Andy Burnham, a British politician, said he wants to reduce costs for people and businesses if he becomes prime minister. He plans to cut taxes for some shops, take control of water and energy companies to lower bills, and make bus travel free for teenagers.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham aims to become prime minister and address the high cost of living.
He wants to lower business taxes for pubs and high street businesses.
Burnham plans to bring water, energy, and transport services under public control to reduce bills.
He proposes free bus travel for people aged 16 to 18.
Some policies may include freezing private rent prices and removing green levies from energy bills.
Burnham promises not to borrow more money than current government rules allow.
He plans to spend some working time in Manchester and create a “No 10 North” office there.
Experts warn public control of utilities may not immediately lower consumer costs due to needed investments.
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President Donald Trump declared a new "National Scallops Day" to highlight his administration’s decision to allow scallop fishing in New England waters. He used the announcement to criticize former Presidents Obama and Biden regarding their policies on this issue.
Key Facts
President Trump announced "National Scallops Day" on a Thursday.
The day celebrates NOAA’s decision to open New England waters to scallop fishing.
NOAA stands for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a government agency managing ocean resources.
The announcement highlighted a policy change under President Trump’s administration.
President Trump criticized actions taken by the Obama and Biden administrations related to fishing policies.
This declaration is part of President Trump’s effort to promote his administration’s achievements in environmental and fisheries management.
New England includes states in the northeastern part of the U.S., where scallop fishing is an important industry.
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In France, many people rushed to buy discounted air conditioners and fans from the Lidl supermarket during a heatwave. Large crowds formed, causing long lines and some disturbances, including a broken store entrance in Nanterre while police watched the situation in Paris.
Key Facts
Lidl offered discounts on air conditioners and fans.
A strong heatwave affected parts of France.
Hundreds of shoppers lined up for hours before stores opened.
Police monitored the crowds in Paris to maintain order.
In Nanterre, a store entrance was broken during the rush.
The shopping rush caused chaos in some supermarkets.
The demand for cooling devices increased due to high temperatures.
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The Kennedy Center is selling expensive ticket packages, up to $25,000, to watch the July 4th fireworks in Washington, D.C. The event is linked to President Donald Trump and includes access to special areas and benefits. The Kennedy Center is also dealing with financial and legal problems related to the use and removal of President Trump's name from the building.
Key Facts
The most expensive ticket package costs $25,000 and admits up to 36 guests with reserved tables, parking, and indoor lounge access.
Nearly $19,000 of the $25,000 ticket price is tax deductible.
Other packages include a $15,000 "vice-presidential" package and a $7,500 "statesman" package, both with fewer guests and similar benefits.
Single tickets start at $425, with children's tickets at $125 each, including some tax deduction.
The fireworks are sponsored by Freedom 250, an organization backed by President Trump, and Trump is scheduled to speak at the event.
The Kennedy Center offers a free public viewing area on its plaza with concessions.
The Kennedy Center faces financial difficulties and legal battles after President Trump’s name was removed from its facade by court order.
The Trump administration claims it may have to return donations made when the center included Trump’s name, possibly amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars.
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Hundreds of people in and around Paris rushed into supermarkets to buy air conditioners ahead of an expected heatwave. The demand caused fights and loud arguments as shoppers tried to find cooling units before the hot weather arrives.
Key Facts
The event took place in Paris, France.
People crowded supermarkets to buy air conditioning units.
The rush was due to an upcoming heatwave in the French capital.
Some shoppers fought and argued because of the high demand.
The situation shows concerns about coping with intense heat.
The article referenced past heatwaves and related issues in France.
Officials and parties have expressed different views on heatwave responses.
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At least nine Buddhist monks died and over 20 people were hurt when a truck driven by an 11-year-old boy hit a religious procession in northeastern Thailand. The boy took his parents' vehicle without permission and is now in police custody.
Key Facts
Nine Buddhist monks were killed in the accident.
More than 20 others were injured.
The crash involved a truck driven by an 11-year-old boy.
The boy took his parents’ vehicle without asking.
The accident happened during a pilgrimage procession in northeastern Thailand.
The boy is currently held by the police.
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Israelis held memorials and protests on July 2, 2026, to mark 1,000 days since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that led to the war in Gaza. Many called for a formal investigation into why the government did not prevent the attack and how it handled the hostage crisis that followed.
Key Facts
The October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.
251 Israelis were taken hostage and held in Gaza during the conflict.
Memorials and protests took place across Israel to remember the victims and demand accountability.
Protesters want a state commission of inquiry to investigate government failures before and after the attack.
The current government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has refused to create an independent commission.
The government offered a "political" commission with half the members appointed by the ruling coalition and half by the opposition, but opposition leaders reject this.
Protests included blocking a highway in Tel Aviv, leading to eight arrests by police.
Families of victims and hostages organized many of the events and continue to push for government accountability.
