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Sameer, who was 17, left Afghanistan after the Taliban took control from the government his father worked for. His story is one example of the challenges faced by child refugees, who make up a significant part of the global refugee population.
Key Facts
Sameer fled Afghanistan at the age of 17 when the Taliban overthrew the government.
Sameer's father worked for the government that was overthrown.
Sameer aspired to be a mixed martial arts fighter.
When the Taliban took power, Sameer and his family faced increased risks.
Sameer became a child refugee, joining many others in similar situations.
There are 41 million refugees around the world, with 13.3 million being children.
This means 33 out of every 100 refugees are children.
Child refugees outnumber the populations of countries like Belgium, Sweden, Portugal, and Greece.
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Tens of thousands of Afghan refugees, who lived for many years in Pakistan and Iran, are being forced to return to Afghanistan. These deportations have increased significantly this year, leaving many families with very few belongings and without homes in their native country. The reasons behind these deportations are not completely clear, but they are reportedly linked to documentation issues.
Key Facts
Afghan refugees are being sent back to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran.
Many of these refugees have been living in these countries for decades.
Since June 1, 2023, 71,000 Afghan refugees have been deported from Pakistan and Iran.
Families arriving in Afghanistan often have only the clothing they wear and few other belongings.
The largest number of returnees in one day was 30,607.
Children are especially affected, as many only know Pakistan or Iran as their home.
The exact reasons for the increased deportations are not fully explained, but lacking proper documentation is a factor.
Governments of the countries involved have not provided clear reasons for the deportations.
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Iran is holding a state funeral for about 60 individuals, including military leaders and nuclear scientists, who died in a recent 12-day conflict with Israel. The conflict ended with a ceasefire after the US conducted bombings on Iran's nuclear sites. Iranian leaders and US President Trump exchanged strong remarks, with Iran warning against disrespectful comments.
Key Facts
Iran hosted a state funeral in Tehran for around 60 people killed in the conflict with Israel.
The conflict lasted 12 days and ended with a ceasefire.
Mohammad Bagheri, a top military officer, and Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards, were among those who died.
The US bombed key nuclear sites in Iran during the conflict.
President Trump said he might bomb Iran if intelligence showed uranium enrichment concerns.
Iran’s foreign minister warned Trump against making disrespectful comments about Iran's Supreme Leader.
Iran acknowledged significant damage to its nuclear sites from the bombings.
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A report from the newspaper Haaretz claims Israeli soldiers were ordered to shoot at unarmed people in Gaza trying to reach food distribution sites. Israel's leaders strongly denied these claims, calling them false and harmful. More than 500 people seeking food aid have reportedly been killed in Gaza recently.
Key Facts
Haaretz published a report quoting Israeli soldiers about shooting orders in Gaza.
Israeli leaders, including the Prime Minister, denied these claims, calling the report "false."
The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 500 deaths and more than 4,000 injuries among people seeking food aid.
The report mentions soldiers allegedly firing at people approaching food sites, even if they posed no threat.
Israel's military says it is looking into these claims but denies giving such orders.
The United Nations managed to deliver some medical supplies to Gaza for the first time in months.
Food distribution in Gaza is controlled by a group with U.S. support, amid a complete Israeli blockade.
Haaretz suggests a military investigation into possible war crimes linked to these incidents.
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Germany plans to increase its military spending and aims to build Europe's largest armed forces. The country intends to spend more money on defense by creating a special fund and changing its constitution to allow additional borrowing.
Key Facts
Germany plans to increase defense spending to 3.5% of its GDP, which matches the percentage spent by the United States.
A constitutional change will permit Germany to borrow more money for defense, bypassing the usual balanced budget rules.
A $117 billion special fund will support nearly $400 billion in defense spending until 2029.
Germany will not reduce social programs to fund military spending.
Some sectors like the defense industry are already adjusting to this increase in military focus and production.
Germany is leading a NATO task force in Lithuania and is deploying 5,000 troops there permanently.
The decision was influenced by global events and expectations from international partners.
