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JD Vance defended the US-Iran deal and criticized Israeli officials who oppose it, reminding them that much of Israel’s defense weapons come from the US. Iran plans to charge fees for ships passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz after a 60-day negotiation period. Meanwhile, President Trump expects a complete ceasefire between Israel, Lebanon, and Hezbollah.
Key Facts
JD Vance defended the US-Iran agreement in response to criticism from Israeli government members.
Two-thirds of Israel’s defense weapons are made and paid for by the United States.
The US provides Israel with about $4 billion in military aid yearly.
Iran announced it will impose fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz after negotiations end in 60 days.
Iranian officials said a European naval escort plan for the Strait of Hormuz is unwelcome.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu plans to maintain a security zone in southern Lebanon.
President Trump expects a total ceasefire involving Israel, Lebanon, and Hezbollah.
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EU leaders agreed to strengthen trade defenses against a large increase in Chinese exports, which they see as a threat to European industry. They also want to keep a positive and open dialogue with China while working to reduce the EU’s dependence on Chinese goods.
Key Facts
EU leaders discussed ways to protect European industries from a rise in Chinese exports.
The EU had a trade deficit of about 360 billion euros with China last year, meaning it bought more from China than it sold.
Leaders want the EU to develop new tools, like tariffs on specific sectors, to defend their trade interests.
Some EU countries, like France, support strong trade measures similar to those used by President Trump in the U.S.
Germany is cautious about harsh trade measures due to worries about retaliation but is open to new tools if needed.
Spain prefers balanced and friendly relations with China and seeks investment from Beijing.
EU officials want to maintain constructive talks with China while reducing risks from dependence.
Concerns about China’s control of rare earth minerals, important for electronics, are growing in Western countries.
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US Vice President JD Vance has postponed his trip to Switzerland for talks about the US-Iran agreement aimed at ending the war in the Middle East. Meanwhile, a US envoy said Iran will allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect its nuclear sites as part of the effort to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance delayed his planned visit to Switzerland for Iran talks originally set for Friday.
The White House said the negotiation logistics are complicated and the visit will happen as soon as possible.
US envoy Steve Witkoff told Congress that Iran will invite the IAEA to inspect nuclear sites and identify hidden nuclear material.
A side letter between Iran and the IAEA extends the invitation for inspections, allowing US nuclear inspectors access to Tehran.
Senators want to block Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel funds until the Pentagon releases reports on investigations, including one on an Iranian school strike.
President Trump and Iran’s president signed a deal to end the war in the Middle East.
Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, and the US lifted its naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Oil prices dropped more than 3% after the announcement of the deal and reopening of the strait.
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The remains of Tropical Storm Arthur caused heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding in parts of Louisiana and Mississippi. The storm resulted in flooded homes, water rescues, evacuations, and one death during cleanup efforts.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Arthur was the first Atlantic storm of the season and quickly weakened but still caused major flooding.
Over 2 feet of rain fell in parts of rural Louisiana in 48 hours, with heavy rain especially on Thursday.
At least 200 homes flooded in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana.
Floodwaters trapped people in a Mississippi campground, requiring rescuers to break into RVs to save them.
Mississippi officials evacuated 30 homes near a dam due to fears the rising water could damage the structure.
One worker died during storm cleanup in southwestern Mississippi.
Four tornadoes were confirmed, including one in Avoyelles Parish and three near New Orleans.
Local residents rescued animals and workers stranded by floodwaters, while cleanup continued.
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A British actress, Emaa Hussen, has been charged in Australia for trying to smuggle 320 kilograms of methamphetamine worth nearly A$300 million hidden inside bags of charcoal from Ghana. She appeared in a Sydney court and was refused bail; two other people in South Australia were also charged in connection with the case.
Key Facts
Emaa Hussen, 34, acted in an Eastenders spin-off and the movie Hummingbird.
Police say she tried to import 320 kg of meth, worth about A$296 million, hidden in charcoal bags.
The drugs came from Ghana and were shipped to Sydney’s Port Botany.
Customs found the drugs using X-rays and chemical tests before delivery.
Hussen was caught supervising the unloading of the charcoal bags in Sydney.
Police arrested two other people in Adelaide linked to renting storage units using fake IDs.
The seizure stopped about 3.2 million potential drug deals in Australia.
Hussen will return to court in August and faces life in prison if convicted.
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The European Union (EU) will not remove important sanctions on Iran until they reach a formal agreement on Iran’s nuclear program. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, also said that sanctions related to human rights issues will remain in place.
Key Facts
The EU has sanctions in place against Iran.
These sanctions include those targeting Iran’s nuclear activities.
The EU wants a formal nuclear deal before lifting these key sanctions.
Kaja Kallas is the EU’s foreign policy chief.
Kallas said human rights sanctions against Iran will continue regardless of nuclear talks.
The sanctions aim to pressure Iran on its nuclear program and human rights record.
No timeline was given for when a formal nuclear deal might happen.
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About 100 rebels from a Colombian guerrilla group surrendered their weapons in the southern Putumayo province under a peace deal with President Gustavo Petro. This move is part of Petro's "total peace" plan and comes just before the country’s presidential runoff election.
