Russia is struggling to advance in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, with its progress slowing significantly and high troop casualties reported. Ukraine has been using drones and missile strikes to disrupt Russian supply lines, which has contributed to Russia’s stalled military gains this year.
Key Facts
Russia aims to take full control of the Donetsk region by the end of the year but has missed 14 previous deadlines.
At the current pace, Russia would need 14 more years to finish the fight in Donetsk.
The Institute for the Study of War reports Russia’s territorial gains have dropped sharply from 16.6 sq km per day in early 2025 to 1.03 sq km per day this year.
Russia suffered about 39,490 troop casualties in June alone; since the war began, Russia has an estimated 1.4 million casualties.
Russia’s monthly troop casualty rate now exceeds its estimated monthly recruitment capacity.
Ukraine has increased drone production and developed long-range missiles to attack Russian supplies and logistics, calling it a “Logistical Lockdown.”
Ukraine’s attacks destroyed 12 electricity substations in Crimea over two days as part of efforts to disrupt Russian military operations.
Ukraine’s military commander said Ukrainian forces struck a Russian target every 52 seconds in June.
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Three men accused of killing journalist Lyra McKee in Northern Ireland in 2019 have been found not guilty. Lyra McKee was shot while near police during unrest in Londonderry, and the New IRA group claimed responsibility for her death.
Key Facts
Lyra McKee was a 29-year-old journalist killed in April 2019.
She was shot while near police vehicles during disturbances in the Creggan area of Londonderry.
The New IRA, a dissident republican group, said they were responsible for her death.
Three men—Paul McIntyre, Peter Cavanagh, and Jordan Devine—were charged with her murder.
All three men have now been found not guilty.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its connection to ongoing tensions in Northern Ireland.
The news story is still being updated with more details expected to follow.
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Police are searching for a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman named Anastasiia Berezovska, who is suspected of planting a bomb in Monaco. The explosion injured three people, including a Ukrainian-born businessman. German police have searched her home, and she is wanted in Monaco for attempted murder and related crimes.
Key Facts
Anastasiia Berezovska is 39 years old and from Ukraine.
She is suspected of planting a bomb on a public road in Monaco.
The bomb explosion injured three people, including a Ukrainian-born tycoon.
Police in Germany have conducted a search of her apartment.
She is charged with attempted murder, placing an explosive device with criminal intent, and criminal conspiracy.
An Interpol Red Notice has been issued to help find her.
The incident occurred on Monday.
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An Indian company called Skyroot Aerospace is preparing for its first private rocket launch between July 12 and August 4 from India’s Satish Dhawan Space Center. Meanwhile, NASA successfully launched a mission to boost the orbit of its aging Swift astronomy satellite using a Pegasus rocket, which is making its final flight. The space industry continues to experience launch delays, but companies and agencies are working on new technologies and missions.
Key Facts
Skyroot Aerospace will conduct the first test flight of its Vikram-1 rocket, aiming to send a commercial vehicle into orbit from India.
The Vikram-1 rocket has four stages with different engines and can carry nearly 500 kilograms into low-Earth orbit.
Skyroot has raised about $160 million and is valued at over $1 billion.
NASA’s Swift satellite, launched in 2004, cannot move itself in orbit and risks falling back to Earth this year.
The Swift satellite’s orbit was boosted by Katalyst Space Technologies using a Pegasus XL rocket dropped from a plane.
This was the last planned launch of the Pegasus rocket, which was popular in the 1990s and 2000s but has since been replaced by newer commercial rockets.
NASA provided rocket engines for Europe’s Rosalind Franklin mission to Mars.
Many space launches planned for 2024 have been postponed to 2025, showing common delays in the space industry.
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Three men from Derry were found not guilty of murdering journalist Lyra McKee in 2019. The court cleared Jordan Devine, Paul McIntyre, and Peter Cavanagh of charges related to her death during riots in Derry.
Key Facts
Lyra McKee was a 29-year-old journalist from Belfast.
She was shot and killed on April 18, 2019, while near police vehicles during rioting in Creggan, Derry.
The New IRA took responsibility for the killing.
Three men—Jordan Devine (25), Paul McIntyre (58), and Peter Cavanagh (38)—stood trial for her murder.
The trial began in May 2024 at Belfast crown court, presided over by Mrs Justice Smyth without a jury.
Prosecutors said the men did not fire the fatal bullet but allegedly helped the shooter.
On Friday, the judge cleared all three men of the murder charges.
The verdict was described as heartbreaking by McKee’s friends.
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Actors in Philadelphia are portraying important historical figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross. These performances help people learn about and celebrate 250 years of American history through storytelling.
Key Facts
Actors in Philadelphia are playing roles of famous historical figures.
