Police in Kenya have blocked major roads into Nairobi to stop nationwide protests planned to mark the second anniversary of the 2024 anti-government demonstrations. The protests, led mostly by young people, demand justice for over 80 people killed during those demonstrations and have caused clashes between police and protesters.
Key Facts
Police have set up roadblocks on major routes into Nairobi to prevent access to the city center.
The protests are organized mainly through social media and expected in Nairobi, Mombasa, and central Kenya.
Protesters demand justice for more than 80 people killed during anti-tax protests in 2024 and related anniversary protests.
Security forces used tear gas and arrested several people trying to access Nairobi for protests.
Some families of victims want peaceful remembrance of their lost loved ones without violence.
Opposition leaders joined families to lay wreaths at parliament honoring those who died in 2024 protests.
President William Ruto supports peaceful protests but warns against violence and destruction.
Human rights groups criticized a government compensation fund for victims of protest-related abuses, saying it excludes some victims and lacks transparency.
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is meeting Gulf Cooperation Council leaders in Bahrain to assure them of US protection as talks continue over Iran’s nuclear program. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has warned ships not to use a new shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz without its permission. Tensions also remain high in Lebanon after an Israeli strike killed two people.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio is visiting Gulf countries to reassure them about their security in talks with Iran.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned ships to avoid a new shipping lane in the Strait of Hormuz if it is not approved by Iran.
Oman created new guidelines for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz with UN coordination.
Iran accused NATO members of supporting what it called an unlawful war involving US and Israeli attacks.
South Korea reported that more of its ships safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz, easing shipping concerns.
Three judges from the International Criminal Court sued President Donald Trump’s administration over US sanctions against them.
An Israeli strike near Nabatieh, Lebanon, killed two people amid ongoing Lebanese-Israeli talks about troop withdrawals.
Israeli Defense Minister said Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon regardless of US calls for withdrawal.
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Rachel Reeves supports Andy Burnham becoming the next prime minister, even though reports suggest she might leave her chancellor role if he wins Labour leadership. She has not ruled out taking a lower position in Burnham’s cabinet and praised the stronger economy she helped build.
Key Facts
Rachel Reeves backs Andy Burnham for prime minister.
Reports suggest Reeves may lose the chancellor position if Burnham leads.
Reeves is open to accepting a more junior cabinet role under Burnham.
She praised her work with outgoing prime minister Keir Starmer and the improved economy.
One of Reeves’s top advisers asked big companies to lobby Burnham to keep her as chancellor.
Labour supporters are divided on who Burnham should appoint as chancellor, between Wes Streeting and Ed Miliband.
Some Labour members worry Miliband might push too many radical policies.
Darren Jones, a Labour official, said the new chancellor must support the prime minister and reassure markets and the public.
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A heatwave is affecting large parts of Europe, with over 100 million people experiencing temperatures above 35°C. The extreme heat has caused disruptions such as UK universities canceling open days and an increase in health emergencies and deaths in Paris.
Key Facts
At least 101 million people in Europe are expected to face temperatures above 35°C on Thursday.
Around 380 million Europeans (about two-thirds of the population) are expected to have temperatures over 30°C.
UK universities like University College London and Imperial College London canceled student open days to protect visitors and staff.
Paris has seen a rise in deaths and emergency calls due to the heatwave.
Extreme heat warnings are in place across the UK, France, and Italy, covering many regions.
Some cities will reach temperatures near or above 39°C, including Paris and Cologne.
Temperatures are expected to rise even more in Central European cities such as Bratislava, Budapest, Prague, and Warsaw over the weekend.
The heatwave is moving eastwards but continues to impact millions of people across the continent.
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Two new musicals, Hot Mess and Acid’s Reign, use entertainment to explore the climate crisis. They combine humor, love stories, and serious themes about the environment to engage audiences emotionally and creatively.
Key Facts
Hot Mess is a musical that tells the story of Earth as a woman and Humanity as a bad boyfriend, highlighting the abuse of the planet.
The show premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and is now playing in London.
