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Israel’s military tells residents across southern Lebanon to leave as it fights Hezbollah

Israel’s military tells residents across southern Lebanon to leave as it fights Hezbollah

Summary

The Israeli military has told people in southern Lebanon to leave as it increases its attacks on the Hezbollah group there. Israeli forces have moved closer to the city of Nabatiyeh amid ongoing fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

Key Facts

  • Israel warned residents in southern Lebanon to leave the area.
  • The Israeli military said it would use strong force against Hezbollah.
  • Israeli troops crossed the Litani River, approaching Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon.
  • The warning is the first since a ceasefire started on April 17.
  • Israel and Hezbollah have carried out near-daily attacks against each other.
  • Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli troops and villages near the border.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military will increase attacks in Lebanon.
  • Lebanese and U.S. officials were scheduled to meet at the Pentagon to discuss the ceasefire.
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Iranians are back online after a monthslong shutdown but still face heavy restrictions

Iranians are back online after a monthslong shutdown but still face heavy restrictions

Summary

Internet access in Iran has been partially restored after a shutdown lasting most of 2026 that began during nationwide protests in January. Although people can now connect again, many say the service is slow, some apps remain blocked, and interruptions continue.

Key Facts

  • Iran cut off internet access for most of 2026, one of the longest national shutdowns worldwide.
  • Authorities said the shutdown was needed after attacks by the U.S. and Israel on February 28.
  • Internet connectivity is now about 86% of what it was before the shutdown, but data traffic is still much lower at 40%.
  • Popular apps like YouTube and Instagram remain heavily restricted or blocked.
  • The shutdown hurt many people’s incomes, especially young people who work online and small online businesses.
  • Internet prices spiked during the outage but have since returned closer to normal levels.
  • Many Iranians used VPNs to bypass restrictions, but these became more expensive and unaffordable for many.
  • Some disruptions and service weaknesses continue, and users fear another shutdown could happen anytime.
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Eid celebrations in Gaza overshadowed by Israeli attacks

Eid celebrations in Gaza overshadowed by Israeli attacks

Summary

Palestinians in Gaza observed Eid al-Adha prayers amid ongoing Israeli attacks that caused significant damage and loss of life. Many families held funerals and mourned relatives who were killed in airstrikes before and during the holiday.

Key Facts

  • Eid al-Adha is a major Islamic holiday observed by Palestinians in Gaza.
  • Israeli attacks continued across Gaza during the time of the holiday.
  • The attacks caused destruction and rubble throughout the area.
  • Families held funerals for those killed in the strikes.
  • Many people mourned loved ones at cemeteries on Eid day.
  • The violence occurred in the hours leading up to and during Eid prayers.
  • The situation overshadowed the traditional celebrations of the holiday.
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South Africa: No basis for US claim of humanitarian emergency for white people

Summary

South Africa rejected the U.S. government's claim that there is a humanitarian emergency for white people in the country. A South African official said there is no evidence that white Afrikaners are being treated unfairly on a large scale.

Key Facts

  • The claim was made by the Trump administration.
  • South Africa’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson is Chrispin Phiri.
  • Phiri told The Associated Press that the claims lack factual support.
  • The issue concerns allegations of systemic mistreatment of Afrikaners, a white ethnic group.
  • South Africa disputes the idea that white people face a humanitarian crisis there.
  • The statement was made in response to the U.S. government's position.
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Nearly half a million Russians killed in Ukraine war, UK spy chief says

Nearly half a million Russians killed in Ukraine war, UK spy chief says

Summary

The head of Britain’s spy agency, GCHQ, said nearly 500,000 Russian soldiers have died in the Ukraine war that has lasted over four years. She also warned that Russia continues to threaten the UK’s infrastructure and stressed the importance of strong intelligence partnerships between countries.

Key Facts

  • Nearly half a million Russian soldiers have been killed in Ukraine since the start of the conflict.
  • This new estimate is higher than previous figures of about 352,000 deaths.
  • Russian forces have been losing ground in Ukraine since late 2022.
  • Russia loses around 30,000 soldiers (killed and wounded) every month, with 15,000 to 20,000 killed monthly according to US officials.
  • Russia is recruiting about 800 to 1,000 new soldiers daily to replace losses.
  • GCHQ is focused on protecting UK infrastructure like data and energy cables from Russian attacks.
  • British and US intelligence agencies cooperate closely to face shared security threats and prepare for future challenges like quantum computer attacks.
  • The UK emphasizes the strength of its intelligence alliance with the US and other countries in the Five Eyes group.
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Starmer arson accused refused to film attack, court told

Starmer arson accused refused to film attack, court told

Summary

Three men are on trial for allegedly setting fire to a car and two homes linked to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in May 2025. One accused, Stanislav Carpiuc, said he did not take part in the attacks and refused to film the car fire despite being asked by an alleged accomplice.

