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Trump says NATO allies ‘let down’ US by not backing Iran war

Trump says NATO allies ‘let down’ US by not backing Iran war

Summary

President Donald Trump said NATO allies disappointed him by not supporting the U.S. military action against Iran, which he said was successful without their help. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte responded by highlighting the large U.S. military presence in Europe during the conflict and affirmed the U.S. commitment to defend Europe.

Key Facts

  • President Trump told NATO chief Mark Rutte he felt let down because NATO members did not support the U.S. war against Iran.
  • Trump said the U.S. destroyed Iran quickly and did not need help but wished allies had offered assistance.
  • Rutte pointed out that 4,000 to 5,000 U.S. aircraft operated from European bases during the Iran conflict.
  • Rutte stated President Trump remains fully committed to NATO and promised U.S. protection for Europe if attacked.
  • The U.S. and Israel jointly attacked Iran on February 28 without consulting NATO.
  • Some European NATO allies were skeptical about the need for the war against Iran.
  • Tensions between President Trump and NATO allies have increased during his second term, including disputes about Greenland and defense spending.
  • The U.S. is shifting focus toward China and wants European allies to take more responsibility for their defense.
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Ariana Grande Reunites With 'Victorious' Cast 13 Years After Series Finale

Ariana Grande Reunites With 'Victorious' Cast 13 Years After Series Finale

Summary

Ariana Grande reunited with her co-stars from the TV show "Victorious" 13 years after the show ended. She shared photos from the reunion on Instagram, and her former co-star Elizabeth Gillies praised her singing talent and stage performance.

Key Facts

  • Ariana Grande is 32 years old and shared reunion photos on June 23.
  • Former "Victorious" cast members Elizabeth Gillies and Matt Bennett appeared with her.
  • Elizabeth Gillies praised Grande’s singing and stage show during Grande’s Eternal Sunshine Tour.
  • The three worked together on "Victorious," which ran from 2010 to 2013.
  • They had a previous virtual reunion in 2020 for the show’s 10th anniversary.
  • Fans expressed excitement and happiness about the cast reuniting.
  • Gillies recalled discovering Grande’s singing talent early on by watching her YouTube videos.
  • Grande responded warmly to Gillies' praise with affectionate comments.
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France experiences its hottest day since measurements began in 1947

France experiences its hottest day since measurements began in 1947

Summary

On June 24, 2026, France recorded its hottest day since weather records began in 1947, breaking the previous day's temperature record. About 44 million people in France are under the highest warning level for extreme heat.

Key Facts

  • France reached its highest temperature ever recorded since 1947 on June 24, 2026.
  • This new record surpassed the temperature recorded just one day earlier.
  • Nearly 67 million people live in France, and about 44 million are currently under the most severe heat alert (red alert).
  • The national weather agency issued the heat warnings.
  • The heatwave has led to concerns about climate change and its effects.
  • People are seeking ways to cool off, such as gathering near waterways.
  • Officials say France is well-prepared for heatwaves compared to some other European countries.
  • The extreme heat is causing challenges, like risks to outdoor workers and threats to crops.
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Katz: Israel will not withdraw from Lebanon even if US demands it

Katz: Israel will not withdraw from Lebanon even if US demands it

Summary

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel will keep its military presence in southern Lebanon. This position remains firm even if the United States asks Israel to withdraw its forces.

Key Facts

  • Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel will not leave southern Lebanon.
  • Israel took control of part of southern Lebanon during a war with Hezbollah.
  • Israeli forces have stayed in southern Lebanon even after a ceasefire.
  • The US has apparently pressured Israel to withdraw from this area.
  • Israel is refusing to pull back despite US demands.
  • The situation involves ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
  • Lebanon is located north of Israel and has been involved in conflicts with it.
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Watch: Trump meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at Oval Office

Watch: Trump meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at Oval Office

Summary

President Donald Trump met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House. They talked about defense spending and other related topics.

Key Facts

  • The meeting took place at the White House on Wednesday.
  • President Trump hosted Mark Rutte, who is the NATO Secretary General.
  • The main topic of discussion was defense spending.
  • NATO is a group of countries working together on military defense.
  • The meeting was covered by CBS News.
  • Mark Rutte plays a key role in leading NATO.
  • The discussion could influence how much countries contribute to NATO’s budget.
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WATCH: Trump meets with NATO Secretary-General Rutte in the Oval Office

WATCH: Trump meets with NATO Secretary-General Rutte in the Oval Office

Summary

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte met with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office to discuss the U.S. role in the NATO military alliance. President Trump has criticized NATO for the U.S. spending more on defense than other countries and has threatened to leave the alliance ahead of a NATO summit.

