Workers in parts of the West of England are struggling with very high temperatures above 33°C (91°F) while working outside. Different groups, including solar panel installers, scaffolders, and bus drivers, are using early start times, extra breaks, and other measures to cope with the heat, but there are no laws forcing employers to stop work in high temperatures.
Key Facts
Temperatures passed 33°C in parts of the West of England, making outdoor work harder.
Solar panel installers start work at 6:00 AM and finish by noon to avoid the hottest afternoon sun.
Scaffolders handle metal tubes that become very hot in the sun and use suncream and water to stay safe.
Bus drivers in older buses without air conditioning face cabin temperatures above 40°C (104°F).
The bus company is replacing old buses with new air-conditioned electric models.
There is no legal requirement for companies to stop work when heat records are broken.
Some firms have protocols for heat over 30°C, like extra water breaks and cooling boxes.
The heatwave is causing some delays and extra costs for businesses trying to protect their workers.
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Ferrari's marketing chief, Enrico Galliera, is leaving the company after 16 years. His departure comes a few weeks after the launch of Ferrari's first all-electric car, the Luce, which received strong public criticism.
Key Facts
Enrico Galliera served as Ferrari's chief marketing and commercial officer since 2010.
Galliera will be replaced by Massimiliano Di Silvestre, former BMW Italy head, starting in July.
Ferrari thanked Galliera and said he decided to pursue a new career path, a choice agreed with the company.
The Ferrari Luce, the brand’s first fully electric car, was unveiled in May and faced heavy criticism.
The Luce was designed by Sir Jony Ive, known for designing the iPhone.
The car’s appearance was criticized by notable figures, including Italy’s deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini.
After the Luce’s launch, Ferrari’s shares dropped by 8% in one day.
Galliera helped manage Ferrari’s customer selection process and was involved in major company events like launching the LaFerrari hybrid and Ferrari’s stock listings.
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Three sisters from Brazil have been recognized as the longest-living trio of sisters in the world, with a combined age of 316 years. Scientists are studying their DNA to learn about the genes that help people live longer and stay healthy.
Key Facts
The three sisters live in Brazil.
Their combined age totals 316 years.
They hold the record for the longest-living trio of sisters worldwide.
Researchers are analyzing their DNA.
The goal is to understand genetic factors behind long life and good health.
This study may help explain how genes contribute to aging.
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The UK government will reduce VAT on tickets for family attractions and children's meals during the summer holidays to make visits cheaper. This tax cut starts Thursday and will last until September 1, aiming to help families save money and encourage more visits.
Key Facts
VAT on children's meals and children's tickets at cinemas, theatres, and other shows will drop from 20% to 5%.
Tickets for family attractions like Birdworld will also have VAT cut from 20% to 5%.
The tax cut is part of the Great British Summer Savings scheme.
The discount is expected to be passed on to customers, making visits cheaper.
The scheme runs until September 1, covering the school summer holidays.
James Robson, general manager of Birdworld, supports the move but wants longer-term tax relief for attractions.
Caroline Cooney from Hobbledown said the scheme helps families facing financial pressures.
The goal is to make family experiences more affordable and accessible during summer.
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President Donald Trump said that Andy Burnham, who is expected to become the next UK leader, is "extremely liberal." He also expressed concern that Britain is "dying" and called for more oil drilling in the North Sea.
Key Facts
President Trump commented on Andy Burnham, the likely next UK leader.
Trump described Burnham as "extremely liberal."
Keir Starmer has announced he will step down as leader.
Andy Burnham is the only candidate expected to succeed Starmer.
Trump said that Britain is "dying."
He urged for increased oil drilling in the North Sea.
These comments are President Trump’s first on the UK leadership change.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves supports Andy Burnham as the next prime minister of the UK. Burnham is likely to replace current leader Sir Keir Starmer after his resignation, and Reeves said she is ready to back him despite possible changes to her cabinet role.
