The furniture fraud that hoodwinked the Palace of Versailles

BBC World • June 07, 2025 • World

In the early 2010s, two chairs falsely believed to have belonged to Marie Antoinette appeared on the French antiques market, later selling for €2 million to a Qatari prince. An investigation revealed these, along with several other Royal-themed chairs, to be fakes, leading to a high-profile court case against well-known antiques expert Bill Pallot and cabinetmaker Bruno Desnoues.

Key Facts:

• Two chairs believed to have been owned by Marie Antoinette were sold on the antiques market.
• These chairs were declared "national treasures" by the French government in 2013.
• A Qatari prince purchased the chairs for €2 million.
• Other similar royal-themed chairs appeared on the market and also turned out to be fakes.
• Georges "Bill" Pallot and Bruno Desnoues were charged with fraud and money laundering.
• Pallot admitted in court that the scheme began as a "joke" in 2007.
• Laurent Kraemer and his gallery faced charges of deception for selling some of the fake chairs.
• The accused appeared in court in Pontoise, near Paris, following a trial.

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BBC World

Schwarzenegger: Hey, stop whining, do something on climate change

BBC World • June 07, 2025 • World

Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke at the Austrian World Summit about climate change, encouraging people to take action instead of complaining about U.S. President Donald Trump's stance on the issue. He stated that the president does not prevent climate change efforts. Schwarzenegger also mentioned other topics like the American dream and his son during the interview.

Key Facts:

• Arnold Schwarzenegger is an actor and climate activist.
• He was speaking at the Austrian World Summit.
• This summit was organized by Schwarzenegger's Climate Initiative.
• Schwarzenegger said people should act on climate change, not just complain.
• He believes President Trump does not stop climate change efforts.
• Schwarzenegger supported Kamala Harris, a Democrat, in the last election.
• He talked about other subjects like the American dream and his son in the interview.

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BBC World

Watch: Moment Chile earthquake rocks live TV show

BBC World • June 07, 2025 • World

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit the city of Copiapó in northern Chile during a live TV interview with politician Carolina Toha. The tremor caused the interview to end abruptly as Toha and the journalists left the studio, and equipment fell due to the shaking.

Key Facts:

• The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.4.
• It took place during a live television broadcast.
• The location of the earthquake was Copiapó, a city in northern Chile.
• Carolina Toha, a Chilean politician and presidential candidate, was being interviewed at the time.
• The shaking interrupted the interview as the participants quickly exited the studio.
• The tremors caused studio equipment to fall during the broadcast.

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US brings man mistakenly deported to El Salvador back to face charges

BBC World • June 07, 2025 • World

Kilmar Ábrego García, a 29-year-old from El Salvador, was mistakenly deported in March 2023 but has now been brought back to the US to face federal criminal charges. He is accused of being part of a smuggling scheme to move undocumented migrants across US states. A grand jury has charged him with two federal counts related to this activity, and he remains in custody as he awaits an arraignment hearing.

Key Facts:

• Kilmar Ábrego García was mistakenly deported from the US to El Salvador in March 2023.
• He has returned to the US to face charges related to smuggling undocumented migrants.
• The charges include conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens and unlawful transportation.
• El Salvador released him after the US presented an arrest warrant.
• The US Supreme Court had ordered the US to assist in his return.
• He is accused of transporting people, including MS-13 gang members, over 100 times since 2016.
• He remains in federal custody as he awaits an arraignment hearing.
• His lawyer argues he has never been convicted of any crimes or gang membership.

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BBC World

Diddy's ex-girlfriend testifies about pressure to participate in 'hotel nights'

BBC World • June 07, 2025 • World

Sean "Diddy" Combs is on trial for charges related to sex trafficking and other crimes. A former girlfriend, who testified under the name "Jane," described feeling pressured to participate in sexual activities with male escorts while he watched. She also discussed how drugs were involved in these encounters and mentioned an agreement where Diddy paid her $10,000 a month, which influenced her participation.

Key Facts:

• Sean "Diddy" Combs faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
• A woman identified as "Jane" testified that she felt pressured to take part in sexual activities with male escorts while Combs watched.
• She alleged that a network of employees helped supply drugs for these encounters, which often left her feeling unwell.
• Jane mentioned a specific incident in 2023 where she invited an escort to New York City for an encounter with Combs.
• Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
• Jane testified about a financial agreement ("love contract") where Combs paid her $10,000 monthly.
• Jane's testimony aims to show that Combs was involved in criminal activities.
• The trial is currently in its fifth week.

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BBC World

Watch: Did Trump win the re-election because of Musk?

BBC World • June 07, 2025 • World

The article discusses a recent fallout between US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk after a disagreement over a spending bill. Musk had previously supported Trump during the presidential campaign by endorsing him and offering financial support to voters. The report explores whether Musk's support was a significant factor in Trump's election victory.

