A red heat warning is active in parts of south-east and central southern England, with temperatures expected to reach up to 37°C (98.6°F). Cooler weather and thunderstorms are forecast to arrive from the west during the weekend, ending the heatwave.
Key Facts
Overnight temperatures in southern England and Wales stayed above 20°C recently.
A record June temperature of 36.7°C (98°F) was set in Merryfield, Somerset.
Wales reached a new June high of 36.6°C in Cardiff.
Scotland and Northern Ireland had their highest temperatures this year at 31.2°C and 30°C respectively.
A tropical night means the temperature does not drop below 20°C during a full day.
Thunderstorms with heavy rain, lightning, hail, and strong winds are expected in some areas.
The heatwave will move eastwards on Friday, with cooler weather arriving from the west this weekend.
Temperatures will return closer to normal levels by Sunday, with highs in the high teens to mid twenties Celsius.
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The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, wants the migration minister, Mike Tapp, to be fired after he wrote a newspaper article without permission. Tapp defended his actions on social media and said he will not be intimidated, while the prime minister has not yet decided to remove him. This disagreement shows tension in the government as a new administration prepares to take power soon.
Key Facts
Mike Tapp wrote an article in the Times supporting exemptions for overseas care workers from immigration rule changes.
Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, said Tapp should be fired for writing the article without approval.
Tapp posted on social media that he will not be intimidated and shared that he has been working on this policy for months.
The prime minister has not made a decision about firing Tapp yet.
Other government members think it is unwise for junior ministers to publicly share their views like this.
Tapp’s article was seen as trying to claim credit for an idea from internal ministerial talks.
The disagreement happens just before a new government, led by Andy Burnham, is expected to take office soon.
A justice minister advised the Home Office to remain calm and address the issue internally.
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The number of Americans applying for Irish citizenship through their Irish family roots has greatly increased over the past decade, reaching a new high in 2025. At the same time, more people moved from the U.S. to Ireland last year than from Ireland to the U.S., marking a notable change in migration patterns.
Key Facts
Irish citizenship applications by U.S. citizens grew from about 2,000 in 2015 to nearly 19,000 in 2025.
The biggest increases happened between 2023-2024 and 2024-2025.
More Americans are seeking a second passport from Ireland as a backup plan amid political and economic uncertainty.
From April 2024 to April 2025, nearly 9,600 people moved from the U.S. to Ireland, almost double the number from the previous year.
In the same period, about 6,100 people moved from Ireland to the U.S., which is less than the number going to Ireland.
The U.S. experienced more people leaving than arriving last year, according to the Brookings Institution.
Some Americans are drawn to Ireland for financial reasons and political changes at home.
Personal stories include individuals moving for opportunities or family reasons, such as a couple relocating to Ireland for work and education.
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The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief, Rafael Grossi, said a strong system to check Iran’s nuclear program is needed to ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons after the ongoing Middle East conflict ends. Iran and the United States recently signed a preliminary deal to stop the war and plan to negotiate further, but disagreements remain about how much access UN inspectors will have to Iranian nuclear sites.
Key Facts
IAEA head Rafael Grossi says Iran must have strict nuclear inspections to prevent weapon development.
Iran and the US signed a preliminary deal aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East.
The war began in February after large US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Iran declared it does not intend to develop nuclear weapons, but verification is necessary.
The IAEA wants Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile to be reduced under its supervision.
Before the war, Iran had about 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, below weapons level.
Iran stopped cooperating with the IAEA last year after US and Israeli attacks.
US President Trump said Iran agreed to allow UN inspectors to return, but Iran denies this.
The conflict’s resolution also involves disputes over strategic locations like the Strait of Hormuz.
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The United Nations nuclear agency says Iran’s promise not to build nuclear weapons needs very strong checks to make sure it is true. Iran and the United States are negotiating a lasting peace deal after a recent war, with talks focusing on Iran’s nuclear program and allowing UN inspectors access to nuclear sites.
Key Facts
The UN nuclear chief, Rafael Grossi, says verification is needed to ensure Iran is not making nuclear weapons.
Iran and the US signed a preliminary deal last week to end the conflict that began in February.
There is disagreement between Tehran and Washington about whether UN inspectors can visit Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Before the war, Iran had 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, below the amount needed for a bomb.
The US and Israel bombed Iranian nuclear sites last year, which affected Iran’s uranium stockpile.
