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Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
Episode 4 of "House of the Dragon" Season 3 will be released on HBO and HBO Max on July 12, 2026, at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. Viewers need a subscription to HBO Max to watch it, and the show continues the story of House Targaryen from George R.R. Martin’s books.
Key Facts
"House of the Dragon" Season 3 Episode 4 releases on July 12, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
The episode is available on HBO and HBO Max streaming service.
HBO Max subscriptions start at $10.99 per month with ads or $18.99 without ads.
The show is based on George R.R. Martin's book "Fire & Blood" and takes place 200 years before "Game of Thrones."
The exact length of Episode 4 is not yet known, but past episodes have been 60 to 70 minutes long.
Episode 4 marks the halfway point of Season 3, which airs weekly every Monday.
A Season 4 of "House of the Dragon" has already been confirmed by HBO.
The episode release times vary worldwide due to different time zones.
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Lauren Bennett, a singer known for being in the girl group G.R.L. and for her part in the hit song “Party Rock Anthem,” has died at age 37. Her bandmates shared a message expressing their sorrow and remembering her impact.
Key Facts
Lauren Bennett was a member of the girl group G.R.L.
She sang on LMFAO’s 2011 song “Party Rock Anthem,” which reached number one on the charts.
Bennett also started in the group Paradiso Girls, which had a hit song called “Patron Tequila” in 2009.
G.R.L.’s debut single “Vacation” was on the "Smurfs 2" movie soundtrack.
The group G.R.L. worked with artist Pitbull on the 2014 song “Wild Wild Love.”
G.R.L. stopped after member Simone Battle died in 2014 but got back together in 2016.
The reason for Lauren Bennett’s death has not been made public.
Her bandmates posted a statement on Instagram expressing their sadness and love for her.
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Morocco arrested 10 people linked to an ISIL group planning an attack. Police found weapons, bomb-making materials, and other items during raids in several cities, stopping the attack before it could happen.
Key Facts
Morocco’s main counterterrorism agency arrested 10 members tied to the ISIL affiliate in the Sahel region.
Police found knives, military clothes, bomb instructions, chemicals, and a modified car during simultaneous raids.
A warehouse contained gas cylinders, pressure cookers filled with nails, and wires, typical materials for bombs.
Authorities said the attack was almost ready to happen.
The last ISIL-related attack in Morocco was in 2023, where three men killed a policeman in Casablanca.
ISIL and al-Qaeda connected groups are very active in the Sahel region of Africa, especially in Mali, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Morocco says about 130 of its citizens have joined the ISIL Sahel Province group in recent years.
Neighboring countries face ongoing attacks and instability caused by these armed groups.
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Russia attacked Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, early on Monday morning. This attack happened one day before NATO leaders are set to meet in Turkey for their yearly summit.
Key Facts
Russia launched an attack on Kyiv early Monday.
Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine.
The attack occurred ahead of the NATO summit.
The NATO summit is happening in Turkey.
NATO leaders gather at this summit every year.
CBS News provided analysis on the situation.
The event raises concerns about security in the region.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet European allies at the NATO summit in Ankara to strengthen the alliance amid concerns about President Donald Trump's criticism of defence spending. Starmer aims to show the UK’s commitment to NATO and encourage fairer sharing of defence costs while addressing security threats from Russia.
Key Facts
The NATO summit is held in Ankara, Turkey.
President Donald Trump has criticized some NATO countries, including the UK, for not spending enough on defence.
The UK government says it meets its NATO spending commitments and plans to increase defence spending to 2.7% of GDP by 2027-28.
NATO members have a long-term target to spend 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2035.
The UK is the third-largest contributor to NATO in real terms but ranks 14th as a share of GDP.
Russian military activity near NATO countries has increased, with more vessels near UK waters and many airspace interceptions.
Starmer’s trip may be one of his last as prime minister, with transition plans underway for his successor.
President Trump will have talks with Ukraine’s president Zelenskyy and is expected to pressure allies for higher defence spending.
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Several social media influencers were invited by the Iranian government to attend the state funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Khamenei died in an air strike on the first day of the conflict between the US and Israel against Iran.
Key Facts
Iran’s government invited social media influencers to attend the funeral.
The funeral was for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Khamenei was killed in an air strike.
The air strike occurred on the first day of a war involving the US and Israel against Iran.
The influencers said they felt honored to attend the funeral.
The event was a state funeral, meaning it was officially organized by the government.
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Keiko Fujimori was recently elected president of Peru. The article reflects on her father Alberto Fujimori’s government, which defeated insurgents but was also linked to torture and human rights abuses, and warns of risks when governments promise security without clear limits on power.
Key Facts
Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, was elected president of Peru.
Alberto Fujimori’s government fought insurgent groups like the Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) in the 1990s.
Human rights groups reported that intelligence agents tortured villagers suspected of helping insurgents during that time.
In 1997, Peruvian forces ended a four-month hostage crisis involving the MRTA at the Japanese ambassador’s residence.
Evidence showed some hostage-takers were executed after capture, which the government denied.
The author covered these events and became committed to opposing torture after learning about abuses linked to his reporting.
