Andy Burnham, three weeks away from becoming the UK Prime Minister, plans to use his experience as Mayor of Greater Manchester to guide his leadership. He proposes to shift significant government powers away from London to regional offices, starting with a new "Number 10 North" office in Manchester, and to give more authority to local leaders across the UK.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham has previously tried to become Prime Minister twice but did not succeed.
He spent a decade as Mayor of Greater Manchester, a key part of his political approach called "Manchesterism."
Burnham plans to create a new prime ministerial office in Manchester called "Number 10 North."
This office will focus on major projects like council housebuilding, possibly shifting responsibilities from existing government departments.
He wants to devolve power from Westminster, giving more control to local leaders, including those in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Burnham sees this as the biggest shift of power in UK political history.
The speech included promises to raise living standards, reform business taxes to help small businesses, and provide extra support for people facing rising costs.
Burnham emphasized the importance of unity across regions, including rural areas, coastal towns, and London.
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Five people died in a shooting at a youth center in Stade, northern Germany. Police arrested two people, including one suspect, and said some others were injured but the area is now safe.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at a youth center in Stade, northern Germany.
Five people were killed in the incident.
Two people were arrested by the police; one is a suspect.
Several others were injured during the shooting.
Police confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Emergency services responded in large numbers to the scene.
Police advised people to avoid the area near the youth center.
Stade is a town with about 50,000 people, located west of Hamburg.
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The US and Iran have agreed to pause military actions after recent attacks near the Strait of Hormuz. Talks will continue to work towards a permanent end to the fighting, including a planned meeting in Qatar at Iran's request.
Key Facts
The US and Iran exchanged military strikes in the Strait of Hormuz over several days.
Both countries accused each other of violating a ceasefire agreed less than two weeks ago.
A 14-point deal signed on 17 June aimed to stop military actions and allow safe passage for commercial ships for 60 days.
US President Donald Trump announced a meeting in Doha, Qatar, requested by Iran.
Recent attacks included an Iranian projectile hitting a cargo ship and US and Iranian strikes on military targets.
The US said there were no casualties or damage from the strikes on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important route for oil and gas shipments.
The US also helped mediate a peace framework between Israel and Lebanon, though Hezbollah rejected it and fighting continued.
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China has canceled $50 million in loans to Sudan during the country’s ongoing civil war, as part of their long-standing relationship based on oil and infrastructure. This relief comes at a time when Sudan is facing a deep economic crisis and limited support from Western countries.
Key Facts
China waived four interest-free loans to Sudan totaling about $50 million.
Sudan’s external debt before the war was over $56 billion and has likely grown since.
The war in Sudan started three years ago and has caused major economic and social problems.
More than 1.5 million people have died, and about 14 million have been displaced by the conflict.
Less than 14% of Sudan’s health facilities are still working, and many jobs have disappeared.
The Sudanese pound’s value fell drastically, from about 600 per US dollar before the war to over 5,000.
China has been Africa’s biggest trading partner for 17 years and often forgives small loans to African countries.
Western countries have largely held back financial support or imposed sanctions on Sudan due to the war.
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Venezuela is facing a serious humanitarian crisis caused by a recent earthquake combined with ongoing economic problems and a high number of displaced people. Aid agencies warn that recovery will take months and stress the need for better coordination between international and local groups to help those affected.
Key Facts
Venezuela recently experienced a major earthquake.
The country was already dealing with economic collapse and displacement before the earthquake.
Public services in Venezuela are weak, making disaster response harder.
Humanitarian funding for Venezuela has decreased.
The earthquake has created a prolonged crisis, not just a short emergency.
Aid organizations face many logistical challenges in reaching victims.
Recovery efforts are expected to take months, not weeks.
Coordination between international and local aid groups is crucial for effective help.
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A senior South African police officer, Maj-Gen Feroz Khan, survived an assassination attempt in Johannesburg while driving home. Khan was due to testify at a public inquiry investigating criminal activity within South Africa’s police force and was previously arrested over alleged illegal gold dealing.
Key Facts
Maj-Gen Feroz Khan was shot and rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.
The shooting happened just days before Khan’s scheduled testimony at the Madlanga commission inquiry.
Khan is a suspended deputy crime intelligence boss in South Africa’s police.
He and two others were arrested in May for alleged illegal gold dealing.
Khan had asked a court to block the inquiry from accessing his seized electronic devices but later withdrew the request.
The Madlanga commission investigates claims that organized crime has infiltrated the police and government.
