasing risks like drought and heat-related illnesses.
Key Facts
A heat dome forms when a large area of high pressure stays over a region, trapping hot air underneath.
This blocking of clouds and rain makes the heat stronger and causes temperatures to rise above normal levels.
Europe is expecting a heat dome to bring unusually high temperatures to Spain, France, and the UK.
The U.S. Southwest and Texas are already experiencing dangerous heat and humidity due to a similar heat dome.
Three hikers recently died in the Grand Canyon, partly because of extreme heat conditions.
Nighttime temperatures in some areas are staying high, reducing relief from the heat.
Several North American cities hosting the World Cup, including Dallas, Houston, and Miami, face above-average temperatures.
Authorities are warning people to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, and check on vulnerable people during this period.
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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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