The article warns that torture often begins when societies accept stories that justify breaking laws to restore order.
Keiko Fujimori campaigned on cracking down on crime with stronger laws and more military involvement, referring to her father’s tough approach to insurgencies.
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A Chinese court sentenced a former local official, Yang Youlin, to death for taking bribes worth about $325 million over 30 years. Yang was found guilty of corruption-related crimes including bribery, embezzlement, and money laundering.
Key Facts
Yang Youlin was an economic development official in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
He illegally accepted bribes totaling 2.21 billion yuan (about $325 million) from 1993 to 2023.
The bribes were given in exchange for help with projects, business deals, land grants, and funding.
Yang was also convicted of embezzlement, offering bribes, abuse of power, misusing public funds, and money laundering.
The case was part of President Xi Jinping’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign.
Yang expressed guilt and remorse during his court statement.
The court will confiscate Yang’s personal property and try to recover the bribe money.
Similar death sentences for corruption were given in recent years to other Chinese officials.
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Canada has chosen the German company TKMS to build its new submarine fleet in a deal worth billions of dollars. This contract will replace Canada’s old submarines and is part of efforts to increase military spending and strengthen ties with Europe.
Key Facts
Canada selected TKMS, a German defence company, to build 12 new submarines.
The contract is one of Canada’s largest military purchases ever.
The deal is part of Canada’s plan to boost defence spending to 2% of GDP now, and 5% by 2035.
These submarines will replace older Victoria-class vessels bought in 1998.
TKMS partnered with Norway in its bid, offering shared maintenance and training benefits.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the decision before attending a NATO summit.
The new submarines will be conventionally powered and capable of operating under Arctic ice.
Canada aims to enhance its maritime defence and sovereignty, particularly in the Arctic region.
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International aid teams helped rescue survivors in Venezuela days after two earthquakes. Many people are still looking for family members trapped in the rubble, and there is growing frustration with the government’s response.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes hit Venezuela recently.
International aid teams contributed to rescue efforts.
Rescuers found survivors in what some call ‘miracle rescues.’
Thousands of people remain missing under the rubble.
Many families are searching for their relatives.
Frustration is increasing about how the government is handling the disaster.
Aid teams are now preparing to leave the country.
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Democrats have removed their endorsements of Platner following a sexual assault allegation. Meanwhile, a Russian attack on Kyiv is raising concerns ahead of a NATO meeting.
Key Facts
Democrats had endorsed Platner before withdrawing their support.
The withdrawal happened after a sexual assault allegation was made against Platner.
Russia is preparing or planning an attack on Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital.
The situation in Kyiv is causing worry among NATO members.
The NATO summit is scheduled to take place soon.
The developments affect international security and political discussions.
CBS News covered these updates in their program "The Takeout with Major Garrett" on July 6.
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Canada has chosen Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to build 12 new submarines as part of a major military purchase. This move supports Canada’s plan to increase defense spending to meet NATO targets and replaces older submarines bought from the UK.
Key Facts
Canada picked ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, a German company, to build 12 submarines.
The contract was awarded ahead of a NATO summit focused on defense spending.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the selection and emphasized Canada’s defense commitments.
ThyssenKrupp beat South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean in the bidding process.
The submarines will be conventionally powered (diesel-electric), not nuclear-powered.
Canada wants to boost defense spending to 5% of its GDP by 2035, up from 2%.
The new submarines will replace Canada’s four old Victoria-class submarines from the UK.
No U.S. company bid because U.S. submarines are only nuclear-powered, unlike Canada’s diesel-electric preference.
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A UK-based institute reports that Russian-linked ships may have launched drones over Europe, targeting military bases, airports, and infrastructure between August 2024 and February 2026. These drone flights, possibly part of a Kremlin campaign, showed Europe’s air defenses were vulnerable to low-cost drones used for surveillance and disruption.
Key Facts
Drones flew over 12 NATO countries and Ireland from August 2024 to February 2026.
About 48% of drone sightings occurred over military bases, 26% over critical infrastructure, and 18% over civilian airports.
Many drone flights happened at night or before dawn and looked like professional or military drones.
The only confirmed Russian drone attack was in February 2026 near Sweden, where a Russian ship launched a drone that Swedish forces jammed.
Russian-developed drones like the Merlin-VR and Orlan-10 are capable of being launched at sea with long flight ranges and night operation abilities.
Some drones may have been homemade or commercial models changed to avoid easy identification as Russian.
The drones’ activity seemed to test and challenge European military and civilian air defenses.
Data on drone flights was gathered using maritime tracking systems to link drone incidents to Russian or Russian-linked ships.
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French President Emmanuel Macron visited Syria to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking the first visit by a Western European leader since Bashar al-Assad was removed from power in 2024. Both leaders are traveling to Turkey for a NATO summit, where discussions will focus on regional security and rebuilding Syria.
Key Facts
President Macron arrived in Syria and was welcomed by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani.
This is the first visit from a Western European leader to Syria since President Assad was ousted in 2024.
Macron met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss peace, stability, and investment opportunities.
Both leaders plan to attend the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, where al-Sharaa is expected to meet President Donald Trump.
