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Cambodian Supreme Court upholds incitement conviction of opposition politician

Cambodian Supreme Court upholds incitement conviction of opposition politician

Summary

Cambodia’s Supreme Court upheld the conviction of opposition politician Rong Chhun for incitement but suspended the rest of his prison sentence. As a result, he will not go to jail but is banned from political activities for five years and from traveling abroad for three years.

Key Facts

  • Rong Chhun is a senior adviser to the opposition Nation Power Party in Cambodia.
  • He was convicted last year of inciting social unrest after meeting displaced villagers.
  • The court’s ruling suspends his prison sentence but bars him from voting, running for office, or practicing politics for five years.
  • Rong Chhun and his supporters say the verdict is unfair and politically motivated.
  • Human Rights Watch criticized the ruling as evidence of Cambodia’s courts lacking independence.
  • Cambodia’s Minister of Information said the government respects court independence and laws.
  • Cambodia’s new Prime Minister Hun Manet succeeded his father Hun Sen in 2023 but shows little political reform so far.
  • Rong Chhun may seek a royal pardon from King Norodom Sihamoni after reviewing the verdict.
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Global framework for reparatory justice adopted at landmark conference in Ghana

Global framework for reparatory justice adopted at landmark conference in Ghana

Summary

A global plan for reparatory justice was agreed upon at a conference in Accra, Ghana. The plan aims to provide fair compensation for people affected by slavery, colonialism, and related injustices and includes measures like returning cultural property and addressing debt burdens linked to these histories.

Key Facts

  • The conference in Ghana adopted an 18-point global framework on reparatory justice.
  • It focuses on reparations for Africans and people of African descent, including compensation for harms caused by slavery, colonialism, genocide, and apartheid.
  • The framework calls for the return of cultural items, human remains, archives, and heritage to their countries of origin.
  • It also suggests debt relief and restructuring for countries affected by the long-term economic effects of historical injustices.
  • Ghana’s president announced three global panels to support reparatory justice efforts: an advisory panel, a cultural restitution panel, and a legal panel.
  • The advisory panel includes leaders from Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean with links to the transatlantic slave trade.
  • More than 80 countries participated in the three-day conference, including heads of state, ministers, researchers, and civil society members.
  • The conference followed a UN resolution recognizing the trafficking of enslaved Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.
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Climber trapped on Everest for days says avalanche saved him

Climber trapped on Everest for days says avalanche saved him

Summary

Nepali climber Dawa Sherpa was trapped for about a week inside a deep ice crack on Mount Everest after falling into a crevasse. He survived on biscuits, chocolate, coffee, and ice until an avalanche filled the crevasse with snow, allowing him to escape and make his way down the mountain to safety.

Key Facts

  • Dawa Sherpa was trapped inside a 25-foot deep ice crevasse on Everest for around seven days.
  • He survived by eating biscuits, chocolates, drinking dried coffee rehydrated with ice, and melting chunks of ice for water.
  • Sherpa was working as a cook but acted as a substitute guide despite never having climbed to Everest's summit before.
  • He lost oxygen supply, became unable to move, and had frostbitten fingers and a fractured leg.
  • Sherpa fell into the crevasse after slipping on a ladder in the Khumbu Icefall, a dangerous glacier area.
  • An avalanche later filled the crevasse, creating an exit path that Sherpa used to escape.
  • His family had already begun mourning him, believing he was dead.
  • Rescue efforts were delayed because his satellite phone did not work and his walkie-talkie batteries died.
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Celebrations and a swift exit after a Burnham win ‘beyond our wildest dreams’

Celebrations and a swift exit after a Burnham win ‘beyond our wildest dreams’

Summary

Andy Burnham won the Makerfield parliamentary seat with a large majority, surprising many and raising questions about the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Burnham avoided questions about challenging Starmer directly, but his campaign team confirmed they are ready for a leadership contest if needed. Starmer acknowledged the result but said he plans to stay and fight if challenged.