Iran previously agreed to a nuclear deal in 2015 but stopped cooperating after the US and Israeli attacks.
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz during the war, a key passageway for global energy shipments.
An attack in the Strait of Hormuz recently caused the UN to halt evacuation efforts for stranded sailors.
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People from Venezuela living in Doral, Florida, have organized to send help to Venezuela after two earthquakes hit the country. Many Venezuelans in Doral fled their home country due to economic problems and insecurity.
Key Facts
Doral, Florida has the largest number of Venezuelan residents in the US, with over 40% of its population being of Venezuelan origin.
Two earthquakes occurred in Venezuela on a recent Wednesday.
The Venezuelan community in Doral is collecting aid to send to Venezuela.
Simón Peña, a member of the community, donated drinking water while hoping to hear news about missing family members.
Many Venezuelans left their country after President Nicolás Maduro took office in 2013, following years under former President Hugo Chávez.
The aid effort is driven by people wanting to support those affected from outside Venezuela.
The video report was produced by Jose Rodero and Ayelén Oliva for BBC Mundo.
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In 2026, many Western countries face a serious housing affordability problem, with rising rents and home prices outpacing wages. Governments in the UK, Europe, and the US are introducing new laws and plans to increase affordable housing and protect renters.
Key Facts
England and Wales started a new renters’ law on May 1, ending “no-fault” evictions.
The European Commission and Parliament are focusing on making housing more affordable.
The US Senate passed a bipartisan bill to reduce building barriers and increase affordable homes.
Housing costs have been rising faster than incomes in many cities like London, Berlin, Toronto, and Sydney.
Housing is considered unaffordable when it costs more than 30-40% of household income.
Governments and experts debate whether housing should be a basic need or treated as an investment.
Some Western countries reduced public spending on social housing since the late 1970s and 1980s, making the crisis worse.
The Netherlands plans to build 100,000 new homes yearly to address the problem.
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Paris and much of mainland France are experiencing an extreme heatwave with record-high temperatures. Many popular tourist sites like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre have closed early to protect visitors as a red alert for severe heat covers most of the country.
Key Facts
France is facing a historic heatwave with temperatures hotter than any since 1947.
About 75% of mainland France is under the highest level of heat alert, called the "red" alert.
Tourist attractions in Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum, have closed early because of the heat.
Parisians are seeking relief by going to places like canals to escape the hot weather.
The heatwave has affected vulnerable groups, such as homeless migrants, who are struggling with the extreme temperatures.
Experts warn that such intense heat may become more common in future years.
Coastal waters around France have also seen a rise in temperature linked to the heatwave.
French officials say the country is one of the best prepared in Europe to handle heatwaves.
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Venezuela was hit by two powerful earthquakes on Wednesday evening, killing at least 235 people and injuring more than 4,000. Rescue teams and residents are searching through rubble for survivors, while the government has declared a state of emergency and set up a fund to help rebuild damaged hospitals and homes.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 occurred less than 40 seconds apart in northern Venezuela near Caracas.
At least 235 people have died, and thousands are missing after the earthquakes.
The La Guaira region, which has the country's main airport, suffered severe damage with over 100 buildings collapsed.
The Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency and created a $200 million fund for reconstruction.
A senior U.S. military official, Maj Gen Kevin Jarrard, arrived in Caracas to help coordinate U.S. relief efforts.
The United Nations reported many buildings, including apartment blocks and hotels, collapsed in the affected areas.
The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. Department of Defense will assist with search and rescue operations.
The Simón Bolívar international airport was closed due to damage, making it harder to get aid into the region.
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A strong heatwave is causing temperatures to rise above 40°C (104°F) in Germany and Poland this weekend. The heatwave is also affecting parts of Europe and Asia, bringing severe thunderstorms, tornadoes in Russia, and heavy rain in southern China.
Key Facts
Temperatures in Germany and Poland could reach or exceed 40°C on Saturday and Sunday.
The Austrian Grand Prix has declared a heat hazard due to unusually warm weather, with race temperatures nearly 10°C above normal.
Severe thunderstorms have caused damage and injuries in parts of Europe, including a tornado in Russia’s Sverdlovsk region.
The tornado in Kushva, Russia, injured 16 people and damaged about 100 buildings.
Storm warnings remain active in southern Russia.
