World News

NATO leaders agree to hike military spending and restate ‘ironclad commitment’ to collective defense if attacked

June 25, 2025

NATO leaders agreed to increase their defense spending after being urged by U.S. President Donald Trump. They committed to spending 5% of their GDP on defense by 2035. However, some countries, like Spain, have said they cannot meet this target.

Key Facts:

NATO leaders agreed to boost defense spending, committing to 5% of GDP by 2035.
The U.S. President encouraged this decision, emphasizing mutual defense commitments.
Spain announced it cannot achieve the spending target, calling it "unreasonable."
A review of the spending progress will happen in 2029.
The defense spending goal is to respond to security threats, notably from Russia.
Some countries like Poland and the Baltic states support the spending increases.
NATO aims to support Ukraine's path to NATO membership but faces challenges.
Economic challenges and tariff policies may impact countries' ability to increase defense budgets.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Israel was once deterred from striking Iran. Now Netanyahu takes a victory lap

June 25, 2025

Israel recently launched strikes against Iran after years of hesitation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, historically deterred by caution from both the U.S. and his own security officials, now celebrates what he calls a "historic victory" due to shifting regional dynamics.

Key Facts:

Israel launched 12 days of strikes on Iran, followed by a ceasefire.
Netanyahu has warned about Iran’s nuclear program for over 30 years.
U.S. and Israeli officials previously deterred attacks due to fears of retaliation.
The U.S. once used a strategy to support Israel while restraining it from attacking Iran.
Regional threats like Hamas and Hezbollah have weakened, influencing Israel's decision.
Netanyahu claims that recent military actions are possible with little damage to Israel.
Shifts in the Middle East made the strikes more feasible, according to experts.

Source Information

NPR Home

US ‘totally committed’ to Article 5, NATO chief insists on day 2 of summit

June 25, 2025

At the NATO summit, Mark Rutte stated that the U.S. remains committed to the alliance, and NATO members are discussing increasing defense spending. The U.S. wants allies to spend 5% of their GDP on defense, but some countries are hesitant to meet this target by 2035.

Key Facts:

NATO is having its annual summit in The Hague, Netherlands.
The U.S. is pushing for NATO members to spend 5% of their GDP on defense.
Currently, the target for defense spending is 2% of GDP.
Nine NATO members spend less than the current 2% target.
The U.S. commitment to NATO and its defense principle (Article 5) was affirmed by Mark Rutte.
Some countries like Germany and the UK plan to increase their defense spending.
Spain and Belgium have expressed difficulties in meeting the proposed 5% target by 2035.
U.S. President Trump has raised doubts about the U.S. commitment but later reassured support for NATO.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Young Palestinians in Gaza turn plastic into fuel

June 25, 2025

Young Palestinians in Gaza are making fuel by melting plastic in makeshift burners due to limited access to commercial fuel. They collect plastic waste, convert it into crude fuel, and sell it locally, often used in generators and for transport. Many of the youth involved are displaced and need this work to support their families in a tough environment.

Key Facts:

Young Palestinians in Gaza use makeshift burners to create fuel from plastic.
They collect plastic waste, process it in metal drums, and extract crude fuel.
The fuel is bottled and sold to people passing by.
The production takes place in open air, resulting in black smoke in the area.
The workers use small tents for storing materials and resting.
Most workers involved are displaced and rely on this income.
The fuel is cheaper than commercial options and is used locally.
The UN reports severe food insecurity in Gaza, with many facing starvation.
Israel’s conflict in Gaza has caused significant casualties and injuries.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

12 posts from ‘12 day war’: How Trump live-posted Israel-Iran conflict

June 25, 2025

After 12 days of conflict between Iran and Israel, a ceasefire was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. The ceasefire followed U.S. air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran's missile response to a U.S. airbase in Qatar. President Trump shared updates and comments on social media during the conflict.

Key Facts:

A ceasefire between Iran and Israel was announced after 12 days of airstrikes.
The U.S. carried out airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
In response, Iran launched a missile attack on the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar, but no injuries were reported.
President Trump discussed the conflict on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Trump mentioned he had previously given Iran a 60-day ultimatum to negotiate a deal.
Trump confirmed the U.S. maintained control over Iranian skies after the strikes.
Despite the tensions, Trump emphasized that no Americans were harmed during the exchanges.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

WATCH LIVE: Trump holds news conference at NATO summit

June 25, 2025

During a NATO summit, U.S. President Trump discussed increasing defense spending among NATO members and clarified his stance on NATO's mutual defense promise, known as Article 5. Trump also talked about a ceasefire between Iran and Israel that his administration helped negotiate, despite recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran.