Key Facts

  • Andy Burnham won the Makerfield seat with 54% of the vote and a majority of 9,231.
  • Burnham’s win nearly doubled the previous majority held by Josh Simons in 2024.
  • Burnham avoided media questions about running for prime minister after his victory.
  • Louise Haigh, Burnham’s campaign manager, said a leadership contest would be difficult and stressful and that Burnham is prepared to stand if necessary.
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the result a positive sign but said he will not resign and will fight any leadership challenges.
  • Starmer urged unity within the Labour Party and against internal conflicts.
  • Supporters of Burnham see the win as a call for change in Labour leadership.
  • Nigel Farage, whose party increased its vote share slightly, expressed disappointment with the result.
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The week around the world in 20 pictures

The week around the world in 20 pictures

Summary

Recent events around the world include a major missile and drone attack on Kyiv by Russian forces, causing fires and casualties. Other incidents include Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon and Gaza, protests in Israel and London, and migrant attempts to cross the English Channel.

Key Facts

  • Russian missile and drone attacks struck Kyiv, hitting markets, cultural sites, and residential areas, causing damage and deaths.
  • Ukrainian drones attacked Moscow’s oil refinery and other locations, causing fires and evacuations.
  • Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed at least 18 people after Hezbollah killed four Israeli soldiers, leading to cancelled US-Iran peace talks.
  • An Israeli missile strike in Gaza killed civilians, with recovery efforts slow and many victims still buried.
  • Ultra-Orthodox Jews protested military conscription in Israel.
  • In London, police arrested a supporter of the banned group Palestine Action after a court upheld the ban under the Terrorism Act.
  • Migrants attempted to cross the English Channel by boat, with increased law enforcement stopping many attempts.
  • Women miners in the Democratic Republic of the Congo protect their clothing while working in difficult conditions.
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Dragon Boat Festival links modern Chinese cultures to ancient traditions

Dragon Boat Festival links modern Chinese cultures to ancient traditions

Summary

The Dragon Boat Festival was celebrated across China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan with races, lion dances, and traditional customs. This holiday, over 2,000 years old, honors health, protection, and harmony with nature and commemorates the poet Qu Yuan.

Key Facts

  • The Dragon Boat Festival features dragon boat races held over distances of 100, 200, and 500 meters.
  • Around 1,000 athletes and 200,000 spectators gathered for the races in Beijing in 2026.
  • Traditional activities include making zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and wearing five-colored bracelets believed to protect from evil.
  • Lion dances and Wing Chun martial arts demonstrations were part of the cultural celebrations.
  • The festival honors Qu Yuan, an ancient poet who drowned himself, with boat races and food offerings to protect his body from fish.
  • The holiday is linked to the summer solstice and ancient ideas of balancing yin and yang.
  • It originally involved customs to protect people from illness and harmful creatures during early summer.
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Italy’s top diplomat nixes US trip after Meloni says Trump fabricated story

Italy’s top diplomat nixes US trip after Meloni says Trump fabricated story

Summary

Italy’s top diplomat canceled a planned trip to the US after President Donald Trump said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni begged him for a photo at a recent meeting, a claim Meloni strongly denied. The dispute has caused tension between the two countries and led several Italian officials to publicly criticize Trump’s remarks.

Key Facts

  • President Trump said Meloni begged him for a photo at the G7 meeting in France.
  • Meloni called Trump’s statement completely false and expressed surprise at his behavior toward an ally.
  • Meloni and Trump had previously maintained a friendly relationship, meeting after Trump’s 2024 election and at his inauguration.
  • They have disagreed during Trump’s second term on issues like support for Ukraine and US-Israel-Iran relations.
  • Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a US visit planned for a business forum and a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
  • Other Italian officials, including the Justice and Defence Ministers, criticized Trump’s remarks as harmful to US-Italy relations.
  • The White House did not respond to Meloni’s comments as of the article’s publication.
  • Meloni emphasized that Italy and she do not beg, rejecting Trump’s portrayal of the event.
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How the Iran war united, and then divided Trump and Netanyahu

How the Iran war united, and then divided Trump and Netanyahu

Summary

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have had a tense relationship during the ongoing war with Iran. While Trump seeks a ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to lower global fuel prices, Netanyahu pushes for total victory and opposes political deals with Iran. Their differing goals led to conflict, including Netanyahu’s airstrike on Beirut which angered Trump.

