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Businessman Yorgen Fenech went on trial in Malta accused of planning the 2017 murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. She was killed by a car bomb after exposing corruption involving Fenech in a power station deal. Two hitmen were already sentenced for carrying out the attack, and a third became a witness.
Key Facts
Yorgen Fenech is charged with ordering the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Daphne Caruana Galizia was an investigative journalist known for exposing corruption in Malta.
She died in 2017 when a bomb exploded under her car near her home.
Fenech was a major shareholder in the power station deal she was investigating.
Two hitmen were convicted and sentenced to 40 years each in prison for executing the car bomb attack.
A third accused hitman agreed to testify for a reduced sentence of 15 years.
The trial began in Valletta, Malta’s capital city.
The killing drew international attention to issues of press freedom and corruption in Malta.
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Nancy Guthrie, mother of TV host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared near Tucson, Arizona in February. The FBI says all ransom notes linked to her case are fake, and her disappearance remains unsolved after five months.
Key Facts
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing on February 1 near Tucson, Arizona.
Authorities suspected kidnapping and found drops of her blood on her front porch.
A masked man was seen on surveillance footage outside her home the night she disappeared.
Two ransom notes were sent in early February demanding money and later claiming Guthrie had died.
The FBI tested the ransom notes by depositing cryptocurrency but found the money was never taken.
The FBI says none of the ransom notes or messages to media outlets are genuine.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation with ongoing forensic work.
The case remains active with no major new information shared publicly.
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Democrats face a tough challenge to win back the Senate in the 2026 midterm elections, needing to flip four Republican-held seats. Recent polls show close races in several key states, with Democrats leading in Maine and North Carolina but trailing or tied in others like Alaska, Iowa, Ohio, and Texas.
Key Facts
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate.
Democrats must flip four seats to gain control of the Senate.
Democrats have strong leads in Maine and North Carolina, states that are considered possible flips.
Republicans lead in Alaska, Iowa, and Ohio according to recent polls.
Texas shows a tie between Republican and Democratic candidates in the Senate race.
The poll surveyed 3,659 likely voters across six GOP-held states from June 15-29, 2026.
President Donald Trump’s declining approval rating on economic issues gives Democrats hope of flipping seats.
Democrats are also defending Senate seats in states President Trump won, including Georgia and Michigan.
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Kroger has agreed to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, with the deal expected to finish in 2027 after approval from regulators. Both companies will keep operating separately for now, and Giant Eagle plans to keep its current store brands.
Key Facts
Kroger is buying Giant Eagle in a deal worth $1.65 billion in cash.
The purchase is expected to be completed in 2027, after government approval.
Until then, Kroger and Giant Eagle will continue to work as separate companies.
Giant Eagle will keep its store names like Giant Eagle and Market District after the deal.
Some stores may be sold or closed as part of government rules to approve the deal.
Kroger’s new CEO, Greg Foran, said the deal will help Kroger reach new markets near Giant Eagle’s locations.
Kroger already operates in 35 states under different store names.
The deal faces federal antitrust review, which examines whether it reduces competition unfairly.
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Syria has formed its first parliament since President Bashar al-Assad was removed from power in December 2024. The new parliament has 210 members, including 70 appointed by the interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and will begin its work drafting laws and preparing for future elections.
Key Facts
President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed 70 of the 210 members in the new Syrian parliament.
The parliament includes 15 women appointed by al-Sharaa, making 22 female members in total.
The first meeting of the new parliament will be on Monday, when members are sworn in and leaders are elected.
Parliamentary elections began in October 2024 but excluded the southern province of Suwayda and northeast Syria at first.
A later vote was held in northeast Syria after government forces regained control.
The new parliament includes representatives of minority groups like the Alawites and Kurds.
The parliament will serve for 30 months and work on a new election law.
These steps are part of Syria’s transition after more than 13 years of civil war under President Bashar al-Assad.
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Former U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is uncertain how to respond after a Ukrainian drone strike hit a key military site near Moscow. The strike targeted the Dubna Satellite Communications Centre, which Russia uses for intelligence and military work related to the war in Ukraine.
