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'Extremely significant' bomb in car intercepted on way to NI, Irish police say

'Extremely significant' bomb in car intercepted on way to NI, Irish police say

Summary

Irish police stopped a car carrying a large bomb near the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Two people were arrested, and the bomb was meant for an attack in Northern Ireland.

Key Facts

  • The car was stopped on the N2 road near Carrickmacross, County Monaghan.
  • Police found a bomb with a power unit, detonator, and military-grade explosives.
  • The bomb was expected to be used as an under-car bomb.
  • A woman in her 20s driving the car was arrested first, followed by a man in his 40s.
  • Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly called the seizure "extremely significant."
  • The attack is linked to a small group of dissident republicans who oppose the Good Friday Agreement.
  • These groups did not give up their weapons as agreed in past peace deals.
  • Police said the threat from such groups will continue for some time.
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Chris Brown pleads guilty to affray over nightclub incident in London

Chris Brown pleads guilty to affray over nightclub incident in London

Summary

Singer Chris Brown pleaded guilty to affray, which means involvement in a fight, at a London nightclub in 2023. Another rapper, Omololu Akinlolu, also pleaded guilty, and other more serious charges against them were dropped.

Key Facts

  • Chris Brown is a 37-year-old US singer.
  • The incident took place in a nightclub in London in 2023.
  • Both Chris Brown and Omololu Akinlolu (rapper known as Hoody Baby) pleaded guilty to affray.
  • More serious charges like assault and grievous bodily harm were dropped.
  • Chris Brown faced a charge for having an offensive weapon, which was also dropped.
  • The court hearing was very brief, lasting less than five minutes.
  • Sentencing is scheduled for 26 October 2026.
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Giraffes given a new home in Uganda to escape oil drilling in the country’s largest park

Giraffes given a new home in Uganda to escape oil drilling in the country’s largest park

Summary

Uganda’s wildlife officials have started moving 12 endangered Nubian giraffes from Murchison Falls National Park to Ajai Wildlife Reserve. This move aims to protect the giraffes from the effects of oil drilling and other environmental threats in their current home.

Key Facts

  • The giraffes are being moved about 106 kilometers (65 miles) from Murchison Falls National Park to Ajai Wildlife Reserve.
  • Nubian giraffes are an endangered species and Earth’s tallest land mammals.
  • Murchison Falls National Park sits on significant oil deposits, with about 40% of Uganda's oil found there.
  • Oil drilling has increased recently despite previous opposition from environmental groups.
  • The move is part of efforts to protect giraffes from habitat loss caused by oil drilling, climate change, tourism, and invasive plants.
  • Uganda’s goal is to create new populations of giraffes in other protected areas to reduce risk from damage in their current habitat.
  • Rangers and veterinarians are involved in safely sedating and transporting the giraffes.
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South Africa halts impeachment against President Cyril Ramaphosa over stolen cash inquiry

South Africa halts impeachment against President Cyril Ramaphosa over stolen cash inquiry

Summary

A South African court has paused impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa related to a 2020 theft of over $580,000 in cash from his farm. The court’s decision allows other preparations for the impeachment to continue while the president challenges a parliamentary report about the incident.

Key Facts

  • The theft occurred in 2020, involving more than $580,000 taken from President Ramaphosa’s farm.
  • Parliament began impeachment proceedings in June after a report questioned the president’s handling of the theft.
  • The report raised issues about why large sums of cash were kept hidden in a sofa and the legal source and reporting of the money.
  • President Ramaphosa is contesting the report in court and asked for impeachment to be paused until this review finishes.
  • The Western Cape High Court ordered the halt of impeachment but did not stop other committee work related to the case.
  • The Constitutional Court earlier upheld the validity of the parliamentary report, allowing impeachment to proceed.
  • Political parties in Parliament are reviewing the court’s recent judgment and deciding whether to appeal.
  • President Ramaphosa’s office said he will respect judicial independence and cooperate with accountability processes.
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Gangs taking villages on Brazil-Peru border ‘hostage’, say Indigenous leaders

Gangs taking villages on Brazil-Peru border ‘hostage’, say Indigenous leaders

Summary

Indigenous leaders on the Brazil-Peru border say their villages are under serious threat from violent criminal groups involved in illegal logging, mining, and drug trafficking. They have asked the Brazilian government for protection as these groups destroy the Amazon forest and intimidate local people.

