Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who once worked closely with Prince William and Prince Harry, said the British monarchy has always faced crises but adapts well to survive. Recent polls show younger people in Britain are less supportive of the monarchy, raising questions about its future.
Key Facts
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton was a private secretary to Prince William and Prince Harry.
He believes the monarchy is good at changing and adapting to survive over its 1,200-year history.
Past challenges to the monarchy included executions of kings, like Charles I.
Recent controversies have increased public debate about the royal family’s role and future.
Polls show younger British people tend to support the monarchy less than older generations.
Data suggests support for removing the monarchy may not reach a majority for many decades.
Lowther-Pinkerton left royal service in 2014 and did not comment on recent royal family conflicts.
Prince Harry praised Lowther-Pinkerton’s honesty in his book Spare.
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A nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton called "Gus" sold for $50.1 million at an auction in New York. This sale set a new record for the highest price paid for a dinosaur fossil at auction.
Key Facts
The skeleton is named "Gus."
It has 183 fossilized bones, making it one of the most complete T. rex skeletons found.
"Gus" was discovered in 2021 on a cattle ranch in South Dakota.
The auction took place at Sotheby's in New York.
Seven bidders competed for the skeleton, making the sale last about 10 minutes.
The $50.1 million price is the highest ever paid for a dinosaur fossil at auction.
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President Donald Trump said the U.S. will strike Iran’s power plants and bridges if Iran does not agree to negotiations. He also canceled a plan to charge cargo ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz and instead wants to focus on trade and investment deals with Gulf countries.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened to target Iran’s infrastructure if talks fail.
The targets mentioned include power plants and bridges in Iran.
He wants Iran to come to the negotiation table.
The U.S. had planned to charge fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
That plan was canceled in favor of focusing on trade and investments with Gulf nations.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route for global oil shipments.
U.S. officials are pursuing a new strategy regarding Iran and the Gulf region.
Mohammed Sergie, Gulf editor from Semafor, discussed this U.S. approach on CBS Mornings News.
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The French National Assembly is expected to approve a new law allowing assisted dying. This move would make France one of the countries that legally protect the right to end life with medical help.
Key Facts
The law concerns assisted dying, where a person can choose medical help to end their life.
The bill was supported by President Emmanuel Macron.
The final vote in the lower house of the French parliament was scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Some people and groups still oppose the law and want to stop it.
If passed, France will join other countries that legally allow assisted dying.
The issue has been debated for a long time in France.
The law is focused on patients' rights and end-of-life choices.
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The U.S. military uses a Royal Air Force base in Suffolk, England, as an important air refueling station. This station helps support missions related to operations against Iran by allowing planes to refuel while flying.
Key Facts
The Royal Air Force base is located in Suffolk, England.
The U.S. Air Force operates an air refueling station there.
Air refueling means planes get fuel in the air without landing.
This station plays a key role in U.S. operations involving Iran.
The refueling station helps extend the range and time of military flights.
The information was reported by CBS News correspondent Charlie D'Agata.
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The U.S. military carried out new daytime attacks on Iran to reduce its ability to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz. On Tuesday, the U.S. also restarted a blockade of this waterway. President Trump held a strategy meeting to plan a larger offensive against Iran.
Key Facts
The U.S. military launched daytime strikes targeting Iran.
The strikes aim to limit Iran’s ability to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. reimposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday.
President Trump held a Situation Room meeting on Tuesday.
The meeting focused on planning a broad new offensive against Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for international shipping.
The situation involves rising military tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
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Clashes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have killed at least nine people amid protests against political issues. A planned protest march to the region’s capital, Muzaffarabad, was stopped temporarily as security forces and protesters exchanged gunfire and stone-throwing.
Key Facts
At least nine people, including security officers and protesters, were killed in clashes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Security forces raided a house in Poonch district for weapons and were fired upon, resulting in one officer’s death.
In Sudhnoti district, protesters blocked a security convoy, leading to violence that killed seven protesters and one police officer.
The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the protest group, was banned under anti-terrorism laws on June 5.
Protesters planned to march to Muzaffarabad but were halted, staying in Rawalakot instead.
The government restricted internet and phone access in the region due to security concerns.
The protests focus on 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living outside the region, which the group wants removed.
Elections are scheduled for July 27, with about 4,000 police and paramilitary forces deployed to maintain order.
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Ukraine has launched a new campaign using drones to attack Russian ships in the Sea of Azov. These strikes have greatly reduced Russian maritime traffic and aim to cut off supplies to the Crimean Peninsula without damaging the Kerch Bridge.
Key Facts
Ukraine’s drone forces hit 20 Russian vessels overnight, totaling 136 ship strikes from July 6 to 15.
The Sea of Azov connects to the Black Sea via the Kerch Strait, which links Crimea to Russia.
Ukraine targets Russia’s "shadow fleet," ships hidden to avoid sanctions.