A previous witness in the inquiry was killed three weeks after giving testimony.
Police say it is too early to link Khan’s shooting to his upcoming testimony.
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The United States and Iran exchanged military strikes recently, putting a peace agreement between them at risk. The U.S. says talks have resumed, but Iran has not confirmed these discussions.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran carried out military attacks against each other over the past weekend.
These actions endangered the existing peace deal between the two countries.
The U.S. government reports that communication has started again to ease tensions.
Iran has not officially confirmed that talks are happening.
The situation remains uncertain as both sides try to resolve their conflict peacefully.
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Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan killed at least 36 civilians and injured many others during operations targeting militant groups accused of attacking Pakistan. The strikes increased tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, continuing a series of violent clashes between the two countries.
Key Facts
Pakistani airstrikes targeted eastern Afghan provinces after a militant attack in Karachi that killed three Pakistani security personnel.
Afghan officials reported 36 civilians killed and 163 wounded in the airstrikes.
The Pakistani government said the strikes were aimed at terrorist groups Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Fitna al-Khawarij.
Afghan Taliban officials said homes and villages were hit, including civilian casualties and livestock losses.
Militants attacked Pakistani paramilitary headquarters in Karachi before the strikes, with Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claiming responsibility.
Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a ceasefire in March, but violence has continued on both sides.
The Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and allied groups are blamed for many attacks inside Pakistan.
Efforts by various countries to mediate peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan have so far failed, and the border remains mostly closed.
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The UK government plans to create a new Independent Immigration Appeals Authority (IIAA) to have members of the public decide asylum appeal cases instead of immigration judges. This new body aims to reduce the current long delays in cases and begin operations by late 2027.
Key Facts
The UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, will introduce the IIAA to hear asylum appeals now handled by tribunals.
The new appeals body will include trained public members who are paid, unlike current volunteer magistrates.
The changes aim to clear over 150,000 pending cases, which currently take an average of 61 weeks to resolve.
The government says the reforms will speed up decisions and removals of people who have no right to stay.
Critics worry the reforms could harm human rights and have called for more compassion in border controls.
The reforms are part of a planned Immigration and Asylum Bill expected soon.
Labour Party pressures the current government on immigration issues, while also preparing for leadership changes.
The idea is modeled on the magistrate system, where community members handle some court cases after training.
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Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela last week, leaving tens of thousands of people missing. Rescue teams from around the world, including the U.S., are helping to search for survivors.
Key Facts
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela recently.
Tens of thousands of people are still unaccounted for after the quakes.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing to find survivors.
Teams from different countries, including the United States, are involved.
The disaster has caused significant disruption and concern in Venezuela.
Efforts continue despite challenging conditions caused by the earthquakes.
Authorities have not yet reported the full number of casualties.
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The wife and two children of Argentine soccer player Lucas Trejo died after strong twin earthquakes hit Venezuela. Rescue teams and family searched for survivors amid widespread damage and many missing people.
Key Facts
Powerful twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 hit Venezuela on Wednesday evening.
Lucas Trejo’s wife, Yanina, and children, Aaron and Ainhoa, died in the disaster.
Trejo plays for Club Sport Maritimo La Guaira, a second-division Venezuelan soccer team.
Nearly 1,500 people have died, and tens of thousands remain unaccounted for.
A U.S. rescue team saved a mother and her 9-month-old baby from the rubble.
The Venezuelan government says it is responding to the disaster, but many report few rescue teams onsite.
Online sources report about 51,000 people are still missing.
Locals continue to search for missing family members despite damage and danger.
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A newborn baby was found dead in a portable bathroom at a Michigan music festival. Festival organizers and Michigan state police are asking attendees to share any information that could help with the investigation.
Key Facts
The baby was a newborn, under four weeks old.
The body was discovered in a portable bathroom in the camping area of the festival.
A portable bathroom vendor employee found the newborn during routine maintenance.
Michigan state police are leading the investigation and seeking public help.
Organizers asked people not to spread rumors on social media out of respect.
The festival shut down early Sunday night due to severe weather but resumed later.
The festival is known for its mix of electronic dance music and a Robin Hood-themed forest atmosphere.
The event had been going well aside from this tragedy and the weather disruption.
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Ukraine attacked a large Russian oil refinery in the south using drones. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the country is having some fuel shortages and promised to protect oil facilities and increase fuel production.
Key Facts
Ukraine continues to launch heavy drone attacks on Russia.
