British news agency owned by Thomson Reuters; global journalist network
A three-year-old has been pulled from a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo near Huntingdon and taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital with serious injuries. Police have arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder; he has been released on bail after being assessed as not fit for interview. The zoo has closed its Tropical House.
The ITIA has suspended Marketa Vondrousova for four years after she refused a doping control test in December 2025. An independent tribunal has ruled there was no compelling justification for her refusal. Her ban runs until June 21, 2030, and she is barred from ITF, WTA, ATP, Grand Slams, and national events.
Prices for Xbox consoles and various Apple devices have surged as AI-driven demand strains memory and storage components, pushing manufacturers to raise prices by hundreds of dollars. The trend affects consumers globally as memory costs double and memory shortages loom. The changes come as several publishers report price increases from Microsoft, Apple and others amid an AI infrastructure boom.
A multi-country heatwave has pushed Europe to record temperatures, with the UK recording its hottest June day. Health alerts remain in place in parts of Europe as authorities warn of heat-related risks and disruptions to transport and daily life.
Charles has published his personal tax information alongside royal accounts, marking a landmark move toward transparency. The Duchy of Lancaster and the Sovereign Grant are outlined, while questions remain about private assets and the extent of disclosed wealth. The accounts precede further releases as audits wrap up and scrutiny continues.
Back-to-back magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes have struck northern Venezuela, flattening buildings in La Guaira and damaging Caracas. Official counts have climbed into the thousands of dead and thousands more are missing; international rescue teams and civilian volunteers have been racing to free survivors from rubble as authorities face criticism over response capacity.
The royal accounts reveal Buckingham Palace will not serve as the monarch’s residence during the reign. Charles and Camilla will live at Clarence House, while the palace undergoes a £369m refit to modernize plumbing, wiring and heating. The Sovereign Grant is rising, and both royals have publicly disclosed tax payments, signaling greater transparency.
Ryanair has adjusted its family seating policy following an CMA investigation. Adults travelling with children will no longer be charged to sit with their kids; free parent seats will be allocated at the back of the aircraft. The CMA continues to assess compliance, while Which? Travel welcomes the move as a step toward fairer treatment.
The Bank of England has set out stress tests for private credit and private equity markets, modelling a five-year global shock with supply-chain disruptions, high energy costs and a deep recession. Interim results will be published later this year, with a final report in 2027.
Trump has described Andy Burnham as “extremely liberal” and said Burnham is “the mayor of a town,” signaling a testing of the Labour frontrunner’s path to No. 10. The comments follow Burnham’s Makerfield by-election campaigning, during which Trump also criticized London’s mayor and reiterated calls on North Sea drilling.
Conservative Keiko Fujimori maintains a razor-thin lead over leftist Roberto Sánchez amid a drawn-out vote count. Officials expect a final result in coming weeks as ballots require review, with overseas votes increasingly pivotal to the outcome.
Lula has maintained a lead in polling for the October election, but surveys show growing discontent among younger Brazilians. Datafolha and Quaest show varying margins, with young voters wavering as right‑leaning sentiment grows. Campaigns are intensifying as rivals court new blocs amid ongoing financial strain and corruption scrutiny.
Ukraine has intensified drone strikes on Russian refineries, depots and fuel convoys, and the attacks have forced Russia to curb gasoline and jet-fuel exports, introduce local rationing and consider a full diesel export ban. Authorities and energy companies have formed a task force, opened antitrust probes and are planning imports and subsidies to stabilise supplies.
Lionel Messi has extended the men’s World Cup scoring record by netting from a free kick in Argentina’s 3-1 group-stage win over Jordan on 28 June 2026. The 39-year-old substitute has scored in seven consecutive World Cup matches, now totals six goals in this tournament and 123 international goals overall.
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema has extended an injunction blocking the administrations proposed $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" and has ordered the Justice Department to file a response by July 17. Brinkema has said she will only dismiss the suit if senior officials sign sworn declarations that the fund will not proceed; DOJ lawyers have refused, citing separation-of-powers concerns.
The U.S. Department of Justice has approved Paramount Skydance’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery after an eight‑month probe, concluding the merger is unlikely to harm competition in streaming, linear TV or theatrical film markets. The transaction still faces reviews by U.K. and EU regulators and possible lawsuits from state attorneys general.
The US Department of Homeland Security has allowed Iran's national football team to enter the United States two days before its World Cup match in Seattle, but officials must still leave the country the evening of the game. Iran has criticised tighter travel rules that forced the squad to base in Tijuana and return to Mexico immediately after earlier matches.
