Twin earthquakes hit Venezuela last month, causing many buildings to collapse and leaving about 18,000 people homeless. Humanitarian groups and the United Nations are providing aid to help those affected, but diseases have increased due to crowded living conditions and poor sanitation.
Key Facts
The earthquakes caused 190 buildings to collapse and damaged 856 others.
Around 3,889 people died in the earthquakes.
Approximately 18,000 people lost their homes and are living in shelters, schools, streets, and public spaces.
There is a rise in health problems like skin diseases and diarrhea because of crowded spaces and poor water quality.
Many people with chronic illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure need medication and medical care.
The United Nations asked for $300 million to help 1.3 million people in Venezuela.
The U.S. has provided most of the aid for earthquake relief efforts.
Half of the health workers in the hardest-hit area, La Guaira, were affected by the disaster, some died or could not work.
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The European Parliament has asked European Union countries to officially label the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan as a terrorist group. This move responds to ongoing conflict and instability in Sudan caused by this armed group.
Key Facts
The European Parliament made the call to designate the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan as terrorists.
This request is directed at all European Union member states.
The Rapid Support Forces are an armed group involved in Sudan's conflict.
Sudan has experienced ongoing violence related to this group.
The call aims to increase international pressure on the Rapid Support Forces.
Other news mentioned includes Kenya's marijuana legalization case and Morocco’s World Cup loss to France.
The issue highlights ongoing instability in Sudan and concerns from international bodies.
The European Parliament's action reflects wider international attention on Sudan’s security situation.
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A wildfire in southern Spain killed at least 12 people and left 23 missing in a remote expat community. The fire started near the Sierra de Los Filabres mountains in Almeria and is still burning, with over 3,200 hectares affected and many victims believed to be foreign nationals.
Key Facts
The wildfire broke out late Thursday in a semi-arid area of Almeria province, southern Spain.
At least 12 people died, 8 were injured, and 23 remain missing as of Friday.
Many victims ignored shelter warnings and tried to escape by car or on foot, some trapped in a dry riverbed.
Four victims were likely British nationals based on the type of vehicle involved.
About 150 firefighters and 220 soldiers are working to control the fire.
The fire spread quickly due to dry grass, scrubland, wind, and high temperatures.
Spain and much of Europe are experiencing severe heat waves, increasing wildfire risks.
France is also facing high wildfire risk during its third heat wave, with evacuations and fires affecting thousands of hectares.
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The Quest shipwreck, a ship used by explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton on his last voyage, was discovered more than 60 years after it sank in 1962. The Royal Canadian Geographic Society has released the first images of the wreck, found off Canada’s Atlantic Coast in the Labrador Sea.
Key Facts
The Quest was originally a Norwegian whaler renamed by Shackleton’s wife.
Shackleton used the Quest for an Antarctic expedition in 1921 but died on board in 1922.
The ship was retrofitted several times and used for scientific work, rescue missions, and military service during World War II.
Quest served as a minesweeper and cargo vessel for the Royal Canadian Navy in WWII.
After the war, it returned to commercial sealing (seal hunting).
The ship sank on May 5, 1962, during a sealing expedition off Canada’s Atlantic Coast.
The first images of the wreck were published by the Royal Canadian Geographic Society in 2024.
Shackleton’s earlier famous ship, the Endurance, was found in 2022 after it sank in 1915.
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Reports say Israel shared intelligence with the U.S. about a new Iranian plan to assassinate President Donald Trump. Iran has threatened revenge for the killing of General Qassem Soleimani in 2020, and previous attempts to kill Trump tied to Iran have been uncovered by U.S. authorities.
Key Facts
Israel informed the U.S. about a fresh Iranian assassination plot against President Trump.
Iran wants to retaliate for the 2020 killing of General Qassem Soleimani, ordered by President Trump.
Details of the new plot are not clear, and U.S. officials had not tracked it before the Israeli warning.
In November 2024, the U.S. charged an Afghan national with being asked by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard to kill Trump.