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In May, Gujarat's forest department reported a 32% increase in India's wild lion population since 2020, totaling 891 lions. The census revealed more lions now live in areas outside the main Gir forest sanctuary. Despite these rising numbers, experts highlight challenges like human-animal conflicts, as shown by a recent tragic incident in Amreli district.
Key Facts
The lion population in Gujarat increased by 32% over five years, reaching 891 lions.
Lions in India are primarily found in Gujarat, with the Gir National Park being a central area for their conservation.
The 2023 census showed more lions living in areas outside Gir forest, with satellite populations numbering 497.
These satellite populations are in 11 districts, including Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, now considered a "second home" for lions.
India has launched Project Lion, a conservation effort with a budget of 29,277 million Indian rupees ($341 million).
Experts express concern over human-animal conflicts and question the current methods of counting lions.
The lion census was conducted in May across 735 regions using digital photography and personnel.
Experts suggest more reliable methods, like using whisker patterns for identifying individual lions, to improve accuracy in future counts.
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Fireworks for the Fourth of July in the U.S. might cost more and be harder to find because of new tariffs on goods from China. Most fireworks in the U.S. come from China, and now they face extra taxes, which has led some importers to stop shipping fireworks altogether.
Key Facts
Most fireworks in the U.S. are made in China.
Fireworks imported from China now have tariffs of at least 30%.
99% of consumer fireworks and 90% of professional display fireworks in the U.S. come from China.
Tariffs have led to higher prices and potential shortages of fireworks in the U.S.
Some U.S. companies had extra fireworks before tariffs were applied, but they still faced price changes.
Next year's Fourth of July is expected to be important because it marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S.
Tariffs could rise back to 145% if no trade deal with China is made, affecting future imports and displays.
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A Colorado judge sentenced Jon Hallford, owner of Return to Nature Funeral Home, to 20 years in prison for defrauding customers and the government. Hallford stored 191 bodies improperly and gave families fake ashes instead of their loved ones' remains. He also received a punishment for fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funds from the government.
Key Facts
Jon Hallford owned a funeral home in Colorado.
He was sentenced to 20 years in prison for defrauding customers and improperly storing 191 bodies.
Families received fake ashes made from concrete instead of their loved ones’ remains.
Hallford and his wife also faced charges for allegedly stealing nearly $900,000 in COVID-19 relief funds.
They spent the money on luxury items and cars.
Jon Hallford must pay over $1 million in restitution for his fraud.
Court documents revealed some families paid over $130,000 for funeral services that were not provided.
Hallford claimed to practice taxidermy at the location where bodies were found.
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The Budapest Pride march is set to proceed on Saturday despite legal threats from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and new laws that restrict pro-LGBTQ gatherings. Attendees and organizers could face fines and legal penalties, but EU officials plan to join the event in support.
Key Facts
The Budapest Pride march is planned for Saturday despite threats of legal action.
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned of legal consequences but said there won't be physical harm.
Police have issued a ban based on a new "child protection" law limiting pro-LGBTQ events.
Participants might be fined up to €500 if identified, with facial recognition being used.
Organizers could face up to a year in prison.
The EU equalities commissioner, Hadja Lahbib, plans to attend the march.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen encouraged Hungary not to obstruct the march.
Orban responded by asking the EU not to interfere with Hungary's law enforcement decisions.
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President Donald Trump expressed optimism about a potential ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, suggesting it might happen within a week. This statement comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza and international criticism regarding Israeli military actions.
Key Facts
President Trump suggested a ceasefire in Gaza could be reached within a week.
Trump made his comments after speaking with individuals involved in the peace efforts.
Israeli and Hamas negotiations have not officially started despite increasing calls for a ceasefire.
Reports claim Israeli soldiers were ordered to shoot unarmed Palestinians seeking aid.
Nearly 550 Palestinians have reportedly been killed near aid distribution points in Gaza since May.
The United Nations Secretary-General and Doctors Without Borders condemned the violence and humanitarian crisis.
Trump’s special envoy had no information on a ceasefire breakthrough.