A major oil refinery in southern Russia was set on fire by one of these attacks.
President Vladimir Putin admitted Russia faces a "certain deficit" or shortage of fuel.
Putin vowed to improve the protection of oil refineries.
He also pledged to increase fuel production in Russia.
This is the first time Putin publicly acknowledged the fuel shortage.
The event took place around June 29, 2026.
The Ukrainian drone attacks are aimed at disrupting Russian energy resources.
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Dame Penelope Keith, a British actress best known for her roles in the 1970s sitcoms The Good Life and To the Manor Born, has died at the age of 86 from cancer at her home in Surrey. Friends, colleagues, and fans have paid tribute to her as a talented actress who brought joy with her performances.
Key Facts
Dame Penelope Keith died peacefully at home in Surrey while living with cancer.
She was 86 years old.
Keith was famous for playing Margo Leadbetter in The Good Life and Audrey fforbes-Hamilton in To the Manor Born.
She won a Bafta TV award in 1977 for best light entertainment performance.
She was made a dame in 2014 for her service to the arts.
She started her career with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963.
Co-star Felicity Kendal described her as a "comic genius."
Public figures and fans celebrated her work and expressed their condolences.
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Venezuela experienced two severe earthquakes that caused extensive damage and loss of life. People are urgently working to find and rescue survivors despite difficult conditions.
Key Facts
Venezuela was hit by two powerful earthquakes in a short time.
The earthquakes caused widespread damage and many casualties.
Rescue teams and locals are actively searching for survivors.
Claudia Manresa, a regional manager for Project HOPE, reported on the rescue efforts.
The situation remains critical as people try to save those trapped under debris.
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Northern Venezuela was hit by two strong earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, killing more than 1,400 people and destroying many buildings. Rescue teams from Venezuela and other countries are working to find survivors and provide aid, while the government manages recovery efforts and services.
Key Facts
The earthquakes struck northern Venezuela, especially affecting Caracas and La Guaira.
Over 1,450 people have died, more than 3,150 were injured, and about 12,700 displaced.
At least 774 buildings collapsed due to the quakes.
Foreign rescue teams arrived from many countries, including the US, Brazil, El Salvador, Cuba, Mexico, and Colombia.
The US sent warships, planes, helicopters, and $150 million in aid.
Schools remain closed for at least one more week in the hardest-hit areas.
A baby and two 11-year-old boys were rescued alive from the rubble.
The government restored 75% of electricity in La Guaira and limited traffic to help emergency vehicles move faster.
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Emergency teams in Venezuela are continuing to search for survivors after two strong earthquakes caused many deaths. More than 1,450 people have died, and the critical time to rescue trapped victims has now passed.
Key Facts
Venezuela experienced two powerful earthquakes.
The death toll has risen above 1,450 people.
Emergency teams used rescue dogs to find survivors.
The important 72-hour rescue window after the disaster ended.
Some survivors, including a father and son and a mother with a baby, were found during rescue efforts.
International teams have helped with the search.
The situation has caused grief and anger among people in Venezuela.
Rescue efforts continue despite the low chance of finding more survivors.
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At least five people were killed in a shooting in Stade, a town in northern Germany, police reported. Two people have been arrested, including the suspected shooter, and the police said there is no danger to the public.
Key Facts
The shooting happened in Stade, a town near Hamburg, Germany.
Five people died as a result of the shooting.
Two people were detained by the police; one is the suspected shooter.
The police do not know the motive for the shooting yet.
The incident took place on Dankersstrasse, south of Stade’s town center.
There were injuries, but the number of injured people was not given.
Police confirmed no other suspects are at large.
Some media reported multiple suspects, but police have not confirmed this.
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An Israeli airstrike in central Gaza killed three people, including an eight-year-old child, and injured others. Despite a ceasefire that began in October 2023, Israeli forces continue strikes and have expanded the area they control inside Gaza.
Key Facts
The airstrike hit Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, killing an eight-year-old and two men.
The victims were identified as Ali Fayez Isbaitan, Hassan Salman al-Hanajra, and Malik Wael Abu Shaweesh (the child).
Israeli military vehicles advanced in the Nuseirat refugee camp and other areas amid gunfire and shelling.
Two people were injured by shelling in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza.
Since the October ceasefire, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 3,000 injured, according to Gaza’s Government Media Office.
The office recorded more than 3,400 Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.
Israel has expanded the area it occupies inside Gaza from 53% to 64% since the ceasefire began.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has called for occupying 70% of Gaza’s territory.
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