Key Facts

  • Armed men entered a village called Apiwtxa in the Kampa do Rio Amônia Indigenous Territory, frightening residents and searching for leaders.
  • The Asháninka people have faced threats for decades due to their efforts to protect the forest and stop drug traffickers.
  • The Indigenous leaders warned the government that without protection, communities might try to defend themselves, which could lead to more violence.
  • These criminal groups combine illegal logging, mining, and drug trafficking in one network, harming both people and the environment.
  • Acre state in Brazil, where these communities live, still has healthier forests compared to the Peruvian side but faces rising violence.
  • The area has a history of danger for environmental defenders, including the 1988 murder of Chico Mendes, a famous forest activist.
  • Some Indigenous people from Peru cross the border seeking safety from violence in their own country.
  • Authorities arrived after a recent armed attack on villagers, but the attackers disappeared into the forest before being caught.
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At least 11 killed in Ukraine as Moscow and Kyiv continue to trade attacks

At least 11 killed in Ukraine as Moscow and Kyiv continue to trade attacks

Summary

At least 11 people were killed in Russian attacks in Ukraine, and six were killed in Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s Kirov region. Both sides continue to exchange military strikes, targeting cities, infrastructure, and logistics facilities.

Key Facts

  • Russian missile strikes killed six people and wounded many in Kyiv region, Ukraine.
  • Five people died and nine were injured in Sloviansk after Russian bomb attacks.
  • A Russian drone attack damaged two civilian ships in Ukraine’s Mykolaiv region, with no injuries reported.
  • Russia claimed control of two villages in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region and said it struck 27 Ukrainian military vessels recently.
  • Ukrainian missile attacks in Russia’s Kirov region killed six and injured 26 at a factory.
  • Ukrainian forces targeted warehouses of Wildberries, a Russian e-commerce company, causing damage but no reported casualties.
  • The Russian Defense Ministry said it shot down 571 Ukrainian drones during one night of attacks.
  • Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called the strikes on Russian logistics successful and ongoing.
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Burnham urged to lobby EU leaders directly to waive EES border controls

Burnham urged to lobby EU leaders directly to waive EES border controls

Summary

Andy Burnham has been asked to contact EU leaders to pause the new entry-exit system (EES) at borders during the busy summer holiday weekend. The EES requires non-EU visitors to register, be photographed, and fingerprinted, but technical issues have caused long waits and missed flights for some travelers.

Key Facts

  • About 2.2 million British travelers are expected to go abroad during the weekend, mostly to Europe.
  • The EES system started fully in April but has caused delays and long queues at border control.
  • The Liberal Democrats want the UK prime minister, Andy Burnham, to ask EU countries to suspend EES until September.
  • Greece will not require UK tourists to undergo extra biometric checks under the EES.
  • France is having technical problems with automated border booths, affecting processing times.
  • The UK government is working to reduce problems, including funding better facilities at the port of Dover.
  • French border officers are currently not fingerprinting or photographing car travelers, helping traffic flow.
  • EasyJet has asked the EU to allow flexibility to suspend the EES until the end of October.
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Hurricane Fausto strengthens into Category 2 storm, expected to approach Hawaiian Islands next week

Hurricane Fausto strengthens into Category 2 storm, expected to approach Hawaiian Islands next week

Summary

Hurricane Fausto has grown stronger and become a Category 2 storm in the Pacific Ocean. It is expected to get closer to the Hawaiian Islands next week, though the exact path and strength are still uncertain.

Key Facts

  • Hurricane Fausto has maximum sustained winds of about 100 mph (161 kph).
  • The storm is currently about 1,300 miles west of Baja California, Mexico, and 1,600 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii.
  • There is a growing chance of wind and rain impacts near Hawaii from Fausto.
  • The hurricane could cause dangerous waves and rip tides in parts of southern California.
  • Tropical Storm Bertha recently moved along the Gulf Coast, causing heavy surf and some flooding in Louisiana and Texas.
  • Bertha dissipated by Thursday night, according to the National Hurricane Center.
  • The National Hurricane Center cautions that it is too early to predict the exact location or strength of Hurricane Fausto when it nears Hawaii.
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A bruising ICC scandal heads to a secret vote on removing chief prosecutor

A bruising ICC scandal heads to a secret vote on removing chief prosecutor

Summary

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is facing a vote on whether to remove its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, who has been accused of sexual misconduct. Khan denies the allegations, but he has been suspended since June after an investigation found serious misconduct. The case has caused divisions among member countries and human rights groups and has raised concerns about the court's future.