Characters include Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross.
The performances aim to make history more engaging and understandable.
This event marks 250 years of American history.
The storytelling takes place at Historic Philadelphia sites.
The project is designed to attract tourists and history fans.
The approach turns sightseeing into an educational experience.
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A study shows that in 38 of the 51 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, the affordable housing shortage would take over 100 years to fix if homes keep being built at the current rate. Many renters spend too much of their income on rent, and the supply of affordable homes is too low, especially for very low-income households.
Key Facts
Over 22.4 million renter households in the U.S. spend more than 30% of their income on housing.
In many cities, new affordable housing is being built too slowly to solve the problem within this century.
St. Louis would take nearly 1,000 years to close its affordable housing gap at today's building pace.
New York City’s affordable housing gap would take about 169 years to close, shorter than St. Louis but still very long.
Only 13 metro areas could close their affordable housing gaps in less than 100 years at the current construction rates.
Market-rate housing lowers average rents but does not meet the needs of extremely low-income renters who need subsidies.
Solutions to the affordable housing crisis need multiple, specialized approaches.
Some cities like New York and Dallas have recently built more apartments, which helps reduce rents somewhat.
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As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has become a leading figure opposing President Donald Trump’s vision for the celebrations. This opposition reflects differing views on how to mark the country's history and future.
Key Facts
The US is marking 250 years since its founding.
President Donald Trump has a particular vision for the anniversary celebrations.
Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York City, opposes Trump’s view.
Mamdani has become a main figure representing this opposition.
The anniversary is a significant national event with competing perspectives on its meaning.
The article mentions other recent global news but focuses on this US political and cultural issue.
There are rival plans for how to celebrate the 250th anniversary in the US.
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A new trial for an Ebola treatment has started in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of efforts to fight the current outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the first patient has been enrolled in the trial.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak is happening in the Bundibugyo area of the DRC.
A treatment trial for Ebola began with its first patient enrolled on a Thursday.
The announcement was made by WHO chief Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The trial aims to find effective ways to combat the Ebola epidemic.
The WHO is leading and supporting this medical effort.
Ebola is a serious viral disease causing outbreaks mainly in parts of Africa.
Trials like this help researchers test new medicines to save lives during outbreaks.
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Maryland Governor Wes Moore spoke about the possibility of running for president in 2028. He also talked about political divisions, the 250th anniversary of the United States, and issues related to affordability.
Key Facts
Governor Wes Moore is from Maryland.
He discussed whether he plans to run for president in 2028.
The interview took place on CBS Mornings.
Moore mentioned the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
He addressed the current political divisions in the country.
Affordability, likely referring to the cost of living, was a topic in the discussion.
The conversation also touched on the upcoming midterm elections.
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Authorities in Kyiv asked people to stay indoors after large Russian attacks caused fires that increased air pollution. At least 30 people died in the strikes, which led to smoky air and health warnings across the city.
Key Facts
Russian attacks on Kyiv caused many fires, raising air pollution levels.
Authorities advised residents to stay inside and keep windows closed.
The strikes killed at least 30 people between late Wednesday and early Thursday.
Smoke and pollution spread over several neighborhoods in Kyiv.
Lack of wind kept pollutants from dispersing, worsening air quality.
Air quality monitors showed conditions ranging from moderate to very unhealthy.
Ukraine promised to respond to the attacks with retaliation.
Russia has attacked Ukraine regularly since invading in February 2022.
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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are holding a wedding celebration at Madison Square Garden. Before the event, they had a rehearsal dinner with many famous guests, according to law enforcement sources.
Key Facts
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are celebrating a wedding event.
The celebration is taking place at Madison Square Garden.
They hosted a rehearsal dinner the night before the event.
Many stars attended the rehearsal dinner.
Law enforcement sources shared information about these events.
There are reports the couple might already be married.
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The Fourth of July celebrations in Washington, D.C. will feature the largest fireworks show in American history. The company Pyrotecnico, with over 100 years of experience, is organizing the event, and its president, Rocco Vitale, shared details about the preparation.
Key Facts
The fireworks show is part of the Fourth of July celebrations in Washington, D.C.
It will be the biggest fireworks display ever held in the United States.
Pyrotecnico, a company with over a century of experience, is managing the show.
Rocco Vitale is the president of Pyrotecnico.
The article includes a behind-the-scenes look at how the fireworks display is planned and set up.
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The Great American State Fair is happening on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. A big Ferris wheel, 110 feet tall, is one of the main attractions at the fair.
Key Facts
The event is called the Great American State Fair.
It is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The fair features a large Ferris wheel.
The Ferris wheel is 110 feet tall.
CBS News correspondent Ed O’Keefe reported on the event.