Key Facts
Rachel Reeves is the current Chancellor of the Exchequer in the UK government.
Andy Burnham plans to become the next prime minister and is currently the only candidate for Labour Party leadership.
Burnham may replace Reeves as chancellor if he becomes prime minister.
Reeves supports Burnham and says decisions about her role are up to him.
Sir Keir Starmer resigned recently after several senior cabinet members left their jobs.
Burnham could become prime minister as soon as July 17 if no one challenges him.
Reeves stressed the importance of keeping government spending under control to avoid high inflation and interest rates.
Reeves highlighted her pride in raising minimum wages and improving the economy during her time as chancellor.
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A UK company called VolcanoTech has developed a low-cost sensor to detect volcanic eruptions by measuring sulphur dioxide gas levels. Their device uses a modified smartphone camera and a small computer to monitor volcanic gases, making early warnings more affordable for communities at risk.
Key Facts
Rising magma releases sulphur dioxide gas, which can signal a volcanic eruption.
VolcanoTech created a device called Pi-cam that uses a smartphone camera altered to see ultraviolet light.
The Pi-cam measures the brightness of this ultraviolet light to detect sulphur dioxide levels.
The system uses a Raspberry Pi, a small and inexpensive computer, to analyze the data.
Their sensor networks cost much less than traditional volcanic gas detection systems.
VolcanoTech’s sensors are already installed in Ecuador, Chile, Mexico, and Indonesia.
There are plans to install sensors in Costa Rica and Argentina soon.
Such affordable sensor networks could improve monitoring of both air quality and volcanic activity worldwide.
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The United States military has more than 12,000 personnel stationed at bases across the UK. When US service members are accused of crimes on British soil, many are tried by US military courts called courts martial instead of British courts. This practice comes from an agreement between the US and UK governments made in 1951.
Key Facts
There are over 12,000 US military personnel at at least 15 bases in the UK, mostly in England and one in Scotland.
US service members accused of crimes, including serious offenses like sexual assault and violent attacks, are often tried in US military courts on UK bases.
Courts martial are military trials that follow the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the US military's own legal system.
These trials happen on military premises and are generally not open to the public like British courts.
The 1951 Status of Forces agreement between the US and UK sets the rules for who prosecutes US troops in the UK.
The US prosecutes troops for crimes committed while on duty or involving US military people or property.
For other crimes, British authorities technically have the first right to prosecute but often allow US military courts to handle the cases.
UK police and prosecutors can choose to give jurisdiction to US military courts if requested, which can lead to fewer British criminal trials for offenses by US personnel.
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France is facing record-breaking high temperatures, causing many people to suffer in homes that are not built to stay cool. Poorly insulated apartments, especially in low-income areas, are trapping heat and making it hard to live comfortably or sleep. The extreme heat has led to health problems, school closures, power cuts, and damage to agriculture.
Key Facts
Over 44 million people in France were under the highest heat alert during the recent heatwave.
Many French homes, especially older buildings, lack proper insulation and cooling features, making them very hot inside.
Schools have closed because classrooms reached unsafe temperatures, affecting many children’s education.
Power outages affected thousands, preventing people from using fans or electric blinds to cool down.
High temperatures reduced nuclear energy production because cooling water was unavailable.
The heatwave caused a rise in hospital visits, high air pollution, and the deaths of hundreds of thousands of farm animals.
Poorer areas with concrete housing estates and little green space are most affected, showing a growing climate inequality problem.
French government funding cuts have slowed projects to improve housing and infrastructure for changing climate conditions.
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President Donald Trump spoke at the start of the Great American State Fair, held on the National Mall in Washington to mark America's 250th birthday. Instead of focusing on unity or inspirational themes, his speech and the event had strong political tones, with some scheduled performers withdrawing due to concerns about politicization.
Key Facts
The event celebrated 250 years of American independence on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
President Trump spoke from behind protective glass near the Washington Monument.
