Wimbledon offers special long-term tickets called debentures that guarantee seats for all Centre Court matches for five years. These tickets cost over £100,000 each and can be resold for very high prices, sometimes hundreds of thousands of pounds. This system allows wealthy people to bypass the public ticket ballot and secure premium seats.
Key Facts
Debentures are special five-year tickets giving access to every Centre Court match at Wimbledon.
The All England Club sold these debentures in 2024 for about £116,000 each.
There are 2,520 debentures for Centre Court, making up nearly 17% of its seats.
Owners can resell their debenture tickets at any price without restrictions.
Two debenture tickets were recently sold together for £586,000.
Debenture holders cannot use the tickets for this year’s tournament but can attend from next year up to 2030.
The public can buy remaining tickets through a ballot, but many struggle to get tickets.
The UK law banning resale of sports tickets above face value does not apply to Wimbledon debentures.
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Australia started a ban on social media use for children under 16 in December, which has inspired other countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Britain to introduce similar rules. These bans aim to protect children from harms linked to social media, such as addiction and exposure to dangerous content, while governments worldwide are debating how best to manage children’s use of technology.
Key Facts
Australia banned children under 16 from using social media in December.
Indonesia and Malaysia have followed with similar bans.
Britain plans to implement its social media ban for children by early 2027.
Age limits vary by country: Austria plans to restrict under 14, France sets it at 15, Norway wants to expand its ban from under 13 to under 16.
Some countries combine social media bans with school rules limiting smartphone use.
Lawsuits in various countries accuse social media companies of harming children by designing addictive features and not protecting them from harmful content.
A major court case in California found Meta and YouTube liable for making addictive products that harmed a child.
Experts say these bans are part of a broader global effort to better understand and manage technology’s impact on children.
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Two strong earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing severe damage and killing more than 900 people. Experts say that older buildings, poor construction, and the local soil made the damage worse.
Key Facts
The earthquakes hit Venezuela on Wednesday and were among the strongest in over 100 years.
More than 900 people died, and the number may increase.
About one-third of buildings in Catia La Mar, a badly hit city, were damaged.
Many buildings were built quickly during oil booms without following strong earthquake safety rules.
Older buildings from the 1950s and 1960s were not updated to handle earthquakes well.
Soft soil and tall buildings made the shaking worse, causing some buildings to collapse floor-by-floor.
Modern earthquake safety uses steel to strengthen concrete buildings, but many older buildings lack this reinforcement.
Wealthier countries have updated or removed unsafe buildings, but poorer countries have not been able to do so as much.
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Venezuela is facing urgent rescue efforts after two strong earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 hit the country, especially damaging the coastal city of La Guaira. At least 920 people have died and more than 51,000 are missing as search teams and residents look through collapsed buildings for survivors.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes struck Venezuela, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude.
The coastal city of La Guaira was the hardest hit area.
At least 920 people have died, and over 51,000 are reported missing.
The first 48 to 72 hours after an earthquake are critical to finding survivors.
Authorities restricted access to La Guaira to control chaos and traffic.
Many residents took part in rescue efforts due to a shortage of official rescuers.
Rescue teams have begun arriving but are still limited in number.
The government assured transparency about the severity of the disaster.
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The United States carried out an airstrike on Iranian military sites following accusations that Iran’s forces attacked a commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz. This is the first time the US has conducted a strike against Iran since they agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding on June 17.
Key Facts
The US launched a strike on Iranian military locations.
The strike occurred after claims that Iranian forces attacked a commercial ship.
The attack targeted the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
The US and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding on June 17.
This is the first US strike on Iran since that agreement was made.
The strike tests the fragile peace established by the agreement.
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Arab commentators at the 2026 World Cup are gaining attention for their passionate and poetic football commentary, which many fans find thrilling and emotional. Their dramatic style creates a lively experience that goes beyond just describing the game, making matches more exciting for viewers across the Middle East.
Key Facts
Amer al-Khudhiri, a commentator from Oman, delivered an emotional and poetic reaction to Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal during the 2026 World Cup.
More Middle Eastern teams are participating in the 2026 World Cup than before, increasing regional viewership.
Arab commentators use rich and expressive language, often extending short moments into long narrations.
Their dramatic style differs from the more factual and straightforward commentary common in English-language broadcasts.
Clips of Arab football commentary often go viral for their passion and creativity.
Commentary in Arabic draws on a long cultural tradition of oral poetry and storytelling.
Fans in Lebanon, the Gulf, and other Middle Eastern regions gather in various places to watch matches, with commentary providing a shared emotional experience.
Commentators sometimes incorporate humor or cultural references, making their speech unique and engaging.
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Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin said the party needs new leaders because the current ones do not fit today’s challenges. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus disagreed, defending their leader, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and saying he is working hard for the party.
Key Facts
Senator Elissa Slotkin called for “significant change” and “new leadership” in the Democratic Party.
Slotkin believes current leaders do not understand the political moment and should make way for others.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he did not understand Slotkin’s criticism and focused on taking back the House.
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus defended Jeffries and praised his leadership.