Key Facts:

• President Trump and Elon Musk's relationship deteriorated after a dispute over a spending bill.
• Musk endorsed Trump in the previous year's election campaign.
• Musk actively campaigned for Trump and donated money to voters in Pennsylvania.
• The BBC's North America Correspondent, Nomia Iqbal, queried voters in Pennsylvania regarding Musk’s influence in Trump's election success.
• This question of Musk's impact is tied to Trump's win in the 2024 presidential election.

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Will Musk's explosive row with Trump help or harm his businesses?

BBC World • June 06, 2025 • World

Elon Musk's argument with former President Donald Trump has led to concerns about how it might affect his businesses, especially Tesla. Musk's social media activity has resulted in a backlash, including a call for a boycott, and has contributed to a significant drop in Tesla's stock price.

Key Facts:

• Elon Musk announced he wanted to step back from politics to focus on his businesses.
• He engaged in a public argument with Donald Trump, which has led to a threat of boycott from Trump's federal government.
• Tesla's stock dropped by 14% following Musk's comments about Trump on social media but partially recovered later.
• Some analysts think Tesla faces challenges beyond Musk's political issues, including competition in autonomous vehicle technology.
• Tesla plans to launch autonomous taxis in Austin, Texas, with trials already happening using the Model Y without drivers.
• There is growing discussion about whether Musk is still motivated to focus on his ventures.
• A social media campaign called #TeslaTakedown has been protesting against Tesla every weekend since Trump's tenure began.
• In the first quarter of the year, Tesla reported a 20% drop in car sales and a significant drop in profits.

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BBC World

Proud Boys sue US government for $100m over Jan 6 prosecutions

BBC World • June 06, 2025 • World

Five leaders of the Proud Boys, a far-right group, have filed a $100 million lawsuit against the U.S. government, claiming their rights were violated during their prosecution for their roles in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The lawsuit alleges that the prosecution was biased and politically motivated, accusing officers of unfair legal practices.

Key Facts:

• Five Proud Boys leaders were involved in a lawsuit against the U.S. government, seeking $100 million in damages.
• They claim their rights were violated during their prosecution related to the January 6 Capitol riot.
• These leaders were accused and convicted of planning and participating in the riot to protest President Biden's 2020 election win.
• The lawsuit alleges personal biases and misconduct by FBI agents and prosecutors.
• Former President Trump pardoned these leaders earlier in the year after their convictions.
• The accusations include evidence tampering and witness intimidation as part of their prosecutions.
• The U.S. Department of Justice, now overseen by Attorney General Pam Bondi, is named in the lawsuit.
• Around 1,583 people have been charged with crimes related to the Capitol riot, with over 600 facing serious charges.

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BBC World

On board the driverless lorries hoping to transform China's transport industry

BBC World • June 06, 2025 • World

Driverless trucks are being tested on routes between Beijing and Tianjin in China. These trucks can drive themselves but have safety drivers as back up in case of emergencies. Experts see benefits such as reduced labor costs and higher transport efficiency, but there are still public safety concerns due to past accidents.

Key Facts:

• Driverless trucks are being tested between Beijing and Tianjin port.
• Safety drivers are currently required by regulations to monitor the trucks.
• The trucks can navigate highways and toll gates autonomously.
• Using driverless mode can reduce stress and fatigue for safety drivers.
• Pony AI operates these trucks and sees them as a way to cut transportation costs.
• Experts say that reducing driver-related costs is a key advantage of this technology.
• Public concerns over safety remain, especially after a fatal accident involving self-driving technology.
• Acceptance of driverless trucks is critical for policy makers and the market.

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BBC World

Boy fell to death after slip at Cliffs of Moher - inquest

BBC World • June 06, 2025 • World

A 12-year-old boy named Zhihan Zhao died after slipping and falling from the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. He was visiting the cliffs with his mother and friends when he moved ahead of the group, slipped in a puddle, and fell over the edge. A search and rescue operation found his body in the sea five days later.

Key Facts:

• Zhihan Zhao was a 12-year-old boy visiting Ireland from China with his mother.
• The accident happened on July 23, last year, at the Cliffs of Moher, a popular tourist spot in County Clare, Ireland.
• Zhihan stepped ahead of his mother and friends on the trail and was last seen around 13:00.
• A French tourist saw Zhihan slip in a puddle and fall from the cliffs.
• An emergency search operation included boats, drones, divers, and a helicopter.
• The Irish Coast Guard initially spotted his body in the water but couldn't retrieve it due to sea conditions.
• A fisherman found Zhihan's body five days later near the Aran Islands.