Key Facts:

President Trump attended a NATO meeting in the Netherlands.
Trump has pushed NATO countries to increase their defense spending to 5% of their GDP.
Trump’s comments about Article 5, which involves mutual defense among NATO members, caused concern.
Most NATO members, except Spain, seem ready to agree to Trump's defense spending request.
Trump played a role in a ceasefire between Iran and Israel amid U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites.
A U.S. intelligence report noted the strikes only temporarily set back Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump disputed the intelligence report’s claims and compared the impact to historical events like Hiroshima.
The U.S. administration plans to investigate who leaked the intelligence report.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

UK to buy 12 F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons

June 25, 2025

The United Kingdom plans to buy at least 12 F-35A fighter jets that can carry nuclear weapons. This is part of their effort to strengthen their defense capabilities. The UK will discuss this at a NATO meeting, where countries will decide on increasing their defense spending.

Key Facts:

The UK will buy at least 12 F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
This purchase will allow the UK to carry nuclear weapons by air for the first time since the Cold War.
The announcement will be made at a NATO summit in The Hague.
The UK currently relies on submarines to launch its nuclear missiles.
The F-35A jets can carry both nuclear and regular weapons.
The new aircraft will be based at Marham airbase and support 20,000 jobs in the UK.
NATO plans to raise its defense spending target from 2% to 5% of GDP.
Other NATO members, like Germany, plan to increase military spending, partly in response to Russia's actions.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Trump insists Iran nuclear sites ‘completely destroyed’ in US strikes

June 25, 2025

United States President Donald Trump claimed that recent strikes on Iran's nuclear sites completely destroyed them, contradicting reports from The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN. These reports, based on a Pentagon intelligence assessment, suggested the strikes only delayed Iran's nuclear program by a few months and left crucial elements intact.

Key Facts:

President Trump stated the strikes destroyed Iran's nuclear sites completely.
The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN reported the sites were not completely destroyed.
These media reports cited a Pentagon Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assessment.
Trump's claim was supported by the White House and a US special envoy, who dismissed the intelligence report.
The assessment mentioned that Iran's enriched uranium and centrifuges were mostly intact.
Reports allege enriched uranium was moved before the strikes.
The leak of the intelligence report was criticized and called "treasonous" by US special envoy Steve Witkoff.
A White House press statement criticized the leaking of the report, suggesting an attempt to undermine Trump’s claims.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Iran's nuclear program set back 'a few months.' And, Trump to meet with NATO allies

June 25, 2025

Iran's nuclear program faced a setback of a few months after a U.S. attack, but some doubt remains about the full impact. Meanwhile, President Trump attended a NATO summit where members discussed increasing defense spending. Separately, Emil Bove, aligned with Trump's interests, faces confirmation as a federal appeals court judge.

Key Facts:

The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency believes the recent U.S. attack on Iran’s Fordow nuclear site set back Iran's nuclear program by a few months.
President Trump claimed the air campaign destroyed Iran's nuclear program, but the White House hasn’t provided evidence to support this claim.
Iran has around 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium, which might have been moved before the attacks.
The new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte hosted a summit focused on increasing defense spending to 5% of each member's GDP by 2035.
President Trump attended the NATO summit and did not fully commit to NATO's Article 5, which is about collective defense.
Emil Bove, a Justice Department official who supported Trump in several cases, is up for a Senate confirmation hearing for a federal appeals court judge position.
Bove has played a role in reorganizing the Justice Department and has worked on cases involving Trump administration interests.

Source Information

NPR Home

Trump is slated to hold a press conference at the NATO summit

June 25, 2025

President Trump plans to hold a news conference at the NATO summit in the Netherlands about recent events, including a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Iran. The focus includes U.S. military actions on Iran's nuclear facilities and discussions on NATO defense spending.

Key Facts:

President Trump will speak at a NATO summit news conference in the Netherlands.
A temporary ceasefire between Israel and Iran has been announced.
The U.S. recently joined Israel in attacks on Iran's nuclear sites.
Trump stated these attacks harmed Iran's ability to build nuclear weapons.
U.S. intelligence suggested the attacks only caused short-term damage to Iran's nuclear program.
NATO members are discussing increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.
The U.S. contributes about 3.5% of its GDP to NATO but hasn't committed to the new spending target.
Trump expressed uncertainty about NATO's mutual defense clause, causing concern among European allies.

Source Information

NPR Home

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,217

June 25, 2025

On June 25, Russian missile attacks in the city of Dnipro, Ukraine, led to 17 deaths and over 200 injuries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Hennadii Shapovalov as the new commander of Ukraine's ground forces. Meanwhile, NATO is preparing to discuss increased defense spending at an upcoming summit in The Hague.