The Black Caucus criticized Slotkin for supporting Trump Cabinet members like Kristi Noem.
The disagreement shows a split within the Democratic Party after the 2024 presidential election.
Jeffries recently lost some primary races in New York to candidates supported by a progressive coalition.
This reflects tension between the Democratic establishment and rising progressive groups.
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The UK has experienced two major heatwaves recently, breaking long-standing temperature records, with more heatwaves likely this summer. Scientists link the hotter, longer heatwaves to human-caused climate change, which increases the chances of extreme temperatures.
Key Facts
The UK had two heatwaves in the last two months, breaking temperature records not seen since 1911.
A "heat dome" high pressure system caused warm, dry weather in May, setting a record temperature of 35.1°C in London.
June started cooler and wetter but was followed by another intense heatwave, breaking the all-time June temperature record.
The Met Office issued a rare red extreme heat warning for parts of Wales and southern England.
Forecasts expect above-average temperatures and more heatwaves through July and August.
The chance of the UK having a hotter summer is now twice as likely compared to 1991-2020, linked to climate change.
In 2022, the UK recorded its first temperature above 40°C (in Lincolnshire), and mid-40s Celsius could be possible by 2050.
Scientists say that human-caused climate change is the main reason for the increased heatwaves, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical to limit this trend.
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Billionaire investor Leon Black testified before a U.S. congressional committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein but left the hearing after refusing to answer questions about nondisclosure agreements (NDAs). Black denies any wrongdoing related to Epstein and says he paid Epstein for legitimate financial services.
Key Facts
Leon Black voluntarily appeared before the House Oversight Committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein.
He left the hearing after being asked about NDAs he may have signed related to Epstein.
The committee issued subpoenas demanding Black share these NDAs and appear for a sworn deposition on camera.
Black paid Epstein $158 million over several years for wealth management and tax advice.
An independent law firm's investigation concluded the payments were for legitimate services.
Black said he did not know about Epstein’s illegal activities until 2019.
Black denies any sexual misconduct or involvement in trafficking.
Black’s attorney called the subpoenas politically motivated and denied Epstein's involvement in NDAs.
Court records mention a 2015 NDA between Black and a former partner amid abuse allegations, which Black denies.
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Two strong earthquakes hit Caracas, Venezuela, causing damage and casualties. Rescue teams face difficulties because aftershocks keep shaking the area, and they are starting to focus more on finding bodies than survivors.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes struck Caracas, Venezuela.
The quakes happened two days before the report.
Rescue workers in one neighborhood had not received help yet.
Aftershocks continue to shake the area, making rescue work harder.
Efforts are shifting from searching for survivors to recovering bodies.
The information comes from Al Jazeera’s journalist Noris Soto.
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Two hikers lost in Kosciuszko National Park were found within five hours using a drone that has artificial intelligence (AI) to help search and rescue. The drone used thermal cameras, a spotlight, and a speaker to locate the hikers and guide rescuers to them.
Key Facts
The hikers, two men in their 20s, went missing after not returning on time from a walk on the Dead Horse Gap track.
Fire and Rescue NSW used an AI-powered drone with thermal imaging to find the hikers about 0.5 km off the track.
The hikers signaled the drone with a red light from a phone, and the drone communicated back using its speaker.
The rescue was completed in less than five hours, and the hikers had mild exposure effects but no serious injuries.
This was the first time FRNSW’s AI drone system was used to rescue people.
Rescuers said the drone helped reduce search time from days to hours, improving safety for both hikers and rescuers.
Future plans include using drones to deliver emergency supplies to stranded people before rescuers arrive.
Fire and Rescue NSW advises hikers to register their trips and use Personal Locator Beacons for safety.
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Swiss glaciers are melting much faster than usual because of a heatwave in Europe and poor snowfall last winter. Experts say the glaciers have lost a huge amount of ice early this year, which is a sign of climate change affecting the Alps.
Key Facts
The snow and ice from last winter on Swiss glaciers are expected to disappear by early July, the second earliest on record.
Glacier loss day usually happens in mid-August but arrived months early this year due to the heatwave.
Glaciers in the Swiss Alps have shrunk by 38% between 2000 and 2024.
The heatwave and less snowfall this year caused glaciers to melt faster than before.
The Rhone Glacier lost about one meter of ice vertically in just 10 days recently.
Dust from the Sahara Desert arriving in March added to the glaciers’ decline.
Switzerland lost 1,200 glaciers in the last 50 years and now only about 1,300 remain.
If warming continues, only small ice remnants may be left in the Alps by the year 2100.
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President Donald Trump criticized his former national security adviser, John Bolton, after Bolton pleaded guilty to keeping sensitive government materials improperly. Trump expressed his hope that Bolton would face severe punishment.
Key Facts
John Bolton, former national security adviser under President Trump, pleaded guilty on Friday.
Bolton admitted to improperly retaining sensitive materials related to his work in the White House.
President Trump publicly criticized Bolton on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Trump described Bolton as "dumb, unbalanced, and unskilled."
The issue centers around the handling of sensitive government documents.
Trump called for Bolton to be dealt with harshly for his actions.