Key Facts
A Ukrainian drone strike hit the Dubna Satellite Communications Centre near Moscow.
The center is used by Russia for gathering intelligence and managing military actions in Ukraine.
Leon Panetta, former U.S. Defense Secretary, commented on the situation.
Panetta said President Putin is unsure about how to react to the drone attack.
The strike occurred during ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on the attack.
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The cost of arts degrees in Australia will stay at about $50,000 until at least 2028 because no quick changes will be made to the Job-ready Graduates (JRG) program. The head of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, Barney Glover, said he will advise the government after more research next year and warned universities to prepare for stable, but not growing, international student numbers.
Key Facts
The JRG program raised fees for arts and humanities courses while lowering them for science and math.
This has led to fewer students from lower-income backgrounds enrolling in arts subjects.
Barney Glover, head of Atec, will not suggest any short-term fee reductions and will advise on changes in the second half of next year.
The program has been called a failure by Glover and others, with concerns about unfair fees and growing student debt.
Commonwealth government funding to universities decreased by $1.2 billion in 2024 compared to before the JRG program.
International student numbers have stopped growing due to government caps, creating financial uncertainty for universities.
Glover encourages universities to find new income sources and diversify away from relying heavily on one market.
Some politicians, like Greens deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi, want faster action to reduce or eliminate university fees.
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Experts and government agencies in Australia warn that the rapid growth of datacentres is using up valuable industrial land, which logistics companies and housing projects also need. This competition for land may raise costs, reduce supply for housing and freight businesses, and contribute to higher inflation.
Key Facts
Transport for NSW says datacentres are taking scarce industrial land needed for freight and logistics near cities.
Freight companies are moving out of Sydney to cheaper areas like Brisbane or Melbourne due to land shortages.
The industrial land vacancy rate in Sydney is still low compared to international standards.
Increased population and consumer demand will need more industrial land for logistics in Sydney.
Datacentre industry group says supply of land and infrastructure is growing and calls for planned land use for both datacentres and logistics.
The Australasian Supply Chain and Logistics Association warns datacentres and freight compete for the same land, impacting costs and emissions.
The Reserve Bank of Australia warns datacentre investment may increase inflation and pressure interest rates.
Commercial building approvals in Australia reached record levels recently due to new datacentre projects.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping improve daily life and can further support America's growth. It is important to use AI in a way that respects American values like freedom and human rights while preparing workers for future challenges.
Key Facts
AI is currently improving everyday activities.
AI has the potential to strengthen the United States.
AI development should reflect American values of freedom and human rights.
Preparing the American workforce for changes caused by AI is necessary.
Responsible use of AI can help secure America's future.
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Several Australian politicians and groups are supporting Rex Patrick, a former senator and transparency campaigner, against the government’s legal challenge over his request for documents about nuclear waste storage. The government department has appealed a decision that favored Patrick and is seeking to make him pay their court costs, raising concerns that this could discourage people from seeking public information.
Key Facts
Rex Patrick is seeking documents on where nuclear waste from Australia’s Aukus submarine fleet will be kept.
Patrick won a freedom of information appeal in May allowing access to these documents.
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources has appealed the decision in federal court.
The department wants Patrick to pay their court costs if he loses, which could be $150,000 or more.
Eighteen independent and minor party members of parliament signed a letter asking the Attorney General to intervene.
Civil society groups warn that this legal threat could deter people from using freedom of information laws.
The Attorney General’s office has not commented on the case.
Patrick claims the government is undermining the freedom of information system despite earlier promises to increase transparency.
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Rep. Troy Nehls, a Republican from Texas, said he plans to eat lobster tails and rib-eye steak on July 4, despite many Americans worrying about money and affordability. He dismissed concerns about affordability when asked by a reporter on Capitol Hill.
Key Facts
Rep. Troy Nehls represents Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives.
He said he will eat lobster tails and rib-eye steak on the Fourth of July.
Many Americans have concerns about money and rising costs.
Nehls was asked about affordability by a reporter named Pablo Manríquez.