Key Facts

  • Karim Khan is the chief prosecutor of the ICC and has been accused of sexual misconduct by a female aide.
  • Khan denies these allegations and disputes the findings of the court’s oversight committee.
  • The ICC suspended Khan from his duties in June after finding evidence of serious misconduct.
  • The case has lasted more than two years and caused divisions among staff, member countries, and supporters of the court.
  • The ICC faces challenges from some countries, including a U.S. campaign seeking to dismantle the court.
  • Some Palestinian organizations and human rights groups criticized the oversight committee’s handling of the case, saying it showed political bias.
  • Staff members at the ICC have expressed worries about Khan’s possible return as leader.
  • Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and Kenneth Roth of Human Rights Watch have publicly expressed opposing views on the case.
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Robot snakes searched for Venezuela earthquake survivors in collapsed buildings

Robot snakes searched for Venezuela earthquake survivors in collapsed buildings

Summary

Robots shaped like snakes were used to help find survivors trapped in collapsed buildings after two earthquakes hit Venezuela on June 24, 2026. These snake robots can move through tight rubble spaces where humans and machines cannot reach, improving the rescue team's ability to see inside the debris.

Key Facts

  • Two earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026, causing over 5,000 deaths and injuring about 16,740 people.
  • Snake robots are equipped with video cameras and can slither through narrow spaces in collapsed buildings.
  • The robots are controlled by humans using a video game controller and a laptop, but they have software that helps them move smoothly.
  • Developed by Carnegie Mellon University’s Biorobotics Lab, the robots have been in development for nearly 20 years.
  • The robots were previously tested in search and rescue after a 2017 earthquake in Mexico City.
  • The team prepared quickly to send the robots to Venezuela after being contacted by a Venezuelan living in the U.S. who found them through an AI chatbot.
  • The team flew the robots to Venezuela with help from connections to secure a private plane amid government travel restrictions.
  • Upon arrival, the team began working with U.S. Marines to support rescue operations on the ground.
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Giorgia Meloni's Italy: An authoritarian drift? (part 2)

Giorgia Meloni's Italy: An authoritarian drift? (part 2)

Summary

Italy, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, faces criticism for pressure on its democratic institutions, including the judiciary, media, and electoral system. Key issues include restrictions on abortion access, rising political influence over the media, migration policies, and Italy’s shifting relations with the United States under President Donald Trump.

Key Facts

  • Giorgia Meloni leads a coalition of conservatives and far-right parties in Italy.
  • Her government is accused of trying to control the judiciary, media, and electoral system ahead of the 2027 elections.
  • Italy’s abortion law is legal, but many doctors refuse to perform abortions due to conscience clauses, creating unequal access.
  • Migration remains a major issue: Meloni’s government has a tough stance but approved 500,000 new work visas for 2026–2028 to address labor shortages.
  • A recent death of a Moroccan-born man in police custody sparked protests and debate about migrant rights and policing.
  • Antonio Tajani, Italy’s foreign minister, is part of Meloni’s government and has spoken about Italy’s global challenges and its relationship with President Donald Trump.
  • Sandro Gozi, a member of the European Parliament, says Italy is moving toward less liberal democracy with greater political control.
  • The proposed electoral reform includes a “majority bonus” giving extra seats to the winning coalition; it passed the lower house but is not yet approved by the Senate.
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Giorgia Meloni's Italy: An authoritarian drift? (Part 1)

Giorgia Meloni's Italy: An authoritarian drift? (Part 1)

Summary

Italy, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her conservative-far right coalition, faces criticism for increasing pressure on its democratic institutions, including the judiciary, media, and elections. Issues reported include challenges for migrants, women seeking abortions, and a decline in media freedom in the country.