Israeli Minister Ron Dermer is expected to meet with Trump officials for talks.
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NPR's Throughline podcast discusses the history of conflicts between Iran and the United States. The episode covers events from the 1979 Iranian revolution to current tensions.
Key Facts
Iran and the U.S. have had a complex relationship since the 1979 Iranian revolution.
One key event was when the USS Vincennes shot down Iran Air Flight 655 in 1988, killing 290 people.
Iranians held a mass funeral for the victims, with many expressing anger towards the U.S.
The podcast explores various military and digital confrontations between the two nations.
The episode is part of a series that examines the origins and development of Middle Eastern conflicts.
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A truck hit a minibus carrying workers in Ashmoun, Egypt, killing 19 people, mostly teenagers. The workers were going to their jobs early Friday when the crash happened, and investigations suggest speeding might have been a cause.
Key Facts
A truck collided with a minibus in Ashmoun, Menoufia, Egypt.
Nineteen people, mainly teenage workers, died in the crash.
The workers were traveling to work early in the morning.
Three people survived and were taken to Ashmoun Hospital.
Egypt's Labour Minister announced compensation for victims' families and the injured.
Excessive speeding is suspected to be a reason for the crash.
An investigation into the crash's cause has been ordered.
Deadly traffic accidents are a common issue in Egypt.
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Ukrainian forces reported striking four Russian warplanes at a base near Volgograd, Russia. Several attacks have occurred in Ukraine, including missile strikes that killed and injured people and damaged infrastructure. The United States and Russia discussed diplomatic solutions, and NATO countries near Russia are increasing their military readiness.
Key Facts
Ukrainian military claimed to hit four Russian Su-34 warplanes near Volgograd, Russia.
A Russian missile attack killed at least five people and injured over 20 in Samar, Ukraine.
Russian troops captured the village of Nova Kruhlyakivka in the Kharkiv region, Ukraine.
An attack in Ukraine's Kherson region caused power outages due to damage to a key power facility.
A Ukrainian drone attack in Russia's Kursk region injured a journalist from a Chinese news outlet.
Ukraine’s air force reported downing most drones and missiles launched by Russia in an overnight attack.
Russia’s drone production increased by 16.9% in May, according to government-related data.
Lithuania and other NATO countries adjacent to Russia withdrew from a treaty banning landmines due to increased military tensions.
Senator Ron Wyden requested assurance on enforcing sanctions against Russia and clarity on a US-Ukraine critical minerals agreement.
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Doechii, a rapper and musician from Florida, is on track with her five-year plan to become a major star in music. By 2025, she has won a Grammy and is set to perform at the Glastonbury Festival, gaining fame through standout performances on TV and at award shows.
Key Facts
Doechii is the stage name for Jaylah Ji'mya Hickmon, a rapper and musician from Tampa, Florida.
As of 2023, she announced she is in the third year of a five-year plan to become a major music star.
She gained early attention with viral hits like "Persuasive," which was featured on Barack Obama's playlist.
In 2025, she is set to perform at Glastonbury Festival and has won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.
Her performances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and a Tiny Desk Concert were significant in boosting her career.
At the Grammy Awards, she made a speech encouraging young black, queer women.
Doechii created her alter-ego to gain confidence after being bullied in school.
She studied arts, including music and gymnastics, at Howard W. Blake School of the Arts in Tampa.
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Chef Vijay Kumar from Tamil Nadu, India, won the Best Chef: New York State award at the 2025 James Beard Awards. His win highlights the growing global interest in Tamil and south Indian cuisines. Kumar's journey showcases both his personal achievements and the broader cultural recognition of south Indian food on the world stage.
Key Facts
Vijay Kumar won the Best Chef: New York State at the 2025 James Beard Awards.
Kumar is from a small village called Arasampatti in Tamil Nadu, India.
He started his culinary career after choosing cooking school over engineering due to financial constraints.
Kumar worked at Taj Connemara in Chennai and Dosa in San Francisco before opening his restaurant.