The fair aims to bring a state fair experience to the city.
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President Donald Trump’s July 4 fireworks show in Washington, D.C., aims to break the world record for the largest fireworks display by launching over 850,000 effects. The event is part of the Freedom 250 celebration marking America’s 250th birthday and will be a 35-minute finale around the National Mall and Potomac River.
Key Facts
The current Guinness World Record for largest fireworks display is 810,904 fireworks set in the Philippines on January 1, 2016.
Trump’s planned show will launch more than 850,000 pyrotechnic effects, potentially beating the record by nearly 40,000.
The fireworks will be launched from multiple locations including the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, barges on the Potomac River, and West Potomac Park.
The show will last about 35 minutes, roughly twice as long as usual National Mall displays.
Organizers expect about 24,000 effects launched per minute, nearly double the rate of the current record holder.
Experts warn the large-scale fireworks may cause air pollution that could harm respiratory and heart health.
The event will begin around 10:30 p.m. on July 4, after President Trump’s remarks at 9:45 p.m.
There will be no public fireworks viewing from Capitol Grounds; spectators are directed to other viewing areas nearby.
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A YouGov poll asked Americans to name the worst and greatest people in U.S. history. President Donald Trump was named the worst American by the highest number of respondents, but many Republicans also chose him as the greatest, showing strong political division in opinions about him.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump was named the worst American by 34% of respondents.
Among Democrats, 64% named Trump the worst, while only 4% of Republicans did.
Trump was also named the greatest American by 8% of all respondents, including 24% of Republicans.
Abraham Lincoln topped the greatest American list with 18% of total respondents.
Other top "greatest Americans" included George Washington (13%), Martin Luther King Jr. (12%), and Barack Obama (10%).
Only Barack Obama appeared on both the greatest and worst Americans lists alongside Trump.
The poll was conducted with about 1,100 adults in June 2024 and is considered representative of the U.S. population.
The results highlight a strong divide in how different political groups view President Trump’s place in history.
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The BBC interviewed people from many parts of the United States about what they hope for the country’s future as it celebrates its 250th year. The video captures a variety of views from residents in different states and communities.
Key Facts
The interviews include people from states like California, Texas, New York, Florida, and others.
Residents from Washington DC and the Rappahannock Indian Tribe also shared their thoughts.
The video was filmed and edited by a team led by Meiying Wu.
The discussions focus on hopes and visions for the United States’ future.
This coverage is part of reflecting on America’s 250 years since its founding.
The video requires JavaScript enabled in the browser to play.
The article and video were published recently.
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Family members of U.S. presidents shared interesting but little-known facts about their relatives. For example, John Quincy Adams used to swim naked every day in the Potomac River.
Key Facts
Presidential families discussed personal stories about the descendants of U.S. presidents.
John Quincy Adams, the sixth U.S. president, had a habit of skinny dipping daily in the Potomac River.
The article highlights unusual or surprising family details not commonly known.
The content is part of a broader news program that also covers current events and historical topics.
These stories help provide a more personal view of past presidents beyond their public roles.
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The International Red Cross says that the suffering of civilians in Sudan is not unavoidable. They point out that much of the damage and pain caused by fighting in Khartoum and al-Obeid over the last three years could have been avoided if countries followed the rules of war and international humanitarian law.
Key Facts
Fighting in Sudan has been ongoing for over three years, affecting cities like Khartoum and al-Obeid.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) spoke about preventing civilian harm in Sudan.
The ICRC says that respecting the laws of war can reduce civilian suffering.
International humanitarian law includes rules to protect civilians during armed conflicts.
Failure to follow these laws has caused much of the suffering in Sudan.
The Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that helps people affected by war and disaster.
Sudan’s civil conflict has led to significant humanitarian challenges for the population.
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Interpol named a Ukrainian woman, Anastasiia Berezovska, as the main suspect in a bomb attack in Monaco that wounded three people. The attack targeted Vadym Yermolaiev, a Ukrainian tycoon with connections to Russia, and the suspect is currently on the run.
Key Facts
Interpol issued a Red Notice to arrest Anastasiia Berezovska, 39, suspected of planting a bomb in Monaco.
The bomb exploded at an apartment building entrance, injuring Yermolaiev, his partner, son, and two others.
Yermolaiev was sanctioned by Ukraine in 2023 for his ties to Russia and gave up Ukrainian citizenship years ago.
The bomb was remotely detonated, and the device was sophisticated.
The suspect initially appeared as a man but was identified as a woman disguised as a man.
Investigators traced her escape route through Europe; she last lived in Germany.
German police searched her rented flat and car, found evidence, but she remains at large.
Monaco’s authorities are investigating if the suspect had helpers or worked for others.
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