Southern China experienced intense rainfall during its Meiyu (plum rain) season, with over 100mm of rain in three hours recorded near Guangzhou.
Heavy rain can cause flash floods, mudflows, and landslides in affected areas.
Scientists link the increasing extreme weather events to climate change.
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A British woman was strangled by a US fighter pilot while in the UK, and the case was handled by the US military justice system instead of British courts. The UK Ministry of Justice is reviewing the situation because British police usually handle crimes committed on UK land, but this case highlights how authority was given to the US military.
Key Facts
Sarah Steele, a British academic, was strangled by US Air Force Captain Jacob Wulfson in Cambridge, UK, in late 2023.
The assault happened after they met on a dating app.
US military police took over the investigation and trial instead of British authorities.
Wulfson was court-martialed at RAF Lakenheath, a US base in the UK.
He was found guilty of strangling Steele but not guilty of sexual assault.
Wulfson was sentenced to six months in a military corrections facility and dismissed from the Air Force.
UK justice minister Jake Richards called the case "really serious" and said the Ministry of Justice will examine it.
The case raises questions about how UK courts and US military courts share authority over crimes involving US personnel in the UK.
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North Korea tested new weapons near its southern border to improve its military power and warn South Korea. In response, South Korea is preparing a large group of soldiers trained to use drones for defense and attack.
Key Facts
North Korea conducted tests of missiles, rocket launchers, and guns near South Korea.
Leader Kim Jong Un called for a strong, offensive military approach to deter enemies.
The new weapons aim to hit key targets like airfields, ports, and power plants.
North Korea is working on precise, long-range weapons and nuclear-armed warships.
The United States has about 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea.
South Korea plans to train 500,000 “drone warriors” to use drones as weapons.
South Korea is increasing its drone numbers and range to counter North Korea’s threat.
South Korea aims to develop five defense companies with $650 million investment by 2030.
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Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela, causing major damage and killing at least 235 people. Many are injured or trapped under rubble, and countries across the Americas, along with the United Nations, are sending rescue teams and aid to help survivors.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 hit Venezuela on Wednesday.
At least 235 people have died and 4,300 are injured.
Many people are still trapped under collapsed buildings, especially in La Guaira state.
La Guaira’s main airport is closed due to damage.
About 70,000 families have been affected by the quakes.
Volunteers and neighbors are helping with rescue efforts amid overwhelmed official teams.
Countries including the US, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, and Canada are sending rescue workers and aid.
The United States plans to send warships, planes, helicopters, and $150 million in aid to support the response.
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Alejandro Gertz Manero, Mexico’s new ambassador to the UK, disclosed owning many expensive assets, including 10 houses, two Rolls-Royces, and jewellery worth over $1 million. His wealth contrasts with the Morena party’s public commitment to helping the poor and promoting austerity.
Key Facts
Alejandro Gertz Manero was appointed Mexico’s ambassador to the UK by President Claudia Sheinbaum.
He owns 10 houses, seven cars (including two Rolls-Royces), jewellery worth over $1 million, and an art collection valued at nearly $500,000.
Gertz Manero has bank accounts in Mexico, the US, Spain, and Switzerland, and owns expensive properties in the US and Spain.
Many of his assets were reportedly inherited.
Morena, the political party he belongs to, promotes austerity and support for the poor as part of its main message.
The party has faced multiple scandals involving affluent politicians despite its anti-wealth position.
Previous Morena figures, including former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador and his family, have also faced criticism over luxury lifestyles.
Morena issued guidelines against luxury displays like expensive jewellery and high-value properties in 2023.
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The ongoing conflict involving Israel, Iran, and other Middle Eastern countries is reshaping alliances in the region. New coalitions are forming among countries like the UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran as they seek to protect their interests amid rising tensions.
Key Facts
The conflict started with a deadly Hamas attack in Gaza in October 2023 and has spread across the Middle East.
The UAE and Bahrain recognized Israel in 2020 through the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords, while other Gulf countries remain divided.
The UAE has increased military and intelligence cooperation with Israel during the conflict.
Iran opposes the UAE-Israel relationship and has targeted the UAE more than other countries during the fighting.
Saudi Arabia is strengthening ties with Turkey and Pakistan to build a regional coalition.
Iran supports groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis while seeking better relations with Gulf neighbors.
India is emerging as a new important partner in the UAE-Israel alliance.
