Many international fans visiting the US for the World Cup are finding the American tipping culture confusing and costly. Visitors from countries like Australia, Japan, and England are surprised by the expectation to tip about 20% on bills, which increases their overall expenses.
Key Facts
In the US, many restaurant and bar staff earn just over $2 per hour and rely on tips to make a living.
Tipping around 20% of the bill is customary in America to support service workers.
Visitors from Australia say they find tipping confusing and prefer the idea of businesses paying fair wages instead.
Japanese visitors say the base prices are already high, and tipping makes eating out even more expensive.
Some European fans are known for not tipping or tipping very little, surprising American service staff.
A bar in Brooklyn now requires pre-payment including a service charge to protect its staff due to poor tipping by tourists.
Bar and restaurant owners note an increase in visitors during the World Cup but also challenges because many international guests are not used to tipping.
English and Japanese fans understand the reason for tipping but still find it strange to tip for simple purchases like bottled water.
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Europe is experiencing a severe heatwave with record-high temperatures in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and other countries. The heat has caused deaths, event cancellations, and disruptions like railway delays and power plant shutdowns.
Key Facts
Germany recorded its highest ever temperature of 41.3°C in Saarbrücken.
Belgium and the Netherlands also saw record temperatures above 39°C.
France faced a high death toll and cancelled major public events due to heat-related health risks.
Around 150 million people in Europe faced temperatures above 35°C on Friday.
The heatwave is causing problems like a nuclear power plant shutting down reactors due to warm river water.
Climate experts say Europe is warming faster than the global average, making heatwaves more severe.
Some countries, like the UK and Czech Republic, may break previous temperature records in the coming days.
The heatwave has disrupted travel, including a Eurostar train breaking down with passengers on board.
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Rescue teams in Venezuela are working quickly to find people trapped after recent earthquakes. They are focused on the first 72 hours after the quake, which is the most important time to save survivors.
Key Facts
Venezuela experienced earthquakes causing damage and possible casualties.
Rescue workers are actively searching for people trapped under rubble.
The first 72 hours after an earthquake is called the "golden window" for saving lives.
Search efforts have entered their second day.
The situation is urgent as time runs short to find survivors.
The reporting is from Caracas, the capital of Venezuela.
Rescue teams are coordinating to cover affected areas quickly.
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President Donald Trump accused Iran of breaking a ceasefire agreement after a cargo ship was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. No one was hurt, and the ship suffered limited damage but was able to continue its journey. The United Nations paused its plan to evacuate sailors from the area following the attack.
Key Facts
A Singapore-flagged cargo ship, Ever Lovely, was hit by an unknown projectile near the Strait of Hormuz.
No casualties occurred, and the ship continued safely after the attack.
President Trump said Iran fired at least four drones at ships, hitting one.
The UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) paused its evacuation plan for over 11,000 sailors in the area after the attack.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned vessels to coordinate with Iran and claimed the strait belongs to Iran.
The strait had reopened recently after a ceasefire deal between the US and Iran to allow safe passage for commercial ships.
The ceasefire deal included a promise by Iran to allow safe passage without fees for 60 days, but Iran plans to charge fees it calls maritime service fees.
The IMO is working with the US, Iran, and Oman to get guarantees that ships will not be attacked before resuming evacuation efforts.
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Israeli prosecutors have charged six settlers with terrorism, arson, and violent attacks after they damaged a mosque and homes in a West Bank village. The attacks are part of a wider rise in settler violence in the occupied West Bank, where more than 500,000 Israeli settlers live.
Key Facts
Six Israeli settlers were charged for attacks on the village of Deir Dibwan in the West Bank.
The charges include terrorism, arson, sabotage, violent rioting, and racially motivated assault.
The settlers carried flammable materials, tear gas, and knives during coordinated attacks.
They set fire to vegetation, vehicles, a mosque, and attacked homes while worshippers were inside.
More than 500,000 Israelis live in settlements in the occupied West Bank, considered illegal under international law.
Settler attacks in the West Bank have risen to about six per day in 2026, according to the United Nations.
On the same day of the charges, multiple settler attacks and military raids continued across the West Bank.