In 2021, he opened Semma, a restaurant in New York, with partners Roni Mazumdar and Chintan Pandya.
Semma aims to showcase authentic Tamil and south Indian cuisine.
Kumar was supported by Padma Lakshmi in response to cultural criticism by New York influencers.
His success is part of a broader movement bringing south Indian culinary traditions to global attention.
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A famous retail chain in the UK, M&S, has started selling a strawberries and cream sandwich inspired by a popular Japanese treat known as "fruit sando." The concept, already familiar in Japan, involves sweetened bread with fruit and cream, and it's become trending thanks to social media. M&S's version sold very well immediately after its release.
Key Facts
M&S introduced a limited-edition strawberries and cream sandwich in the UK.
The sandwich is made with strawberries, whipped cream cheese, and sweetened bread.
This idea is inspired by the Japanese "fruit sando," a popular dessert in Japan.
Japanese fruit sandwiches often include different fruits like strawberries, clementines, and kiwis.
In Japan, these sandwiches are common in convenience stores and bakeries.
The sandwiches have become popular worldwide thanks to viral social media posts.
UK already has some traditions of fruit in sandwiches, such as banana or jam sandwiches.
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Over one million Rohingya refugees live in camps near Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. These camps face reduced foreign aid, impacting healthcare and other essential services. Refugees like Jahid Alam and Jahena Begum share personal stories of hardship amid this challenging environment.
Key Facts
Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh hosts the world's largest refugee camp, housing over one million Rohingya refugees.
The Rohingya fled Myanmar due to persecution and violence by the military regime there.
Foreign aid cuts from the US and UK have affected healthcare and other vital services in the camps.
Jahid Alam, a refugee, suffers from a leg condition suspected to be Elephantiasis, and he faces stigma because of his disability.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is providing medical treatment to refugees like Alam in the camps.
Jahena Begum, another refugee, has children with disabilities and seeks ongoing support from aid organizations.
Healthcare limitations in the camps make treating conditions and disabilities difficult for many refugees.
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Chelsea will play Benfica in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 match on June 28 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Chelsea's plans were disrupted as they finished second in their group, leading to unexpected travel to Charlotte instead of staying in Miami. The winner of this match will face either Palmeiras or Botafogo in the quarter-finals.
Key Facts
Chelsea plays Benfica in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16.
The match is on June 28 at 4 pm in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Chelsea expected to play in Miami but must travel to Charlotte due to their group stage finish.
Chelsea won one match, lost one, and drew one in the group stage.
Benfica drew their first group match and won the next two.
The winner will play against the victor of Palmeiras vs Botafogo in the next round.
Chelsea won the Club World Cup in 2021.
Wesley Fofana is part of Chelsea's squad but is injured and cannot play.
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A Norwegian tourist claims he was stopped from entering the US because of a meme of Vice President JD Vance on his phone. US officials say the tourist admitted to using drugs, which was the reason for his denial.
Key Facts
A tourist from Norway was not allowed entry into the United States.
The tourist had a meme of US Vice President JD Vance on his phone.
US Homeland Security officials say the tourist admitted to drug use, which led to his denial.
BBC Verify's Jake Horton interviewed the tourist about his entry denial experience.
The interview included discussions on US laws that can prevent tourists from entering the country.
The article was produced and illustrated by a team including Blanca Estrada, Meiying Wu, and Leo Scutt-Richter.
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Sean Combs is on trial in Manhattan, facing charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. His defense team argued against the prosecution's claims, portraying Combs as someone with a "swinger's lifestyle" and questioning the motives of his accusers. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Key Facts
Sean Combs is facing federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering in Manhattan.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.
The defense lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, spoke for over four hours in court, defending Combs.
The prosecution claims Combs ran a long-standing criminal operation involving sex crimes.
Casandra "Cassie" Ventura, a key witness, testified about abuse and threats by Combs.
The defense argues Ventura and other accusers are motivated by money and settlements.
Combs' defense acknowledged some incidents of domestic violence.
The prosecution presented evidence from texts and testimony to support their case.
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