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World News
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People living in Gaza are watching World Cup soccer games as a temporary distraction from the difficult conditions of war, power outages, and living in tents. However, many struggle to watch the matches because of limited fuel and the ongoing threat of Israeli attacks.
Key Facts
Gaza residents face war, power blackouts, and displacement.
Many people live in tents due to damage and conflict.
World Cup games provide a short break from daily hardships.
Fuel shortages make it hard for some to watch the matches.
Fear of attacks affects daily life and activities in Gaza.
The World Cup offers a moment of joy during tough times.
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A deal has ended the recent fighting between the US and Iran, establishing a ceasefire and setting a 60-day framework to negotiate Iran's nuclear program. Both countries claim success, but many difficult issues remain unresolved, leading to criticism and uncertainty about the deal's future.
Key Facts
The US and Israel bombed Iran for over 100 days before a ceasefire deal was signed.
The agreement, called a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was signed by President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The MoU stops all military operations and reopens the Strait of Hormuz, important for shipping.
Iran agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons and to negotiate the future of its uranium enrichment program.
The US will lift its naval blockade, allow some Iranian oil exports, and ease some sanctions.
The US plans a $300 billion reconstruction and development program for Iran with regional partners.
Iranian leaders face pressure to show strength, as some critics say concessions were made despite claiming victory.
The deal’s success depends on future negotiations over Iran's nuclear activities and whether both sides keep to the ceasefire.
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Ukraine carried out a second drone attack in a week on a major oil refinery near Moscow, causing large fires and black smoke. The attack disrupted many flights and is part of Ukraine’s effort to weaken Russia’s economy and pressure its government during the ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
Ukraine targeted a large Moscow oil refinery twice in one week using dozens of drones.
The attack caused big fires, black smoke, and soot falling over parts of Moscow.
The refinery supplies over one-third of the fuel for the Moscow region.
The drone strike disrupted hundreds of flights in the capital’s airports.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said the attacks aim to push Russian President Putin to negotiate and end the war.
Russian officials said they would respond with stronger attacks and some suggested possibly using nuclear weapons.
Moscow's local government reported the fire was mostly controlled several hours after the strike.
Fuel shortages and buying limits at gas stations have been reported in some parts of Russia amid the attacks.
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The United States has ended its naval blockade of Iran after both countries signed a deal to stop the war in the Middle East. Iran’s supreme leader said President Trump signed the agreement “out of desperation” but allowed it to proceed after discussions.
Key Facts
The US Central Command confirmed that the naval blockade of Iran has stopped, following President Trump's orders.
The deal calls for an immediate stop to fighting on all sides and reopens the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei said he initially disagreed with the deal but approved it after receiving assurances from Iran’s president.
US Vice-President JD Vance stated Iran will not get any money or relief from sanctions unless it meets the deal’s conditions.
One condition is that Iran must destroy its stockpile of enriched uranium and stop funding armed groups in the region.
The deal started a 60-day period of further talks, with planned technical negotiations expected soon, possibly in Switzerland.
The formal signing ceremony was canceled after the deal was signed remotely.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the importance of Israel’s close relationship with the US amid mixed reactions to the deal.
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A group of countries has warned the United Nations that Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) may soon increase attacks on the city of el-Obeid, risking serious violence and killings. The coalition called for pressure on both the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces to stop harm to civilians and allow humanitarian aid.
Key Facts
The warning was delivered by Norway on behalf of a coalition including Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sierra Leone, and 21 other countries.
About 500,000 people in Sudan are at risk of large-scale violence in the el-Obeid area.
El-Obeid has faced heavy fighting, drone strikes for ten days killing at least 50 civilians, and damage to important civilian buildings.
Sudan’s army controls central and eastern regions, while the RSF controls Darfur in the west; both are fighting over the Kordofan region.
The RSF took control of el-Fasher in Darfur in October after an 18-month siege.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warned of a likely worsening of human rights abuses and called for urgent international action.
The United States and rights groups have accused the RSF of genocide in West Darfur, which the RSF denies.
The coalition urged all countries to help protect civilians, prevent further atrocities including sexual violence, and ensure humanitarian access.
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The United States lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports after President Donald Trump and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a temporary peace deal to end the US-Israeli conflict involving Iran. Talks planned in Switzerland to discuss Iran’s nuclear program remain uncertain as both sides prepare for negotiations.
Key Facts
The US naval blockade of Iranian ports was lifted following a peace deal signed by President Trump and Iran’s President Pezeshkian.
The peace deal starts a 60-day period for further talks on broader issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.
It is unclear if planned talks and a signing ceremony in Switzerland will happen as scheduled.
Iran had blockaded the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict, a key route for global energy shipments.
After the deal, some ships, including Saudi oil tankers and a French LNG vessel, passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military said it will keep some forces near the area even after lifting the blockade.
The deal includes lifting US oil sanctions on Iran immediately.
The US plans to supervise Iran diluting its enriched uranium stocks with help from the UN nuclear agency.
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A rare type of germ that causes Lyme disease has been found in a state where it was not seen before. This shows the disease may be spreading to new areas.
Key Facts
The germ is a rare strain that leads to Lyme disease.