Experts warn that diplomatic dialogue alone is not enough for regional stability; credible deterrence and respect for sovereignty are also needed.
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King Charles III will not live in Buckingham Palace after a $487 million renovation. Instead, he and Queen Camilla will continue to work there but live in nearby Clarence House.
Key Facts
Buckingham Palace has been home to British monarchs since Queen Victoria in the 1820s.
The palace has 775 rooms and serves as offices and a place for official events.
The $487 million renovation began in 2017 to update plumbing, wiring, and heating.
The renovation will finish next year after 10 years of work.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will live at Clarence House during his reign.
This decision allows Buckingham Palace to host more public events and tours.
The palace currently welcomes about 700,000 visitors each year.
King Charles III paid $16.1 million in taxes for the 2024-25 financial year, the first British monarch to reveal this information.
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Australia plans to make its laws stronger to stop children under 16 from using social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The current law, in effect since December 2024, has not worked well because many children are still using these platforms.
Key Facts
Australia was the first country to pass a law banning children under 16 from social media.
The law started on December 10, 2024.
Many children under 16 still have accounts on social media platforms despite the ban.
The Australian government is reviewing if the ban’s rules and powers are strong enough.
The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, may take legal action against social media companies for not doing enough to enforce the ban.
If companies fail to remove accounts of young children, they can face fines up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (about 34 million USD).
Other countries like Britain, Canada, Brazil, and France are also working on similar age restrictions for social media.
Studies show a large number of Australian teenagers still use social media platforms meant to be restricted.
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Russian defense forces said they stopped 660 Ukrainian drones during a large nighttime attack on several Russian regions and the Crimea peninsula. The attack followed Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s plan to increase pressure on Russia to end the war after peace efforts failed. Both sides reported damage and casualties from ongoing fighting.
Key Facts
Russia intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones targeting 12 Russian regions and Crimea.
This was one of the biggest drone attacks on Russian soil since the war began over four years ago.
Ukrainian drones have been attacking fuel and energy sites inside Russia to disrupt supplies.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy ordered a 40-day campaign to push Russia to end the war.
A chemical plant and a hydroelectric plant in Novomoskovsk, Russia, were reportedly hit and caught fire.
A woman was injured, and a private home was damaged near Moscow in the Tula region.
Moscow authorities downed 47 Ukrainian drones, with no reported casualties or damage.
Ukrainian forces stopped most Russian drones and missiles, but some missiles struck targets in Ukraine, causing injuries and deaths.
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The Australian government has approved a plan that allows New South Wales (NSW) to earn carbon credits for protecting forests instead of logging them, enabling the creation of a large koala national park. This park will protect over 12,000 koalas and other species while generating jobs and new income for regional communities.
Key Facts
The NSW government will receive hundreds of millions of dollars in carbon credits for preserving native forests rather than logging them.
Carbon credits represent one kilogram of carbon dioxide emissions prevented or absorbed by trees or land.
There are concerns that companies can buy unlimited carbon credits to offset their emissions without actually reducing pollution.
The new koala park will cover 176,000 hectares near Coffs Harbour and protect old-growth forests and at least 12,000 koalas.
The carbon credit system includes limits on logging to prevent shifting deforestation to other areas.
The project is expected to create about 100 new jobs in the national park region.
Some conservation groups welcome the plan as a major opportunity to reduce emissions and protect forests, while others criticize carbon credit schemes as unreliable.
Critics question whether the park depends on carbon credit money or would have been created anyway.
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A traditionalist Catholic group called the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) announced the symbols (coats of arms) for four new bishops they plan to make without the Pope's permission. The Vatican says this act breaks church rules and will lead to the bishops being automatically excommunicated.
Key Facts
SSPX is a group that opposes some Vatican decisions since starting in 1970.
They shared coats of arms for four future bishops on their website.
Coats of arms are unique symbols that bishops use to show their role and personal meaning.
The Vatican warned that consecrating bishops without the Pope’s approval is a serious violation.
This violation is called a “schismatic act,” meaning it causes division in the Church.
The four bishops are Father Michael Goldade (USA), Father Pascal Schreiber (Switzerland), and Fathers Michel Poinsinet de Sivry and Marc Hanappier (France).
Father Goldade's coat of arms includes wheat to represent his Kansas upbringing and North Dakota origins.
Consecrating these bishops without permission will lead to automatic excommunication, which means being officially excluded from the Church.
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