Western countries have imposed sanctions on networks linked to settler violence, but some Israeli officials and settler leaders reject these sanctions.
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The UK has broken its record for the hottest June day three days in a row, reaching 37.3°C in Suffolk. The heatwave caused travel disruptions, school closures, healthcare pressures, and fire incidents, but cooler weather and thunderstorms are expected soon.
Key Facts
The UK’s June temperature record was broken on three consecutive days, with 37.3°C recorded in Suffolk on Friday.
The previous two high temperatures were 36.7°C in Somerset and 36.1°C in Hampshire.
The heatwave caused delays and cancellations in trains and public transport services.
Over 600 schools in England closed partly or fully due to the heat, totaling more than 2,000 closures in England and Wales during the week.
Several NHS trusts declared critical incidents because of the increased demand from heat-related illness patients.
Emergency calls to London Ambulance Service rose about 50%, leading to canceled training to boost frontline staff.
High temperatures affected medical equipment and hospital wards, with some elderly care wards reaching over 30°C.
A wildfire in Derbyshire burned nearly 1,000 acres before being controlled.
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The United States has announced a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon after four days of talks in Washington, DC. The agreement is an initial step toward peace, but further work and negotiations are needed to resolve ongoing conflicts.
Key Facts
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a deal framework between Lebanon and Israel.
The talks lasted four days and were held in Washington, DC.
The agreement is described as the “beginning of the beginning” and more negotiations are planned.
Fighting in Lebanon continues, affecting efforts to achieve a ceasefire involving the US and Iran.
Israel still occupies part of southern Lebanon and has reduced, but not stopped, its attacks.
Hezbollah demands that Israel withdraw unconditionally from Lebanon for peace to be reached.
President Trump has expressed concern over the conflict and suggested Israel use a “softer touch” with Lebanon.
Previous US-led talks between Israel and Lebanon earlier this year resulted in agreements to continue negotiations but no final peace deal.
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A historic building in New York City, the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building, has opened its cupola to the public for the first time in over 100 years as an observation deck called Centre360. This project is part of a wider effort to restore old buildings in the city and across the U.S., focusing on preserving history and reducing environmental impact.
Key Facts
The David N. Dinkins Municipal Building was completed in 1914 and is one of the largest municipal office buildings in the world.
Centre360 is an observation deck located in the building’s restored cupola, now open to the public with views of Lower Manhattan.
The restoration project cost $6 million and focused on preserving historic features like tiles, flooring, and the façade.
The idea for public access to the cupola gained momentum with support from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The restoration is part of efforts to maintain and modernize the city’s aging buildings, many of which are around 90 years old.
Nearly half of U.S. buildings are at least 50 years old, and adaptive reuse (reusing existing buildings) is increasing nationwide.
Reusing old buildings helps reduce carbon emissions compared to building new ones, supporting environmental goals.
The New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services manages 56 buildings and works to balance historic preservation with modern upgrades.
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A new U.S. drought map shows many areas in the country facing dry conditions as July begins. Some regions saw short-term rain that helped, but overall drought is expected to worsen in parts of the West, Plains, and Southeast due to heat and a dry weather pattern.
Key Facts
The U.S. Drought Monitor released its latest map showing drought conditions across the country.
About 43% of the U.S. is experiencing some level of drought, ranging from mild dryness to the most severe category, called "exceptional drought."
The worst drought conditions remain in parts of the West, High Plains, South, and Southeast.
Tropical Storm Arthur helped improve drought briefly in Texas and the Southeast, but this improvement may not last.
Heat and dry weather are expected to bring a return of drought in the South and parts of Texas by mid-July.
Some areas like the Delmarva Peninsula and southeastern Texas have seen small improvements due to recent rainfall.
The Mountain West, Northwest, and northern Rockies are expected to see increasing drought and dryness through July.
The Southwest may see some rain from the monsoon season and Pacific storms, but drought there will largely persist.
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Mick Jagger, lead singer of the Rolling Stones, talked about the idea of a movie about the band’s life, called a biopic. He said he is interested but unsure about which part of their long career a film should focus on.
Key Facts
Mick Jagger is promoting a new Rolling Stones album called "Foreign Tongues," releasing on July 10.