Budapest’s Pride march proceeds amid a shifted political landscape after Viktor Orbán’s defeat. Organisers report a peaceful event with security in place as LGBTQ+ rights remain a central focus, including discussions on adoption, gender recognition, and anti-discrimination protections.
Qualcomm has unveiled a data-centre CPU lineup and an acquisition, signaling a broader push into AI infrastructure. The company is pursuing hyperscaler deals, with two custom silicon deals announced and Modular acquisition adding AI software capabilities. The moves come as Nvidia-led demand and memory-chip dynamics shape the AI hardware landscape.
Trump has turned the 250th anniversary celebrations into a partisan spectacle, shifting control from a bipartisan commission to Freedom 250 and staging a National Mall rally amid cancellations by artists and concerns over funding and political tone. The events blur official commemorations with campaign-style politics as July 4 approaches.
A wave of weight-loss drugs is reshaping employer coverage, consumer use, and government pricing. Oral GLP-1 pills have launched in the US and UK, intensifying cost pressures for employers and payers while private uptake grows. Regulators and insurers are debating coverage, while manufacturers are cutting prices and expanding access.
The United States and Iran have signed a framework to end the broader conflict, prompting direct Israel-Lebanon talks. Israel maintains a security zone in southern Lebanon and will keep forces in place to counter Hezbollah, while Lebanon seeks de-escalation and a path to sovereignty. Ongoing clashes persist along the border as negotiations continue.
Zimbabwe's National Assembly has approved constitutional amendments extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and moving to parliamentary election of the president. The bill now proceeds to the Senate and then to President Mnangagwa for assent. Critics warn of a power grab while supporters cite governance stability.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon has intensified as talks brokered by the United States and Iran face renewed pressure. Israeli forces maintain a security zone in the south, while Hezbollah vows retaliation if Israel fails to withdraw. International mediators warn that the interim accord’s terms are at risk of collapse.
Seattle hosts a Pride-themed World Cup match between Iran and Egypt, highlighting inclusivity amid political tensions as teams avoid questions about Pride. FIFA allows rainbow flags in stadiums, while local organizers push for unity through sport. The game coincides with Seattle’s Pride celebrations and Juneteenth events.
The ICC's executive bureau has found that Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan engaged in a serious misconduct and a serious breach of duty and should be removed. A vote by the Assembly of States Parties on his fate is scheduled for July 24 in New York. Khan denies the allegations.
Leaders from Africa, the Caribbean and beyond have aligned on a 19-point framework, endorsed at a Ghana summit, to turn UN recognition of transatlantic slavery into concrete reparatory measures. The plan calls for debt relief, cultural restitution and new global panels to guide implementation, with growing cross‑regional support and ongoing debates over the specifics of compensation.
Libya’s government has banned entry through all ports for citizens of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, with exemptions for diplomats and health/education workers. The move follows ongoing tensions over refugee resettlement and a history of migrants crossing Libyan routes to Europe. Reports detail detentions, abuses in detention centers, and deaths among migrants and refugees.
Romania and the Czech Republic face funding and independence concerns as governments consider shifting public broadcasters to state financing. In the Czech case, thousands protest plans to fund Czech Television and Czech Radio from the state budget, potentially reducing funding by about 15% and risking staff layoffs and editorial independence. In Romania, caretaker governance risks a constitutional crisis as parties negotiate a minority government ahead of EU funding targets and credit ratings.
Across Africa, governments are prioritising domestic resources to fund infrastructure and social programmes, citing vast pension funds and private savings as untapped assets. Officials say aid reliance is declining, while long-term domestic capital will finance growth. The shift comes as aid falls and debt concerns rise.
SpaceX has announced a $20 billion senior unsecured bond offering to refinance a bridge loan and fund its expanding AI infrastructure, including Starship and Starlink. The IPO's record scale has given Musk’s empire enormous cash reserves, but analysts warn ongoing negative free cash flow and high capital needs will keep the company borrowing.
A growing class-action suit accuses major gas retailers of using Kalibrate's AI pricing to coordinate higher gas prices across more than 1,700 California stations. The suit cites six-cent average increases, up to 30 cents in dense Kalibrate usage areas, and potential billions in annual driver costs.
Federal investigators have opened parallel probes after a Tesla Model 3 drove across a Katy, Texas, lawn and crashed into a home on June 19, killing 76-year-old Martha Avila. Local police say the driver told them an automated driving feature was engaged; Tesla engineers say vehicle data show the accelerator was pressed to the floor before impact. The family has filed a wrongful-death suit against Tesla and the driver.
