A severe heatwave is hitting large parts of Europe, causing record high temperatures and health warnings. The UK has issued rare red alerts for extreme heat, while France faces a heat emergency with over half the country under red alert after several heat-related deaths.
Key Facts
The heatwave forms an "Omega block," a weather pattern bringing hot air from the Sahara to Europe.
The UK Health Security Agency issued red health warnings for six English regions from early Wednesday to late Thursday, indicating risks to all people’s health and disruptions to services like transport and energy.
Expected temperatures in some parts of England and Wales could reach 38 to 40 degrees Celsius, breaking June records.
Amber health alerts cover additional northern regions in England, meaning the heatwave’s impact is widespread.
The UK Met Office described the warnings as rare and for the most severe heat events, predicting serious impacts on daily life and infrastructure.
France has issued red heat alerts for over half its departments, affecting about 39 million citizens, with at least 18 deaths linked to the heatwave.
The heatwave’s intensity is linked to climate change, which makes such events stronger and longer-lasting.
Thunderstorm warnings are also in place for some areas of England amid the heatwave.
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A man named Dean Gauci in Cardiff used CCTV and help from neighbors to find who was dumping rubbish illegally near his flats. He returned seven bags of trash to the wrongdoer's home to show that he had been caught, then reported the case to local authorities.
Key Facts
Dean Gauci manages a block of flats in Cardiff and repeatedly saw rubbish dumped illegally nearby.
He watched hours of CCTV footage and spotted the person dumping trash on June 12 at 9:00 AM.
Dean asked neighbors for help and identified the culprit who lived near the flats.
He took seven bags of rubbish back to the offender’s doorstep and rang their doorbell to confront them.
The offender admitted they planned to move the rubbish later.
Dean reported the incident to Cardiff council but did not call the police.
Fly-tipping means illegally dumping waste in places like streets or someone else’s property.
Cardiff council said fly-tippers can be fined up to £50,000 or go to jail for six months if caught.
Fly-tipping cases and enforcement actions have increased in Wales recently, with most cases involving household waste.
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Ivan Cepeda, the left-wing presidential candidate in Colombia, said he will challenge the results of the recent presidential runoff election. The far-right candidate, Abelardo De La Espriella, who is supported by President Donald Trump, seems to have a small lead in the vote count.
Key Facts
Ivan Cepeda is the leftist candidate running for president in Colombia.
Abelardo De La Espriella is the far-right candidate in the same election.
De La Espriella is supported by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The election result is very close, with De La Espriella currently ahead by a narrow margin.
Ivan Cepeda has promised to legally contest or challenge the election outcome.
This is a presidential runoff, meaning it is the final voting round between the two top candidates.
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Shaun Burton, a train driver and local community leader, died in a collision between two London-bound trains near Bedford. Around 100 people were injured in the crash, which has deeply affected the local community and colleagues.
Key Facts
Shaun Burton was 60 years old and worked for East Midlands Railway (EMR).
He died in a train collision near Bedford involving two London-bound services.
About 100 people were injured in the crash.
Burton was also active in local government as a parish and district councillor in Cambridgeshire.
Community members described him as experienced, kind, and dedicated to local safety and planning.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and local officials publicly paid tribute to Burton.
The railway line between Bedford and Luton remained closed until June 28 for recovery and safety checks.
EMR focused on safely restoring the railway after removing the crashed trains.
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Keir Starmer is resigning as UK prime minister after two years. His time in office saw a drop in immigration, some improvements in NHS waiting times, and challenges in crime and justice, but many effects of his policies are still unclear.
Key Facts
Starmer promised to end Conservative Party scandals but faced controversy over appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.
Net migration to the UK decreased due to fewer health visas and closed humanitarian programs for Ukraine and Afghanistan.
Immigration rules were tightened, including stricter English tests and visa restrictions.
NHS waiting times improved, with fewer patients waiting more than 18 weeks and progress on cancer and emergency care targets.
The number of general practitioners running their own practices decreased despite more salaried GPs being hired.
Crime and justice issues persisted, with prisons near capacity and court backlogs remaining a problem.
Public tension over immigration increased while the impact of some policies, like social care funding, is still pending review.
Predictive reports suggest possible negative net migration in 2027, which could harm the economy.
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England and Wales will offer a new drug called teplizumab on the NHS that can delay the start of type 1 diabetes by up to three years. This drug works by training the immune system to stop attacking the pancreas and is the first treatment in over 100 years to slow the disease’s progress before symptoms appear.
Key Facts
Teplizumab is the first drug approved to delay type 1 diabetes onset, not cure it.
It is approved for people aged eight and older who are in the early, pre-symptomatic stage of the disease.
Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood and reduces the pancreas’s ability to make insulin.
The drug is given through a 14-day drip treatment that takes about 30 minutes per day.
By delaying diabetes, patients gain more years without needing insulin or managing daily symptoms.
Teplizumab was developed by Sanofi and will be provided to the NHS at a discounted price.
The approval followed a careful review by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Experts say early detection of type 1 diabetes is important to benefit from this treatment.