A Pakistani man linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard was arrested in 2024 for trying to recruit killers to target Trump and others.
Iran often uses middlemen and local criminals instead of direct operatives to carry out such attacks.
Past assassination plots involving Iran have failed because U.S. law enforcement intervened.
There is concern whether Iran will change tactics and act more directly, which would be riskier.
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Prince Harry visited King Charles III with his wife Meghan and their children for the first time in four years. The family met at the king’s residence as part of efforts to improve their relationship after years of tension following Harry and Meghan’s move to the United States.
Key Facts
King Charles III and Queen Camilla met Prince Harry, Meghan, and their two children in the UK.
This was the first family meeting in four years.
Harry arrived in the UK to support the upcoming Invictus Games, which he founded.
Meghan and the children were initially not coming because of issues with police protection.
Harry and Meghan have lived in California since 2020 after leaving royal duties.
Harry recently lost a privacy lawsuit against the UK's Daily Mail tabloid.
The ongoing legal battles and media conflicts have added strain to Harry’s relationship with the royal family.
Harry has expressed a desire to reconcile with his father, King Charles III.
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King Charles III and Queen Camilla met Prince Harry and his family for the first time in four years during Harry’s visit to the UK. Harry came to mark the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games, an event for wounded veterans that he started.
Key Facts
Prince Harry, Meghan, and their children met King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Friday.
This was their first meeting in four years.
Harry arrived in the UK on Monday for the Invictus Games anniversary event.
Meghan and the children were initially not expected to come due to police protection issues.
Harry and Meghan have lived in California since 2020 and had not seen King Charles since 2022.
Harry recently lost a court case against the Daily Mail about privacy issues.
Another court hearing for Harry is scheduled for July 29-30.
Harry has had ongoing legal and family conflicts since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
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A 26-year-old man was arrested for the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former UK politician. Widdecombe’s body was found at her home in Devon with serious injuries, and police are investigating the case.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe was 78 years old and a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson.
Her body was found in her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday at about 11:40 BST.
Police arrested a 26-year-old white British man in Newton Abbot on suspicion of murder.
The case is not viewed as terrorism after initial counter-terror investigations.
Police are asking the public for any information or footage that could help the investigation.
Widdecombe served as a Member of Parliament for 23 years and was involved in UK politics and show business.
The investigation is at an early stage with a police cordon and forensic work ongoing.
Political leaders expressed shock and condolences following the news.
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At a NATO summit in Ankara, leaders from 32 countries met to discuss security and global issues. Reports indicate President Donald Trump’s team quickly changed plans due to a possible Iranian assassination threat, and side talks involved Baltic leaders and President Zelensky. Turkish President Erdogan caused debate by giving ceremonial pistols as gifts to visiting leaders.
Key Facts
The NATO summit took place in Ankara, Turkey, with 32 national leaders attending.
President Donald Trump’s team adjusted their plans because of a suspected Iranian threat.
Baltic country leaders held side meetings with Ukrainian President Zelensky during the summit.
Turkish President Erdogan handed out ceremonial pistols with ammunition as gifts to other leaders.
These gifts raised questions about diplomatic etiquette and ethics.
The main discussions happened behind closed doors inside Turkey’s Presidential Compound.
The summit aimed to address current security challenges and alliance cooperation.
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King Charles met privately with Prince Harry and Meghan's children, Archie and Lilibet, at his home in Gloucestershire after not seeing them for four years. The reunion happened amid ongoing family tensions and after Prince Harry’s recent visit to the UK for the Invictus Games event.
Key Facts
King Charles hosted Prince Harry, Meghan, and their children at Highgrove House on Friday.
Archie is seven years old, and Lilibet is five.
The last time Charles saw the children was at Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee in 2022.
Meghan did not attend some planned public events and pulled out of traveling to London.
Prince Harry faced legal and security-related issues during his UK visit.
Harry and Charles have been in phone contact recently, aiming to improve their relationship.