Jagger was asked if he would like to see a Rolling Stones biopic and said yes, he finds it interesting.
He compared the idea to other music biopics, like those about Bob Dylan and James Brown.
Jagger mentioned biopics often show a small part of a person's life rather than their whole story.
He is unsure which time period in the Stones’ long career a movie should cover.
Jagger did not name anyone he would want to play him in a biopic.
Fans will have to wait for a possible biopic but not for the new album coming soon.
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A three-storey building collapsed in Lagos, Nigeria, killing at least nine people and injuring 27 others. Rescue teams worked through the night to find survivors, and authorities are now checking nearby buildings for safety.
Key Facts
Nine people died from the building collapse, including a two-year-old girl.
Twenty-seven people were rescued with various injuries.
The building was in the Alakija neighborhood of Lagos near a busy expressway.
The building had residents and businesses like cyber cafes and phone repair shops.
Causes of the collapse are still unknown.
Building collapses are common in Lagos due to rapid city growth, poor building materials, and weak enforcement of rules.
Emergency teams from several agencies responded quickly to the disaster.
The Lagos governor ordered safety checks on nearby buildings to prevent more collapses.
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Olivia Rodrigo announced the Daisy Chain Fields festival, an all-female music event, which sold out in just 30 minutes. The festival will take place on August 29 in Irvine, California, and will donate proceeds to charities supporting women and girls.
Key Facts
Daisy Chain Fields is an all-female music festival featuring Olivia Rodrigo and artists like Stevie Nicks, Sarah McLachlan, and Mitski.
The festival sold out 30 minutes after tickets went on sale.
Fans who missed tickets can join a waiting list on the official website.
Olivia Rodrigo was inspired by the 1990s Lilith Fair festival, which highlighted women in music.
The event is scheduled for August 29 at Great Park in Irvine, California.
All performers are donating their time and music for charity.
Proceeds from the festival will go to groups that support and advocate for women and girls.
Sarah McLachlan, one of Rodrigo's inspirations, will perform alongside her at the festival.
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Iran claimed control over the Strait of Hormuz and said only ships that cooperate with Iran will be allowed to pass safely. This statement followed President Donald Trump’s accusation that Iran attacked a commercial ship near Oman using a drone.
Key Facts
Iran declared it controls the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for oil shipments.
Iran said ships must coordinate with Tehran to ensure safe passage through the strait.
President Donald Trump accused Iran of attacking a commercial vessel near Oman.
The attack allegedly involved a one-way attack drone.
The British military also commented on the situation, though details were not provided.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic location between the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea.
Iran’s warning followed rising tensions between Iran and the United States.
The situation affects international shipping and global oil supply routes.
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Israel and Lebanon are set to sign a framework agreement after four days of talks in Washington, helped by the Trump administration. The agreement outlines steps toward peace, including limited Israeli military withdrawal and Lebanese army deployment in certain areas.
Key Facts
The agreement was negotiated over four days in Washington D.C.
The Trump administration mediated the talks.
The deal includes launching two pilot projects where Israel will pull back troops and the Lebanese army will move in.
These areas are north and south of the Litani River in southern Lebanon.
This would be Israel’s first military withdrawal from southern Lebanon since expanding control during its war with Iran.
A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has mostly held since last weekend.
Israel has conducted strikes against what it says were threats from Hezbollah during this period.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Lebanese President Aoun to resolve final issues.
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King Charles’s tax payment was revealed for the first time, showing he will pay £12.9 million in taxes for 2024-25, and a total of £30 million since becoming king. However, details about his total income and assets are limited, and his tax bill is low compared to other wealthy individuals.
Key Facts
King Charles voluntarily began paying taxes in 1993, although monarchs are not required to pay tax.
His tax payment for 2024-25 is £12.9 million, slightly less than the previous year.
Since becoming king, he has paid about £30 million in taxes.
The king’s private wealth, called the privy purse, is estimated at least £1.8 billion.
The Duchy of Lancaster, part of his wealth, is a £690 million property portfolio that generates about £25 million a year.
Unlike regular income, the Duchy’s gains on property sales and rental income are not taxed.