Macron has called for a new chapter of stability and peace for a united and sovereign Syria.
Macron previously hosted al-Sharaa in Paris in 2025 and advocated lifting most sanctions against Syria.
Syria’s new government under al-Sharaa faces scrutiny over its treatment of women, minorities, and its commitment to democracy.
Syria is recovering from 13 years of war that heavily damaged the country and caused widespread poverty.
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President Donald Trump shared a doctored photo of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni showing her smiling and looking fondly at him. This happened amid a public dispute between the two leaders, which started after Trump claimed Meloni begged for a photo at the G7 summit—a claim she denied.
Key Facts
President Trump posted a manipulated image on Truth Social, changing Meloni’s facial expression to look enamored with him.
The photo comes from original G7 summit footage but was altered using editing tools.
Trump claimed Meloni begged him for a photo during the G7 summit, but Meloni denied this and called the claim false.
Their feud started partly over Italy refusing U.S. military aircraft use of a Sicilian airbase without parliament approval.
Trump criticized Pope Leo for condemning the Iran war; Meloni called Trump’s attack "unacceptable."
Meloni was an early supporter of Trump and attended his 2025 inauguration as the only European leader.
The two are expected to attend a NATO summit in Turkey soon, where they might meet amid ongoing tensions.
Meloni has not publicly responded to Trump’s latest post.
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Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she will personally discuss China’s recent long-range missile test in the South Pacific with Chinese officials. Australia has expressed its concern through diplomatic channels, calling the missile launch a destabilizing action that could cause misunderstandings or conflict in the region.
Key Facts
China conducted a long-range missile test in the South Pacific on Monday.
Australia views the missile test as destabilizing for the Pacific region.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong will raise this issue in her next talks with Chinese officials.
Australian diplomats in Beijing were briefed about the missile test by Chinese counterparts.
Australia has communicated its displeasure through official diplomatic channels.
Wong emphasized the importance of keeping the Pacific Ocean peaceful.
She avoided calling the missile test “dangerous” or “heavy handed.”
Australia is concerned that such actions could lead to miscalculations or unintended conflicts.
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A large banner saying "Destroy Israel" was displayed during the San Fermin bull run festival in Pamplona, Spain. Thousands of people were present, and some threw inflatable balls with watermelon designs, which are symbols linked to support for Palestinians.
Key Facts
The event took place at the San Fermin bull run festival in Pamplona, Spain.
A giant banner with the message "Destroy Israel" was shown to the crowd.
Thousands of people attended the festival when the banner was displayed.
Festival participants threw inflatable balls designed to look like watermelons.
Watermelon imagery is used as a symbol of Palestinian solidarity.
The display combined a cultural event with a political message.
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The article explores the lives of Nigerian "Yahoo Boys," a group involved in online romance scams that cause emotional pain and financial loss to victims. Journalist Carlos Barragán investigates these scams after his own mother was affected, revealing a story of loneliness, deception, and betrayal in Nigeria. The piece also briefly mentions other African news, such as diplomatic shifts and protests.
Key Facts
Nigerian "Yahoo Boys" run internet schemes that trick people into fake romantic relationships to steal money.
These scams have serious emotional and financial impacts on victims and their families.
Journalist Carlos Barragán wrote a book titled "The Yahoo Boys," investigating the scam network.
Barragán’s interest began when his own mother fell victim to a romance fraud.
The article is part of a broader news segment covering African current events.
Other stories include France pulling diplomats out of Burkina Faso and planned youth protests in Tanzania.
The scams are linked to feelings of loneliness and economic hardship in Nigeria.
The scams form a complex and troubling social issue in Nigeria’s online community.
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Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela on June 24, 2026, killing 3,535 people and leaving more than 17,000 without homes. Thousands are still missing, and many survivors live in temporary camps, while rescue efforts continue with help from the United Nations and other international teams.
Key Facts
The earthquakes occurred back-to-back on June 24, 2026, in La Guaira state near Caracas.
Official death toll stands at 3,535 people.
Over 16,700 people were injured in the disasters.
More than 17,000 people lost their homes due to the earthquakes.
The UN estimates that up to 50,000 people may still be missing under rubble.
Many survivors are living outdoors in temporary camps, parks, or parking lots.
International rescue teams have begun leaving, but some search, engineering, and medical groups remain.
Authorities started burying dozens of unidentified victims in a mass grave on July 6, 2026.
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Three children died after a boat capsized on Geneva Lake, Wisconsin, during a sudden storm. Police found the children inside the sunken boat, while seven other passengers were rescued.
Key Facts
The boat was a 25-foot 2024 Nautique P25 with a capacity of 19 people.
Nine passengers and one operator were on board, including children aged 6, 7, 10, and 12.
The boat capsized after being hit by at least two large waves during a storm.
All children were wearing life jackets at the time of the accident.
Seven people were rescued by emergency services soon after the capsizing.
Divers found the sunken boat in about 32 feet of water and recovered the three missing children.
The children were taken to a hospital but died; drowning is the preliminary cause of death.
Police continue to investigate the incident and have released few additional details.
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