His speech included comments on transgender issues, a White House ballroom, and renaming the Gulf of Mexico.
He praised a cleaned statue of Christopher Columbus and mentioned vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool without proof.
The event included music from the US Marine Band and Christopher Macchio after several artists withdrew.
Some attendees wore Trump campaign gear, and no Democrats were present.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised Trump highly and criticized the performers who canceled.
Military jets flew overhead during the event, which had a patriotic theme mixed with political messaging.
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Two strong earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck Venezuela on the evening of June 24, 2026. These quakes caused building collapses, injuries, and widespread damage, leading the acting President Delcy Rodríguez to declare a state of emergency and cancel school classes for several days.
Key Facts
The earthquakes occurred shortly after 6 p.m. near Morón on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast.
The first quake had a magnitude of 7.2 and the second, a minute later, was 7.5.
Many buildings collapsed in Caracas, the capital, and other parts of Venezuela experienced damage.
Falcon state reported 32 people hospitalized and 15 trapped after the earthquakes.
Key infrastructure like Simón Bolívar International Airport and Caracas subway were damaged or closed.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and asked citizens to report damage via a government app.
School classes were suspended and some schools will serve as shelters and donation centers.
Several countries, including the United States and neighboring nations, offered aid and assistance to Venezuela.
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Two trains collided near Bedford, causing one death and injuring over 100 people, with some passengers stranded. Bedford Borough Council apologized for issuing parking fines to drivers who could not move their cars due to the crash.
Key Facts
The crash involved two East Midlands Railway trains traveling to London St Pancras.
The accident happened around 17:15 BST on Friday near Bedford.
A 60-year-old train driver, Shaun Burton, died in the crash.
More than 100 people were injured; 53 remained in hospital days later, with eight in critical condition.
Some passengers were stuck and could not access their parked cars at Bedford railway station.
Bedford Borough Council issued parking fines to some stranded drivers but apologized for this after complaints.
The council took corrective action and invited people to request ticket cancellations.
An interim report said the Corby train moved past a red signal before hitting the stationary Nottingham train.
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Karl Stefanovic will not appear on his Friday radio show with Eddie McGuire after criticism of his interview with UK far-right activist Tommy Robinson. ARN Media is reviewing Stefanovic’s contract due to threats of an advertising boycott, and Nine Entertainment is expected to end its relationship with Stefanovic.
Key Facts
Karl Stefanovic recently started co-hosting The Long Weekend on Gold FM with Eddie McGuire.
Stefanovic’s interview with Tommy Robinson faced widespread criticism.
Advertisers threatened to boycott if Stefanovic continued, leading to a contract review.
ARN Media confirmed McGuire will host the show alone on Friday.
Nine Entertainment is likely to end its contract with Stefanovic but has not announced details.
Stefanovic was expected to appear on Friday’s show from the UK but now will not.
ARN Media said Stefanovic’s podcast is a personal project and not connected to the company.
ARN is still recovering from a $12 million legal case with another star, Kyle Sandilands.
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President Donald Trump said the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was damaged by vandals but now looks "perfect." He said those responsible are mostly caught and the pool will be fully restored. Security around the pool has been increased, and some officials question the handling of the restoration project.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed the Reflecting Pool was "gruesomely vandalized" but is now looking good.
He said the vandals damaged the pool by cutting a 350-foot hole and using chemicals.
The vandals have mostly been caught and are being prosecuted, according to the president.
Security has been increased with fencing around parts of the pool.
The Interior Department said fencing was planned before but was put up earlier due to vandalism concerns.
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal questioned the quality and cost of the pool’s renovation.
Blumenthal raised concerns about contractors with ties to President Trump and the quick return of algae problems.
The administration has not publicly shared evidence of the vandalism claims.
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President Donald Trump gave his first public comments on Andy Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, in relation to the possibility of Burnham becoming UK prime minister. Trump called Burnham "the mayor of a town" and said he had heard Burnham is "extremely liberal." Burnham had said the UK should avoid the US's "polarised, poisonous politics."