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An expert in military strategy said the West does not have enough interceptor missiles to stop Russia’s frequent and large attacks on Ukraine. Ukraine’s allies are helping as much as they can, but they face challenges due to the number and speed of Russian attacks.
Key Facts
Russia has launched massive and frequent attacks on Ukraine.
The West is providing support to Ukraine.
Interceptor missiles are used to shoot down incoming attacks.
The West currently lacks enough interceptor missiles to handle all Russian attacks.
Frank Ledwidge, a military strategy expert, made these observations in an interview.
Ukrainian officials have said they will respond to Russian attacks.
Russian attacks have caused significant damage and casualties in Kyiv.
The situation reflects ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
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A federal appeals court stopped a lower court’s order that said the National Park Service must put back signs and exhibits removed during President Trump’s administration. The appeals court ruled that the previous decision to restore these items is paused.
Key Facts
The 1st Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower court’s ruling.
The lower court had ordered the National Park Service to restore signs and exhibits removed.
These materials were taken down during President Trump’s administration.
The Trump administration said the removals were part of a planned change.
The appeals court temporarily blocked the order to restore the materials.
The case relates to how the government manages historical and informational displays in national parks.
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Wildfires in southwestern France have forced nearly 3,000 people to leave their homes. The fires followed an early heatwave, causing concern from French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu.
Key Facts
About 3,000 people were evacuated due to wildfires in southwestern France.
The wildfires came after a record-breaking heatwave in the region.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu warned about the early start of the wildfire season.
Wildfires are linked to the unusually hot and dry weather conditions.
The heatwave is part of a larger pattern affecting Europe in 2026.
French authorities are responding to the fires to protect residents and property.
The situation highlights concerns about climate change and its effects on weather and natural disasters.
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David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, was formally charged with damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C. Prosecutors say he pulled up the pool's bottom liner, causing damage, while his lawyers deny the claims and say he is innocent. The case is part of a broader investigation into several incidents of vandalism at the Reflecting Pool.
Key Facts
David Hearn was indicted for felony destruction of property related to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Prosecutors say Hearn pulled up and removed the pool's bottom liner, damaging a two-square-foot area.
Hearn faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
The indictment is the first since President Trump mentioned vandalism to the pool after a $14 million renovation.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said other possible vandalism cases to the Reflecting Pool are under review.
Hearn denies damaging the pool and claims he was never read his Miranda rights.
Hearn’s lawyers called the charges "outrageous" and suggested they are politically motivated.
The investigation includes both felony and misdemeanor cases related to vandalism at the Reflecting Pool.
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David Hearn, a US Olympian, was indicted for allegedly damaging the Washington DC reflecting pool after its recent renovation. President Trump accused vandals of harming the pool, but Hearn denies these claims and says he did not cause any damage.
Key Facts
David Hearn is a three-time US Olympian and canoeist.
He was indicted for “maliciously” damaging the lining of the reflecting pool on June 19.
Hearn was arrested after touching a partly detached piece of the pool’s liner.
He denies vandalizing or breaking anything and says he was arrested unfairly.
President Trump ordered a $14.7 million renovation to the reflecting pool for the country’s 250th anniversary.
Soon after the renovation, algae turned the water green and a large tear was reported in the pool’s liner.
Trump said the government would release photos and videos to prove the vandalism but has not done so yet.
The pool is a historic site, linked to important events like Martin Luther King Jr.’s "I Have a Dream" speech.
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Olympian David Hearn has been charged with damaging property at the D.C. Reflecting Pool. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced that Hearn allegedly removed a piece of sealant from the pool's bottom on June 19.
Key Facts
David Hearn is an Olympian.
He has been charged with destruction of property.
The incident happened at the D.C. Reflecting Pool.
Hearn is accused of ripping out a piece of sealant from the pool.
The event occurred on June 19.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the indictment.
The charge is part of a formal legal process called an indictment.
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The Supreme Court refused to stop a daily $800 fine against former Fox News reporter Catherine Herridge. She was ordered to reveal her confidential source in a lawsuit by scientist Yanping Chen, who claims the government leaked private information that harmed her.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court denied Herridge’s request to pause the $800-a-day fine.
Herridge was held in civil contempt for refusing to reveal her source about a Chinese American scientist.
Yanping Chen sued the FBI and Justice Department claiming leaked information damaged her life and violated the Privacy Act.
Chen was investigated by the FBI but never charged.
Herridge’s 2017 Fox News stories focused on Chen’s ties to the Chinese military and possible spying concerns.
A judge ruled Chen’s need to identify the source outweighed Herridge’s right to protect it.
Media experts worry this ruling could discourage sources from sharing information with reporters.
Herridge has worked for major news outlets and is now an independent journalist.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said a new pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific Coast will keep a tanker ban on northern British Columbia to protect the environment. The government aims to expand oil export routes beyond the U.S. and ease tensions with Alberta, where there is growing support for independence.