Key Facts:

Russian strikes in Dnipro, Ukraine, resulted in 17 deaths and injured more than 200 people.
Two people died in a Russian attack on the city of Samara in Ukraine.
Russian forces claimed they captured the village of Dyliivka in Ukraine’s Donetsk region.
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy appointed Hennadii Shapovalov as the new ground forces commander.
The White House announced a meeting between US President Trump and Zelenskyy at a NATO summit.
NATO is considering raising defense spending to 5% of GDP over the next decade.
The Netherlands announced a 175-million-euro aid package for Ukraine, including drone detection radars.
NATO Secretary-General mentioned challenges from Russia, aided by Chinese, Iranian, and North Korean weapons.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Gout Gout breaks own 200m record; beats Bolt’s Golden Spike debut time

June 25, 2025

Australian teenager Gout Gout set a new national record in the 200-meter race, finishing in 20.02 seconds at the Ostrava Golden Spike in the Czech Republic. This race was his first senior international competition, and he beat the previous record by two hundredths of a second.

Key Facts:

Gout Gout is a 17-year-old from Queensland, Australia.
He ran the 200-meter race in 20.02 seconds, setting a new Australian record.
This was his first senior international race, held at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event in the Czech Republic.
He finished 0.17 seconds ahead of Cuban athlete Reynier Mena.
British sprinter Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake came third with a time of 20.60 seconds.
Gout's performance compares to Usain Bolt’s 200-metre race in Ostrava in 2006, where Bolt recorded 20.28 seconds.
Gout broke a long-standing record by Peter Norman set 56 years ago.
Although his 19.84-second 200m race in Australia was invalid due to wind, he still ranks among the top seven under-20 sprinters historically.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

India sends its first astronaut into space after 41 years

June 25, 2025

India has sent its second astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, into space aboard the Axiom-4 mission, ending a 41-year gap since the last Indian traveled to space. The mission, which launched from Florida, involves collaboration among NASA, India's ISRO, and the European Space Agency, and marks the first time an Indian will visit the International Space Station.

Key Facts:

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the second Indian to travel to space.
The Axiom-4 mission launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The mission is a collaboration between NASA, India's ISRO, and the European Space Agency.
Group Captain Shukla will be the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS).
The mission crew also includes astronauts from Poland and Hungary.
India paid 5 billion rupees ($59 million) for Shukla's seat and training on the mission.
The mission was led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson.
ISRO plans future space projects, including a space station by 2035 and a Moon mission by 2040.

Source Information

BBC World

Chelsea beat ES Tunis, Benfica stun Bayern in FIFA Club World Cup

June 25, 2025

Chelsea advanced to the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup after defeating Esperance 3-0. They will face Benfica, who beat Bayern Munich 1-0 in hot weather conditions. In other matches, Auckland City earned a surprising draw against Boca Juniors, and FIFA is looking into a racial comment incident involving Pachuca's Gustavo Cabral.

Key Facts:

Chelsea defeated Esperance 3-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup and moved to the knockout stage.
Chelsea's next opponent is Benfica, who won 1-0 against Bayern Munich.
Liam Delap, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Tyrique George scored for Chelsea against Esperance.
Flamengo secured the top spot in their group after a 1-1 draw with LAFC.
Auckland City drew 1-1 with Boca Juniors, earning a notable point.
The game between Auckland City and Boca was briefly paused due to a weather warning.
FIFA is investigating a racist comment allegedly made by Pachuca's Gustavo Cabral towards Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

India forcibly sterilised 8m men: One village remembers, 50 years later

June 25, 2025

In 1976, during a state of emergency in India, the government forced many men to undergo sterilization. Mohammad Deenu, from the village of Uttawar, was one of those men. The program aimed to control India's population and had international support, but it caused significant suffering and remains a painful memory for those affected.

Key Facts:

In November 1976, police surrounded the village of Uttawar, India, seeking men for forced sterilization.
This happened during a national emergency when civil rights were limited by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The initiative was part of a larger effort to control India's population growth.
Over 8 million men were sterilized during this period.
Around 2,000 people died due to poorly managed surgeries.
The World Bank and the United States provided financial incentives for the sterilization program.
Government officials faced penalties if they did not meet sterilization quotas.
Villages were punished, such as having their irrigation water cut off, if they did not agree to the program.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

RFK Jr.'s picks for CDC vaccine advisers meet this week amid controversy

June 25, 2025

A key committee that advises the CDC on vaccine policies is meeting this week in Atlanta after all 17 members were replaced by new ones selected by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. This change has led to controversy and calls to postpone the meeting. The committee's decisions influence vaccine guidelines and insurance coverage for vaccines.