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BBC World

How Trump and Musk are still linked - despite falling out

BBC World • June 06, 2025 • World

Donald Trump and Elon Musk had a falling out after being closely connected through political and business interests. Despite their feud, they remain linked due to past campaign donations, government contracts, and shared connections.

Key Facts:

• Donald Trump and Elon Musk were once closely linked through political and business interests.
• Musk donated $290 million to Trump and other Republicans last year, according to Open Secrets.
• Musk's companies, such as SpaceX and Tesla, have significant business dealings with the U.S. government, with SpaceX receiving $20.9 billion in contracts since 2008.
• Trump suggested ending government contracts with Musk's companies, but this would be a complex process.
• Musk hinted at possibly supporting a new political party, questioning if the U.S. needs one representing the political center.
• Musk and his companies face multiple government investigations, including more than 30 reported by the New York Times.
• Many employees at the Department of Government Efficiency, created under Trump's administration, previously worked for Musk's companies.

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BBC World

Police search for Washington man accused of killing his 3 daughters

BBC World • June 06, 2025 • World

Police in Washington state are searching for Travis Decker, who is accused of killing his three young daughters. Officials suspect he is hiding in a remote area due to his survival skills. A $20,000 reward is offered for information leading to his arrest.

Key Facts:

• Travis Decker is wanted on charges of kidnapping and first-degree murder.
• He is accused of suffocating his daughters, aged nine, eight, and five, at a remote campground.
• The children's mother reported them missing on 30 May after Decker did not return them from a visit.
• Police found the girls' bodies and Decker's cell phone at a campground on 2 June, but he was not there.
• Decker is believed to have outdoor survival skills, which may help him hide in remote areas.
• The search effort includes the FBI and the US Marshals Service, with a $20,000 reward for his capture.
• The hunt has led to the temporary closure of national forests in the area.

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Wagner to withdraw from Mali after 'completing mission'

BBC World • June 06, 2025 • World

The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization, announced it is withdrawing from Mali after claiming to have completed its mission of fighting Islamist militants. The announcement comes amid an uptick in attacks by militant groups in Mali, resulting in Malian military withdrawals from strategic locations.

Key Facts:

• Wagner Group said it killed "thousands of militants" in Mali as part of its mission.
• The group has been working with Mali's military since 2021 against Islamist insurgents.
• Mali has faced a militant Islamist insurgency for over ten years.
• Malian soldiers left a major base following recent deadly attacks by jihadist groups.
• French troops left Mali in 2022, after which Mali collaborated with Russian mercenaries.
• There has been a recent increase in jihadist attacks on military bases in Mali.
• Despite Wagner's exit, Russian forces, through Africa Corps, will still influence Mali's security.
• Wagner's announcement did not confirm any withdrawal from the Central African Republic, where it has its African headquarters.

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Norwegian doctor jailed for raping patients

BBC World • June 06, 2025 • World

A doctor in Norway, Arne Bye, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for raping and sexually abusing dozens of women. He was convicted of 70 counts of rape and sexual assault, mostly committed during medical exams in a small town. Bye is also permanently banned from practicing medicine and must pay compensation.

Key Facts:

• Arne Bye, a former general practitioner, was sentenced for crimes related to sexual abuse during medical exams.
• He was found guilty of 70 counts of rape and sexual abuse and 82 counts of abusing his position.
• The incidents took place in Frosta, a small town with fewer than 3,000 people.
• The court's decision was based on charges involving 94 women over nearly 20 years.
• Bye admitted guilt to some charges but was cleared of others.
• The crimes were discovered after health authorities alerted police in 2022, leading to a review of secret footage from his office.
• Victims ranged from 14 to 67 years old, with complaints spanning from 2004 to 2022.
• The court highlighted the inappropriate use of non-medical equipment during examinations.
• Both the prosecution and defense are considering their next steps regarding the sentence.

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BBC World

Trump and Musk: The 10 days that unravelled their relationship

BBC World • June 06, 2025 • World

Over ten days, Donald Trump and Elon Musk shifted from having minor disagreements to a significant falling out. The conflict centered around Trump's proposed tax and spending bill, which Musk publicly criticized. Musk left his role in the Trump administration and expressed his disappointment with the bill through social media, leading to an exchange of remarks between the two.

Key Facts:

• Elon Musk criticized a tax and spending bill proposed by Donald Trump, expressing his disappointment publicly.
• Musk left his role in the Trump administration as a special government employee after finishing his term.
• Trump defended the bill but acknowledged being unhappy with some parts, while praising some aspects like tax cuts.
• Musk used social media to oppose the bill, encouraging his followers to contact their representatives against it.
• Musk accused the bill of containing excessive spending on non-essential projects, which he called "pork."
• Musk suggested that cuts to subsidies for electric vehicles would negatively impact his businesses, Tesla and SpaceX.
• The disagreement led Trump to express disappointment in Musk, which Musk rebuffed by saying he was not shown the bill.
• Musk questioned Trump's previous stances on government spending using old posts and suggested creating a new political party.