Key Facts
The pipeline will carry Alberta oil to the Pacific Coast while respecting a ban on oil tankers off northern British Columbia.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will announce details about the pipeline route in Calgary.
The Canadian government wants to reduce dependence on the U.S. oil market by expanding exports to other countries.
Alberta is planning a public vote this fall on holding a referendum for Alberta’s possible independence from Canada.
British Columbia and some Indigenous groups oppose pipelines crossing northern British Columbia.
British Columbia Premier David Eby confirmed the northern tanker ban will remain and said the province will receive compensation for environmental risks if the pipeline goes through southern British Columbia.
Carney aims to double Canada’s oil exports outside the U.S. over the next ten years.
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau opposed pipelines crossing northern British Columbia and the Great Bear Rainforest but approved one to the southern coast.
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A former Olympic canoe racer, David Hearn, was charged with a felony for damaging the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. Authorities say he deliberately tore up a protective sealant on the pool, causing over $1,000 in damage. President Donald Trump called the incident vandalism and mentioned multiple arrests related to the pool's damage.
Key Facts
David Hearn, 67, a former Olympic canoe racer, was indicted on a felony count of property destruction.
He allegedly ripped up a newly installed sealant on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Damage caused is estimated to be more than $1,000.
Hearn was reportedly "forceful and violent" when pulling up the pool's liner.
He acted belligerently toward a park employee who told him to stop.
Hearn said he touched the coating briefly after being told to stop.
He was detained by National Guard and Park Police for five hours before release.
President Trump claimed several arrests were made related to vandalism of the Reflecting Pool.
The pool recently underwent a $14 million renovation for the U.S. 250th anniversary.
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Venezuela’s recent powerful earthquakes have caused many deaths and injuries, worsening the country’s weak healthcare system. Doctors and aid workers warn that poor sanitation and lack of medical care could lead to more infections and health problems in the coming weeks.
Key Facts
Twin earthquakes in Venezuela on June 24 killed at least 2,295 people and injured more than 11,000.
Many displaced people are living in crowded shelters or outdoors without clean water or proper sanitation.
Venezuela’s hospitals already suffer from shortages of doctors, medical equipment, water, and electricity.
About one-third of Venezuela’s doctors have left the country since 2013 due to economic crisis.
Experts fear that infections and disease outbreaks could increase because of damaged infrastructure and poor waste management.
The U.S. has deployed 900 military personnel to assist with relief and repair an airport runway for aid deliveries.
The Trump administration has provided $300 million in humanitarian aid through organizations like the United Nations.
International rescue teams from various countries, including Ecuador and Israel, have joined search-and-rescue efforts.
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Olympian David Hearn was indicted for damaging the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. He is accused of removing sealant from the pool’s bottom and faces charges of destruction of property. Hearn could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Key Facts
David Hearn, 67, was charged with felony destruction of property by a grand jury in D.C.
The incident occurred on June 19, when Hearn allegedly ripped out a piece of sealant from the Reflecting Pool’s bottom liner.
National Park Service employees saw Hearn removing the liner and reported the damage.
Hearn said he stopped by the pool during a 64-mile bike ride and was arrested after reaching into the water.
The damage caused is valued at over $1,000.
Hearn shouted at a park employee who asked him to stop, questioning why she cared about the pool.
There have been about six vandalism cases related to the Reflecting Pool, with some possibly leading to misdemeanor charges.
President Trump has blamed vandals for problems at the Reflecting Pool after renovations, including paint peeling and algae growth.
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Lindsay Lohan celebrated her 40th birthday by sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram about her personal and professional growth over the years. She reflected on becoming a mother, getting married, and her career highlights, including her role in the upcoming movie "Freakier Friday." Lohan expressed gratitude for her life journey and excitement about future projects.
Key Facts
Lindsay Lohan turned 40 and posted a message on Instagram reflecting on her life experiences.
She mentioned becoming a mother and getting married as important life events in the past decade.
Lohan reprised her role as Anna Coleman in the movie "Freakier Friday," set for 2025 release.
She talked about her early acting career starting at 18 months old and growing through various roles like "Mean Girls" and "The Parent Trap."
Lohan described her 20s as a time of fast change, success, and learning about herself under public pressure.
She will star in the new Hulu series "Count My Lies" with Shailene Woodley and Kit Harington.
Lohan emphasized focusing on meaningful projects and a balanced personal life going forward.
Many celebrities, including Kyle Richards and Ayesha Curry, sent birthday wishes in her Instagram comments.
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Democratic members of Congress asked the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department to restore funding for teen pregnancy prevention programs. These grants, which provide money to support efforts to lower teen pregnancy, were recently canceled by the Trump administration.
Key Facts
The grants are worth tens of millions of dollars.
The funding was for teen pregnancy prevention (TPP) programs.
The cancellations happened abruptly last week.
79 Democrats in the House sent a letter about this issue.
The letter was led by members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus.
The letter was addressed to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.
Democrats want the funds reinstated to continue supporting teen pregnancy efforts.
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