Russia suspended shipping on the Don-Azov Channel linking the Sea of Azov to the Don River after the attacks.
Ukrainian operations combine attacks on ships and Russian air defenses, showing advanced planning and coordination.
Ukraine has no traditional navy in the Black Sea but uses drones to control the area.
Ukrainian strikes also target fuel and supply routes to isolate Crimea, causing fuel shortages there.
Maritime traffic in the Sea of Azov dropped sharply from 132 ships to 43 between July 6 and July 12.
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Anna Liedtke, a European activist detained by Israeli forces after trying to deliver aid to Gaza, has accused Israeli female guards of raping her during her imprisonment. Liedtke and lawyers have filed a complaint demanding an investigation into her allegations, highlighting concerns over sexual violence in Israeli detention centers.
Key Facts
Anna Liedtke was detained for five days after Israeli forces intercepted her flotilla boat in international waters near Gaza.
She reported being illegally strip-searched three times and raped by female guards during her detention.
Male guards were reportedly present and possibly filmed the attack.
Liedtke has publicly spoken about her experience and filed a criminal complaint in Israel seeking justice and an investigation.
Allegations of sexual violence against Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have been reported for years and are now said to be expanding to foreign activists.
The United Nations has placed Israel on a blacklist for sexual violence in conflict situations, based on documented abuse.
Other countries like Australia and France are investigating similar allegations related to flotilla activists.
Liedtke’s legal team aims to challenge what they call a “culture of impunity” for prisoner abuses in Israel.
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Large wildfires have damaged parts of the Fontainebleau forest near Paris, France. Firefighters have contained the fires, but they are not fully out yet, and local people are surprised because fires are not common in this area.
Key Facts
Wildfires broke out in the Fontainebleau forest region close to Paris.
The fires have destroyed large forest areas.
Firefighters have managed to contain the blaze but not completely extinguish it.
Fontainebleau is an area that usually does not experience forest fires.
Local residents are shocked by the event.
The report was issued on July 15, 2026.
The news was covered by France 24 correspondent Claire Paccalin on site.
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President Donald Trump is speaking at a defense summit amid renewed US air attacks on Iran that have rapidly used up parts of the US military’s weapon supplies. The conflict resumed after a ceasefire ended, with both sides blaming each other for violations, and the US has reimposed a naval blockade and sanctions on Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump will address a defense summit at the US Army War College in Pennsylvania.
The US restarted military attacks on Iran last week after an earlier ceasefire collapsed.
The US has used up about half of at least four critical types of munitions since the conflict began on February 28.
Replenishing the depleted weapon stockpile could take months or years.
The renewed conflict started after Iran fired on commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The US reimposed a naval blockade and sanctions on Iran-linked ships.
Iran’s military has retaliated with attacks on US bases in several Gulf countries.
Over a dozen people, including civilians, have died in Iran since the recent wave of attacks.
President Trump threatened to damage Iran’s power plants and bridges unless they negotiate.
Analysts warn the shrinking US weapons stockpile could weaken the military in a future conflict, especially against China.
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Sir Keir Starmer gave his final answer during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) and received a standing ovation from MPs. He thanked those helped by his party’s work, his family, and said goodbye before leaving the chamber. Andy Burnham is expected to become the new Labour leader and Prime Minister next month.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer spoke for the last time as leader during Prime Minister’s Questions.
He received a standing ovation from members of his party and other MPs.
Starmer thanked people who were helped by the Labour government’s actions.
He also thanked his wife and children in his final statement.
After speaking, he shook hands with the Speaker of the House of Commons.
Andy Burnham will become the new Labour leader soon.
Burnham is expected to become Prime Minister on 20 July.
Burnham will appear at PMQs for the first time after the summer break.
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US Senator Lindsey Graham, known for his strong support of Israel, has passed away, ending the political group called the "Three Amigos" who championed Israeli interests in Washington. While his death affects immediate communication channels between the US and Israel, long-term impacts on Israel’s position in the US depend on broader political and regional issues.
Key Facts
Lindsey Graham, John McCain, and Joseph Lieberman were close friends and strong supporters of Israel, called the "Three Amigos."
Graham’s passing ends this influential trio in US politics.
Support for Israel in the US comes from strong lobbying groups like AIPAC, which influences political campaigns.
President Donald Trump valued Israel’s support due to intelligence sharing and regional cooperation.
Graham acted as a key link between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu’s policies, including conflict in Lebanon, Gaza, and West Bank annexation, have complicated Israel’s standing globally and in the US.
Israel’s continued military conflicts and political actions may weaken its long-term relationship with the US.
Although Graham’s death creates short-term difficulties, broader Israeli political actions are more important for their future US ties.
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Venezuela’s interim government is trying to build better relations with Israel, mainly for practical reasons rather than strong personal beliefs. This move shows a change from previous tensions between the two countries.
Key Facts
Venezuela’s interim government wants to improve ties with Israel.
The effort is driven by convenience, not strong feelings or beliefs.
