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The Kennedy Center board is still deciding whether to close the performing arts center for renovations or to keep it open during construction. A federal judge blocked the planned full closure and the removal of President Donald Trump’s name from the center, requiring the board to reconsider its plans. For now, the center remains open, but no new performances or programs have been scheduled.
Key Facts
A judge blocked the Kennedy Center’s planned closure set for July 6, 2026.
The judge ordered that President Trump’s name be removed from the center.
The judge said the board failed in its duties by quickly approving the closure plan without full consideration.
The Kennedy Center’s executive director presented three options for renovation to the board: full closure, partial closure, or phased closures with some programs continuing.
The center remains open to the public and maintains access to a JFK exhibit.
No new programming or staffing actions have been taken since the judge’s ruling.
Opponents of the closure argue the center’s leadership is not actively restoring programming.
The Trump administration removed President Trump’s name from the building as ordered by the judge.
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President Donald Trump criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, saying she repeatedly asked for a photo with him at the recent Group of Seven summit and accused Italy of not cooperating during the Iran war. Meloni denied the claims and called them false, leading to tensions between the two leaders and the cancellation of a planned trip by Italy’s foreign minister to the United States.
Key Facts
The disagreement started after President Trump claimed Meloni "begged" for a photo with him at the G7 summit in France.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denied this and said the claim was "completely fabricated."
Trump also criticized Italy for its lack of cooperation in the Iran war.
Meloni’s government supported her rejection of Trump’s statements.
Italy’s foreign minister canceled a planned visit to the U.S. because of the dispute.
The Group of Seven (G7) summit was held recently in France.
The conflict increased tensions between the U.S. and Italy’s leaders.
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The BBC gained rare access to southern Lebanon areas occupied by Israel to deliver aid to isolated Christian villages during ongoing conflict. Israel aims to keep troops there to create a security zone free of Hezbollah, while some villages have been heavily damaged by Israeli attacks, raising concerns about possible war crimes.
Key Facts
The BBC joined a humanitarian convoy delivering aid to Christian villages in southern Lebanon under Israeli occupation.
Access was limited, and filming of the Israeli military presence was heavily restricted.
Israel wants to maintain a security zone along the Lebanon border to protect its northern areas from Hezbollah attacks.
Hezbollah is a Shia Muslim armed group involved in the conflict with Israel.
Many Shia villages in the occupied zone have been destroyed by Israeli air strikes or demolitions.
Human rights groups say the destruction may include deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, which could be a war crime.
This visit occurred one day before a new ceasefire was announced in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
The BBC Middle East team reporting included Hugo Bachega and Neha Sharma.
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A 17-year-old boy was stabbed and killed in Battersea, south London, early in the morning. Police have started a murder investigation and are asking people who were nearby or have video footage to come forward with information.
Key Facts
The stabbing happened around 4:20 a.m. on Glycena Road near Lavender Hill.
Emergency services, including police and London Air Ambulance, attended the scene.
The boy died at the scene despite medical treatment.
No arrests have been made so far.
Police have set up a large crime scene and closed several nearby roads.
Officers want information especially from anyone who saw a group of males running between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on nearby streets.
Police are encouraging witnesses to share any video footage from phones or CCTV cameras.
There is a strong police presence in the area to support the community and encourage safety.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy returned Poland’s highest state honor after the Polish president took it away. This happened because Zelenskyy named a Ukrainian military unit after a group accused of killing Poles during World War II, causing tension between the two countries.
Key Facts
Poland revoked the Order of the White Eagle, its top honor, from Zelenskyy over his naming of a Ukrainian military unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
The UPA is accused by many Poles of committing mass killings of Polish civilians in World War II.
Zelenskyy explained he returned the award to show respect for the Ukrainian people and their army.
The decision by Poland’s president Karol Nawrocki has been linked to political reasons and nationalist views.
Poland remains a strong supporter of Ukraine against Russia despite the dispute.
Ukrainian officials called Poland’s move unfriendly and said Russia could exploit the tension.
Some Ukrainian officials also decided to return Polish state honors in protest.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged calm and called on both countries to resolve differences peacefully.
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Iran's military has announced it is closing the Strait of Hormuz again in response to Israel's attacks on southern Lebanon. The closure is a reaction to what Iran calls a violation of an agreement with the US to stop fighting, especially in Lebanon, after a recent ceasefire attempt between Israel and the Hezbollah group.
Key Facts
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy warned ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, or their safety will be at risk.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key channel for about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Iran refers to a US-Iran agreement that requires an end to military actions, including those in Lebanon.
Israeli airstrikes killed about two dozen people in southern Lebanon after a ceasefire was declared.
Iran accuses both Israel and the US of breaking the deal by continuing military operations.
The US Central Command said shipping through the strait was still safe and increased on Saturday.
Israel insists it will keep fighting Hezbollah if it faces threats, despite the ceasefire.
