Efforts to understand where COVID-19 started are still incomplete because necessary information has not been shared. The World Health Organization (WHO) insists all possibilities for the origin of the virus still need to be considered, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation to prevent future pandemics.
Key Facts
The WHO is still investigating the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urges all countries, especially China, to share information.
COVID-19 first appeared in Wuhan, China, in late 2019.
An expert group called SAGO found COVID-19 likely spread from animals to humans.
There is no evidence that COVID-19 was created or manipulated in a lab.
Lack of detailed data from China has limited the investigation.
The group’s report could not confirm or dismiss the lab-leak theory due to insufficient data.
Understanding the virus's origin is crucial to preventing future pandemics.
The U.S. government has decided to end special protections for Haitian immigrants under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) starting September 2. This means Haitians will no longer have the right to stay in the country under this status, which was originally given due to severe conditions at home like earthquakes and violence.
Key Facts
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the end of TPS for Haitians, effective September 2.
TPS allows people from troubled countries to stay and work in the U.S. temporarily and was originally given to Haitians after a 2010 earthquake.
President Trump’s administration has been reducing temporary protections to limit immigration.
Haiti is currently facing severe humanitarian issues, including gang violence and political unrest.
Over 5,600 people were killed by gangs in Haiti last year, with 1.3 million people displaced.
Other groups such as Venezuelans, Cubans, and Nicaraguans are also affected by TPS changes.
The U.S. State Department advises Americans not to travel to Haiti due to high safety risks.
About 260,000 Haitians are currently protected by TPS in the U.S.
United States President Donald Trump announced that the US will stop trade talks with Canada because of a new Canadian tax on digital services. This tax charges companies 3% on revenue from Canadian users if they earn over 20 million Canadian dollars in a year. The US also plans to announce new tariffs on Canadian goods soon.
Key Facts
The US President decided to end trade discussions with Canada.
The decision is in response to Canada’s new digital services tax.
Canada’s tax charges a 3% levy on digital revenue above 20 million Canadian dollars from Canadian users.
The tax took effect on June 28, 2024, and applies to revenue from 2022 onwards.
Canadian businesses have expressed concern about increased costs due to the tax.
US plans to announce tariffs on Canadian goods within the next week.
Trade discussions between the US and Canada were ongoing but are now uncertain.
The digital services tax is also part of the US trade talks with the European Union.
In 2025, President Trump's family, once skeptical about cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, has embraced the crypto world. At a major Bitcoin conference in Las Vegas, Trump's media group announced plans to raise $2.5 billion to invest in Bitcoin, while several members of the Trump family and administration participated in the event.
Key Facts
President Trump's family is now involved in the cryptocurrency business.
The Trump media group aims to raise $2.5 billion to purchase Bitcoin.
The Bitcoin 2025 conference took place in Las Vegas.
Donald Trump Jr. attended the conference and interacted with crypto leaders.
The event featured speakers who were White House advisors and family members of US government officials.
The Trumps now have investments in various crypto-related ventures.
Fighting between armed groups and government forces in Port-au-Prince has caused chaos. Many hospitals have shut down, leaving the remaining ones overwhelmed with mostly civilian patients.
Key Facts
There is fighting in the streets of Port-au-Prince between armed groups and government forces.
Many hospitals have been forced to close due to the violence.
The hospitals that are still open are overcrowded with mostly civilian casualties.
Doctors at Tabarre Hospital are working under dangerous conditions to save lives.
The ongoing violence has created a difficult and dangerous situation for both doctors and patients.
People in Minnesota are preparing to say goodbye to lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. They were killed in a political attack a few weeks ago.
Key Facts
Melissa Hortman was a lawmaker from Minnesota.
She and her husband, Mark, were victims of a political assassination.
The incident occurred a couple of weeks before the planned burial.
Their burial is set for Saturday.
The public is dealing with the shock from the event.
Microsoft is getting rid of the blue error screen, known as the "blue screen of death," on Windows computers. This change will happen on June 27, 2025, when the screen will switch to a new color.
Key Facts
The "blue screen of death" is an error message on Windows computers.
It usually pops up when a computer has a major error or crash.
Microsoft plans to replace the blue screen with a screen of a different color.
The change will take place on June 27, 2025.
This screen appears during unexpected computer problems, warning users of an issue.
President Trump announced he is stopping trade negotiations with Canada due to Canada's new digital services tax on technology companies. The tax affects companies like Amazon and Google and is set to begin on Monday, with a 3% charge on revenue from Canadian users.
Key Facts
President Trump paused trade talks with Canada because of Canada's digital services tax.
The tax applies a 3% charge on earnings from Canadian users for some tech companies.
Affected companies include Amazon, Google, Meta, Uber, and Airbnb.
Canada plans to start enforcing the tax on Monday.
Trump mentioned stopping all trade discussions with Canada immediately.
Trump stated that the U.S. will announce a new tariff for Canadian businesses within a week.
Canada and the U.S. previously set a 30-day deadline for trade discussions.