It has appeared in a state far from its usual locations.
Lyme disease is an illness often spread by tick bites.
Finding this strain in a new state means the disease risk could increase there.
Health officials may need to watch for more cases in that area.
Lyme disease symptoms can include fever, tiredness, and a rash.
Early detection and treatment are important to prevent serious illness.
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The US military has ended its naval blockade of Iranian ports as part of a deal between the US and Iran to pause military actions during talks. US forces will stay in the region to watch that both sides follow the agreement.
Key Facts
The US military stopped blocking ships from entering and leaving Iranian ports.
This change follows an agreement to suspend fighting between the US and Iran.
US Central Command announced the end of blockade efforts but said US ships will remain nearby.
Vice President JD Vance said over 12 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz recently.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key passage for global oil and gas supplies.
The agreement may face challenges from issues like Israel’s presence in southern Lebanon and Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran has indicated plans to charge fees for using the Strait of Hormuz.
The US government says the deal includes possible economic help for Iran to recover from the conflict.
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Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said he had doubts about a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Iran and the United States to end the war, but he still approved the agreement. He mentioned that Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and the security council leader Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, wanted to proceed with the deal.
Key Facts
Iran’s Supreme Leader is Mojtaba Khamenei.
He expressed reservations about a deal with the United States.
The deal is a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at ending a war.
Despite his doubts, Khamenei gave approval to move forward with the MOU.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian supported the agreement.
Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, also supported making the deal.
The MOU involves both Tehran (Iran) and the United States.
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Puerto Rico is facing a major water supply crisis after a large pipeline broke in Bayamón, disrupting water service for over 120,000 people. The National Guard has been activated to help distribute water while repairs continue, but full restoration of the water system is expected to take time, especially as drought and extreme heat create additional challenges.
Key Facts
A 72-inch pipeline called the Superaqueduct broke at three points, causing widespread water outages in Puerto Rico.
The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) completed a complex repair and began slowly restoring service, but risks remain for new breaks.
Over 120,000 customers still experience inconsistent water flow, low pressure, or no service at all.
The National Guard and various government agencies are helping deliver drinking water to affected communities.
Officials acknowledge decades of delayed maintenance have made the water system fragile.
Drought conditions and a strong El Niño weather event are reducing rainfall, worsening the water shortage.
Extreme heat and Sahara dust are increasing health risks and raising water needs at the same time water access is unstable.
Many residents are turning to private water storage and filtration systems to cope with unreliable supply.
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Two sisters wanted to adopt a kitten, but their parents did not agree. To get the kitten into their home, the sisters pretended to find it abandoned on the street, and their plan worked for about a year before the truth came out.
Key Facts
The sisters staged a fake rescue of a tiny kitten by acting like they found it on the roadside.
They filmed the staged rescue and shared it on TikTok, where it got over 9 million views.
Their parents believed the kitten was found abandoned and allowed it in the house.
The kitten has lived with the sisters for nearly two years and seems comfortable.
The family was unaware of the plan for about one year before learning the truth.
Experts advise thinking carefully before adopting pets because they need daily care and long-term commitment.
Research shows that having pets can help people feel better emotionally and socially.
The sisters' strong desire for the kitten shows how people often form quick bonds with animals.
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The CDC will use $107 million in emergency funds to help respond to an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The outbreak has nearly 1,000 confirmed cases in the DRC and some cases in Uganda, but the overall risk to the world remains low.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC is the third largest on record, with about 1,000 confirmed cases across 31 health zones.
Uganda has 31 confirmed Ebola cases in its capital, Kampala.
The CDC currently has 148 staff working on the response in the DRC and Uganda.
The virus involved is a rare type called Bundibugyo viral disease, a form of Ebola that causes bleeding and kills 30-50% of infected people.
Around 198 people have died so far in both countries combined.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated surfaces, but not through the air like COVID-19.
The US and 21 other countries have placed travel restrictions on people from the DRC and Uganda, which some say may hinder outbreak control.
The CDC’s funding is part of over $900 million pledged internationally, but less than 10% of that money has been delivered so far.
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China’s foreign minister says that developing countries do not have enough representation in global decision-making groups. China wants the United Nations to be stronger and give countries from the Global South a bigger voice in world affairs.
Key Facts
China released a new white paper about making global governance fairer.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi said emerging economies have too little influence in global institutions.
China wants the United Nations to play a more important role.
The Global South means poorer or developing countries mostly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
China believes all countries should have equal say in global decisions.
This call comes during ongoing armed conflicts and economic problems worldwide.
China may be trying to become a leader for the Global South.
Experts are debating if China can get enough support to lead this group of countries.
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Toronto police have arrested a 19-year-old suspect linked to a shooting outside the US consulate as part of a wider investigation into multiple shootings across the city. Authorities are probing whether foreign groups are paying people to carry out these attacks, which include targets such as synagogues.
Key Facts
A 19-year-old named Zara Jabbi was arrested at Toronto Pearson Airport in connection with the shooting outside the US consulate in March.
Police believe multiple young gunmen were hired and paid by a foreign entity to carry out several shootings in Toronto.