Creators Jack Godfrey and Ellie Coote aimed to avoid a gloomy or preachy tone by mixing comedy and relatable stories with their environmental message.
Other climate-focused musicals include The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by the Royal Shakespeare Company and Dear Everything in New York.
Assistant producer Finlay Carroll founded Pollinate, a company dedicated to producing musicals about climate change.
The musical form is seen as hopeful and able to tackle serious topics while still entertaining audiences.
Humor and emotional connection are used to inspire people to care about the environment without direct lecturing.
Acid’s Reign, a drag musical at Edinburgh Fringe, also addresses climate themes with optimism.
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Hunter Biden criticized the Democratic Party’s current leaders, saying that aiming for the middle to win votes is not a good plan. He praised New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s supporters for winning three elections and urged Democrats to focus on issues like the cost of living and Israel’s war in Gaza.
Key Facts
Hunter Biden said “the middle is not a strategy” for Democrats.
He praised allies of Zohran Mamdani who won three elections recently.
Biden said voters want candidates who truly believe in something.
He claimed current Democratic leadership endorsements now seem like warnings.
Hunter Biden highlighted the cost of living as a very important issue.
He encourages Democratic candidates to support their base instead of fearing it.
He criticized party leaders who try to appeal to the middle, calling them “triangulators.”
Zohran Mamdani’s victories challenge some top Democratic leaders.
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Rockstar Games will release Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. The game features two playable characters, including the series’ first female protagonist, and is set in a fictional version of Florida called Leonida, with the city Vice City returning.
Key Facts
GTA 6 will launch on November 19, 2026, after two previous delays.
Players can pre-order the game starting June 25, 2026, with pre-loading available from November 12.
The game will cost £69.99 in the UK and $79.99 in the US; an ultimate edition costs more and includes extra in-game items.
Physical editions will include a digital download code instead of a disc.
The game is planned for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S; no PC or Nintendo Switch 2 versions have been announced.
GTA 6 will feature two main playable characters: Lucia (the first female lead in the series) and Jason.
The story involves a crime adventure set in Leonida, Rockstar’s version of Florida, with Vice City as the main city.
Development costs are estimated to exceed $1 billion, possibly making it the most expensive game ever made.
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Three judges from the International Criminal Court (ICC) filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump and his administration, saying that sanctions imposed on them last year are illegal. The sanctions blocked their assets in the US and restricted their financial activities because of the ICC’s actions against Israel and US troops.
Key Facts
Three ICC judges sued President Trump and his administration over sanctions imposed last year.
The judges believe the sanctions are unlawful and aim to pressure and punish them outside of the law.
Sanctions blocked their property and assets in the United States.
US entities were banned from doing business with these judges, including providing funds or services.
The Trump administration imposed the sanctions after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opened a case on alleged US war crimes in Afghanistan.
The ICC prosecutes serious crimes like genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in member countries, but the US does not accept its authority.
The judges say the sanctions prevent them from using credit cards, bank services, online platforms, travel bookings, and some health insurance.
The lawsuit claims the sanctions exceed legal limits and were not based on a real national emergency.
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Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela near Caracas, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, causing significant building damage and casualties. The United States, India, China, and Spain have promised help, with the US sending rescue teams and aid immediately following President Trump's direction.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela within about a minute.
The quakes caused buildings to collapse and widespread damage in Caracas and nearby areas.
At least 32 people died and around 700 were injured, with numbers expected to rise.
Caracas airport, subway, and schools were closed due to damage.
The Venezuelan government canceled classes and used some schools as shelters and donation centers.
The US is deploying search and rescue teams and medical aid, ordered by President Trump.
India, China, and Spain also offered support and emergency aid to Venezuela.
The earthquakes were some of the strongest in Venezuela in over 100 years.
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Two strong earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck Venezuela within seconds, causing buildings to collapse and widespread panic. Rescue teams are searching through rubble in Caracas and other areas, and officials have declared a state of emergency as the death toll and damage continue to rise.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes hit Venezuela moments apart, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
Caracas was one of the hardest-hit cities, with many buildings falling down.
At least 32 people have been confirmed dead, but the number is expected to increase.
