Several blocks in Midtown Manhattan were evacuated after workers found structural beams buckling on the 21st floor of a building being converted from offices into apartments. Authorities closed some streets and evacuated nearby buildings as inspectors and engineers checked the site for safety. No injuries were reported.
Key Facts
The incident happened at 235 East 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan near the United Nations.
Workers noticed cracks and structural beams weakening on the 21st floor of a 37-story building.
The building is being renovated to turn it from commercial offices into residential apartments.
Floors 21 through 26 showed signs of caving due to structural stress.
Nearby buildings, including a Hampton Inn and a school with 400 students, were evacuated.
New York City Fire Department and Department of Buildings teams responded quickly.
Several streets were closed as a safety precaution during inspections.
No injuries occurred and all construction workers were safely evacuated.
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A recent poll reveals that more Democrats think the U.S. supports Israel too much and does not give enough help to Palestinians in Gaza. The percentage of Democrats holding this view has grown since the last survey.
Key Facts
The poll was done by Associated Press-NORC and published on Tuesday.
58% of Democrats now say the U.S. supports Israel too much.
This is up from 45% in an earlier poll.
Many Democrats feel that Palestinians in Gaza do not get enough aid from the U.S.
The article focuses on opinions within the Democratic Party about U.S. foreign aid and policy toward Israel and Gaza.
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President Donald Trump said the U.S. will remove sanctions on Turkey that were put in place after Turkey bought a Russian missile defense system. He also mentioned that the U.S. is considering selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
Key Facts
The U.S. sanctions on Turkey were because Turkey purchased a Russian missile defense system.
These sanctions caused Turkey to be removed from the F-35 fighter jet program.
President Trump announced plans to lift these sanctions.
Lifting sanctions would make it easier for Turkey to rejoin the F-35 program.
Selling F-35 jets to Turkey is under consideration by the U.S. government.
The sanctions were part of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
President Trump made these statements during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.
Cabinet officials are working on the process to remove the sanctions.
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Prince Harry recently lost a lawsuit against British newspaper publishers Associated Newspapers. Over the years, he has been involved in multiple legal cases alleging phone hacking and illegal information gathering by the U.K. media, with some cases settled and others dismissed by courts.
Key Facts
Prince Harry sued Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, accusing them of phone tapping and impersonation between 1993 and 2011.
The U.K. High Court dismissed these claims on July 7, ruling they could not be proven.
Harry sued News Group Newspapers (publisher of The Sun) in 2019 for voicemail hacking; this case was settled in January 2025 with an apology and damages paid to Harry.
Harry also sued Mirror Group Newspapers for hacking and illegal info gathering; this case settled in February 2024 with damages paid and legal costs covered.
Harry’s court testimony in the Mirror Group case marked the first time a senior British royal testified in court since the 19th century.
A judge found only some of the Mirror Group articles were based on illegal hacking, awarding Harry a modest sum.
Harry dropped a separate libel lawsuit against Associated Newspapers over an article about his security dispute with the U.K. government.
Many of the alleged illegal activities date back decades, involving various methods like voicemail interception and deceptive investigation.
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Economists say Australia is unlikely to enter a recession despite global oil shocks and a conflict in the Middle East. However, they warn the country will face slow economic growth this year, with weak consumer confidence and rising living costs affecting many households.
Key Facts
Australia avoided a recession despite a major global oil supply shock caused by Middle East tensions.
Global oil prices dropped from $120 to around $72 per barrel and are expected to fall to $60 by year-end.
Inflation is falling but remains around 4%, lower than earlier forecasts.
Unemployment rose slightly to 4.4% over the last three months.
GDP per person is expected to decline for two quarters, indicating a “per capita recession” and a drop in living standards.
Consumer confidence is near a 50-year low due to high prices and inflation.
Interest rates have increased three times early in 2026, raising mortgage repayments by about $350 per month for average households.
Economic growth may improve in 2027, helped by possible interest rate cuts and growth in data center construction.
Artificial intelligence and government investment in defense are seen as potential future economic drivers starting around 2028.
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Marks & Spencer is updating its refrigeration equipment to handle very high temperatures up to 45°C, responding to more frequent heatwaves in the UK caused by climate change. The company is also investing in security to reduce retail crime and adjusting its fashion lines to attract a wider range of customers.