The situation highlights concerns over the management of classified or sensitive information by former officials.
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New video footage shows lies that caused UK police to arrest Henry Nowak, a stabbing victim who was dying. Nowak’s murder and the police actions following it led to protests and claims of unfair policing in the UK.
Key Facts
Henry Nowak was a stabbing victim who was arrested by UK police while dying.
New video footage reveals false information that influenced the police’s decision to arrest him.
Nowak’s murder led to riots in the UK.
People accused police of applying different rules to different groups, known as two-tier policing.
The case has sparked debates about police conduct and fairness in the UK.
The footage was released recently and challenges earlier police statements.
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Canada’s economy is facing challenges, including a recent technical recession and rising inflation. The government is working on plans to improve growth, create jobs, and boost exports, while many Canadians are concerned about the cost of living and housing affordability.
Key Facts
Canada’s economic growth is expected to be around 1.6% in 2026 and improve slightly to 1.7% in 2027.
The country experienced a technical recession with two quarters of declining GDP in late 2025 and early 2026.
Inflation rose to 3.2% in May 2026, driven by higher energy prices, but remains lower than the high levels seen in 2022.
Housing costs have increased, benefiting current homeowners but making it harder for younger Canadians to buy homes.
Canadian households have the highest debt levels among G7 countries, mostly due to mortgages and consumer loans.
About 70% of Canadians describe their finances as good or very good, while 27% feel their financial situation is poor.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is promoting Canada as a strong place for investment to strengthen the economy.
Inflation and cost of living are the top concerns for many Canadians, more than housing or US tariffs.
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The U.S. government has allowed the company Anthropic to share its newest AI model, Claude Mythos 5, with more than 100 companies. This clears the way for wider use after the government had earlier restricted the model’s export.
Utah declared a state of emergency and restricted fireworks ahead of July Fourth because of the largest wildfire in the U.S. burning across the state. The Cottonwood Fire has spread over 112 square miles with no containment, and strong winds have made firefighting difficult.
Key Facts
Utah declared a state of emergency and limited fireworks until July 5 due to wildfire risks.
The Cottonwood Fire began on Monday and grew to over 112 square miles by Friday.
Strong winds of up to 45 miles per hour have made firefighting harder and caused extreme fire behavior.
The fire damaged the Eagle Point ski resort and forced evacuations in several towns.
Utah currently has 10 active wildfires burning more than 144,700 acres in total.
Smoke from the fire has traveled hundreds of miles, affecting air quality in some areas.
Most wildfires in Utah this year were started by humans.
The National Weather Service issued a rare "Particularly Dangerous Situation" warning for five Utah counties.
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Esme Rice was sexually assaulted on a London train and reported it to the British Transport Police (BTP) via their text service. After 13 hours without a response, she shared her experience on social media, which led to the police opening an investigation and acknowledging the delay.
Key Facts
The assault happened on the Elizabeth Line in London late on a Saturday night.
Two men sexually harassed Esme Rice by stroking her back and groping her as she tried to leave the train.
Esme reported the incident using BTP’s non-emergency text line (61016) but did not get a timely reply.
After waiting 13 hours with no contact, Esme posted videos about the assault on Instagram and TikTok.
Her social media posts gained thousands of views and many comments from women with similar experiences.
Shortly after Esme’s public posts, BTP contacted her and confirmed an investigation had started.
BTP’s Assistant Chief Constable admitted the delay was too long and said an internal review is underway.
BTP has a long-standing public safety campaign titled "See it. Say it. Sorted" aimed at encouraging people to report incidents on trains and stations.
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Prince Harry and Meghan will stay with their two children at a royal estate during their visit to the UK next month. The visit will last several days and includes Harry’s work with military charity events and other causes.
Key Facts
Prince Harry, Meghan, and their children Archie (7) and Lilibet (5) will stay at a royal estate in the UK.
This is their first family trip to Britain in four years.
The exact royal residence has not been disclosed.
They will also use private accommodation during the trip.
Harry’s visit marks the start of a year-long lead-up to the Invictus Games in Birmingham in July.
Harry has declined stays at Buckingham Palace before due to privacy and safety concerns.
No extra palace security has been publicly offered for this trip; security is managed by the UK Home Office.
The King last saw his grandchildren publicly in 2022, and Harry met the King for tea in early 2024.
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Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his children were subject to a false child protective services (CPS) call based on untrue allegations. Authorities have confirmed the report was false, and Buttigieg’s children were returned to his care after being temporarily separated.
Key Facts
Pete Buttigieg’s home in Traverse City, Michigan, was visited by CPS and police due to an anonymous allegation concerning his 4-year-old twins.
The children were interviewed without family present, and Buttigieg was initially not allowed to be alone with them.
Buttigieg and his husband arranged for their children to stay with grandparents during this period.
The report claimed Buttigieg had spoken about committing violent crimes, which was false.
Police and CPS found no evidence to support the allegations.
Michigan State Police confirmed the report was false and emphasized that false reports waste resources.
Buttigieg described the experience as deeply upsetting and suggested possible motives could include political targeting or homophobia.
After the investigation, Buttigieg was allowed to be with his children again without restrictions.
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