Key Facts

  • The trial is at the Old Bailey court in London.
  • The accused are Ukrainian and Romanian nationals living in London.
  • The attacks happened between April 1 and May 13, 2025.
  • Roman Lavrynovych admits setting fire to a Toyota car once owned by Sir Keir Starmer.
  • Lavrynovych said he was paid by a Russian-speaking online account called "El Money" to carry out the arson.
  • Carpiuc said he tried to stop Lavrynovych from setting the fire and did not take part.
  • Two other fires occurred at properties connected to Sir Keir in May 2025; Lavrynovych is accused of starting these as well.
  • The fires caused fear to Starmer’s sister-in-law living near one of the attacked sites.
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Watch: Moment rescuers find five people trapped in Laos cave

Watch: Moment rescuers find five people trapped in Laos cave

Summary

Rescuers in Laos found five villagers alive after they were stuck for a week inside a flooded cave caused by heavy rain and landslides. Two people from the group of seven are still missing. The group had entered the cave searching for gold and wildlife but couldn’t leave because the entrance was blocked.

Key Facts

  • Five villagers trapped in a Laos cave were found alive after one week.
  • The cave became flooded due to heavy rain and landslides.
  • Two people from the group of seven remain missing.
  • Rescuers used cave diving to reach the trapped people through tight, muddy tunnels.
  • The villagers went into the cave looking for gold deposits and wildlife.
  • The cave entrance was blocked, preventing their exit.
  • The rescue effort was shared via footage showing the difficult conditions inside the cave.
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South African government, Afrikaners reject Trump administration claim of a humanitarian emergency

South African government, Afrikaners reject Trump administration claim of a humanitarian emergency

Summary

The South African government and Afrikaner groups said there is no humanitarian crisis for white South Africans, rejecting the claim made by President Donald Trump's administration. The Trump administration decided to increase the number of white South African refugees allowed into the U.S. because it called the situation an emergency.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. is raising the refugee limit by 10,000 spots specifically for white South Africans.
  • This move applies only to white Afrikaners and excludes refugees from other countries.
  • President Trump described the situation as an "unforeseen emergency refugee situation."
  • The U.S. government said there has been more racially motivated violence in South Africa recently.
  • South African officials and Afrikaner groups deny there is a humanitarian emergency.
  • The Trump administration did not provide detailed evidence for the emergency claim.
  • The change affects the U.S. refugee program and its admission rules for this year.
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Tourist accused of hurling rock at endangered Hawaiian seal was trying to protect sea turtles, lawyer says

Tourist accused of hurling rock at endangered Hawaiian seal was trying to protect sea turtles, lawyer says

Summary

A tourist named Igor Lytvynchuk is accused of throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal on a Maui beach. His lawyer says he was trying to protect sea turtles and that Lytvynchuk has since faced threats and an assault. Lytvynchuk is scheduled to appear in court on charges of harassing a protected animal.

Key Facts

  • Igor Lytvynchuk, from Washington state, allegedly threw a rock at a Hawaiian monk seal in Maui.
  • The seal is an adult male identified as R404, a protected and endangered species.
  • Lytvynchuk claims he was trying to protect sea turtles and thought the seal was a sea lion.
  • A video of the incident was recorded and shown to authorities.
  • Lytvynchuk made arrangements to surrender to NOAA agents after the video surfaced.
  • Maui’s mayor and Hawaii officials strongly condemned the act, highlighting the seal’s importance.
  • Lytvynchuk has faced an assault, threats, and doxing since the incident.
  • Hawaiian monk seals are critically endangered and face many threats including habitat loss and fishing gear injuries.
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Canada selects Swedish surveillance planes over US bid

Canada selects Swedish surveillance planes over US bid

Summary

Canada decided to buy Swedish Saab GlobalEye surveillance planes instead of U.S. options. The Swedish planes are built on Canadian-made aircraft, and the deal aims to reduce Canada's reliance on U.S. defense companies.

Key Facts

  • Canada chose Swedish surveillance planes over American-made ones.
  • The planes are Saab’s GlobalEye early warning jets.
  • These jets are based on Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, which are made in Canada.
  • The purchase talks have started between Canada and Saab.
  • The deal is expected to support around 3,000 jobs.
  • The decision reflects Canada’s aim to depend less on U.S. defense firms.
  • Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government is leading this initiative.
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Europe: New far-right generation turns away from Putin

Europe: New far-right generation turns away from Putin

Summary

A new group of far-right politicians in Europe is moving away from supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin. Instead, they are showing more support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict.