Key Facts

  • Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary-General, met President Donald Trump in Washington.
  • President Trump has criticized NATO, saying the U.S. pays more than other member countries for defense.
  • The U.S. military is reviewing its presence in Europe.
  • President Trump was unhappy about some NATO countries not supporting restarting oil trade through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • President Trump has threatened to leave NATO, which is 77 years old.
  • A NATO leaders’ summit is planned in Turkey next month.
  • Mark Rutte aims to ease tensions with President Trump during their meeting.
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US in 'panic' at prospect of Gulf States going it alone, analyst says

US in 'panic' at prospect of Gulf States going it alone, analyst says

Summary

The United States is concerned that Gulf countries might create their own security plans without Washington, which could weaken current agreements like the Abraham Accords. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assured Gulf allies that the U.S. will protect their interests while negotiating peace talks with Iran.

Key Facts

  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised the U.S. will protect Gulf countries' interests.
  • The U.S. is negotiating a settlement to the Middle East conflict with Iran.
  • An analyst said the White House is in "panic" over Gulf states possibly forming an independent security alliance.
  • This independent alliance could weaken the Abraham Accords, which are peace agreements involving Israel and some Arab countries.
  • The discussion took place during an interview on FRANCE 24.
  • Gulf countries’ move might change the current balance of power in the Middle East.
  • The analyst who commented is Borzou Daraghai, an independent journalist.
  • Iran-U.S. technical talks are planned in Switzerland by the end of June 2026.
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Syria Is Caught Between Trump and His Two Best Friends in the Middle East

Syria Is Caught Between Trump and His Two Best Friends in the Middle East

Summary

Syria is in a difficult position between the interests of President Donald Trump and two important U.S. allies in the Middle East, Israel and Turkey. President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who came to power after ousting Bashar al-Assad, aims to stabilize Syria and avoid military conflicts, despite Trump suggesting Syria could take a stronger role against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Key Facts

  • Syria’s President Ahmad al-Sharaa took power in December 2024 after removing Bashar al-Assad.
  • Syria is working to rebuild and stabilize after years of civil war.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes Sharaa’s leadership.
  • Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan supports Sharaa and helped him gain power.
  • President Trump has suggested Syria could be involved in fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon.
  • Syrian officials say they do not want to engage in conflicts involving Hezbollah and Israel.
  • Syria wants peace or disengagement with Israel, despite Israeli occupation of some Syrian areas.
  • The U.S. and Israel recently made a ceasefire deal with Iran to stop fighting on all fronts for 60 days.
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Yosemite visitor dies after being swept over nearly 600ft waterfall

Yosemite visitor dies after being swept over nearly 600ft waterfall

Summary

A 22-year-old man named Josue Baires Alfaro died after being swept over a 594-foot waterfall in Yosemite National Park. A witness tried to rescue him but was unable to save him due to strong underwater currents. The National Park Service is investigating the incident.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened at Yosemite National Park in California on a Saturday.
  • Josue Baires Alfaro was seen in the Merced River before being swept over the waterfall.
  • A bystander who was a former lifeguard attempted a rescue but was unable to reach him.
  • Strong undercurrents in the river made swimming difficult and dangerous.
  • The National Park Service is currently investigating the death.
  • Yosemite is a very popular park with about 4 million visitors each year.
  • There have been other fatal accidents in the park, including one in 2013 and another in 2018 involving falls near waterfalls.
  • Park officials advise visitors to be very careful around flowing water and wet rocks.
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Palestinian activist faints after his release from Israeli prison

Palestinian activist faints after his release from Israeli prison

Summary

Palestinian activist Abdullah Shatat fainted shortly after being released from an Israeli prison. He was held for 32 months without being formally charged or going to trial. Shatat says many Palestinian prisoners face hunger, torture, and lack medical care while in jail.

Key Facts

  • Abdullah Shatat is a Palestinian activist.
  • He was kept in an Israeli prison for 32 months.
  • He did not face any charges or trial during this time.
  • Shatat collapsed just after his release.
  • He says prisoners are often starved.
  • He reports that prisoners experience torture.
  • He states that prisoners are denied medical treatment.
  • Thousands of Palestinians remain imprisoned by Israel.
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'Yellowstone' Spinoff 'Dutton Ranch' Renewed for Season 2

'Yellowstone' Spinoff 'Dutton Ranch' Renewed for Season 2

Summary

The TV series "Dutton Ranch," a spinoff of "Yellowstone," has been renewed for a second season by Paramount+. The show, starring Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, had a very successful debut with the biggest original series premiere in the streaming service's history.