Key Facts
M&S is buying new fridges designed to work in heat as high as 45°C.
The UK recently had its hottest June day ever, reaching about 37.7°C.
Other retailers, like Sainsbury’s, are also upgrading their cooling equipment due to heatwaves.
M&S saw a big increase in ice cream sales during the heat, causing some items to run out.
The UK faces more extreme heat because of climate change, requiring businesses to prepare.
M&S is increasing spending on security guards and systems to reduce shoplifting and minor thefts.
The company is updating clothing styles to appeal to both older and younger shoppers.
These changes were shared by M&S CEO Stuart Machin at the annual shareholder meeting.
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Washington DC experienced the worst air quality of any major city in the world for a short time after a large Fourth of July fireworks show. The event included over 850,000 fireworks and caused harmful air pollution levels that lasted several hours, prompting health warnings from city officials.
Key Facts
The Fourth of July fireworks in Washington DC lasted 40 minutes and launched more than 850,000 fireworks from 10 sites.
Air pollution from the fireworks caused particulate matter to rise 6.7 times above normal levels.
All 26 air sensors in the city recorded air quality levels considered "unhealthy for sensitive groups" by the EPA.
Pollution peaked about five hours after the show ended and stayed high for around five more hours.
The south-west part of DC had the highest pollution levels, near one of the fireworks launch areas.
The poor air quality likely spread to nearby Arlington, Virginia, though there were no sensors there to confirm.
Thunderstorms on Sunday evening helped clear the polluted air, preventing an even worse situation.
The fireworks were organized by Freedom 250, a non-profit supported by President Donald Trump, to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Australia for the first time in three years, attending events in Melbourne with large crowds expected. Ahead of the visit, there are protests planned by human rights groups, and calls for the Australian government to discuss India’s human rights record during talks with Modi.
Key Facts
Modi’s visit to Australia begins on Wednesday evening and lasts for three days.
Melbourne will host a major event called “Melbourne Meets Modi,” expecting 25,000 to 30,000 attendees.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet Modi during the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit.
Amnesty International urges Australia to raise concerns about human rights and the safety of journalists in India.
The Alliance Against Islamophobia plans protests against Modi’s visit, highlighting issues like anti-Muslim hate and caste discrimination.
Australian Federal Police warned an individual over an alleged threat made online against Modi but say there is no current risk to the public.
Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party promotes Hindu ethno-nationalism, and some of Modi’s policies face criticism for discrimination against Muslims.
Melbourne is home to the largest Indian-born community in Australia.
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Sending money to family members in other countries, called remittances, helps reduce poverty effectively. These money transfers are managed by individuals, not governments, and support families in need.
Key Facts
Remittances are money sent by immigrants to their families in their home countries.
These transfers help reduce poverty by providing financial support directly to families.
Remittances are considered very efficient at fighting poverty.
Governments do not control or organize remittance programs.
Immigrants use their own resources to send money abroad.
Any new taxes or punishments on these transfers could harm the families relying on them.
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Europe experienced a surge in wildfires in early 2024, with France and Spain seeing more than double the usual burned land for that time of year. Scientists link the fires to a mix of heavy rains that encouraged plant growth followed by heatwaves that dried this vegetation, creating more fuel for the fires.
Key Facts
Wildfires have burned 28,000 hectares in France and 50,000 hectares in Spain by July 1, 2024.
Record-breaking June heat in Europe was made far more likely by climate change caused by fossil fuel use.
Wet winter and spring in Spain led to more plant growth, which then dried out during heatwaves, increasing fire risk.
Dry vegetation acts as fuel for wildfires, and Europe has enough overgrown plants to sustain large fires.
Rural areas in southern Europe are becoming overgrown as people move away, reducing land management.
Experts warn fire policies focus too much on fighting fires instead of preventing conditions that cause them.
Climate change causes weather extremes that can worsen wildfire risks and other disasters like floods.
Scientists call for improved climate actions and land use planning to reduce future wildfire risks.
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A Chinese court ruled that the local tea chain Molly Tea copied Louis Vuitton’s floral trademark design and ordered Molly Tea to pay damages. This decision caused anger among many Chinese internet users, who say Louis Vuitton is using the law to claim ownership of traditional Chinese designs.