He responded by questioning the idea of affordability concerns.
The conversation took place on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
The article implies a contrast between Nehls’ plans and the financial worries of the public.
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Debts do not disappear when a person dies, and interest charges on those debts can continue to grow. Creditors usually keep charging interest until debts are paid off or settled through the deceased person’s estate during the probate process.
Key Facts
Debt remains even after the borrower dies; it does not just go away.
Creditors often continue charging interest on unpaid debts after death based on the original loan terms.
Types of debts that can keep accruing interest include credit cards, mortgages, and personal or auto loans.
Interest and debts are generally paid from the deceased person’s estate, not the family’s personal money.
The estate executor handles debts during probate by collecting assets and paying creditors in a specific legal order.
If the estate lacks enough money, some creditors may only get partial payment or none at all.
Family members usually aren’t responsible for the debts unless they co-signed or live in states with community property laws.
Probate laws about post-death interest vary by state, so executors need to check local rules.
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Teachers in England will receive a 3.5% pay increase starting in September and 3% the following year. The government has provided £1.8 billion more funding but expects schools to cover the first 1% of the rise from their own budgets, while also limiting pay increases for top leaders at academy trusts.
Key Facts
Teachers in England get a 3.5% pay rise from September 2026 and 3% more in 2027.
The Department for Education added £1.8 billion but schools must fund the first 1% of each pay rise themselves.
Academy trusts must get government approval to advertise jobs paying above £174,000.
Executive pay increases cannot exceed those given to classroom teachers.
The National Education Union (NEU) has rejected the offer and is considering strike action.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said this shows the government values teachers and wants to stop excessive executive pay.
The NEU says the partial funding means schools face budget cuts and the offer does not fully reverse past pay losses since 2010.
Additional money of £485 million will go to colleges over two years, but college pay remains lower than school pay.
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The Trump administration has lifted restrictions on Anthropic’s new AI chatbot models after a cybersecurity-related ban lasting several weeks. Anthropic’s Claude Fable 5 is now available to the public again, while its more powerful Mythos 5 is accessible only to some U.S. organizations approved by the government.
Key Facts
The Trump administration initially blocked foreign nationals from using Anthropic’s Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models starting June 12 due to cybersecurity concerns.
Anthropic temporarily took down these AI products just days after launching them, following the government order.
Amazon cybersecurity researchers found ways to bypass Fable 5’s safety features, potentially exposing software security weaknesses.
Anthropic warned that Mythos 5 could find software flaws that hackers might exploit to harm important computer networks.
After review, the Commerce Department allowed Claude Fable 5 to return for wide use.
Access to Mythos 5 remains limited to selected U.S.-based organisations approved by the federal government.
OpenAI, a competitor, also restricted access to its new GPT-5.6 Sol model by government request.
President Trump recently signed an executive order to create a government review process for advanced AI systems to address national security risks before public release.
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Victor Willis, co-founder and lead singer of the disco group Village People, has died at the age of 74. He co-wrote famous songs like “Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man,” and “In the Navy,” which became global disco hits and cultural icons.
Key Facts
Victor Willis co-founded the Village People and was the group's lead singer.
He co-wrote the group’s biggest hits, including “Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man,” and “In the Navy.”
The Village People were known for their costumes representing different macho characters like a police officer and cowboy.
The song “Y.M.C.A.” peaked at number 2 on the Billboard music chart and became a worldwide phenomenon.
In 2020, “Y.M.C.A.” was added to the National Recording Registry for its cultural significance.
Victor Willis died after a short but aggressive illness at age 74.
President Donald Trump expressed condolences publicly on social media.
Willis also acted on Broadway and starred in the 1980 movie “Can’t Stop the Music.”
In 2015, a court ruled Willis was entitled to 50% ownership of Village People’s song copyrights.
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A wildfire in northern Greece killed a father and his 12-year-old son after burning down their home. Authorities asked people in two central Greek villages to leave as firefighters and aircraft worked to control the fire, while other smaller wildfires in Greece were quickly put out.
Key Facts
A father and his son died in a forest fire northeast of Thessaloniki, northern Greece.