Key Facts

  • The new far-right generation in Europe is distancing itself from Russia.
  • These politicians no longer see Putin as a symbol of great power.
  • There is a growing shift toward backing Ukraine among European right-wing groups.
  • This trend marks a change from previous far-right support for Russia.
  • The shift reflects changing political attitudes in Europe regarding the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
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‘The Odyssey’s’ odyssey against cancel culture

‘The Odyssey’s’ odyssey against cancel culture

Summary

The article discusses how artists like Boris Pasternak and Christopher Nolan have faced protests and censorship attempts but succeeded in sharing their work. It highlights the importance of allowing artists to create freely without interference from politicians or social influencers.

Key Facts

  • Artists often encounter protests or calls to censor their work.
  • Boris Pasternak’s novel "Doctor Zhivago" faced censorship but became successful.
  • Christopher Nolan’s film "The Odyssey" also experienced protests.
  • Despite opposition, both works have reached audiences and gained recognition.
  • The article supports artistic freedom and opposes cancel culture.
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Is a shifting tide behind a Russian warning to foreigners in Ukraine?

Is a shifting tide behind a Russian warning to foreigners in Ukraine?

Summary

Russia warned foreign nationals to leave Kyiv due to planned attacks on military targets after a drone strike Russia blames on Ukraine. The U.S., Germany, Poland, and the European Union rejected this warning and said they will continue supporting Ukraine while keeping their embassies open.

Key Facts

  • Russia said it would systematically strike Ukrainian military sites in Kyiv after a drone attack hit a dormitory in Russian-occupied Luhansk, killing at least 21 people.
  • Russia urged foreigners, including diplomats, to evacuate Kyiv to avoid harm.
  • Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov personally warned U.S. officials to leave Kyiv.
  • The U.S. State Department confirmed talks but said the embassy’s security stance did not change.
  • Germany, Poland, and the EU dismissed the evacuation warnings and expressed ongoing support for Ukraine.
  • Russia has launched large waves of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine recently, including a hypersonic missile strike in Kyiv.
  • Analysts say these Russian attacks come as Ukraine is starting to gain ground in the conflict.
  • The ongoing war front stretches over 700 miles across eastern Ukraine with slow progress on both sides until recently.
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Iran: Global internet access to reopen after 3-month blackout

Iran: Global internet access to reopen after 3-month blackout

Summary

Iran has decided to restore access to the global internet after keeping it shut down for three months. This blackout had limited Iranians' ability to connect to websites and services outside the country.

Key Facts

  • Iran blocked access to the global internet for about three months.
  • The shutdown prevented Iranians from using websites and online services outside Iran.
  • Iranian authorities have now ordered the reopening of international internet access.
  • The blackout affected daily life and communication for many people in Iran.
  • The reason for the blackout and the reopening order has not been detailed in the article.
  • Global internet means all websites and online services connected to the worldwide web.
  • The internet blackout was widely noticed by observers and media outside Iran.
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‘Put an end to this war’: Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev makes new plea to Putin

‘Put an end to this war’: Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev makes new plea to Putin

Summary

Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev urged President Vladimir Putin to stop the war in Ukraine, calling it senseless and harmful to the country’s future. Putin’s spokesman refused to deliver the message, accusing Zvyagintsev of not condemning violence in eastern Ukraine.

Key Facts

  • Andrey Zvyagintsev is a well-known Russian film director living in exile in France.
  • He won the Grand Prix at the Cannes film festival for his new film Minotaur.
  • At Cannes, Zvyagintsev publicly called on President Putin to end the war in Ukraine.
  • He sent a written message to Putin via the president’s press secretary urging peace.
  • Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to pass on Zvyagintsev’s anti-war plea.
  • Peskov accused Zvyagintsev of lacking the right to call for peace because he did not condemn alleged violence in eastern Ukraine.
  • Zvyagintsev responded that the Russian people also have no voice since Putin ignores them.
  • The Kremlin has not officially replied to Zvyagintsev’s message, and some Ukrainian commentators criticized his plea as ineffective.
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UK Wasn't Part of Iran War. Now Its Mine-Hunting Ship Is Sailing For Gulf

UK Wasn't Part of Iran War. Now Its Mine-Hunting Ship Is Sailing For Gulf

Summary

The United Kingdom is sending a specially equipped ship, the RFA Lyme Bay, to the Strait of Hormuz to detect and clear Iranian mines. This mission is part of a defensive effort, alongside other countries, to protect commercial shipping in a key global trade route amid ongoing tensions involving the U.S. and Iran.