Key Facts

  • Giorgia Meloni is Italy's first female prime minister.
  • Her government is a coalition of conservatives and far-right parties.
  • Critics accuse the government of trying to influence the judiciary, media, and election system.
  • Migrants, women seeking abortions, and journalists face growing challenges.
  • Italy ranks 56th in the World Press Freedom Index, indicating declining media freedom.
  • The public broadcaster RAI faced political oversight issues leading to a parliamentary committee resignation.
  • The League, one of Meloni’s coalition partners, is losing credibility and support according to some politicians.
  • Italy has been the largest beneficiary of the EU’s post-pandemic recovery fund, which is a topic of political debate.
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Russia, Stretched by Ukraine, Pulls All Warships From Mediterranean Sea

Russia, Stretched by Ukraine, Pulls All Warships From Mediterranean Sea

Summary

Russia has withdrawn all its warships from the Mediterranean Sea for the first time since 2016. This move reflects the pressure on Russia’s military as its war with Ukraine continues and its resources are stretched.

Key Facts

  • The last two Russian military ships left the Mediterranean on June 26, 2026.
  • Russia usually keeps ships in the Mediterranean to balance NATO’s naval presence and supports its only naval base there, in Tartus, Syria.
  • Russia pulled most forces from Syria after its ally, Bashar al-Assad, fled in 2024.
  • Russian ships use the Mediterranean to access the Black Sea through Turkish-controlled straits, but Turkey has blocked Russian warships since the war in Ukraine began in 2022.
  • Ukraine has damaged or destroyed about one-third of Russia’s Black Sea fleet using drones.
  • Ukraine has increased attacks on Russian cargo ships and naval bases, including strikes as far as near St. Petersburg.
  • Russia’s surface navy is considered old and limited in strength compared to its submarine fleet.
  • Russia accused Ukraine of attacking a sanctioned Russian natural gas ship in the Mediterranean in March 2026.
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‘Forever chemicals’ linked to gut inflammation in children after early exposure

‘Forever chemicals’ linked to gut inflammation in children after early exposure

Summary

A new study shows that exposure to “forever chemicals” called PFAS before birth and in early childhood is linked to inflammation in the intestines of children. This inflammation can lead to serious gut diseases later in life, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Key Facts

  • PFAS are chemicals used to make products resistant to water, stains, and heat.
  • These chemicals do not break down naturally and build up in the environment.
  • The study followed 107 mother-child pairs from pregnancy to age 11.
  • Higher PFAS levels around birth were strongly linked to markers of intestinal inflammation in children.
  • Intestinal inflammation can lead to diseases like irritable bowel disease and colorectal cancer.
  • The study tested for 46 common PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFOS, which have been partly phased out.
  • Researchers looked at mixtures of PFAS chemicals, not just individual ones, to better reflect real-world exposure.
  • Steps like water filters, buying organic, and avoiding waterproof clothing can reduce PFAS exposure, but broader policy changes are needed for protection.
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WATCH:  Video captures harrowing encounter with massive bear in Canada

WATCH: Video captures harrowing encounter with massive bear in Canada

Summary

A couple from Washington state was hiking with their dog in Alberta, Canada, when a large brown bear followed them on the trail. A video of this close encounter with the bear was captured and shared.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened in Alberta, Canada.
  • The couple is from Washington state in the United States.
  • They were hiking along a trail with their dog.
  • A brown bear followed them during their walk.
  • The encounter was recorded on video.
  • The video shows a close and tense interaction with a large bear.
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Meloni's Italy: Fortress Europe?

Meloni's Italy: Fortress Europe?

Summary

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni won the 2022 election with promises to toughen immigration laws. Since then, her government has faced legal problems over a migrant center planned in Albania and has approved many new work visas to meet labor needs. Her approach has shifted between strict policies and practical solutions, while more extreme critics push for even harsher immigration measures.