Key Facts

  • "Dutton Ranch" is a spinoff of the popular TV show "Yellowstone."
  • Paramount+ announced the renewal for season 2 on June 24.
  • The series stars Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser as Beth and Rip.
  • The show follows these characters facing new challenges in South Texas.
  • The two-episode premiere on May 15 had 2.9 million viewers.
  • This premiere was the biggest series debut on cable audiences in 2023.
  • Paramount+ shared the renewal news with a video teaser on Instagram.
  • Kelly Reilly mentioned that the showrunners already have plans for season 2's story.
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Europe leaders reaffirm unity on defence ahead of Ankara NATO summit

Europe leaders reaffirm unity on defence ahead of Ankara NATO summit

Summary

European leaders met in Berlin to strengthen their defence cooperation ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara next month. They emphasized the importance of a united European role in security, especially after recent disagreements with President Trump and among European countries themselves.

Key Facts

  • The meeting took place on June 24, 2026, involving leaders from Poland, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK.
  • They aimed to show a stronger European defence partnership at the NATO summit on July 7-8 in Ankara, Turkey.
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz invited the leaders and highlighted the need to renew NATO and strengthen its European side.
  • The leaders released a statement confirming their strong commitment to Euro-Atlantic security and close cooperation with the US.
  • Recent tensions include the end of the Franco-German FCAS fighter jet project and US criticism of NATO members' positions on the US-Israeli war on Iran.
  • The US has threatened to reduce its troops in Europe because of disagreements.
  • Germany, France, and Britain (the E3) have been criticized by other European countries for limiting talks with Ukraine.
  • The leaders praised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who plans to step down soon, for improving UK ties with Europe after Brexit.
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Did Qatar's prime minister 'snub' JD Vance? Doha, Washington deny claim

Did Qatar's prime minister 'snub' JD Vance? Doha, Washington deny claim

Summary

A video clip from peace talks in Switzerland caused online claims that Qatar’s Prime Minister ignored U.S. Vice President JD Vance by greeting Pakistan’s Prime Minister first. Both Qatar and the White House denied these claims, saying the video missed important context and no disrespect happened.

Key Facts

  • The video showed Qatar’s Prime Minister greeting Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before JD Vance.
  • Some social media users said this was a diplomatic insult toward the U.S.
  • Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani called the claim “unfounded.”
  • He said he had already spent hours with JD Vance during the talks.
  • The White House also rejected the claims and blamed Iranian state media for spreading false stories.
  • A U.S. official stated the U.S. and Qatari teams had worked closely for hours and did not need to re-greet each other.
  • Both Doha and Washington said the video ignored the full context of the meeting.
  • The peace talks took place at the Lake Lucerne Summit in Switzerland.
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Zimbabwe’s Senate approves amendment extending presidential term

Zimbabwe’s Senate approves amendment extending presidential term

Summary

Zimbabwe’s Senate approved a constitutional change that extends presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and allows the president to be chosen by parliament instead of by voters. This amendment will keep President Emmerson Mnangagwa in office until 2030 if he signs it into law.

Key Facts

  • Zimbabwe’s Senate voted 75 in favor and 4 against the amendment to extend terms and change the election process.
  • The amendment lengthens presidential and parliamentary terms from 5 years to 7 years.
  • The president will be elected by members of parliament rather than by a direct popular vote.
  • The bill must be signed by President Mnangagwa to become law.
  • Mnangagwa’s party, ZANU-PF, holds a strong majority in parliament and has ruled since 1980.
  • The opposition says the changes will make it harder to challenge ZANU-PF’s power.
  • Human Rights Watch reported that people opposing the amendment faced threats, harassment, and violence.
  • Legal attempts to stop the amendment process have not succeeded.
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Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender launch new party aimed at political centre promising ‘reason over rage’

Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender launch new party aimed at political centre promising ‘reason over rage’

Summary

Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have started a new political party in Australia called Community Strong Australia. Their goal is to offer voters a middle-ground option focused on practical solutions for issues like housing, climate change, and healthcare.

Key Facts

  • The party is named Community Strong Australia and uses teal colors in its branding.
  • It aims to support candidates for both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
  • Founders Steggall and Spender are current members of parliament representing Sydney electorates.
  • The party focuses on housing affordability, cost of living, climate change, childcare, education, healthcare, and social unity.
  • It promotes “reason over rage” and wants to unite people around shared values instead of division.
  • Talks about forming the party increased after new electoral laws were passed that affect smaller political groups.
  • Steggall and Spender have applied for formal registration with the Australian Electoral Commission, expecting approval by October.
  • Other independents like Nicolette Boele have not joined but remain interested in collaborating on policies.
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Northern California hit by 5.6-magnitude earthquake in Mendocino County

Northern California hit by 5.6-magnitude earthquake in Mendocino County

Summary

A 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck Mendocino County in Northern California early Wednesday morning near Redwood Valley. The quake caused some injuries, power outages, and led to several smaller aftershocks, but no deaths or major damage have been reported so far.