The boy’s body was found inside their burned home; the father’s body was found nearby.
The boy’s mother is hospitalized with burn injuries.
Over 135 firefighters, 25 aircraft including planes and helicopters, are fighting a wildfire in central Greece’s Fthiotida region.
Residents of two villages in central Greece were told to evacuate for safety.
Three other wildfires started elsewhere in Greece but were quickly controlled.
Greece often faces wildfires during hot, dry summers but has avoided recent western Europe heatwaves.
Greece is using new satellite technology to detect and manage wildfires better amid climate change risks.
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Three people died from asphyxiation during large celebrations in Mexico City after Mexico’s soccer team won against Ecuador and advanced to the World Cup Round of 16. The victims were found near the Angel of Independence monument where thousands were celebrating.
Key Facts
Three people (two women and one man) died from asphyxiation during post-match celebrations.
The victims were aged 48, 44, and 19 years old.
Deaths occurred near the Angel of Independence monument in downtown Mexico City.
About 1 million people gathered to celebrate Mexico’s win and advancement in the World Cup.
Mayor Clara Brugada urged people to celebrate responsibly and avoid overcrowded areas.
Emergency crews responded quickly but the victims had already died.
The celebrations included fireworks and large crowds along a 3-mile stretch in the city center.
Authorities encouraged people to attend other events to reduce crowding near the monument.
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The government of West Bengal in India, led by the BJP party, has decided to stop serving eggs in school lunch programs by giving the contract to the Hindu group ISKCON, which serves strictly vegetarian meals. This change affects nearly 12 million students and has caused debate about food nutrition and politics in the state.
Key Facts
West Bengal’s BJP government handed the school lunch program contract to ISKCON, a Hindu religious group.
ISKCON provides only vegetarian meals and does not include eggs, which they consider similar to meat.
The midday meal program feeds nearly 12 million students in West Bengal daily.
India’s national midday meal program started in 1995 and helps increase school attendance.
About half of India’s states include eggs in their school meals, but West Bengal is now fully vegetarian in this program.
ISKCON has been involved in school lunch programs in several states but never ran a whole state’s program before.
Experts usually recommend meals be cooked locally to ensure freshness and community involvement.
Modi’s government renamed the midday meal program to PM Poshan in 2021 to highlight nutrition.
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Actor Danny Glover announced that he has been living with Alzheimer's disease for several years. He shared how the illness has affected him but emphasized the support he receives from his family.
Key Facts
Danny Glover is 79 years old and has Alzheimer’s disease, a brain illness that affects memory and thinking.
The disease has slowed his movement and changed his speech.
Glover spoke about his condition in an interview on NBC’s "Today" show.
Several family members appeared with him and said they want to help reduce the stigma around Alzheimer’s.
Glover is a well-known actor famous for movies like "Lethal Weapon" and "The Color Purple."
He received a humanitarian award at the Oscars in 2021, before he publicly revealed his diagnosis.
Alzheimer’s disease mostly affects older adults and currently has no cure, but treatments can slow its progress.
Scientists continue to research the disease to better understand and treat it.
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NASA satellites have detected higher sea surface heights in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, confirming the return of El Niño in June 2026. NOAA expects this warm ocean event to grow stronger through the winter of 2026-27 and possibly become one of the strongest since 1950.
Key Facts
NASA’s Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite measured rising sea surface heights, a sign of warmer water linked to El Niño.
El Niño is a natural climate event marked by warmer ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific.
Warmer water expands and raises sea levels, which satellites can track to identify El Niño conditions.
Early signs of El Niño were detected earlier in 2026 by warm water waves called Kelvin waves moving eastward.
The thermocline, or boundary between warm surface water and cooler deep water, lowers during El Niño, reducing cool water upwelling.
NOAA declared El Niño conditions on June 11, 2026, and predicted a 63% chance of a very strong event during November-January.
El Niño influences global weather patterns, including temperature and precipitation changes, and happens every 2 to 7 years on average.
El Niño lasts about 9 to 12 months and is the warm phase of a larger cycle known as ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation).
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