Key Facts

  • Migration was a key issue in Meloni's 2022 election campaign.
  • Meloni's government created a migrant processing center plan in Albania.
  • The migrant center plan faced legal challenges within Italy.
  • The government approved about 500,000 additional work visas for 2026–2029.
  • This visa increase aimed to address labor shortages and business demands.
  • Meloni's migration policies mix tough rhetoric with practical actions.
  • Former army general Roberto Vannacci is a political rival who wants stricter immigration policies.
  • Vannacci supports the "remigration" of migrants from Italy.
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China slaps export controls on 14 EU entities in retaliation for Russia-related sanctions

China slaps export controls on 14 EU entities in retaliation for Russia-related sanctions

Summary

China has added 14 European companies to its export control list in response to new European Union sanctions on Chinese firms linked to Russia. China will stop these European companies from receiving certain goods from China that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

Key Facts

  • China added 14 European entities to its export control list as retaliation.
  • The move follows the European Union sanctioning 14 Chinese companies connected to Russia.
  • China’s Commerce Ministry said exports of dual-use items to these European companies are banned.
  • Dual-use items are goods that can be used in both civilian and military ways.
  • Foreign companies also cannot supply these European firms with dual-use items made in China.
  • The European companies affected include firms from the Czech Republic, Italy, Germany, and France.
  • The EU’s sanctions target companies believed to help Russia's military efforts in Ukraine.
  • China says the measures protect its national security and meet international obligations on non-proliferation.
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Deposed Turkish opposition leader forms ‘New Party’ to challenge Erdogan

Deposed Turkish opposition leader forms ‘New Party’ to challenge Erdogan

Summary

Ozgur Ozel, who was removed as head of Turkey’s main opposition party (CHP), formed a new political party called the "New Party" to challenge President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ozel and 90 other lawmakers left the CHP after a court cancelled Ozel’s leadership due to alleged voting issues, and the CHP’s former leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu returned.

Key Facts

  • Ozgur Ozel was removed as CHP leader after a court ruling that canceled his election as party chair.
  • Ozel and 90 legislators resigned from the CHP and created a new party named the "New Party."
  • The court reinstated Kemal Kilicdaroglu as CHP leader, a position he held for 13 years before Ozel.
  • Supporters say Ozel’s removal is part of efforts to weaken the opposition in Turkey.
  • Hundreds of CHP officials, including prominent Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, have faced legal troubles.
  • The New Party now has 91 seats in the 600-seat parliament, surpassing the reduced CHP with 44 seats.
  • Erdogan’s ruling party, the Justice and Development Party (AKP), holds 277 seats.
  • Ozel created the new party after Kilicdaroglu refused to hold a new leadership election in the CHP.
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#France: Over 40,000 people evacuated due to #wildfires in the #southwest

#France: Over 40,000 people evacuated due to #wildfires in the #southwest

Summary

Over 40,000 people are being evacuated from the Cap Ferret peninsula in southwestern France due to large wildfires. These fires have burned more than 10,000 hectares of forest in the region.

Key Facts

  • More than 40,000 residents and tourists are leaving the Cap Ferret area for safety.
  • The wildfires are spreading across the southwest part of France.
  • Over 10,000 hectares (about 24,700 acres) of forest have been destroyed by the fires.
  • The Cap Ferret peninsula is a popular tourist destination.
  • The region is facing increased wildfire risks due to dry conditions.
  • Authorities are actively managing evacuations to protect people.
  • Similar wildfire incidents are affecting other parts of Europe, including areas near Madrid, Spain.
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Head of euthanasia firm dies while climbing Mount Fuji

Head of euthanasia firm dies while climbing Mount Fuji

Summary

A 58-year-old Swiss man, Bernhard Sutter, who was the head of a euthanasia company, died after losing consciousness while hiking Mount Fuji in Japan. This was the second death on the mountain since hiking season began in July, which has seen increased safety measures due to a rise in accidents and large numbers of hikers.

Key Facts

  • Bernhard Sutter, managing director of the euthanasia firm EXIT, died after a medical emergency on Mount Fuji during a family trip.
  • He lost consciousness while hiking and was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital.
  • This was the second death since the Fuji hiking season started on July 1; a 65-year-old Japanese man also died after a fall.
  • A 99-year-old Japanese woman was rescued after injuring herself and staying overnight in a mountain hut.
  • Mount Fuji has become very popular but dangerous, with some hikers unprepared for the long and difficult climb.
  • Authorities have introduced daily limits on climbers and fees to reduce overcrowding and improve safety.
  • In 2024, there were nine deaths on Mount Fuji; there were no deaths reported in the 2025 season.
  • Police advise hikers to avoid pushing themselves, consider weather and fitness, and plan hikes they can handle safely.
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