Key Facts

  • The earthquake occurred at 8:10 a.m. Pacific Time about seven miles north of Redwood Valley.
  • ShakeAlert, an early warning system, sent alerts to residents across Northern California.
  • Several aftershocks followed, with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 2.7.
  • Some injuries were reported, but no deaths have been confirmed.
  • Power outages affected about 8,000 PG&E customers in the Willits area near the epicenter.
  • PG&E found no damage to its equipment but activated emergency response crews to check for hazards.
  • The quake’s depth was about 5 miles, and authorities said some damage is possible.
  • There was no tsunami threat after the earthquake.
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Colon Cancer Cells May 'Switch Identity' To Spread

Colon Cancer Cells May 'Switch Identity' To Spread

Summary

Scientists found that colon cancer cells can change their identity to spread to other parts of the body, especially the liver. This change is linked to losing a molecule called GATA6, which normally keeps cells specialized. The study suggests that cancer spreads not mainly because of DNA mutations but because of changes that control gene activity.

Key Facts

  • Colon cancer cells can "reprogram" themselves into a flexible, primitive state that helps them spread.
  • The molecule GATA6 acts as an "identity keeper" for intestinal cells, keeping them mature and specialized.
  • When GATA6 is lost, cancer cells revert to a fetal-like, stem-cell state, allowing them to move and form new tumors.
  • This switch increases cellular plasticity, meaning cells can change their type or behavior to survive and spread.
  • The spread of cancer (metastasis) is mainly caused by epigenetic changes that turn genes on or off without altering the DNA code.
  • Researchers used organoids (3D clusters of cancer cells) and mice to study how cancer cells evolve and spread.
  • Low levels of GATA6 are found in tumors that have spread and are linked to worse outcomes for patients.
  • Understanding this process could help develop new treatments targeting how genes are regulated in metastatic colon cancer.
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Top European leaders vow ‘strong’ support for Ukraine ahead of NATO summit

Top European leaders vow ‘strong’ support for Ukraine ahead of NATO summit

Summary

Top European leaders met in Berlin to promise strong support for Ukraine ahead of the NATO summit in July. They want to increase defense aid and economic pressure on Russia and work closely with the United States and Turkey.

Key Facts

  • Leaders from Germany, Britain, France, Italy, and Poland held talks in Berlin as the European Group of Five (E5).
  • They pledged to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian attacks through sanctions and help for Ukraine’s energy sector.
  • The NATO summit will be held in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7-8, with 32 countries attending, including President Donald Trump.
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the meeting was meant to send a clear message to Russia and show European unity.
  • European leaders plan to increase their defense spending to support Ukraine.
  • They also discussed a possible NATO military mission in the Strait of Hormuz, pending agreements between the US and Iran.
  • British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was praised for his cooperation and leadership over the last two years.
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Fears of violence in Kenya as protests set to return

Fears of violence in Kenya as protests set to return

Summary

Kenya is preparing for new protests on the two-year anniversary of youth demonstrations that led to many deaths. There are worries that violence might happen again during these upcoming protests.

Key Facts

  • Protests in Kenya two years ago resulted in dozens of deaths.
  • The new protests are planned to mark the anniversary of those events.
  • Authorities and observers are concerned about possible violence returning.
  • The article also mentions sports news from Africa, including Ghana's draw with England in a soccer tournament.
  • Additional international updates in the article include France’s heatwave and the first Ebola case in France from DR Congo.
  • The focus remains on the potential for unrest and the political climate in Kenya.
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Jacob Elordi, Jenna Ortega and Stephen Fry among new invited Oscar voters

Jacob Elordi, Jenna Ortega and Stephen Fry among new invited Oscar voters

Summary

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences invited 529 new members, including actors Jacob Elordi, Jenna Ortega, and Stephen Fry, to join its ranks this year. These new members come from diverse backgrounds and have made important contributions to the global film industry.

Key Facts

  • 529 new members were invited to join the Academy this year.
  • Notable invitees include actors Jacob Elordi, Jenna Ortega, and Stephen Fry.
  • Jacob Elordi was nominated for an Oscar for his role in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein.
  • Jenna Ortega is known for the TV series Wednesday and will appear in the film Klara and the Sun.
  • Stephen Fry has acted in many Hollywood films and hosted the Bafta awards 12 times.
  • The total Academy membership could reach 11,319 if all accept.
  • Women will make up 36% of Academy members, 25% are from underrepresented groups, and 22% are international.
  • The Academy recently banned awards for acting and writing work done by artificial intelligence starting in 2027.
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