After Russian forces left, many farmers in eastern Ukraine began clearing mines themselves from their fields. Despite risks, some use machinery or even tools like rakes, while drones and international aid help with larger demining efforts.
Key Facts
Ukrainian farmers started clearing mines themselves after Russian forces withdrew.
One farmer, Mykola Pereverzev, used farm machinery to clear 200 hectares in two months but lost a tractor in explosions.
Ukraine is a major agricultural region, but its soil is now heavily mined.
Many unexploded munitions remain due to failed detonations.
Drones and international support are helping in demining efforts.
The Sysenkos returned to their home in Kamyanka and began clearing mines with rakes.
Swiss deminers found 54 mines in the Sysenkos’ field and advised them to evacuate.
Kamyanka's current population is much lower than before the conflict due to mine fears.
UK government borrowing costs dropped slightly after rising due to the chancellor's emotional speech. The prime minister showed support for the chancellor, which seemed to reassure financial markets. The value of the pound also improved a bit but hasn't fully recovered.
Key Facts
The yield on UK 10-year government bonds fell to 4.53% from 4.61%.
The fall in borrowing costs happened after the prime minister supported the chancellor.
The pound increased in value to $1.3668 but hasn't regained all its lost value.
An analyst suggested markets support the chancellor due to concerns about potential lack of fiscal discipline if she leaves.
Financial market reactions might be affecting the chancellor's career positively.
Mohamed El-Erian, a financial expert, warned that markets are still tense and may not return to the previous state quickly.
Jenny Han is a writer known for her books about teenage life, focusing on the ups and downs of growing up. Her popular series "To All the Boys" and "The Summer I Turned Pretty" have been adapted into films and shows, with the third season of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" set to release on July 16 on Prime Video.
Key Facts
Jenny Han writes books about teenage experiences.
Her series "To All the Boys" and "The Summer I Turned Pretty" are bestsellers.
Both book series have been turned into films or TV shows.
The third season of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" will release on Prime Video on July 16.
Jenny Han draws inspiration from her own teenage years for her stories.
Hundreds of people were evacuated as wildfires spread rapidly in Greece due to strong winds. The fires threatened homes and tourist spots, and the European continent has seen at least six heat-related deaths during a heatwave.
Key Facts
Wildfires are currently burning out of control in Greece.
Strong winds are making the fires spread fast.
Evacuations have taken place to keep people safe.
Homes and tourist accommodations are at risk.
Critical infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, is threatened.
Europe is experiencing an early summer heatwave.
At least six people have died from heat-related causes in Europe.
Heatwave fatalities have been reported in Spain, Italy, and France.
Sean "Diddy" Combs faced a federal trial where he was found not guilty of serious charges but guilty on two lesser charges regarding prostitution. The trial and related lawsuits have affected his personal and business reputation.
Key Facts
Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, was on trial in Manhattan for two months.
Combs was found not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, but guilty of transporting people for prostitution.
The trial has damaged Combs' public image and business interests.
Before the trial, Combs stepped down from his media role and sold his stake in Revolt TV.
Howard University revoked his honorary degree, and a planned Hulu reality series was canceled.
Combs' homes were searched by Homeland Security in March 2024.
A video surfaced showing Combs' violent behavior towards his former girlfriend, Casandra Ventura.
Combs faced more lawsuits following his arrest in September 2024.
A large wildfire is burning out of control in eastern Crete, Greece. Strong winds made the fire spread quickly, leading to the evacuation of around 1,500 people, including tourists. Firefighters and emergency services are working hard to contain the blaze.
Key Facts
A wildfire began on Wednesday afternoon in the forested area near Ierapetra, on the island of Crete.
Strong winds, reaching high speeds on the Beaufort scale, have helped the fire spread southward.
The fire is threatening homes, tourist areas, and important infrastructure, such as a fuel station.
Over 1,500 people have been evacuated, with some being taken to an indoor sports arena in Ierapetra for shelter.
Local police closed roads and advised against travel due to poor air quality and low visibility caused by smoke and ash.
Firefighting efforts include 155 firefighters, specialized teams, 38 fire engines, and helicopters.
Additional firefighters and equipment are being sent from other parts of Greece to aid in the operations.
Alerts have been sent out for evacuations in several areas, with some people being evacuated by boat due to road blockages.
Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, is mostly controlled by gangs, according to the United Nations. The gangs are spreading violence to new areas and limiting the government's ability to function. A U.N. mission led by Kenya is trying to help but is lacking resources and staff.
Key Facts
Gangs control about 90% of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti.
Violence is spreading to areas that were previously peaceful.
Gangs are taking over key trade routes, affecting the supply of goods like cooking fuel and rice.
The U.N. warns that Haiti’s government may fully collapse if no international action is taken.
The Kenyan-led U.N. mission to reduce gang violence is only 40% complete in staffing.
Private security firms and vigilante groups are growing fast to deal with the gangs, with some acting illegally.