Key Facts
The court in Jiangsu province found Molly Tea infringed seven of Louis Vuitton’s registered trademarks.
Molly Tea’s four-leaf floral logo was judged very similar to Louis Vuitton’s Monogram Canvas design.
Molly Tea was ordered to pay about $1.4 million in damages and additional legal fees.
The ruling is not final; Molly Tea may appeal the decision.
Many Chinese social media users say Louis Vuitton’s designs come from traditional Chinese culture that is over 1,000 years old.
Critics argue that companies should not trademark cultural patterns that are widely used and ancient.
A similar court case earlier this year punished a Nanjing restaurant for using a vintage floral decor seen as infringing Louis Vuitton’s marks.
The case sparked jokes on social media comparing Louis Vuitton bags to old Chinese toilet decorations because of the floral pattern.
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Oklahoma has passed a new law requiring public elementary schools to give students at least 40 minutes of recess every day. This law means schools must adjust their schedules and cannot count recess as classroom time, which may lead to longer school days or more school days.
Key Facts
The law, Senate Bill 1481, started on July 1 and requires 40 minutes of daily recess for kindergarten through fifth grade.
Recess can be split into parts, like two 20-minute breaks, but must be for free play and supervised.
Schools cannot take away recess as punishment.
Recess time no longer counts as instructional time starting in the 2027-28 school year.
Some school districts may lengthen the school day or add school days to meet state hour requirements.
Longer school days could affect bus routes, after-school care, and parents’ schedules.
The law aims to improve children's focus, physical health, and social skills.
The legislation passed with almost unanimous support in the state Senate and House and was signed by Governor Kevin Stitt.
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Kerr Kriisa, a former college basketball player, is charged with fraud for pretending to be other people and stealing nearly $2.2 million from two victims. He was arrested in Kentucky and will appear in federal court in West Virginia on five counts of wire fraud.
Key Facts
Kerr Kriisa played college basketball at Arizona, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Cincinnati.
He is 25 years old and originally from Estonia.
Kriisa allegedly lied and pretended to be others, including his mother, to get money from victims.
He is accused of saying he needed money for emergencies like cancer treatments and saving a farm.
Kriisa promised to repay $100,000 but did not.
The fraud happened from 2022 through early 2025.
A federal grand jury indicted him, and he was arrested by federal agents in Kentucky.
He faces five counts of wire fraud in federal court.
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Lebanese Christian villages denied Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s claim that they asked to join Israel for protection against Hezbollah. Lebanese officials and analysts said Netanyahu’s statements were false and aimed at creating conflict within Lebanon, a country already divided by religious groups and political tensions.
Key Facts
Netanyahu said some Lebanese Christian villages wanted to be annexed by Israel for protection from Hezbollah.
Christian villages and Lebanese officials strongly rejected this claim as untrue.
Lebanon and Israel have an agreement aimed at reducing conflict, but fighting intensified recently with rocket attacks and Israeli military responses.
Israeli attacks have targeted areas in Lebanon and sometimes affected Christian communities, sparking international criticism.
Lebanon’s political system is divided along religious lines, with different sectarian groups sharing power.
Some analysts say Netanyahu’s comments try to increase religious and political tensions in Lebanon.
More than 1.2 million people were forced to leave their homes due to recent fighting in Lebanon.
Despite divisions over Hezbollah’s role, most Lebanese still see Israel negatively.
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Democratic candidates competing for the nomination to run for Michigan’s next U.S. Senate seat will participate in a debate on Tuesday. The debate is hosted by WOOD TV8 and will be broadcast online and on WOOD TV+ starting at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Key Facts
The debate is for Democrats seeking the party’s nomination for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat.
It takes place on Tuesday in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
WOOD TV8 is hosting the event.
Coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
The debate can be watched on WOOD TV+ and on the website woodtv.com.
Political reporter Rick Albin will provide coverage and commentary.
This debate is part of the process before the party chooses its official candidate for the Senate election.
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Getty Images canceled its $3.7 billion deal to buy Shutterstock after the UK regulator required Shutterstock’s editorial business to be sold to another buyer. Getty's board decided not to proceed if they had to sell that part of Shutterstock, which led to the deal ending.