The U.S. has also imposed several tariffs on various goods from other countries.
In a trial involving Sean "Diddy" Combs, his lawyer argued that the charges against him were exaggerated, portraying him as a victim of overzealous prosecution. The defense claimed that the trial combined his personal lifestyle with allegations of serious crimes like racketeering and sex trafficking, which they deny.
Key Facts
Sean "Diddy" Combs is on trial accused of racketeering and sex trafficking.
His lawyer argued that the charges were exaggerated and combined his lifestyle with alleged crimes.
The defense criticized the government's presentation of evidence, including the seizure of items from Combs' properties.
Combs' accusers testified about being coerced into dayslong drug-fueled sexual activities.
The trial is in its seventh week, and Combs did not testify.
If found guilty, Combs could face 15 years to life in prison.
The trial involves testimonies from former associates, including his ex-girlfriend, who sued him prior to the criminal investigation.
The trial is set to continue with closing arguments and jury deliberations expected soon.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is considering legal action against SpaceX after debris from a rocket launch in Texas landed in Mexico. SpaceX reported challenges in retrieving the debris and claimed there are no safety risks associated with it.
Key Facts
A SpaceX "Starship" rocket exploded during a test in Texas, causing debris to fall in Mexico.
The Mexican government is investigating the environmental impact of the debris, especially in Tamaulipas, a state close to the launch site.
President Sheinbaum is examining whether international laws were broken to possibly pursue lawsuits.
SpaceX stated its efforts to recover the debris in Mexico are obstructed by unauthorized individuals on private land.
SpaceX claims the debris poses no chemical or biological hazards and asked for aid from the Mexican government.
The Federal Aviation Administration recently approved more frequent SpaceX launches, though past launches have included explosions.
Earlier explosions caused disruptions, including airlines diverting flights to avoid debris.
Space debris can be dangerous; in a recent incident, a large metallic object fell in Kenya.
Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman will lie in state at the Minnesota Capitol on Friday after being killed in an attack. The man accused of the attack is due in court as authorities continue the legal process. A funeral for Hortman will also take place, with Vice President Kamala Harris attending.
Key Facts
Melissa Hortman, former Speaker of the Minnesota House, was killed along with her husband in an attack on June 14.
The couple's pet, a golden retriever named Gilbert, was injured and euthanized.
A public viewing will happen at the Minnesota Capitol rotunda from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday.
House TV and the Department of Public Safety's YouTube channel will livestream the events.
A private funeral will occur on Saturday morning, which former Vice President Kamala Harris will attend but not speak at.
The accused, Vance Boelter, has been charged and is due in court on Friday.
Boelter was arrested after a large search by authorities, described as the biggest in Minnesota's history.
The court hearing will determine if Boelter stays in custody without bail and confirm the charges.
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) plan to sign a peace agreement mediated by the United States, aiming to end several months of conflict in the eastern DRC. The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has seized key cities, while Rwanda denies these claims. The conflict has caused significant loss of life and displacement of people.
Key Facts
Rwanda and the DRC will sign a peace deal mediated by the United States.
The conflict in eastern DRC has killed thousands and displaced millions.
The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group; Rwanda denies this.
M23 has taken over strategic cities like Goma and Bukavu.
The U.S. is considering investments in the region for stability.
The DRC-Rwanda conflict has historical roots dating back to the 1990s.
Eastern DRC is rich in valuable minerals like coltan and cobalt.
The United Nations reported Rwanda's support for M23 in 2022, a claim Rwanda disputes.
Nissan plans to cut about 250 jobs at its Sunderland factory in the UK. This move is part of a larger global restructuring due to weak sales. Manufacturing workers will not be affected, and the job cuts will come from shop floor and office staff.
Key Facts
Nissan aims to reduce 250 jobs at its Sunderland UK plant.
The job reduction is part of a global plan due to low sales.
A voluntary leave program is available for shop floor and office staff at the Sunderland site.
Manufacturing staff at the plant will not be impacted by these cuts.
Globally, Nissan announced plans to cut 11,000 jobs and close seven factories.
Nissan employs about 6,000 people in Sunderland and around 133,500 worldwide.
The Sunderland plant is key to Nissan's electric vehicle plans and produces models like the Juke and Qashqai.
Nissan introduced the new Leaf electric vehicle, which will also be built in Sunderland.
The Supreme Court upheld a Texas law that prevents children under 18 from accessing online pornography. This decision is part of a trend where many states have passed similar laws due to the ease of accessing explicit content on devices like smartphones.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court upheld the Texas law with a 6-3 vote.
Similar age verification laws exist in nearly half of all U.S. states.
The Free Speech Coalition, an adult-industry group, opposed the law, citing privacy concerns for adults.
Pornhub has stopped operating in some states because of challenges with these laws.
The Supreme Court previously ruled on related issues in 1996 and 2004.
Texas claims modern technology allows for easy age verification which is like ID checks in physical stores.
Appeals courts reversed initial decisions blocking the law, allowing it to take effect.