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BBC World

Raids across Canary Islands in major cocaine gang bust

BBC World • June 06, 2025 • World

Police in the Canary Islands stopped a large drug smuggling group that used speedboats to move cocaine from South America to Europe. They arrested 48 people and took nearly four tonnes of cocaine, along with boats and vehicles used in the operation.

Key Facts:

• Europol released footage of suspects being arrested during the operation.
• Nearly four tonnes of cocaine from Brazil and Colombia were seized.
• 48 suspects were arrested in raids on the Canary Islands.
• The gang used 11 "narco boats" to transport drugs across the Atlantic Ocean.
• These boats used an abandoned ship at sea as a place to refuel.
• Agencies from Europe, the UK, South America, and the US planned the raids, called Operation Black Shadow.
• The operation involved searching 29 properties and seizing 69 vehicles, boats, and jet skis, along with cash and firearms.
• A British national was among those arrested.

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BBC World

Israeli army admits to Gaza strike after BBC Verify investigation

BBC World • June 06, 2025 • World

The Israeli military has admitted to carrying out an unreported strike in the al-Mawasi area of southern Gaza, which resulted in one death and 30 injuries. The admission came after BBC Verify investigated the incident, which the Israeli army attributed to technical and operational errors. The area hit was sheltering displaced Palestinians.

Key Facts:

• The Israeli military struck the al-Mawasi area in southern Gaza, killing one person and injuring 30.
• The attack was only revealed after an investigation by BBC Verify.
• The Israeli army said the strike was due to technical and operational mistakes.
• The area hit was home to displaced Palestinians living in temporary shelters.
• BBC Verify determined that the footage of the incident was not connected to another attack near a new aid distribution center in Rafah.
• The IDF has previously admitted to similar errors only four times since the conflict in Gaza began in October 2023.
• The footage from the incident was filmed around 19:00 local time, according to BBC Verify and a local journalist.
• The strike's details have been part of a misunderstanding between the BBC and the White House, which the BBC has clarified.

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'Two egos going at it' - Americans react to Trump-Musk feud

BBC World • June 06, 2025 • World

A disagreement has emerged between former U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. This conflict has captured public attention in the United States.

Key Facts:

• Donald Trump is a former President of the United States.
• Elon Musk is a well-known billionaire and business leader.
• The disagreement between Trump and Musk has become a topic of discussion in the U.S.
• The situation has been covered by various news outlets.
• People in the U.S. are sharing their views on this conflict.

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BBC World

Australian mushroom lunch cook tells trial meal was 'special'

BBC World • June 06, 2025 • World

Erin Patterson is on trial in Australia, accused of cooking a meal with poisonous mushrooms that killed three people and sickened another. She claims the incident was accidental and not intended to harm her family members, who she says she loved. Prosecutors claim Patterson deliberately poisoned the meal, while Patterson maintains she mistakenly used toxic, foraged mushrooms in a dish meant to be "special."

Key Facts:

• Erin Patterson is accused of adding poisonous mushrooms to a meal that killed three guests and sickened one more.
• The incident happened in July 2023 during a lunch at her home in regional Victoria, Australia.
• Ms. Patterson has pleaded not guilty, saying it was an accidental mistake and claiming she loved the affected guests like family.
• Three people died after the meal: Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66.
• Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson, was hospitalized but recovered after a long coma.
• Ms. Patterson said she wanted the meal to be "special" and hosted it to discuss a personal health issue, which she later admitted was not true.
• She claims the poisonous mushrooms were mixed accidentally with store-bought ones.
• Patterson hid the mushroom source from doctors, fearing she would be blamed for the illnesses.

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BBC World

Bouncy castle operator cleared in tragedy that killed six

BBC World • June 06, 2025 • World

An Australian court cleared Rosemary Anne Gamble, a bouncy castle operator, of breaching safety laws after a 2021 tragedy in Tasmania that killed six children. The court ruled that an unpredictable weather event, a dust devil, caused the accident, not negligence on Gamble's part. Families of the victims expressed deep anguish over the verdict.

Key Facts:

• The incident occurred in December 2021 at a primary school event in Devonport, Tasmania.
• Six children, aged 11 and 12, died after strong winds lifted the bouncy castle into the air.
• Rosemary Anne Gamble ran the bouncy castle business and was charged nearly two years later.
• The court found her not guilty, stating the weather event was unprecedented and unforeseeable.
• A dust devil, which is a small, rapidly spinning wind vortex, caused the accident.
• Families of the victims were upset with the verdict, feeling justice was not served.
• Ms. Gamble expressed sympathy, acknowledging the lasting scars from the tragedy.

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BBC World