Key Facts

  • President Trump planned to announce a ceasefire deal with Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ease fuel prices.
  • Israeli jets bombed Beirut, Lebanon, killing at least three people just hours before the ceasefire deal was set to be signed.
  • Trump angrily questioned Netanyahu’s decision to attack Beirut, expressing frustration in private and public remarks.
  • Netanyahu has opposed peace deals with Iran and aims to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons, promising total victory.
  • Both leaders face upcoming elections and political pressure influencing their war positions.
  • Thousands of Israelis have been displaced by attacks from Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
  • Netanyahu’s political survival partly depends on showing success in the war, as he faces a possible corruption trial if he leaves office.
  • The war has revealed deep differences between Trump’s desire to end "forever wars" and Netanyahu’s goal of a hardline approach.
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'Prioritise love': Kate writes essay reflecting on Italy tour as new pictures released

'Prioritise love': Kate writes essay reflecting on Italy tour as new pictures released

Summary

The Princess of Wales, Catherine, wrote an essay reflecting on her recent visit to northern Italy, where she explored early childhood education. She expressed concern about the growing role of digital screens and emphasized the importance of real human connection and unconditional love in helping children thrive.

Key Facts

  • The Princess of Wales visited Reggio Emilia in northern Italy to study early years education.
  • This was her first official trip abroad since her cancer treatment.
  • In her essay, she highlighted the need to focus on "quiet and unconditional" love based on time and patience.
  • She warned about the increasing digitalization of life and said genuine human connection is more important than ever.
  • The essay was published by the Royal Foundation's Centre for Early Childhood.
  • Catherine wants early childhood to be treated as a global priority, like climate change.
  • The princess praised the openness and creativity of children she met in Italy.
  • Her future public work will focus on supporting young families and helping children feel connected from an early age.
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How is China using AI in the classroom?

How is China using AI in the classroom?

Summary

China has started teaching artificial intelligence (AI) to children as young as six years old. The country's Ministry of Education has introduced new rules to include AI learning at all school grades, reflecting the government's focus on AI development.

Key Facts

  • AI education begins at age six in China.
  • The Ministry of Education created new guidelines for AI lessons in every grade.
  • President Xi Jinping prioritizes AI as part of China’s future plans.
  • The goal is to prepare young students for technology careers.
  • This information was originally shared in a 2025 news episode by Al Jazeera.
  • The story was reported by correspondent Katrina Yu and produced by a team at Al Jazeera.
  • The report includes contributions from multiple producers, editors, and designers.
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Minimum age of 11 set for UK puberty blocker trial

Minimum age of 11 set for UK puberty blocker trial

Summary

The UK has set a minimum age of 11 for children to take part in a clinical trial testing puberty-blocking drugs for those questioning their gender. The trial was paused earlier due to safety concerns but is expected to start recruiting children in August, with new safety measures and legal challenges ongoing.

Key Facts

  • The trial tests puberty blockers, medicines that delay puberty, for children under 16 who are distressed about their gender.
  • The UK had banned puberty blockers for people under 18 in 2024 due to safety worries.
  • Original plans had no minimum age, but now the trial requires participants to be at least 11 (for birth-registered females) and 12 (for birth-registered males).
  • Children must have parental consent and understand the risks and benefits before joining.
  • Safety rules include stopping treatment if there are problems like bone weakness or brain issues.
  • Researchers will give clearer information on fertility preservation for participants.
  • The trial was approved by UK regulators and ethics boards in November 2025 but was paused in February 2026 due to safety concerns raised by regulators.
  • Some doctors and campaigners oppose the trial, claiming children can't give full consent to such treatments and questioning the trial's ethics.
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In Nigel Farage’s shoes, a less experienced politician might panic

In Nigel Farage’s shoes, a less experienced politician might panic

Summary

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has been leading in many national polls but has had mixed results in recent byelections. The party faces challenges, including competition from the new far-right party Restore Britain and issues related to candidate choices and voter tactics.