The NCAA is thinking about allowing athletes and staff to bet on professional sports, focusing its enforcement on college sports betting and protecting game fairness. They won't allow betting on college sports or sharing insider info with bettors, and they plan to stick with advertising rules that ban betting-related promotions at championship events. The proposal follows concerns as sports betting becomes legal in more places across the U.S.
Key Facts
The proposal allows betting on professional sports for athletes and staff but not on college sports.
The NCAA is focusing on keeping college sports fair and free from betting influences.
NCAA President Charlie Baker has voiced worries about athletes being targeted on social media due to gambling.
Recent years have seen several sports betting violations handled by the NCAA.
The NCAA acknowledges it’s tough to stop adult athletes from betting on pro sports.
NCAA has a deal with Genius Sports to manage betting data and prevent harmful bets.
NCAA rules were first made when sports betting was mostly illegal in the U.S.
NCAA also proposed adding women's flag football for consideration in future sports programs.
The UK government decided not to cut disability and sickness benefits after facing pushback from many MPs, affecting Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. This was the third time in a month that Starmer's government changed its plans, indicating challenges within his party.
Key Facts
The UK government reversed plans to reduce disability and sickness benefits after 126 MPs opposed the changes.
The proposed changes would have tightened eligibility for the Personal Independence Payment, affecting many with long-term health conditions.
The government's plan aimed to help people find jobs and save 5 billion pounds yearly.
Labour MPs were concerned that the changes could reduce income for 3.2 million people by 2030.
Starmer's administration has altered other policies recently, including keeping a winter heating benefit for pensioners.
The changes now mean stricter rules will only impact new applicants, not current benefit receivers.
This issue arose just as Prime Minister Starmer marked the first year of Labour's return to power.
A recent poll suggested Labour is losing voters to other political parties.
Mannequins that look like Jeff Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sanchez have been set up in Venice before their wedding in Italy. These mannequins are made by an art group and come as people in Venice show their unhappiness about the city's wealthy visitors.
Key Facts
Mannequins of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez appeared in Venice.
The art installations are created by an art collective.
Jeff Bezos is the founder of Amazon.
The mannequins are displayed before Bezos' wedding in Italy.
Some local people in Venice are protesting, feeling that rich visitors are overwhelming the city.
The UK government decided to change its plan on benefits cuts after facing opposition from over 100 of its own MPs. The new plan will maintain current benefits for existing claimants but target future ones, and it includes additional support measures. Some Labour MPs still oppose the changes, but others have been convinced by recent amendments.
Key Facts
The government agreed to revisions in its benefits reform plan due to party opposition.
Current beneficiaries of personal independence payment (Pip) and health-related universal credit will not see their benefits reduced.
Planned cuts will impact only those who claim benefits in the future.
More than 100 backbenchers initially opposed the original reform plan.
Labour MPs' support increased after amendments, but some still plan to vote against it.
The government hopes to fast-track a £1 billion support plan to help those affected.
Reforms were initially expected to save £5 billion annually by 2030.
Without reforms, costs for health-related benefits could rise by an extra £30 billion by 2029.
A new platform called ICERAID.us has started in the United States, rewarding people with cryptocurrency for uploading photos of suspicious activities along the border. This site encourages civilians to act like law enforcement without oversight, adding concerns in Arizona, where vigilante groups already patrol the border.
Key Facts
People crossing the desert in Arizona face natural dangers like heat and dehydration.
Armed vigilante groups have been policing the border unofficially and often violently.
ICERAID.us offers cryptocurrency for photos of suspicious border activities.
The platform uses everyday people to gather information, resembling law enforcement roles.
The site provides guidance on legally taking photos in public spaces.
Enrique Tarrio, known for his far-right views, leads the platform.
Surveillance technology is increasingly used along borders globally.
Since 2024, U.S. border surveillance and enforcement investments have increased.
In Arizona, vigilante actions have sometimes resulted in harm or death.
ICERAID uses a similar web address to a community initiative, potentially causing confusion.
The new aid distribution system in Gaza, supported by the US and Israel, has faced significant violence and disruption, leading to confusion and danger for those seeking help. More than 500 Palestinians have been reported killed while traveling for aid, with accusations mostly aimed at Israeli forces, although a definitive cause is unclear. International organizations, including the UN, criticize the aid process and mention possible violations of international law due to the ongoing violence against civilians.
Key Facts
The new aid system in Gaza started with US and Israeli support, facing criticism for increasing violence.
Over 500 Palestinians have died, and 4,000 have been injured while trying to access aid.
Videos reviewed by BBC Verify showed gunfire and chaos near aid locations but did not confirm who is responsible for the deaths.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have admitted to firing "warning shots" at suspected threats.
The US committed $30 million to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which operates aid sites in IDF-controlled areas.
The UN condemned the plan, saying it endangers people by forcing them to travel through risky areas for aid.
The Red Cross reported activating mass casualty procedures 20 times due to gunshot victims.
The UN and human rights experts suggest the violence against civilians could constitute a war crime.