The family reunion contrasts with Prince Harry’s ongoing public disagreements with other family members.
Meghan has not visited the UK since September 2022.
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President Donald Trump announced the end of the agreement that paused the conflict with Iran and ordered military strikes after accusing Iran of attacking ships. Iran responded by targeting U.S. interests in several nearby countries, increasing tensions despite regional efforts to calm the situation and continue talks.
Key Facts
President Trump declared the pause agreement with Iran is over this week.
He ordered strikes following accusations that Iran attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran retaliated by targeting U.S. interests in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.
These actions marked the worst escalation since both sides signed a memorandum last month.
The memorandum was intended to lead to more talks and a lasting peace deal.
Regional mediators are trying to reduce tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Experts from different organizations are discussing whether diplomacy can still resolve the conflict.
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Actor Micheal Ward was found not guilty of rape and sexual assault charges after a 10-day trial in a London court. The allegations involved an incident in 2023, which Ward denied, stating the encounter was consensual.
Key Facts
Micheal Ward was accused of rape and sexual assault related to a 2023 incident after a New Year’s party in east London.
The trial lasted 10 days at Snaresbrook crown court.
Ward was charged with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault.
Forensic evidence showed no blood on the complainant’s clothing, which contradicted her testimony.
Ward denied all allegations and said the encounter was mutual and consensual.
Ward’s co-star Jasmine Jobson testified in his support, describing him positively.
The jury found Ward not guilty on all charges after one day of deliberations.
A social media influencer was removed from the courtroom for posting videos about the trial, leading to a contempt of court investigation.
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Michael Ward, an actor known for the show Top Boy, was found not guilty of rape and sexual assault charges after a trial in London. The court cleared him of all accusations related to an incident following a New Year’s party in 2023.
Key Facts
Michael Ward, age 28, faced five charges: two counts of rape, two of assault by penetration, and one of sexual assault.
The alleged incident took place in a car after a New Year’s party in Ilford, east London.
The woman claimed Ward attacked her, but no forensic evidence supported her account.
Ward denied the accusations, saying the encounter was consensual.
His Top Boy co-star Jasmine Jobson testified in his support, describing him as kind-hearted.
The trial lasted 10 days at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
Social media influencer Murad Merali was removed from court for posting videos about the trial during proceedings.
The jury took one day to reach unanimous not guilty verdicts on all counts.
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A wildfire in southern Spain’s Los Gallardos area has killed at least 12 people and left 23 missing. The fire started on Thursday afternoon after an electricity pole fell, spreading quickly and forcing many residents and visitors to evacuate.
Key Facts
The wildfire began when an electricity pole fell in woodland near Los Gallardos, Almería.
At least 12 people died and 23 others are missing due to the fire.
Flames spread very fast, with witnesses describing the fire as "like a bomb had fallen."
Many people had to evacuate quickly, including tourists who were staying nearby.
More than 100 firefighters, military, police, and 30 aircraft worked to control the fire.
Some residents lost their homes and farmland, including orange groves cultivated for decades.
The fire is described as the most devastating the local area has ever faced.
There's a strong sense of community as locals have offered support to those displaced.
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South African police have arrested a man linked to the killing of a woman and her two children near Bedford. The suspect, a Zimbabwean who had left South Africa using a British passport, was found and captured after leaving the country.
Key Facts
A woman named Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her two daughters, aged 15 and 5, were found dead at their home near Bedford.
The suspect is a Zimbabwean national named Tshuma Zandile Tshuma, 42.
He left South Africa through Heathrow Airport using a British passport two days before the murders were discovered.
South African police located and arrested the suspect after he left the country.
Police stated South Africa will not be a safe place for criminals trying to avoid justice.
The police urged criminals worldwide that fleeing to South Africa will not protect them from arrest.
The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released later.
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Students who were kidnapped in May by Muslim militants in Nigeria’s Oyo state have been rescued, according to the government. The military operation lasted over 50 days and led to the arrest of eight militants.