Key Facts
99 rebels from the National Coordinating Committee of the Bolivarian Army handed over their arms.
The event took place in the southern region of Putumayo.
The rebels wore camouflage and placed their weapons in a large container with a peace message.
These guerrillas split from the FARC group, which disarmed in 2016 after decades of conflict.
Their disarmament is the first success of Petro's peace plan since coming to office.
President Gustavo Petro aims for peace with armed groups in Colombia.
Colombia will hold a presidential runoff election three days after the rebels surrendered.
The election will decide Petro’s successor; Petro will hand over power on August 7.
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The Scottish National Party (SNP) lost the Aberdeen South seat to the Scottish Conservatives in a recent election. The byelection happened because the previous SNP MP, Stephen Flynn, left to join the Scottish Parliament.
Key Facts
Aberdeen South was previously held by the SNP before the recent loss.
Stephen Flynn gave up the Aberdeen South seat to become a member of the Scottish Parliament (Holyrood).
The Scottish Conservatives have gained a Westminster byelection seat only five times this century.
Flynn had won Aberdeen South in the 2024 general election with 3,758 more votes than others.
The Conservatives focused heavily on the election, including visits by UK party leader Kemi Badenoch.
The campaign highlighted issues such as increasing oil and gas production in the North Sea.
Some voters may have been influenced by a scandal involving the theft of £400,000 from the SNP, linked to former party chief Peter Murrell.
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Zimbabwean lawmakers have passed a bill proposing to stop direct presidential elections and let parliament choose the president instead. Supporters say this will help keep steady policies, while critics worry it will reduce democracy and increase the ruling party’s control.
Key Facts
The bill would replace direct presidential elections with a vote by members of parliament (both Senate and National Assembly together).
On June 1, the National Assembly approved the bill with 216 votes for and 42 against.
The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is expected to pass with the needed two-thirds majority.
Justice Minister Ziyambi said the bill does not extend presidential terms or postpone elections and does not concentrate power in the president’s hands.
Critics believe the bill would strengthen President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s power and may allow him to stay in office beyond 2028.
Supporters, including members of both the ruling party ZANU-PF and some opposition, argue the change will support long-term development plans.
ZANU-PF has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980; Mnangagwa became president in 2017 after Robert Mugabe stepped down.
Some activists warn the amendment will weaken democracy, worsen economic conditions, and deepen one-party dominance.
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A three-year-old boy in Cambridgeshire was seriously injured after being thrown into a crocodile enclosure by a man unknown to him. The police have arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder. Other news includes the Bank of England holding interest rates steady and discussions about inflation, UK infrastructure costs, and international events related to Russia and Ukraine.
Key Facts
A 3-year-old boy was critically injured at Johnsons zoo in Cambridgeshire after entering a crocodile enclosure.
Police arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder connected to the incident.
The boy was pulled from the enclosure by the zoo owner’s wife.
The Bank of England kept interest rates at 3.75% due to eased inflation risks after a US-Iran deal lowered oil prices.
Inflation and cost of living remain key concerns, with predictions that food prices may stabilise next year.
UK ministers reportedly waste around £8 billion annually by paying too much on transport and energy projects compared to other countries.
Kyiv experienced its biggest air raid on Moscow since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
The UK marks the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum with mixed opinions on future ties to the European Union.
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The article gives five simple tips to keep children safe and cool during hot weather. It explains how to help kids stay hydrated, protect their skin from the sun, avoid heat, and sleep comfortably.
Key Facts
Kids lose heat less easily than adults, so they can get hotter faster.
Giving children foods with high water content, like watermelon and soup, helps keep them hydrated.
Sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and four stars should be applied 30 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours.
Babies under six months should not use sunscreen and must be kept out of direct sunlight.
Staying in the shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. reduces sun exposure.
Loose, dark clothing and hats with wide brims or legionnaire styles offer better sun protection.
UV protective swimwear with a UPF 50 rating blocks harmful sun rays.
Bedrooms should be set up to help children sleep well in the heat.
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The article gives practical advice to help keep children cool and safe during very hot weather, especially in summer. It explains how to keep kids hydrated, protect their skin from the sun, and make their environment comfortable.
Key Facts
Kids heat up faster and sweat less than adults, making it harder for them to cool down.
Encourage children to eat water-rich foods like watermelon, oranges, jelly, and soup to stay hydrated.
Babies who breastfeed get enough water from breast milk; formula-fed babies can have some cooled boiled water.
Sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and a four-star rating should be applied 30 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours.
Sunscreen must be reapplied after swimming or towel drying, even if labeled water resistant.
Babies under six months should avoid direct sunlight completely because their skin is very sensitive.
Staying in the shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. helps prevent sunburn and heat exposure.
Loose, dark-colored clothes and UV-protective swimwear with UPF 50 provide better sun protection. Wide-brimmed or legionnaire hats and wraparound sunglasses protect the head, neck, and eyes.
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Ships have started to travel through the Strait of Hormuz again after a U.S.-Iran agreement reopened the waterway. However, experts say that normal traffic levels may take some time to return.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for international shipping.