Key Facts
Getty Images planned to acquire Shutterstock for $3.7 billion.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) approved the deal only if Shutterstock’s editorial business was sold to a different buyer.
The CMA was worried the merger would reduce competition, leading to fewer choices and higher prices for UK media companies.
Getty’s board voted against the deal because of the condition to sell Shutterstock’s editorial business.
Both companies provide photos, illustrations, music, and videos to media, advertisers, and creative businesses in the UK.
Getty officially ended the merger agreement by notifying Shutterstock.
After the news, Getty’s stock price dropped by 6.8% and Shutterstock’s by 2.4%.
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Colombia’s President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has paused the official handover process with current President Gustavo Petro’s government after Petro claimed election fraud without giving proof. Both sides have accused each other, and the handover, which is meant to help the new president prepare, is now stopped.
Key Facts
Abelardo de la Espriella won Colombia’s June 21 runoff election by about one percentage point.
President Gustavo Petro did not recognize de la Espriella’s victory and alleged fraud but did not provide evidence.
De la Espriella, who was endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump, called Petro’s government “corrupt” and suspended the transition process.
The official transition, called “empalme,” is a formal exchange of information between outgoing and incoming administrations.
Colombia’s finance minister and transition coordinator for Petro’s government ordered suspension of the handover after de la Espriella’s announcement.
Election observers from the European Union and the Carter Center praised the election’s transparency and reliability.
De la Espriella is a businessman and lawyer with interests in clothing, wine, rum brands, and a restaurant.
Petro’s government has faced criticism for its handling of talks with armed groups and other policies.
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Top Senate Democrats are asking companies linked to President Trump and his family to explain if a recent agreement between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the IRS protects them from IRS investigations or legal actions. The DOJ made a deal with the IRS in May to settle a lawsuit filed by President Trump.
Key Facts
Senate Democrats are seeking clarification from Trump-related companies.
They want to know if the DOJ-IRS settlement stops IRS investigations or prosecutions of these companies.
The Department of Justice reached an agreement with the IRS in May.
The settlement ended a lawsuit that President Trump had filed against the IRS.
The questions focus on whether this deal offers ongoing protection to Trump’s organizations.
The inquiry comes amid concerns about transparency and accountability.
The companies involved have connections to President Trump and his family.
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Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, is resigning as a member of parliament after reports about his financial supporters. His resignation triggers a by-election in Clacton, where he plans to run again, amid ongoing investigations into his funding and benefits.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage announced he is stepping down as an MP but intends to stand in the upcoming by-election in Clacton.
He faces investigations after reports revealed he received help from George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster, who paid for staff and allowed Farage to use a London townhouse.
Farage denied any wrongdoing and said he has not broken the law or misused public money.
The Parliamentary Standards Commission is also investigating Farage for accepting £5 million from billionaire Christopher Harborne, initially stated to fund private security.
Farage cited concerns about his family’s privacy and safety as reasons for his resignation.
He described the by-election as a chance for voters to push back against what he called “the establishment.”
George Cottrell was jailed in the U.S. in 2017 for money laundering.
Farage thanked Harborne for providing resources that will ensure his lifelong security.
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Former President George W. Bush celebrated his 80th birthday with public messages from political figures across party lines, including former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama’s Foundation. In contrast, President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, celebrated less than a month earlier, received mostly congratulations from Republican allies and supporters.
Key Facts
George W. Bush turned 80 on July 6 and received birthday messages from both Republican and Democratic figures.
Bill Clinton praised Bush's friendship publicly and highlighted their unity despite political differences.
The Obama Foundation also honored Bush, recalling his handwritten note to Barack Obama in the White House about a smooth transfer of power.
Bush has maintained friendly relationships with other former presidents since leaving office.
President Trump’s 80th birthday on June 14 was celebrated with a UFC event at the White House alongside his allies.
Trump received many birthday messages from Republican lawmakers and his political supporters.
Former Democratic presidents did not publicly mark Trump’s 80th birthday, unlike their tributes to Bush.
The article emphasizes Bush’s bipartisan image post-presidency, contrasting with Trump’s primarily partisan support during his birthday.
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