Key Facts

  • Reform UK has led in over 300 consecutive national polls.
  • In recent byelections, Reform has won only one seat by a very small margin.
  • Robert Kenyon came second in the Makerfield byelection, increasing Reform’s vote share but falling short of winning.
  • Kenyon’s controversial online posts, including sexist comments and strong support for President Donald Trump, hurt Reform’s image.
  • Tactical voting by other parties’ supporters aimed to reduce Reform’s chances in byelections.
  • Restore Britain, a new far-right party, gained 7% of the vote in Makerfield, posing a threat to Reform UK.
  • Elon Musk’s ownership of the social media platform X helps promote Restore Britain’s messages.
  • Nigel Farage’s party is shifting more to the right politically, which risks losing moderate support.
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New Activity at China-Linked Spy Sites in Cuba

New Activity at China-Linked Spy Sites in Cuba

Summary

Satellite images show that Cuba has expanded a listening site near Florida, which may be connected to China. This expansion might increase tensions between the United States and Cuba, especially as the U.S. accuses Cuba of hosting facilities that gather sensitive U.S. military information.

Key Facts

  • Cuba has expanded a listening site at Bejucal, about 50 miles south of Havana.
  • The site may be linked to Chinese intelligence operations.
  • Bejucal now has 32 large antennae arranged in a circular pattern called a Circularly Disposed Antenna Array (CDAA).
  • A CDAA helps find the direction of radio signals over long distances.
  • The site could help Cuba or China monitor U.S. military activities in the Caribbean and nearby areas.
  • The U.S. has increased sanctions and an oil blockade against Cuba recently.
  • China supports Cuba and opposes U.S. sanctions and blockades.
  • Experts say the site is mainly used to track U.S. military signals, not to build Cuba’s military defenses.
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Two men jailed for arson attacks on property linked to UK prime minister

Two men jailed for arson attacks on property linked to UK prime minister

Summary

Two men were jailed for starting fires at homes connected to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. They were paid by someone using the name "El Money" through a messaging app, but their main reason for the attacks was money, not politics.

Key Facts

  • Roman Lavrynovych, 22, and Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, were convicted of arson attacks on property linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
  • The attacks happened overnight in May 2025 in London, targeting houses and a car once owned by Starmer.
  • They were paid by a person called "El Money" using the messaging app Telegram.
  • Lavrynovych was sentenced to seven years in jail; Carpiuc got two years.
  • Prosecutors said the men had no political motive but acted for financial gain.
  • "El Money" communicated in Russian and Ukrainian, but the true identity or group behind the name is unknown.
  • UK police found no direct evidence linking the two men or "El Money" to the Russian government.
  • The Russian embassy denied involvement, stating Russia poses no threat to UK security.
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EU leaders disagree on creation of Kremlin back-channel amid Ukraine war

EU leaders disagree on creation of Kremlin back-channel amid Ukraine war

Summary

European Union leaders could not agree on creating a secret communication channel with Russia to protect EU interests if peace talks succeed in ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. Some leaders want direct Ukraine-Russia talks without EU mediation, while others see value in opening dialogue, but Russia demands talks without pressure.

Key Facts

  • EU leaders met for two days but disagreed on setting up a back-channel to Moscow.
  • European Council President António Costa proposed contacting Russia through a senior official but not to lead negotiations.
  • Many EU countries doubt Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to negotiate seriously.
  • Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said Europe cannot decide if or who will lead peace talks.
  • Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin supports opening a contact channel but stresses Ukraine-Russia talks first.
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said talks must include Ukraine, Russia, Europe, and the U.S.
  • Russia says it is ready for talks if Europe stops approaching from a position of force.
  • Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov rejected Western accusations and warned about the risk of nuclear conflict.
  • Some EU leaders, like Estonia’s Foreign Minister, want to support Ukraine strongly instead of acting as neutral mediators.
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Italy : Meloni says Trump 'made up' story that she 'begged' him for photo

Italy : Meloni says Trump 'made up' story that she 'begged' him for photo

Summary

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that President Donald Trump made up a story claiming she begged him for a photo during the G7 summit. President Trump said he felt sorry for her and agreed to take the photo, even though he was not obligated to.