In the last three months, these groups have reportedly killed over 100 suspected gang members.
Sexual violence by gangs has increased, with 364 incidents reported in just two months.
Sean "Diddy" Combs was found guilty of transporting individuals for prostitution but not guilty of more serious charges like racketeering and sex trafficking. He was denied bail and will stay in custody.
Key Facts
Sean "Diddy" Combs is a well-known music producer.
A jury found him guilty of two charges related to transporting people for prostitution.
He was found not guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking, which are more severe charges.
Racketeering involves running illegal businesses for profit.
Sex trafficking is illegally transporting people for sexual exploitation.
Combs was denied bail, meaning he cannot be released while waiting for further legal actions.
A jury found Sean “Diddy” Combs guilty of transporting people for prostitution but not guilty of sex trafficking or racketeering. The trial included testimonies about Combs' alleged abusive behavior and raised discussions about how sexual violence is viewed in the legal system.
Key Facts
Sean "Diddy" Combs was on trial for charges related to prostitution and sex trafficking.
The jury found him guilty of transporting individuals for prostitution.
He was found not guilty of sex trafficking or racketeering.
Prosecutors accused Combs of using money and power to force former girlfriends into abusive situations.
The case included testimony from two women, including singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura.
Ventura testified about enduring abuse and feeling trapped in the relationship.
The defense argued there was no evidence Combs forced women into sex acts against their will.
The verdict sparked debate about the effectiveness of the #MeToo movement.
Microsoft will cut up to 9,000 jobs as part of its strategy to focus more on artificial intelligence (AI). This decision is part of a larger plan to invest heavily in AI, including spending $80 billion on datacenters to support AI projects.
Key Facts
Microsoft plans to lay off up to 9,000 employees.
The job cuts will affect several divisions, with reports suggesting the Xbox unit may be impacted.
Microsoft is investing $80 billion in datacenters to develop AI technology.
The layoffs account for about 4% of Microsoft's global workforce, which totals 228,000 employees.
Microsoft has already implemented three rounds of job cuts in 2025, including a reduction of 6,000 roles in May.
Over 800 of the job cuts will occur in Redmond and Bellevue, Washington.
Microsoft is focusing on AI development and has recruited AI expert Mustafa Suleyman.
Microsoft holds a significant investment in OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, though their relationship has reportedly become strained.
Many Meta users have reported being locked out of their Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp accounts. Meta acknowledges a "technical error" but says they have not seen a broad issue across platforms. Thousands have signed a petition asking Meta for answers, and some users plan legal action.
Key Facts
Some users' Facebook Groups were wrongly suspended due to a "technical error," according to Meta.
Users say account bans affect their work and personal digital connections.
Many users express frustration due to the lack of customer service and suspect AI moderation issues.
Over 25,000 people have signed a petition describing account lockouts on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Discussions about the issue are active on Reddit and other social media.
Brittany Watson from Canada started the petition after her Facebook account was wrongly disabled.
John Dale, who runs a local news group, also lost access to his Facebook account with no clear reason.
Some affected users consider a class action lawsuit against Meta.
The Kirti monastery in Aba, Sichuan province, China, remains a focal point of Tibetan resistance against Chinese rule. Surveillance and government control over Tibetan areas have increased, with restrictions on displaying images of the Dalai Lama.
Key Facts
The Kirti monastery in Aba is a center for Tibetan resistance to Chinese control.
The area is heavily monitored with surveillance cameras and a police station.
China annexed Tibet in 1950 and has governed over six million Tibetans since.
Displaying images or supporting the Dalai Lama publicly can lead to imprisonment in China.
Protests in Aba, outside the Tibet Autonomous Region, have historically included self-immolations, which are acts of protest where individuals set themselves on fire.
Information about Tibet is scarce due to strict Chinese controls, and most comes from exiles or the government-in-exile.
Aba has seen violent clashes and protests against Chinese rule, notably in 2008.
In southern Gaza, Ahmed Shaat was shot and killed while trying to get food at an aid distribution center. He was among many Palestinians affected by violence at these centers, where hundreds have been killed or injured in recent months.
Key Facts
Ahmed Shaat, a 23-year-old, was shot near a Gaza aid distribution center as he tried to collect food.
The incident occurred when Israeli forces fired on a crowd near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) center in Rafah.
The Government Media Office reports that 600 Palestinians have been killed near these aid centers in a month, with over 4,200 injured.
The aid centers, set up with U.S. support and bypassing UN agencies, have been linked to violence.
Human rights groups and UN officials have criticized the GHF model as unsafe and illegal.
Some Israeli soldiers claimed they were ordered to shoot at unarmed crowds.
Gaza's population of 2 million faces severe food shortages due to Israeli restrictions on aid.
The GHF was intended to provide food to southern Gaza but has become associated with fatalities and injuries.
Jack Speer, a longtime newscaster for NPR, is retiring after several decades with the network. He discussed his career, focusing on business news, and shared what he will miss about reporting daily news.