The European Union has invited Taliban officials to Brussels for talks on irregular migration and readmission of Afghans without a right to stay. The meeting, coordinated by the European Commission with Sweden, is described as technical and not a recognition of the Taliban. Rights groups warn the engagement could legitimise a regime that has curtailed women’s rights and humanitarian conditions.
Brent crude has fallen to around $72-73 a barrel after renewed talks signal a potential peace deal between the US and Iran. Transit through the Strait of Hormuz is increasing, easing supply fears and driving markets higher, while analysts warn that tensions still linger and further volatility could follow.
Global tech shares have pulled back after a rally in AI-related stocks. Benchmark indices in Asia show sharp declines, including South Korea’s Kospi, as investors reassess valuations amid rising chip costs and AI infrastructure spending. US futures show mixed signals as investors await key inflation data.
Taleb al-Abdulmohsen has been found guilty of six murders and related counts in Magdeburg. The court labels the crime as of particular severity, making release unlikely after 15 years. The rampage occurred on December 20, 2024, killing six people and injuring many more. The defendant, an anti-Islam activist, acted alone and was not under the influence of alcohol, investigators say. The trial, held in a specially constructed court, tied to Germany’s ongoing immigration debate.
The government has moved up the removal of the de minimis import relief to October 2028, after discussions with industry. Retailers call the timeline still too slow, arguing it leaves UK high streets at a competitive disadvantage to foreign online sellers.
The UN's International Maritime Organization has paused its evacuation of around 600 stranded ships and 11,000 seafarers after a vessel was struck off Oman's coast on Thursday. The attack, which multiple maritime sources say likely involved a drone or unknown projectile, has prompted fresh warnings from Iran and halted the IMO operation while safety guarantees are rechecked.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows President Trump’s approval on Iran-related issues has slipped to 34%, with most Americans doubting lasting peace even as a tentative deal opens Iranian shipping lanes. Gas prices remain elevated amid the conflict, while independents show softness toward the Republican stance ahead of midterms.
New York’s Democratic primaries have yielded three wins for Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s democratic socialist slate. Brad Lander, Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez have defeated establishment-backed rivals in the 10th, 13th and 7th districts, signaling a stronger left-wing presence in Congress ahead of November.
Scottish supporters have carried their World Cup run into Miami, turning Ocean Drive and local bars into a showcase of kilts, bagpipes and Saltire flags as Brazil loom in the next game. The crowd's energy has warmed locals and surprised officials alike.
Leaders gather as Donald Trump has intensified his critique of NATO, pressing allies on defense spending and military support amid ongoing tensions over Iran. Rutte is working to keep unity as Washington signals possible reductions in Europe-focused forces, with a July summit in Ankara on the horizon.
Labour leadership race appears to be consolidating around Andy Burnham as Sir Keir Starmer resigns. Reeves backs Burnham and asserts fiscal rules will guide the party's next government; a swift, orderly transition is anticipated with Burnham potentially taking office by mid-July. Other MPs weigh in on the process and potential challengers.
A humanitarian worker linked to the Congo outbreak has been identified and transferred to a specialized facility in France. France has isolated the patient and begun contact tracing for a 21-day monitoring period as the Ebola outbreak in the DRC continues to spread.
The GCC states have welcomed a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran as talks move toward a broader ceasefire and regional security framework. Rubio’s Gulf tour underscores Gulf fears about missiles, drones, and Tehran’s influence, while Israel’s pressure on regional investors adds to the complexity.
France endures its hottest day on record as a Europe-wide heat wave triggers power outages in Brittany, with 100k+ customers affected. Crews are restoring supply and warnings persist about continued extreme temperatures.
New data shows uncollected council tax in England rose to 7.4 billion pounds by March, with Scotland and Wales figures pushing totals higher. Charities warn of a widening affordability crisis as collection rates remain high but many struggle with essential bills. Authorities propose reforms to ease payments and reduce penalties.
Italy has criticised NATO chief Mark Rutte for comments that European bases were used to support the Iran war, insisting only technical and logistical flights were authorised. The government says this account oversimplifies and misstates flights linked to Epic Fury.
A European heatwave has intensified, with temperatures surpassing 30C in multiple countries. Scientists say human-caused climate change has made such heatwaves more likely and severe, while authorities report rising strain on hospitals, power grids, and transport. The heatwave is prompting new warnings and policy responses across the continent.