Key Facts
More than 40 students were abducted on May 15 in Oyo state, southwestern Nigeria.
One teacher who was taken with the students was killed shortly after the abduction.
The militants involved are Muslim and operate in the region.
The rescue mission ended the siege after about 50 days.
Eight militants were captured during the operation.
This kidnapping was unusual because most such attacks usually happen in northern Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu said the rescue brought relief to the nation and the victims’ families.
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King Charles III met with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their two children for the first time in years as they try to heal their family split. The meeting took place at Highgrove House in England during Harry’s visit for charity events.
Key Facts
King Charles III hosted Prince Harry, Meghan, and their children Archie and Lilibet at Highgrove House.
This was their first family meeting since Harry and Meghan left royal duties and moved to America six years ago.
Harry came to England for charity events, sparking questions about if the family would reunite.
Plans for Harry’s family to receive security protection and stay at Buckingham Palace were canceled.
British media closely covered the visit and speculation about the family reunion.
Harry lost his last legal case against the Daily Mail over privacy issues during this visit.
The family meeting is seen as a step to improve the relationship between Harry and King Charles.
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Prince Harry and Meghan visited King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House after a week of controversy about their security in the U.K. Harry has been trying to bring his family to the U.K. safely, but British authorities refused to provide taxpayer-funded police protection. Harry also recently lost a legal case against a newspaper publisher accused of illegal information gathering.
Key Facts
Prince Harry, Meghan, and their children visited King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House for a private family meeting.
The visit came after a dispute over security protection for Harry’s family during a planned U.K. trip.
British officials denied Harry’s request for police protection funded by taxpayers.
Harry has been visiting the U.K. alone while trying to find a way for his family to join him safely.
Harry started the Invictus Games, a sports event for injured veterans, which was part of the reason for the planned trip.
After stepping down from royal duties and moving to California, Harry’s security detail was reduced and now decisions are made case-by-case by a U.K. government committee.
Harry’s relationship with the royal family has been strained, especially after his book and interviews criticizing their treatment.
Harry lost a legal battle accusing a U.K. tabloid publisher of phone hacking and other illegal actions, though a similar case last year ended in a settlement with another publisher.
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Mali’s military said it has broken a rebel blockade around an important army base in the north, near the towns of Kidal and Gao. The separatist group Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) attacked military reinforcements but later withdrew after heavy fighting.
Key Facts
The blockade was around the Anéfis army base, between separatist-held Kidal and military-controlled Gao.
The FLA and al-Qaida-linked militants launched attacks, including ambushes on military convoys.
Mali’s military, with help from Russian Africa Corps and local militias, managed to retake control after heavy fighting.
The military reported destroying 12 combat vehicles and neutralizing about 100 militants in recent fighting.
FLA said it withdrew to reorganize and claimed assistance from the militaries of Niger and Burkina Faso.
FLA reported 5 dead and about 10 wounded on their side, and said the opposing forces had many deaths, but these claims are unverified.
There have been repeated insurgencies and separatist attempts in northern Mali, aiming for an independent state called Azawad.
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have all faced increasing militant attacks and have shifted from Western to Russian military support after military coups.
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Prince Harry, Meghan, and their children visited King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House in the UK. This private family meeting was the first time in over four years that King Charles saw his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in person.
Key Facts
The visit happened at King Charles and Queen Camilla's private home, Highgrove House in Gloucestershire.
Prince Archie is seven years old, and Princess Lilibet is five.
Prince Harry and Meghan had not been in the UK together since 2022.
This was the first in-person meeting between the King and his grandchildren since 2019.
Prince Harry attended several UK events alone earlier that week, without Meghan and the children.
The visit marks a notable moment in the family after tensions since Harry and Meghan left royal duties in 2020.
Prince Harry’s brother, the Prince of Wales, did not meet the family and was playing in a charity polo match during this visit.
There are currently no plans for Prince Harry and his brother to meet during this trip.
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