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Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, visited Gaza to support the Christian community there. During his visit, he took part in a meeting with people from different religions at Al-Azhar University and planted an olive tree as a symbol of peace.
Key Facts
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa is the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.
He visited Gaza to show support for the Christian community living there.
The visit included an interfaith meeting at Al-Azhar University.
Participants from various religions took part in the dialogue.
An olive tree was planted during the visit to represent peace.
The visit was symbolic of unity and hope in a region affected by conflict.
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Sir Keir Starmer has resigned as the leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Andy Burnham, a Labour MP, is expected to become the next Prime Minister, possibly without any opposition in the party leadership contest.
Key Facts
Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation with an emotional speech outside 10 Downing Street.
Starmer faced growing criticism from Labour MPs and cabinet ministers before stepping down.
Andy Burnham is the only declared candidate to replace Starmer as Labour leader.
Burnham recently won a parliamentary seat at a by-election and is considered the likely next Prime Minister.
Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting ended his leadership bid after talks with Burnham.
The Labour leadership nominations close on 16 July, and if no other candidates come forward, Burnham will be confirmed as leader without a contest.
Media reports suggest Burnham will focus on economic growth and adhering to Labour’s fiscal policies.
The change in leadership comes during a UK heatwave that is causing power concerns and school closures.
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Three students died and seven were injured in a rare school shooting in central Philippines. Officials believe the two teen suspects acted because of a grudge related to bullying.
Key Facts
The shooting occurred at a school in central Philippines.
Three students were killed in the shooting.
Seven other students were wounded.
Two teenage suspects are believed to have carried out the attack.
The motive for the shooting is thought to be a grudge over bullying.
School shootings are rare in the Philippines.
Authorities are investigating the incident.
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In 2016, then-Prime Minister David Cameron announced a referendum on the UK’s membership in the European Union, scheduled for June 23, 2016. Key political figures like Boris Johnson initially struggled with their positions but eventually campaigned for Brexit, leading to divisions within the Conservative Party.
Key Facts
David Cameron promised a referendum on EU membership in 2013 and set the date for June 23, 2016.
Boris Johnson, then mayor of London, declared his support for leaving the EU one day after the date announcement.
Bernard Jenkin, a Conservative MP, warned that the referendum would harm the Conservative Party.
David Lidington, a Cameron ally, campaigned for the UK to remain in the EU but understood Cameron’s reasoning for holding the vote.
The Conservative Party was deeply divided, with many key members supporting Brexit while others wanted to remain.
Boris Johnson was uncertain about his position for some time and faced pressure from colleagues and family before deciding to back Leave.
Cameron was particularly upset by the decisions of Boris Johnson and Michael Gove to support Brexit, fearing personal and political betrayal.
Boris Johnson’s announcement to support Leave is seen as a major turning point in the Brexit campaign.
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A new poll shows that 60% of young Britons aged 18 to 28 think Brexit has failed and would vote to rejoin the European Union if given a chance. The study also found that younger voters are more likely to want a new referendum, with many feeling the original Brexit process was badly handled by politicians.
Key Facts
The poll surveyed 440 young people in the UK aged 18 to 28.
60% of this group would vote to rejoin the EU; only 9% would vote to stay out.
Among those likely to vote in a new referendum, 81% support rejoining the EU.
Half of the young respondents see Brexit as a failure; 16% view it as a success.
Younger adults (18-21) show stronger opposition to Brexit than older gen Z voters (25-28).
37% believe Brexit could have worked but was ruined by politicians; 29% think it never would have worked.
Older voters who favored Leave have largely passed away, changing the overall voter makeup.
Around 6 million young people who could not vote in 2016 have since become eligible voters.
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The European Union plans to host a meeting with the Taliban in Brussels, which has sparked criticism from human rights groups and some members of the European Parliament. The meeting aims to discuss deporting Afghan migrants from Europe but raises concerns because the Taliban government has restricted women's rights and faces accusations of serious crimes.
Key Facts
The Belgian foreign ministry gave five visas to Taliban members to attend a meeting in Brussels.
The meeting will focus on returning Afghan migrants who do not have legal residence or are seen as security risks.
The Taliban has banned girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade and restricted women from public life.
Two senior Taliban leaders attending have international arrest warrants for crimes against humanity related to the persecution of women and girls.
The EU has imposed sanctions on some Taliban members but is still talking with the group to manage migration issues.
Human rights groups warn that deporting Afghans back to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan could expose them to persecution and danger.
The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is severe, with about 40% of the population facing hunger.
Some EU lawmakers believe the deportation talks are influenced by far-right immigrant fears rather than humanitarian concerns.
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El Niño, a natural weather pattern that warms the Pacific Ocean, has returned with strong effects. This could lead to more extreme heat and unusual weather in parts of the world, including the UK possibly experiencing temperatures of 40°C (104°F).
Key Facts
El Niño is a recurring weather event that changes ocean temperatures and weather globally.
This year's El Niño is stronger than usual, raising concerns about extreme heat.
The UK might see record high temperatures around 40°C, which is very rare there.
El Niño can cause droughts, floods, and other extreme weather in different regions.
Scientists monitor El Niño to predict weather patterns and prepare communities.