Talks between the US and Iran are planned in Switzerland to try to enforce the agreements.
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Ivan Cepeda, a 63-year-old Colombian senator, has become a leading candidate in Colombia’s presidential election. Known for his quiet style and connection to the left-wing political movement, Cepeda has gained strong support since announcing his run in 2023.
Key Facts
Ivan Cepeda is 63 years old and serves as a senator in Colombia.
He announced his presidential candidacy in August 2023.
Cepeda has become a notable figure for Colombia’s left-wing political movement.
Before running, he expressed reservations about becoming president due to the office’s responsibility.
Supporters at a June 3 rally in Bogota chanted in favor of his presidency.
Cepeda’s political life is connected to Colombia’s decades-long armed conflict.
Political analyst Leon Valencia wrote a biography about Cepeda called *Ivan Cepeda: A Life Against Forgetting*.
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Vice President Vance said there is no proof that Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route. This statement came after Iran's top military leaders said they would close the waterway.
Key Facts
Vice President Vance denied that Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's joint military command announced plans to close the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important passage for shipping, especially for oil.
The announcement from Iran raised concerns about the flow of oil in the region.
Vance spoke on the show "Fox & Friends Weekend" about these reports.
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Since the Brexit vote in 2016, areas that supported leaving the EU have seen a faster rise in foreign workers compared to areas that voted to remain. However, many Leave-supporting areas have also become more deprived in health, housing, and services, showing slower improvement or decline compared to Remain areas.
Key Facts
Foreign workers grew fastest by percentage in strong Leave-voting areas because they started with fewer foreign workers.
In places like Wigan, the share of foreign workers has doubled since 2016.
Overall, Remain-voting areas still have higher numbers of foreign workers in absolute terms.
Migration to the UK increased especially with health and care workers until around early 2023 but has since fallen.
Areas that voted Remain, often large cities, showed bigger improvements in health, housing, and local services between 2015 and 2025.
Leave-voting areas have generally become more deprived over the same period.
The changes in foreign worker numbers and deprivation are separate trends and immigration has had limited effects on wages and jobs for UK-born people.
Data used includes government employment and deprivation statistics combined with 2016 referendum voting results.
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The article reports on ongoing tensions in the Middle East as Israel and Lebanon exchange military strikes. It also highlights concerns about the worsening Ebola outbreak in some African regions.
Key Facts
Israel and Lebanon have recently exchanged military strikes.
There are questions about the U.S.-Iran nuclear deal in this context.
The Ebola virus outbreak is worsening in parts of Africa.
The situation in the Middle East remains tense.
Efforts to control Ebola are challenged by the spreading crisis.
The article mentions coverage available on CBS News and their app.
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The article discusses how the Democratic Party leadership has influenced the outcomes of past presidential primaries in 2016, 2020, and 2024 by supporting specific candidates. It raises the question of whether Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will face similar challenges if she runs in the 2028 Democratic primary.
Key Facts
In the 2016 Democratic primary, the party leadership preferred Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders.
In the 2020 Democratic primary, Joe Biden was the preferred candidate over Bernie Sanders.
In the 2024 Democratic primary, the leadership initially supported Joe Biden, then Kamala Harris, over Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a Democratic congresswoman who may consider running in 2028.
The article questions if Ocasio-Cortez will encounter resistance from party leadership like previous candidates.
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President Trump made a joke about the Iran deal, saying he would take credit if it succeeds and blame Vice President Vance if it fails. He warned Vance to “be careful” with the situation.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about the Iran deal on Wednesday.
He joked that he would take credit if the deal works.
If the deal fails, he said he would blame Vice President Vance.
Trump addressed Vice President Vance directly with a warning.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio was mentioned but details were not provided.
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America250, a group organizing events for the United States' 250th anniversary, announced some music performers for its big concert called “America’s Block Party” in Los Angeles. The concert is part of the July 4 celebrations.
Key Facts
America250 is a non-partisan commission preparing for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
They plan to hold a concert named “America’s Block Party” in Los Angeles.
The concert will be part of the July 4 Independence Day celebrations.
Several musical acts are scheduled to perform, though their names were not listed here.
The event aims to celebrate American history and culture.
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President Donald Trump accused Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of repeatedly asking for photos with him at the G7 summit to boost her popularity at home. Meloni denied the claims and said she focuses on defending Italy’s national interests. The dispute has strained relations between the two leaders and caused tension between the US and Italy.
Key Facts
President Trump said Meloni asked "over and over" for pictures with him at the G7 summit in France.
Trump claimed Meloni wanted to improve her image after Italy did not support US action against Iran.
Meloni called Trump’s accusations “made-up” and said her popularity depends on serving Italy’s interests.
The conflict led Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to cancel a visit to the US, criticizing Trump’s comments.
Meloni accused Trump of showing more respect to US enemies than to allies like Italy.