Authorities declared a state of emergency, suspended classes, and closed the main airport.
Health workers have been asked to go to hospitals to help.
People in affected areas fled their homes into the streets due to fear of aftershocks.
Communication problems have made it hard for families to contact each other and for officials to understand the full damage.
The US Geological Survey warns there could be thousands or even over 100,000 deaths in the worst-case scenario.
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Rachel Reeves, the current UK chancellor, appears to accept that she will lose her job when Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister in about three weeks. She has shown support for Burnham and did not confirm if she would take a lower position in his cabinet.
Key Facts
Rachel Reeves is the current Chancellor of the Exchequer in the UK.
Andy Burnham is set to become Prime Minister in approximately three weeks.
Reeves had hoped to remain chancellor but seems resigned to losing the position.
She publicly supports Burnham and praised her work as chancellor.
Reeves did not clarify whether she would accept a different, lower cabinet role under Burnham.
It is the new Prime Minister’s decision to appoint cabinet members.
Reeves was interviewed by the BBC and participated in the British Chambers of Commerce conference.
Various political figures are also speaking at the conference, including Burnham and other party leaders.
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In Astoria, Queens, a neighborhood with a large Arab community, people gathered to celebrate the success of Arab nations in the World Cup. Fans from countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria came together to watch games, show support, and express pride in their heritage.
Key Facts
Morocco beat Haiti 4-2 to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the second time in a row.
Egypt won their first-ever World Cup game by defeating New Zealand 3-1.
Algeria won a 2-1 comeback match against Jordan, both Arab nations in Group J.
Astoria has a well-established Arab-American population with many North African immigrants.
Steinway Street is a popular area in Astoria filled with Arab cafes, shops, and fans wearing national team jerseys.
The World Cup celebrations helped create a sense of Arab unity and pride among immigrants living in New York.
Despite stricter U.S. immigration and travel policies under President Trump, local communities support the teams from their home countries.
Public viewing events, like watching games outside shops and in cafes, help fans feel connected to their native countries.
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The Scouts have introduced new badges for 14- to 18-year-olds focused on digital skills like content creation, digital communication, and online safety. These badges reflect young people's desire to learn about AI and digital life and aim to teach responsible use of technology.
Key Facts
Nearly 3,000 teenagers helped shape the new Explorer Scout badges.
The badges cover how digital communities influence opinion and how to create positive online content.
One badge focuses on understanding digital footprints and the impact of social media.
Another badge requires designing safety resources to manage online risks.
The Scout program has not been updated in nearly 25 years.
The changes address current digital challenges and future skills, including AI understanding.
Scouts will update badge guidance if the government enacts social media restrictions for teens under 16.
Young Scouts said they are not learning enough about positive uses of AI in school.
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Oil prices have dropped to levels last seen before the conflict between Iran and the US began in February. More oil tankers are now safely passing through the strait of Hormuz, increasing supply and reducing fears of a lasting energy shortage.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil price fell to $72.24 a barrel, below pre-Iran war levels.
Oil prices dropped over 20% in the past month.
More tankers are transiting the strait of Hormuz with tracking signals turned on, indicating increased safe passage.
The strait of Hormuz saw vessel traffic double to the highest level since February.
A new shipping route near Oman is being used despite threats from Iran’s paramilitary forces.
The US and Iran signed a 60-day interim agreement to negotiate a permanent peace deal.
Oil supply increased partly due to inventory releases and reduced demand from China.
European energy prices remain high due to a heatwave causing increased electricity use.
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A woman attacked by a shark at Coogee beach in Sydney is no longer in critical condition and remembers the event well, her brother said. She remains in hospital recovering from surgeries, including an arm amputation, and faces a long rehabilitation ahead. Several Sydney beaches have been closed after several great white shark sightings, which are linked to the sharks following migrating salmon.
Key Facts
Leah Stewart, 34, was attacked by a shark at Coogee beach in Sydney and lost one arm.
She is awake, alert, and remembers the attack in detail, according to her brother.
Leah’s remaining arm has severe damage and will need further surgery and rehab.