Key Facts

  • The U.K. was not involved in the recent war with Iran but supports efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The RFA Lyme Bay ship has been refitted to carry sea drones used to locate underwater mines.
  • The ship left Gibraltar and will travel through the Mediterranean and Suez Canal to reach the Persian Gulf.
  • The mission aims to clear mines after attacks and threats have disrupted shipping in this important waterway.
  • The U.K. and France are leading a defensive coalition of about 40 countries to keep the strait safe.
  • Mines in the area can be triggered by various methods, including shadows, making detection difficult.
  • Sea drones used are faster and can cover large areas more efficiently than traditional mine-clearance vessels.
  • A missile-armed warship may accompany Lyme Bay for protection against possible attacks.
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UK will get no special treatment from EU, European ministers say

UK will get no special treatment from EU, European ministers say

Summary

European Union ministers said the UK will not receive special treatment in future economic ties and rejected the UK's idea for a single market for goods only. The EU wants close cooperation but insists on keeping all parts of its single market rules together, including free movement of people, services, goods, and money.

Key Facts

  • EU ministers met and stated the UK cannot pick only some parts of EU market rules.
  • The UK proposed a single market only for goods, which the EU officials rejected.
  • The EU single market includes four freedoms: goods, services, capital, and people.
  • Some EU countries, like France, are open to the UK returning to the single market and customs union.
  • EU member states want good relations but remind the UK they won’t have a vote on EU rules if not a member.
  • An EU-UK summit is expected around July 13 to discuss agreements on trade, emissions, and youth travel.
  • Ireland’s Europe minister said tackling current agreements is a priority before new talks like the single market idea.
  • EU diplomats say the UK’s firm positions limit progress in negotiations.
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Iran releases video of apparent U.S. drone wreck as tensions rise again in Middle East

Iran releases video of apparent U.S. drone wreck as tensions rise again in Middle East

Summary

Iran has released a video that it says shows a wrecked U.S. drone. This event is increasing tensions in the Middle East just as peace talks are ongoing. The situation is being closely watched by countries around the world.

Key Facts

  • Iran claims it shot down a U.S. drone.
  • A video released by Iran shows what it says is the drone wreckage.
  • This incident comes during ongoing peace talks in the region.
  • The event is causing a rise in tensions in the Middle East.
  • The international community is monitoring the situation.
  • CBS News is reporting from the area through correspondent Charlie D’Agata.
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Hope fades for nine missing after paper mill tank implosion in Washington state

Hope fades for nine missing after paper mill tank implosion in Washington state

Summary

A tank holding a harmful chemical called white liquor exploded at a Nippon Dynawave paper mill in Longview, Washington. One person died, nine were injured, and nine workers are still missing as crews work to secure the dangerous site before rescue efforts can continue.

Key Facts

  • The tank implosion happened at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company in Longview, Washington.
  • White liquor, a chemical mix used to make kraft paper, spilled after the tank ruptured.
  • One worker has died, nine are injured, and nine remain missing after the incident.
  • The tank contained about 900,000 gallons of mostly sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide liquid.
  • Crews must stabilize the tank before they can safely search for the missing workers.
  • The accident did not pose a threat to the surrounding community of about 40,000 people.
  • Safety complaints were filed earlier this year but were unrelated to this tank implosion.
  • Nippon Dynawave is part of the Japan-based Nippon Paper Group and has faced health and safety fines since 2021.
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‘A tax on ambition’: graduates tell all to student loans inquiry

‘A tax on ambition’: graduates tell all to student loans inquiry

Summary

Thousands of graduates shared their negative experiences with student loans in a UK parliamentary inquiry. Many people feel the interest rates and repayment rules are unfair, especially after the government froze the repayment threshold, meaning more graduates have to pay back loans sooner and in larger amounts.

Key Facts

  • Over 52,000 people responded to a UK Parliament inquiry on student loans.
  • The inquiry focuses on "plan 2" loans, used by many students in England and Wales.
  • The government froze the income level (£29,385) at which graduates must start repaying loans until 2030.
  • Graduates pay 9% of their earnings above this threshold toward loan repayment.
  • Many graduates report their loan balances grow because interest adds up faster than they can pay.
  • 92% of respondents said the interest rates and repayment terms were unfair.
  • Official materials originally said the repayment threshold would rise with average earnings, but it has been kept flat.
  • The government announced a cap on loan interest rates at 6% starting September to help limit costs.
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