Other wealthy individuals with similar or smaller fortunes pay much higher taxes; for example, a hedge fund owner worth £1.8 billion pays £114 million in tax.
The palace says the king pays capital gains tax on private wealth and that accounts are audited, but no full public disclosure exists.
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Bringing home a new puppy can change a family’s daily routine, especially for children. Puppies often wake up at night, need lots of care, and require teaching children how to interact safely with them.
Key Facts
Puppies often wake up during the night needing bathroom breaks or attention, which can disrupt family sleep.
Sleep disruptions may cause children to feel tired during the day or affect family patience.
Puppies need constant supervision and training as they grow, including managing chewing, teething, and accidents.
Families often underestimate how much time and effort puppies require.
Children should never be left alone with a young puppy and taught to be gentle.
Involving children in puppy care can be helpful and teach responsibility.
Preparing children before getting a puppy—by visits, books, and setting expectations—can ease the transition.
The challenges with puppies are temporary as they mature and become more independent.
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An Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) started in early 2026 and has affected more than 1,000 people in over 30 areas. Despite some patients recovering after treatment, health workers warn that the epidemic is continuing and may last a long time due to challenges in tracking cases and reaching some communities.
Key Facts
The Ebola epidemic in the DRC began officially on May 17, 2026, but cases appeared as early as April.
Over 1,150 cases and 300 deaths have been confirmed as of late June 2026.
Ebola remains hard to control because some affected zones are dangerous or hard to reach, such as mining areas near borders.
Health workers celebrated the recovery and hospital release of 14 patients in Mongbwalu, the outbreak’s center.
Some infected people, including hospital staff, caught Ebola from contact with infected bodies, which remain contagious after death.
There is uncertainty about the total number of cases and deaths due to incomplete testing and possible confusion with other diseases like malaria.
International groups like the World Health Organization and Médecins Sans Frontières are involved in monitoring and responding to the epidemic.
Health experts describe the current response as delayed and say the epidemic is still spreading.
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The movie "Supergirl," directed by Craig Gillespie, tells the story of Kara Zor-El (played by Milly Alcock) as she struggles to find her place on Earth while trying to save her dog, Krypto, from a deadly poison. The film focuses on Kara's emotional journey and portrays her as a young woman dealing with loneliness and loss.
Key Facts
"Supergirl" is inspired by the comic series "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow."
Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl, is played by Milly Alcock.
The plot includes a villain named Krem who poisons Kara’s dog, Krypto.
Kara has only three days to find a cure to save Krypto’s life.
The film highlights Kara’s emotional vulnerabilities and her struggle to belong.
Visual effects and production design create a colorful and unique world supporting the story.
Some parts of the movie slow down pacing and feature less engaging action scenes.
Milly Alcock’s acting is praised for making Supergirl feel real and relatable.
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Many people in Paris are leaving their homes because of a very hot heat wave. Since many homes do not have air conditioning, people are going to public cooling centers to find relief from the heat.
Key Facts
Paris is experiencing an intense heat wave with very high temperatures.
Many Paris residents do not have air conditioning in their homes.
People are using public cooling centers to stay safe and cool.
Cooling centers are public places set up to help people escape extreme heat.
The heat wave has caused discomfort and health concerns for many residents.
Local authorities are encouraging the use of cooling centers during this heat wave.
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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has taken Rwanda to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Rwanda of supporting armed groups in DR Congo and breaking international treaties. DR Congo wants the court to make Rwanda stop these actions and pay compensation.
Key Facts
DR Congo filed a case at the ICJ accusing Rwanda of illegal military actions on its soil.
The accusations include violations of treaties on genocide prevention, racial discrimination, women's rights, and torture.
Rwanda is accused of backing the M23 rebel group in eastern DR Congo, which has captured large areas there.
Rwanda denies supporting rebel groups and calls one such group, the FDLR, a genocidal militia threatening its security.
The conflict started after the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which led many Hutus to flee into DR Congo.
Past ICJ cases between DR Congo and Rwanda were stopped because Rwanda did not accept the court’s authority.
Despite a peace deal signed in December 2024 with US support, fighting has continued in eastern DR Congo.
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