Sydney beaches like Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, and Maroubra were closed due to great white shark sightings.
Shark activity has increased because great white sharks are feeding on large groups of Australian salmon near the shore.
Juvenile sharks tend to stay closer to the coast during this time of year and are more likely to interact with humans.
Experts say shark sightings at this time of year are normal as sharks follow their prey during migration.
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Two strong earthquakes struck Venezuela’s capital, causing buildings to collapse and trapping people under the debris. Rescue teams are working to help survivors, and the government has declared a state of emergency. At least 32 people have died so far.
Key Facts
Two powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela’s capital.
Many buildings were destroyed or heavily damaged.
People are trapped under the rubble.
A large search-and-rescue operation is in progress.
The Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency.
At least 32 fatalities have been reported.
Authorities continue to assess the situation and rescue survivors.
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The price of oil has dropped to the lowest level since before the Iran war started, as more ships have begun passing through the Strait of Hormuz again. This change follows recent peace talks and an agreement between the US and Iran to ease tensions and allow safer passage for commercial ships.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil price briefly fell below $72.48 a barrel, the same price before US and Israel attacks on Iran in February.
Energy prices have been falling since the US and Iran signed an agreement on June 17 to start negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and ending the war.
The number of vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz has increased after the agreement, including ships carrying oil, natural gas, and other goods.
The US and Iran set up a communication line to prevent misunderstandings and ensure safer travel for ships through the strait.
About 80 ships have crossed the strait since peace talks began in Switzerland last weekend, compared to over 100 ships daily before the war.
Some ships use a northern route with Iranian permission, while others use a safer southern route guided by the US navy.
Despite the increase, many ships still remain waiting in the Gulf region.
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French President Emmanuel Macron will host Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for talks on the French Riviera to strengthen cooperation between France and Italy. The meeting comes after Meloni distanced herself from US President Donald Trump and aims to improve ties in areas like defense, nuclear energy, and space.
Key Facts
Macron and Meloni will meet in Antibes, France, for a bilateral summit.
This is their first formal meeting since a strategic alliance treaty between the two countries began in 2021.
The summit will focus on cooperation in defense, nuclear energy, and space.
Meloni had a recent fallout with President Trump over his remarks at a G7 summit.
Macron and Meloni have different views on some issues, like migration policy and military support to Ukraine.
The meeting will include signing agreements on a French-Italian air defense system and a European satellite project.
Macron and Meloni have worked to ease tensions despite past disagreements.
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Congress members from both parties are criticizing the NFL for increasing the cost to watch football games due to streaming services. However, experts and reports say professional football is more affordable and accessible now than before because many games are available for free on local broadcast TV or through cheaper streaming options.
Key Facts
Bipartisan critics in Congress blame the NFL for higher costs linked to streaming football games.
The NFL’s deals with broadcast TV channels are locked in until 2033, keeping local games available for free over the air.
Most football games are offered both on traditional TV networks and streaming platforms simultaneously.
Streaming services like ESPN+, Paramount+, and Peacock allow people who have cut cable to watch games at lower costs.
Some exclusive games still air on local broadcast TV in the teams’ home markets, including the upcoming Christmas Day games on Netflix.
Research shows the total cost to watch all games in a season via streaming and free broadcasts is less than $220, much lower than the $1,000 figure cited by critics.
Federal agencies like the FCC and Justice Department are also examining the NFL’s broadcasting practices for potential legal issues.
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The U.S. Park Police released video and photos of a person near the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as part of an investigation into damage to government property. They are asking the public to help identify the individual seen in footage from June 19.
Key Facts
The video shows a person kneeling and reaching into the reflecting pool on June 19 around 3:30 p.m.
The Park Police have not named the person or confirmed if they are a suspect.
The investigation relates to possible damage or destruction of government property at the pool.
Officials have asked anyone with information to contact the U.S. Park Police tip line.
The request for help follows claims by President Donald Trump that the recently fixed pool was vandalized.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is a well-known landmark located in Washington, D.C.
The case is ongoing, and updates are expected as new information comes in.
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