Relations between Venezuela and Israel have been tense in the past.
This change may affect Venezuela’s foreign policy and international image.
The interim government is focused on political and strategic benefits.
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Three men attacked and raped a woman on Brighton beach in early October. They were sentenced to long prison terms after being found guilty of taking part in a planned and cruel assault.
Key Facts
The attack happened on Brighton beach in the early hours of 4 October.
The three men are asylum seekers: Abdulla Ahmadi (26, from Iran), Ibrahim Alshafe (25, from Egypt), and Karin Al-Danasurt (20, from Egypt).
Ahmadi and Alshafe were each sentenced to 21 years in prison.
Al-Danasurt, who filmed the attack, was sentenced to 18 years and six months.
All three will serve at least two thirds of their sentences before they can apply for parole.
They will also spend an additional six years on extended licence, which is supervised release after prison.
The judge described the attack as predatory and callous, with a profound and lasting impact on the victim.
The victim reported lasting trauma, including feeling contaminated despite trying to wash away the experience.
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The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opened on July 4 in Medora, North Dakota, near Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The library is designed to blend into the landscape and aims to meet strict environmental standards by using local materials and restoring natural prairie land.
Key Facts
The library covers 95,000 square feet and is set on 93 acres of Badlands terrain.
It was designed by the architecture firm Snøhetta to meet the Living Building Challenge, a tough environmental certification.
If certified, it will be the only presidential library with this environmental certification.
The building features a living roof with 121,000 square feet of native prairie plants.
The library’s design reflects Theodore Roosevelt’s conservation values.
Local soil, reclaimed wood, mass timber, and low-carbon concrete were used in construction.
The library includes archival spaces, galleries, and places for visitors to gather.
Visitors can access the library by nearly a mile-long hiking trail through restored natural land.
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Venezuela’s interim government announced it will begin formal talks with some opposition members starting August 1, following recent deadly earthquakes. The talks aim to create a plan for democracy and reconstruction, with both government and opposition leaders participating.
Key Facts
The interim government in Venezuela will start formal talks with opposition members from August 1.
The talks come after twin earthquakes killed at least 4,734 people in northern Venezuela.
Jorge Rodríguez, who leads the government-controlled National Assembly, cited unity for reconstruction as a reason for the talks.
The opposition team is led by Dinorah Figuera, who returned to Venezuela after nearly eight years in exile.
Opposition members want to strengthen democracy, improve elections, and ensure political participation.
The United States supports the opposition and has helped after the earthquakes.
Many opposition leaders have faced jail or exile under Nicolás Maduro’s government.
372 political prisoners remain jailed according to rights groups, despite some being released after Maduro was removed from power.
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A boat sank near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, resulting in one death and three people missing. There were twenty people on the boat when it capsized.
Key Facts
The boat sank near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay.
One person has died in the incident.
Three people are currently missing.
A total of twenty people were on the boat when it went down.
Rescue efforts are ongoing to find the missing individuals.
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An Israeli air strike hit an apartment in central Gaza, killing a family of three, including a young child, and injuring others. Despite a ceasefire agreed in October 2023, Israel continues air attacks in Gaza, causing many casualties and damage.
Key Facts
A father, mother, and their six-year-old daughter were killed in an Israeli air attack in Deir el-Balah, Gaza.
Another child survived and was rescued after Palestinian emergency teams put out a fire caused by the strike.
The Israeli military said it targeted a Hamas fighter in the attack.
Israeli air strikes also damaged a rehabilitation center in Gaza City and a park sheltering displaced families in Khan Younis.
At least 12 bodies were brought to Gaza hospitals, with one death from wounds and 18 injured in the last 24 hours.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, brokered by the U.S. in October, has not stopped Israeli air attacks.
More than 1,100 Palestinians, including at least 275 children, have been killed by Israeli air strikes since the ceasefire.
The conflict began in October 2023 with a Hamas attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel and led to a large Israeli military response in Gaza.
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The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported over 2,000 confirmed Ebola cases and 754 deaths in its current outbreak. Healthcare workers at hospitals in the hardest-hit areas have started striking due to unpaid wages and poor working conditions, while the World Health Organization (WHO) warns the actual death toll may be much higher.
Key Facts
The DRC Ebola outbreak has reached 2,011 confirmed cases with 754 deaths.
Healthcare workers at Bunia General Hospital in Ituri province began striking over unpaid wages and difficult work conditions.
Other healthcare staff in the region also walked off their jobs recently, citing months without pay.
This Ebola outbreak started on May 15 and is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which has no vaccine or treatment so far.
Doctors Without Borders calls this the third largest and fastest-growing Ebola outbreak recorded.
WHO warns the real number of Ebola deaths could be two to four times higher than official counts.
WHO began the first clinical trial to test an antiviral drug to prevent infection from the Bundibugyo virus.
WHO Director-General Tedros said the antiviral, if effective, could improve prevention for people exposed to the virus.
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