Key Facts
Jack Speer is a veteran newscaster for NPR.
He has worked with NPR for many decades.
Speer specialized in covering business news.
He is retiring from the network.
Speer talked about his early career experiences in a discussion with Ari Shapiro.
He shared what aspects of daily news reporting he will miss.
Ancient DNA from an Egyptian skeleton showed genetic links between ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures. Researchers found that most of this person's genes connected to North Africa, but some were similar to people from the Fertile Crescent, an area known for early Mesopotamian civilization.
Key Facts
The DNA was taken from a well-preserved skeleton found in an Egyptian tomb.
The skeleton dates back between 4,495 and 4,880 years.
Researchers found that 80% of the genetic links were to North Africa.
20% of the genes linked the individual to the Fertile Crescent region in the Middle East.
Historical trade, pottery styles, and writing systems hinted at earlier connections between these cultures.
The Nile River likely facilitated movement and exchange between Egypt and neighboring regions.
The individual likely lived during ancient Egypt’s Old Kingdom, a time of political stability.
The skeleton analysis suggests the man was in his 60s and worked as a potter.
Borrowing costs in the UK rose sharply, and the British pound fell after Chancellor Rachel Reeves appeared emotional in parliament. The financial markets reacted to her appearance and concerns over the government's budget plans, causing uncertainty about her position.
Key Facts
Borrowing costs in the UK increased significantly.
The British pound dropped by 1% against the US dollar.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves appeared emotional during a parliamentary session.
There was speculation about her position in the government.
The UK Prime Minister's press secretary stated that Reeves has full support and is not being replaced.
The government reversed plans to cut welfare benefits, creating a nearly £5 billion gap in budget plans.
The FTSE 250 index, linked closely to UK policy changes, fell by 1.34%.
The rise in government borrowing costs highlights concerns about the UK's financial plans.
Microsoft is laying off about 9,000 employees, affecting areas like Xbox and sales teams worldwide. The layoffs, which make up around 4% of Microsoft's workforce, are part of changes to improve how the company performs in a competitive market.
Key Facts
Microsoft plans to lay off about 9,000 workers, which is about 4% of its workforce.
This is Microsoft's second large layoff in months and its largest in over two years.
Workers affected include 830 people at Microsoft's main office in Redmond, Washington.
The layoffs impact global teams, including the Xbox video game business and sales divisions.
Microsoft aims to adjust to a dynamic market by making organizational changes.
Xbox CEO Phil Spencer stated that cuts would help focus on growth and improve business agility.
Microsoft had over 228,000 full-time employees as of June 2024.
The company continues investing in AI and infrastructure, with recent expenses around $80 billion.
A podcast by Planet Money explores ideas on how to manage the United States' national debt by increasing economic growth. Three economists discuss various government policies and studies to determine if faster economic growth can help reduce the national debt.
Key Facts
The U.S. national debt was $36 trillion as of December 2024.
The podcast involves economists analyzing how government actions can boost economic growth.
One study found that a 1% cut in the corporate income tax rate increases GDP by 0.6% after one year.
Research shows that each dollar spent by the government on Medicaid returns $1.78 in the long run.
Government spending on non-defense research and development (R&D) returns about $1.50 to $2 per dollar invested.
Accelerating high-skilled immigration in the U.S. could increase productivity growth by up to 0.05 percentage points over decades.
The Department of Energy projects that investing in the electric grid could save customers $1.80 for each dollar spent.
On June 1, twelve people, including a journalist from Al Jazeera, sailed to break Gaza's blockade. Israeli forces seized their boat, and the people on board described facing pressure while in detention.
Key Facts
Twelve people sailed on a boat called the Madleen on June 1.
The group's goal was to break the blockade around Gaza.
Omar Faiad, a journalist from Al Jazeera, was among the passengers.
Israeli forces stopped and took control of the boat.
The people on board experienced stress while being held by authorities.
Tesla reported a drop in car sales as the electric vehicle (EV) market sees more competition. The company said it delivered 384,122 vehicles in the second quarter, 13.5% fewer than the previous year. Despite challenges, Tesla plans to increase production of its popular models, Model Y and Model 3.
Key Facts
Tesla's second-quarter vehicle deliveries were 384,122, a 13.5% decrease from the previous year.
Tesla's sales figures were similar to what experts expected.
The larger EV market is becoming more competitive with new players like BYD and traditional carmakers entering the space.
Demand for EVs in the U.S. has dropped due to concerns about tariffs and the end of tax credits.
CEO Elon Musk's political activities have led to boycotts and affected Tesla's sales and stock prices.
Tesla produced 396,835 Model Y and Model 3 cars in the second quarter, an increase from the first quarter.
Despite short-term challenges, some analysts believe Tesla will grow in the future with increased production.
Tesla is testing new technologies like robotaxis, though some safety issues have caught the eye of regulators.