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the former Mayor of Greater Manchester in the UK.
Burnham is considered a candidate to replace Sir Keir Starmer as UK prime minister.
Burnham said the UK should avoid political division like that seen in the US.
President Trump commented on Burnham during a campaign event in the UK.
Trump described Burnham as "the mayor of a town."
Trump said he had heard that Burnham is "extremely liberal."
The article was published about 24 minutes after Trump's comments.
The context is UK politics and the leadership race within a UK political party.
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Two strong earthquakes struck Venezuela near its capital, Caracas, causing buildings to collapse and forcing many people to evacuate. The government declared a state of emergency while rescue teams work to find survivors, but no official death toll has been confirmed yet.
Key Facts
The first quake measured magnitude 7.2, and the second, stronger one was magnitude 7.5, both occurring seconds apart near Caracas.
Tremors were felt as far as Bogotá, Colombia, over 1,000 km away.
More than 20 aftershocks have been recorded, mainly along Venezuela’s northern coast.
At least two buildings in the Caracas area have completely collapsed.
Over 500 emergency workers are involved in rescue efforts.
Venezuela’s main international airport and public transportation have been closed or paused due to damage.
Internet outages and fuel supply cuts have been reported in Caracas.
Classes in schools are suspended for the rest of the week.
The official number of casualties has not been confirmed, though some deaths have been mentioned.
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Two strong earthquakes hit west of Caracas, Venezuela, with magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5. The damage is severe, and the government declared a state of emergency as experts expect many deaths.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes struck west of Venezuela's capital, Caracas.
The earthquakes measured 7.1 and 7.5 in magnitude.
The area suffered widespread damage.
Interim President Rodriguez declared a state of emergency.
Officials fear thousands of people may have died because of the earthquakes.
Emergency services are responding to the crisis.
The earthquakes caused disruptions in local communities.
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From 2020 to 2025, the number of children under 18 in the U.S. dropped by 1.8 million in every region except the South, where child population increased. The South also saw overall population growth and is facing challenges like crowded schools and housing pressures.
Key Facts
The U.S. child population fell by 1.8 million between 2020 and 2025.
The South is the only region where the under-18 population grew, adding about 304,000 children.
The West saw the largest decline in children, down by over 1 million (5.7%).
The South's total population grew 6%, nearly twice the national average of 3.1%.
Growth in the South includes more children, adults in family-building years, and retirees.
Most child population growth in the South happened in metro counties, while rural and small counties saw declines.
The U.S. median age rose to 39.4 years in 2025, reflecting an aging population.
People aged 65 and older increased by 16.2% nationally during this period.
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The Senate voted to block a resolution that would limit President Trump's power to take military action in Iran. Senator Bill Cassidy, who had earlier supported a similar resolution, joined most Republicans in stopping the new measure.
Key Facts
The Senate blocked a resolution aimed at limiting President Trump's war powers regarding Iran.
Senator Bill Cassidy initially supported a previous war powers resolution.
Cassidy argued with President Trump earlier during a GOP lunch at the U.S. Capitol.
After a briefing from Vice President JD Vance and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Cassidy voted with most Republicans to block the resolution.
The vote marked a change from Cassidy’s earlier position on limiting war powers.
President Trump publicly criticized Cassidy for supporting the earlier resolution.
The issue relates to how much authority the president has for military actions without congressional approval.
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Thousands of people gathered in Tehran to mark Ashura, an important day in the Shia Muslim calendar. This was the first Ashura since the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in the ongoing conflict involving the US and Iran.
Key Facts
Ashura is a significant religious event for Shia Muslims.
Thousands gathered in Tehran to observe the day.
The gathering was the first since the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Attendees carried flags, banners, and images of Khamenei.
The killing is part of the broader conflict between the US and Iran.
The event took place on the eve of Ashura.
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