Key Facts

  • President Donald Trump claimed Premier Giorgia Meloni begged him for a photo at the G7 summit.
  • Trump said he was not required to take the photo but agreed because he felt sorry for Meloni.
  • Giorgia Meloni denied the story, saying Trump made it up.
  • The incident happened during the recent G7 meeting.
  • The story involves two high-profile political figures from Italy and the United States.
  • Both leaders’ statements contradict each other about the photo request.
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'Major discovery': France's National Library brings forgotten Mozart manuscript back to life

'Major discovery': France's National Library brings forgotten Mozart manuscript back to life

Summary

France's National Library found a lost music notebook written by Mozart in 1778. This notebook includes exercises and pieces for flute and harp, and its music will be played publicly for the first time in Paris.

Key Facts

  • The notebook was found by François-Pierre Goy, a curator at the National Library of France.
  • It contains seven pieces for harp and flute and daily exercises Mozart gave to a French harp student.
  • The student was Marie-Louise-Philippine de Bonnieres de Guines, daughter of the Duke of Guines.
  • The notebook dates back to Mozart’s stay in Paris in 1778 when he was 22 years old.
  • The document was authenticated by the Mozarteum Foundation in Austria in April 2026.
  • The music was recovered from materials confiscated during the French Revolution and kept at the National Library.
  • Mozart died in 1791 at age 35, making such discoveries very rare.
  • The discovery gives new insight into Mozart’s role as a teacher and his last visit to Paris.
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WATCH:  Music superstars help celebrate Obama Presidential Center opening

WATCH: Music superstars help celebrate Obama Presidential Center opening

Summary

The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago officially opened with a celebration that included performances by famous singers and musicians. Jennifer Hudson sang the National Anthem, and stars like Christina Aguilera and Stevie Wonder also performed.

Key Facts

  • The Obama Presidential Center opened in Chicago.
  • Jennifer Hudson performed the National Anthem at the event.
  • Other performers included Christina Aguilera, John Legend, Common, Stevie Wonder, and Bruce Springsteen.
  • The event marked the official start of activities at the center.
  • The center is named after President Barack Obama.
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U.K. actress accused of trying to smuggle $208M of meth into Australia

U.K. actress accused of trying to smuggle $208M of meth into Australia

Summary

A British actress, Emaa Hussen, has been charged with trying to smuggle 700 pounds of methamphetamine worth $208 million into Australia. The drugs were hidden in charcoal bags shipped from Ghana, and police arrested her in Sydney after finding the drugs in storage.

Key Facts

  • Emaa Hussen is a 34-year-old British actress known for roles in "Redemption" and "EastEnders."
  • She appeared in court in Sydney on charges of attempting to smuggle methamphetamine into Australia.
  • The drugs were disguised in bags of charcoal inside shipping containers sent from Ghana.
  • Police believe the meth seized could have made 3.2 million deals on Australian streets.
  • The investigation started in April when authorities found a white crystal-like substance in two containers.
  • Hussen helped unload the containers and load goods into a vehicle before police arrested her at a home.
  • Two South African suspects were also arrested for using fake IDs to rent storage units linked to the case.
  • Hussen was denied bail and is scheduled to appear in court again in August.
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Anne Hathaway pregnant, expecting baby No. 3

Anne Hathaway pregnant, expecting baby No. 3

Summary

Actress Anne Hathaway announced she is pregnant with her third child. She shared the news in a video on her Instagram account, showing her baby bump and smiling.

Key Facts

  • Anne Hathaway is 43 years old.
  • She announced her third pregnancy on Instagram with a video.
  • The video showed her wearing a white skirt and revealing her pregnancy.
  • The post got over 800,000 likes within 30 minutes.
  • Anne Hathaway is married to Adam Shulman.
  • They have two sons: Jonathan, 10 years old, and Jack, 6 years old.
  • Hathaway and Shulman have been married since 2012.
  • She is known for movies like "The Devil Wears Prada" and “Princess Diaries.”
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