The gunmen were reportedly recruited online through encrypted messaging apps.
Police recovered US-sourced handguns during a raid tied to the consulate attack.
One Toronto police officer, Constable Marc Pinizzotto, died during the raid on suspects' apartments.
The shootings also targeted synagogues and Jewish schools, with the aim of creating fear in communities.
Toronto police are working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the FBI on the investigation.
US officials arrested an Iraqi man charged with planning attacks on Jewish sites and US interests in North America and Europe; his connection to Toronto’s case is unclear.
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MP Cameron Thomas has been suspended from the Liberal Democrat party while a police investigation is underway. He was arrested by Gloucestershire Police on Wednesday, but no further details have been shared.
Key Facts
Cameron Thomas is the MP for Tewkesbury.
He has been suspended from the Liberal Democrat party.
The suspension is pending the outcome of a police investigation.
Gloucestershire Police arrested him on Wednesday.
The party and police have not released more information due to the ongoing investigation.
Cameron Thomas is a former RAF officer.
He has been MP since the 2024 general election.
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The parents of a 13-year-old boy who killed nine children and a school guard in a Serbian school shooting have been sentenced to prison in a retrial. The father received 14 years and six months, and the mother was sentenced to nearly three years for neglect. Both sides have appealed the verdicts.
Key Facts
The boy shot dead nine people at Vladislav Ribnikar elementary school in Belgrade in May 2023.
The shooter was under the age of criminal responsibility and was placed in a psychiatric institution.
The boy’s parents were charged with neglect and abuse, with the father also accused of a serious public safety offense.
The father was sentenced to 14 years and six months, and the mother to two years and 11 months in prison.
The retrial began in January 2026 after the Court of Appeal found earlier verdicts unclear and contradictory.
The boy fired 66 bullets in about two minutes, killing 10 and injuring six others.
This was one of the first school shootings in Serbia, where such attacks are very rare.
The case sparked protests and led to stricter gun laws and a gun amnesty in Serbia.
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The BBC has stopped airing a documentary series featuring Ashley Cain after discovering his past abusive and misogynistic remarks about women. The broadcaster admitted it failed to properly check Cain's background before working with him and will not produce any more projects with him.
Key Facts
The BBC pulled the show "Ashley Cain: Into the Danger Zone" after reports revealed Cain's history of offensive comments about women.
The comments included insults and jokes about violence and sexual misconduct, some made on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Cain was also accused in 2015 of secretly recording a woman during sex and sharing the video without her consent.
The BBC had previously ignored an allegation that Cain appeared drunk on set during another show, which caused filming to be halted.
Despite these issues, the BBC had planned a second season of Cain's documentary before rescinding that decision.
BBC executives had praised Cain for his appeal to young male viewers and had planned to feature him more prominently.
The BBC said it is reviewing and strengthening its vetting process for all talent to prevent similar situations.
This controversy comes amid other BBC scandals involving on-air personalities and during budget cuts at the broadcaster.
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Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei allowed Iranian negotiators to hold direct talks with the United States but said this does not mean Iran agrees with the U.S. views. He authorized the deal based on promises from Iranian officials to protect Iran's interests, while criticizing President Trump for signing the deal out of desperation.
Key Facts
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei gave permission for direct talks with the U.S. after a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed.
Khamenei opposed signing the MOU but authorized it following recommendations from Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Iranian negotiators are planning to meet U.S. representatives in Switzerland.
Khamenei emphasized that the talks do not mean Iran accepts U.S. demands or views.
He praised Iranian officials involved in the deal for acting with concern and goodwill.
Khamenei accused President Trump of signing the deal "out of desperation."
Analysts say Khamenei’s statement allows him to either claim success if talks go well or blame others if they fail.
The U.S.-Iran talks come amid ongoing tensions and retaliations involving Israel and Iran.
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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US will review its military presence in Europe and may reduce forces in countries that spend less on defense. He criticized some NATO allies for not meeting spending targets and for limiting the use of their bases during US strikes on Iran.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth announced a review of US troops stationed in Europe.
The review will consider cutting forces in NATO countries with low defense spending.
He criticized some countries for “free riding” by not spending enough on their own defense.
Hegseth said future US support will depend on NATO countries meeting spending goals.
The US wants NATO members to spend 3.5% of their GDP on defense by 2035.
Some European countries restricted US jets from using their airbases during strikes on Iran.
The UK agreed to provide £750 million in military aid to Ukraine, funded by Russian assets.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte supported Hegseth's tough stance to encourage better spending.
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Vice President Vance advised Israeli officials not to criticize the peace deal made by President Donald Trump’s administration with Iran. He said Israel should appreciate its strong partnership with the United States, especially since it faces international isolation.
Key Facts
Vice President Vance spoke to Israeli officials on Thursday.
He warned against criticizing the peace agreement with Iran arranged by President Trump’s administration.
Vance highlighted the importance of the U.S.-Israel partnership.
He suggested Israel is isolated from many countries internationally.
Vance implied Israel benefits from this alliance and should show gratitude.
The peace deal with Iran is a key point of cooperation between the U.S. and Israel.
The warning was directed toward members of the Israeli government’s cabinet.
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