The name "Godzilla El Niño" refers to this event’s possible unusually high strength.
Extreme heat impacts health, agriculture, and energy use in affected countries.
News outlets like Sky News, BBC, and Arirang News are covering the event.
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A group of Australians has filed a complaint to the United Nations, saying the Australian government's support for coal and gas exports harms people's human rights. They link extreme weather events like bushfires and floods in Australia to climate change caused by fossil fuels and want the UN to take action against Australia.
Key Facts
Australians accuse their government of violating human rights by supporting coal and gas exports.
They say extreme weather events, including bushfires, floods, and heatwaves, have damaged their lives.
The group is making the claim to the United Nations Human Rights Committee.
This is the first such claim after a 2025 International Court of Justice ruling that countries can be sued over climate change.
Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of coal and gas.
Group members include Indigenous leader Prof Anne Poelina, wildlife ecologist Dr Barry Traill, and disability advocate Brendon Donohue.
Climate change impacts include loss of cultural knowledge, health problems, and increased natural disasters.
The claim asks the UN to say it is illegal for Australia to approve and support fossil fuel exports without protecting people from climate harms.
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A Brazilian woman was given a suspended prison sentence in South Korea for repeatedly stalking BTS star Jungkook, including ringing his doorbell 133 times. She visited his home about 22 times despite warnings and is likely to be deported unless she appeals.
Key Facts
The woman started stalking Jungkook in December last year.
She went to his home approximately 22 times in less than two months.
During one visit, she rang his doorbell 133 times.
She left letters and photos at his doorstep, saying it was "out of love."
Police issued an emergency order banning her from coming within 100 meters of Jungkook's home.
She was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years.
She may be deported from South Korea unless she successfully appeals.
A judge noted her risk of re-offending was "not significant."
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A Brazilian woman was given a suspended one-year prison sentence and may be deported from South Korea for repeatedly visiting BTS star Jungkook's home despite warnings. She rang his doorbell 133 times in one visit and appeared around his property about 22 times in total.
Key Facts
The woman is Brazilian and has not been named publicly.
She first went to Jungkook's home in December 2023.
On one visit, she rang the doorbell 133 times.
She left letters and photos at his door, saying it was out of "love."
She was arrested but continued to visit even after a police order to stay 100 meters away.
The court gave her a one-year prison sentence suspended for two years, meaning she won't go to jail unless she reoffends.
She might be deported from South Korea unless she wins an appeal.
The court said her chance of doing this again is low.
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Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer has resigned and a leadership contest is underway to find his replacement. Andy Burnham is the leading candidate, but some Labour Members of Parliament (MPs) want a full leadership race to test all candidates before selecting a new prime minister.
Key Facts
Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Labour Party leader.
Nominations for the new leader open on 9 July and close on 16 July.
Andy Burnham, former mayor of Greater Manchester, is seen as the frontrunner.
At least two senior Labour MPs, including Al Carns and Darren Jones, may challenge Burnham.
Candidates need support from at least 81 Labour MPs to run.
Some MPs are concerned about Burnham becoming leader without a contest.
Burnham plans to focus on growing the economy and following government fiscal rules.
Other UK party leaders have commented on the leadership change and called for a general election.
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Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that Tehran will control the Strait of Hormuz following talks in Switzerland between Iran and the United States. The two countries agreed to establish communication lines to keep the shipping route open and work toward ending conflicts in the Middle East.
Key Facts
Iran will administer the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments.
This decision comes after negotiations between Iran and the US held in Switzerland.
The talks also covered efforts to end the war involving Iran and Israel and to improve security in Lebanon.
Iran and the US agreed to set up communication links to prevent conflicts in the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States eased some sanctions on Iranian oil after Tehran agreed to allow UN nuclear inspectors back into the country.
President Donald Trump said he might limit US support for NATO countries due to dissatisfaction with their backing of US military actions in Iran.
Israel’s leaders expressed commitment to continue military actions aimed at protecting their country from threats in southern Lebanon.
Asian stock markets showed mixed reactions amid uncertainty about the situation in Iran.
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Keir Starmer won the 2024 UK general election with a large majority, promising to fix problems from the previous Conservative government. However, after two years as prime minister, he faced growing anger and disappointment, leading to his removal from office.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer was a human rights lawyer before entering politics.
He won the 2024 general election with a landslide vote.
Starmer promised to repair damage caused by 14 years of Conservative rule.
After two years as prime minister, public anger and disappointment increased.
Starmer became the most disliked UK prime minister since modern polling began.
He was removed from the position of prime minister against the public's disappointment.
Observers noted Starmer appeared confident and dignified but struggled to lead effectively.
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Iran’s chief negotiator said the Strait of Hormuz will not go back to how it was before the war, but Iran will follow international law. He made these comments after the first round of talks with the United States in Switzerland.
Key Facts
Iran’s chief negotiator spoke about the Strait of Hormuz after talks with the US.
The talks took place in Switzerland and were the first round between the two countries.
Iran said the Strait will not return to its previous state before the war.
Despite this, Iran promised to follow all international laws regarding the Strait.
The discussion focused on cooperation between the US and Iran about the Strait.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway for global shipping.
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