There was a recent agreement between the U.S. and Iran that allowed ships to pass through again.
Traffic through the strait had previously been restricted or stopped.
Shipping is slowly resuming but has not yet returned to normal levels.
Experts, including Scott Savitz from RAND School of Public Policy, are studying the situation.
The agreement has improved access but challenges remain for full normalcy.
The situation affects global trade and energy transportation.
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US Vice President JD Vance defended the recent Iran deal and criticized Israeli officials who oppose it. He said President Donald Trump is Israel's strongest ally and reminded Israel that much of its military aid comes from the United States.
Key Facts
JD Vance spoke at a White House news briefing defending the Iran deal.
Vance said President Trump is the only world leader currently sympathetic to Israel.
The US provides Israel about $4 billion per year in military aid.
Some Israeli leaders have criticized the Iran deal, saying it fails to address Iran’s missile and nuclear programs.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not publicly criticize the deal but his cabinet members expressed strong opposition.
Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s need for security in southern Lebanon and showed maps of expanded military zones there.
Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, strongly opposed the deal and insisted Israeli troops remain in Lebanon.
Vance urged Israeli critics to trust the US and avoid attacking their closest ally, President Trump.
Iran deal: An agreement aimed at ending conflict with Iran by limiting its nuclear program and missile development.
Hezbollah: A militant group in Lebanon considered hostile to Israel.
Military aid: Financial support from one country to another to buy weapons and defense systems.
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Artist Vincent Serritella had surgery to remove a brain tumor that affected his eyesight. Despite changes in his vision, he managed to create his best artwork so far.
Key Facts
Vincent Serritella is an artist whose vision changed due to a brain tumor.
The tumor was located on his optic nerve, which is important for sight.
He had surgeries to remove the tumor.
The surgeries altered how he sees the world.
Serritella adapted to his new vision challenges.
After this, he created his greatest work to date.
CBS News shared his story through reporter Tony Dokoupil.
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The Church of England has admitted it profited from investments in the historical slave trade, including the South Sea Company, which brought in large returns in the 18th century. The Church promised to use £100 million from these profits to fund social projects as a form of reparation, but this money has not yet been spent amid debate about the Church's responsibility and the politics around these payments.
Key Facts
Rochester Cathedral’s archives revealed profits from slavery-linked investments helped fund major renovations in the 18th century.
The Church of England’s endowment fund historically included shares in the South Sea Company, known for slave trading.
These investments yielded profits equal to about £1.4 billion today, which were incorporated into the Church’s current funds.
Archbishop Justin Welby apologized in 2023 for the Church’s links to slavery and pledged £100 million for a social impact fund.
The £100 million reparation money remains unspent as of now amid disagreement about the Church’s role in slavery compensation.
The issue reflects wider institutional reckonings with historic racism and injustice following George Floyd’s murder in 2020.
Many British institutions, including universities and museums, reexamined their ties to slavery after global protests.
The debate continues whether the political and public will to follow through on reparations still exists six years after George Floyd’s death.
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Ukraine launched a large drone attack on Moscow, targeting an oil refinery and other sites. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack was a response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Key Facts
Ukraine used many drones to attack Moscow.
The attack hit a major oil refinery and other places.
This was the biggest attack on Moscow since the war started over four years ago.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the attack retaliation.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing for more than four years.
The drone attack represents a significant escalation in the conflict.
Moscow is the capital city of Russia.
The attack was reported by CBS News.
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Ballots are being counted in the Makerfield by-election in the UK. If Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, wins, he could become the leader of the Labour Party and challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Key Facts
The Makerfield by-election is currently underway.
Ballots are being counted to determine the winner.
Andy Burnham is the mayor of Greater Manchester.
Burnham is running as a Labour Party candidate.
If Burnham wins, he may challenge Keir Starmer for Labour leadership.
Keir Starmer is the current Prime Minister of the UK.
This by-election has attracted close attention.
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The BBC has decided not to show a new series hosted by Ashley Cain after finding old social media posts where he used sexist and offensive language about women. The BBC is investigating how these posts were missed during their content checks and will not work with Cain on future projects.
Key Facts
The BBC pulled the second series of "Ashley Cain: Into the Danger Zone" from broadcast plans.
Ashley Cain was accused of using sexist and offensive language towards women on his social media account.
Some posts included abusive terms and jokes about violence against women.
The BBC admitted their vetting process failed to catch these issues before filming.
Cain’s social media account linked to these accusations has been removed.
The BBC has no current or future projects planned with Ashley Cain.
The first season of "Into the Danger Zone" remains available on BBC iPlayer.
Cain is a former professional footballer turned TV personality and podcaster.
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The United States has ended its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, allowing ships to pass again. Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei approved of the agreement with the U.S., saying President Trump agreed to talks because of urgent need.
Key Facts
The U.S. had blocked the Strait of Hormuz, stopping sea traffic.
The blockade was in place since nearly the start of a conflict.
The U.S. decided to lift the blockade to reopen the passage for ships.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei supported the deal with the U.S.
Khamenei said President Trump was driven by "desperation" to negotiate.
The news was reported by Liz Landers.
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