Relations between Trump and Meloni worsened after disagreements over Iran and comments about the Pope.
Meloni’s party, Brothers of Italy, is far-right and she previously worked to build good ties with Trump.
Trump also complained about the US spending a lot to defend NATO allies, including Italy.
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President Donald Trump and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni exchanged angry messages on social media over a disagreement about a photo at the recent G-7 meeting. Their dispute highlights growing tensions between the U.S. and Italy, especially related to disagreements over the war in Iran.
Key Facts
Trump claimed Meloni begged him for a photo together during the G-7 summit in France.
Meloni denied ever asking for a photo and called Trump’s attacks senseless.
Trump said Meloni wanted the photo to boost her popularity and accused her of being ungrateful.
Meloni responded that her popularity does not depend on her relationship with Trump.
The Italian press mostly supported Meloni and criticized Trump.
U.S.-Italy relations have worsened recently because Italy denied U.S. planes permission to land on its bases.
Meloni defended Italy’s decision as protecting its national sovereignty.
The situation adds to diplomatic challenges for the U.S. during a difficult time in international relations.
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A train crash in Bedford killed the train driver and injured 100 people on Friday. Two trains, one from Corby and one from Nottingham, collided, and 28 injured passengers were taken to hospital, with nine in serious condition.
Key Facts
The crash happened in Bedford on a Friday.
One train driver died in the accident.
100 people were injured in total.
28 injured passengers were admitted to hospitals.
Nine of the hospitalized people are in critical condition.
The collision involved the 16:40 train from Corby and the 15:50 train from Nottingham.
The police provided the information about the crash and injuries.
BBC correspondent Jo Black reported from Bedford about the incident.
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France is facing a strong and long heatwave, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. While Paris will continue with its Fete de la Musique music festival, other regions have canceled the event due to the heat.
Key Facts
France's weather service warns of a widespread, long-lasting, and intense heatwave.
Temperatures may rise above 40 degrees Celsius in certain parts of the country.
Paris will hold its annual music celebration, Fete de la Musique, despite the heat.
Some local officials in other regions have canceled their music events.
The recent G7 summit in France ended with a dinner for President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles.
Paris Saint Germain football player Achraf Hakimi will face trial for a rape case after an appeals court found enough evidence.
The Paris department store BHV is ending its partnership with Chinese retailer Shein under new management.
French artist JR opened the Pont Neuf Cavern, an art installation turning Paris’ oldest bridge into a sensory experience.
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President Donald Trump repeated his claim that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked him for a photo at the recent G7 summit. The two leaders have had disagreements recently, especially about the situation in Iran, after previously getting along well.
Key Facts
President Trump said Prime Minister Meloni “begged” him for a photo at the G7 meeting.
Meloni and Trump had a friendly relationship before recent conflicts.
Their disagreements are mostly about how to handle the conflict in Iran.
The G7 summit was held earlier this week and included leaders from the world’s largest economies.
Their dispute has attracted media attention due to their past positive interactions.
Both leaders traveled to the summit and interacted in person.
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Russian guided bombs hit an apartment building in Kharkiv, Ukraine, killing one person and injuring nine others, including a child. Russia also launched attacks on other Ukrainian cities, while Ukraine targeted Russian oil facilities in response.
Key Facts
A Russian bomb attack struck a residential building in Kharkiv, killing one person and injuring nine, including a 6-year-old child.
The attack occurred early Saturday in Kharkiv’s Kholodnohirskiy district.
On Friday evening, a Russian drone hit a civilian car in Kharkiv, killing a man and injuring a woman.
Russian bombs also struck the outskirts of Sumy, killing one civilian and damaging about 20 homes.
Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down 92 out of 99 Russian drones overnight, but some hit targets.
Russia's air defenses repelled a drone attack on an oil refinery in Tyumen, Siberia, causing no damage.
Ukraine has targeted Russian oil facilities to reduce Moscow’s war revenue and pressure the Russian population.
Russia claimed to have shot down 177 Ukrainian drones overnight and two drones near Moscow.
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James Burrows, a famous TV director known for many popular comedy shows, has died at age 85. Actors from shows like "Will & Grace" and "Friends" shared memories and praised his impact on television and their careers.
Key Facts
James Burrows died on June 19, 2026, at the age of 85.
He directed iconic TV comedies including "Cheers," "Friends," "Will & Grace," "Taxi," and "Frasier."
Burrows was praised for helping actors explore their characters and creating a supportive working environment.
Debra Messing from "Will & Grace" called him a "legend" and said he was like a TV dad to the cast.
Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer from "Friends" described Burrows as a mentor, icon, and father figure.
His agent called him the greatest comedic television director in history.
Burrows’ work influenced generations of writers, actors, producers, and crews.
Lisa Kudrow also paid tribute to Burrows, sharing personal memories from working with him.
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