Key Facts:

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) advises the CDC on vaccine policies.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. recently replaced all 17 members of the committee with his own picks.
The meeting will take place over two days in Atlanta.
Senators Bill Cassidy and Patty Murray have raised concerns about the new committee members and called to delay the meeting.
The ACIP usually meets three times a year to discuss how vaccines approved by the FDA should be used.
The decisions made by the committee can affect the national vaccine schedule and insurance coverage for vaccines.
In May, Kennedy made changes to the vaccine schedule without input from the ACIP, removing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant women.

Source Information

NPR Home

NPR staffers pick their favorite fiction reads of 2025 so far

June 25, 2025

NPR staff shared their favorite fiction books of 2025 so far. They mentioned several titles they enjoyed, providing brief descriptions of the stories and characters.

Key Facts:

NPR staff shared their favorite fiction reads of 2025.
"All the Other Mothers Hate Me" by Sarah Harman involves a mom trying to solve a classmate's disappearance.
"Among Friends" by Hal Ebbott explores old friendships and emotions during a weekend gathering.
"Animal Instinct" by Amy Shearn features a woman creating an AI partner while navigating post-divorce life.
"The Antidote" by Karen Russell is a historical novel involving Dust Bowl events and a character known as the Prairie Witch.
"Audition" by Katie Kitamura involves a complex story about identity and motherhood.

Source Information

NPR News

Why America's giant bunker-busting bombs may have failed to reach their target

June 25, 2025

In June 2025, the U.S. used its powerful bunker-busting bombs, called the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, on Iran's deeply buried Fordo nuclear site. However, a classified assessment reportedly showed that the bombs did not significantly damage the site and only set back Iran's nuclear program by a few months, contradicting previous claims of complete destruction.

Key Facts:

The U.S. carried out a strike on Iran's Fordo nuclear site using the Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb.
The bomb is designed to penetrate deep underground and weighs 30,000 pounds.
Fordo is located under approximately 300 feet of rock.
A classified assessment suggested the bombs caused only limited damage to Fordo.
The bombing reportedly delayed Iran's nuclear program by only a few months.
The White House contested these findings, asserting the bombs destroyed the target.
The assessment was confirmed by a U.S. official but remains officially unspoken due to classification.
A similar past attempt involved a nuclear weapon for penetrating underground sites, but it was abandoned.

Source Information

NPR Home

Why a war in the Middle East hasn't sparked an oil crisis

June 25, 2025

Oil prices briefly went up after a conflict between Israel and Iran, but they didn't keep rising because Iran didn't block key oil routes. The United States has also become the world's largest oil producer, which helps keep prices stable even during conflicts.

Key Facts:

Crude oil prices increased by 7% after a conflict between Israel and Iran began.
Prices reached $80 per barrel but are still lower than at the start of the year.
Iran, one of the top ten oil producers, did not block the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil route.
About 20% of the world's oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil prices started to fall when Iran did not disrupt oil flows.
The U.S. is now the largest producer of oil in the world, which helps stabilize prices.
Traders have become cautious, knowing that past conflicts often didn't lead to lasting supply disruptions.

Source Information

NPR Home

Sexcam industry recruited us while we were schoolgirls, say models

June 25, 2025

The article discusses how underage schoolgirls in Colombia are being recruited into the sexcam industry. Despite it being illegal for anyone under 18 to work in such studios, many are misled by false promises of easy money. The industry is thriving in Colombia, often exploiting young women, as reflected in President Gustavo Petro's criticism of studio owners.

Key Facts:

Underage girls in Colombia are being recruited into the sexcam industry.
It is against the law in Colombia for anyone under 18 to work as a webcam model.
Isabella, a teenager with a child, was asked to perform at a sexcam studio to support her family.
The studios vary in size, ranging from small operations to large, equipped businesses.
Colombia has about 400,000 models and 12,000 sexcam studios, the highest in the world.
The global sexcam industry has grown significantly, with platforms receiving nearly 1.3 billion views monthly.
Some models work in studios because they lack the privacy or resources to work from home.
The use of fake IDs and sidestepping age checks allow studios to employ underage performers.
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has condemned the exploitation of young women in this industry.

Source Information

BBC World

Key Facts:

Source Information

Key Facts:

Source Information

Key Facts:

Source Information

Advertisement

Key Facts:

Source Information

Advertisement 2

Key Facts:

Source Information

Advertisement 3

Key Facts:

Source Information

Key Facts:

Source Information

Key Facts:

Source Information

Key Facts:

Source Information

Advertisement

Key Facts:

Source Information

Advertisement 2

Key Facts:

Source Information

Advertisement 3

Key Facts:

Source Information

Key Facts:

Source Information

Key Facts:

Source Information

Key Facts:

Source Information

Advertisement

Key Facts:

Source Information

Advertisement 2

Key Facts:

Source Information

Advertisement 3

Key Facts:

Source Information

Key Facts:

Source Information

Key Facts:

Source Information