Global News Digest

World

Reuters

UK's Drax to buy Bluefield Solar in $755 million renewables deal

UK’s Drax is acquiring Bluefield Solar for $755 million, significantly expanding its renewable energy portfolio. This major deal highlights Drax’s strategic shift toward diversifying beyond traditional power generation.

Huge blast kills dozens in rebel-held village in Myanmar
BBC News

Huge blast kills dozens in rebel-held village in Myanmar

A massive explosion in Myanmar’s Shan State killed at least 46 people, including six children, and damaged hundreds of homes. The Ta’ang National Liberation Army attributed the blast to accidental ignition of mining explosives.

Reuters

Witnesses tell of devastation from Myanmar explosion that killed dozens

Eyewitnesses describe devastation in Myanmar after a powerful explosion killed dozens. Reports detail severe destruction and a trail of ruin in the affected area.

Reuters

France intercepts another 'shadow fleet' tanker linked to Russian oil

France has intercepted another tanker linked to Russia’s "shadow fleet," which transports sanctioned oil. This seizure highlights ongoing efforts to curb illicit Russian energy exports.

Reuters

Trump says Iran really wants to make a deal with the US

Trump claims Iran is eager to strike a deal with the US, per Reuters.

Iran attacks damage 20 US military sites since start of war, satellite images show
BBC News

Iran attacks damage 20 US military sites since start of war, satellite images show

Satellite images reveal Iranian strikes damaged 20 US military sites, contradicting official claims. The Pentagon restricted imagery to protect operational security amid the escalating conflict.

Athlete forced to travel 800 miles for meeting that boss didn't show up for wins ÂŁ149,000
BBC News

Athlete forced to travel 800 miles for meeting that boss didn't show up for wins ÂŁ149,000

Former champion Beth Littlewood won ÂŁ149,000 after Nuffield Health missed a meeting she traveled 800 miles to attend. The tribunal ruled her dismissal unfair and cited wage deductions and bullying.

Tube strikes to go ahead if last-ditch talks fail
BBC News

Tube strikes to go ahead if last-ditch talks fail

Tube strikes proceed on Tuesday and Thursday after talks fail over a four-day workweek. TfL warns of major disruptions, though Aslef drivers will largely work.

'Don't be too kind': Maternity staff used offensive terms to refer to pregnant women
BBC News

'Don't be too kind': Maternity staff used offensive terms to refer to pregnant women

BBC Panorama revealed Nottingham maternity staff used offensive terms like "FOH" to dismiss pregnant women. This exposes toxic attitudes amid the NHS’s largest maternity inquiry into poor care outcomes.

Reuters

Breakingviews - Japan’s Takaichi is her own worst energy enemy

Takaichi’s self-imposed constraints hinder Japan’s energy policy. Her personal stance, rather than external factors, remains her biggest obstacle to progress.

Reuters

Factories face soaring costs as Iran war causes supply shocks

Iran war supply shocks drive up factory costs, squeezing margins.

Poland's controversial 'Highway to Hel' 666 bus revived
BBC News

Poland's controversial 'Highway to Hel' 666 bus revived

FlixBus revived Poland’s controversial Route 666 to Hel, a number changed from 666 to 669 in 2023 due to religious backlash. The new operator cites the number as a deliberate marketing strategy to boost visibility on this popular coastal route.

Reuters

Australia's far-right party leads in national poll for first time

Australia’s far-right party has led a national poll for the first time, surpassing competitors to claim the top spot.

Reuters

China patrols waters east of Taiwan in response to Japan, Philippine maritime border talks

China patrols waters east of Taiwan, responding to Japan-Philippine maritime border talks.

Reuters

A bachelor’s in rare earths? In China, there are schools for that

China offers specialized bachelor’s programs in rare earths. Several institutions provide dedicated degrees for this field.

Reuters

Five dead, two injured after blast at Hanwha Aerospace plant in South Korea

An explosion at a Hanwha Aerospace plant in South Korea killed five people and injured two others, according to Reuters.

Reuters

Philippines, Vietnam upgrade ties, say South China Sea peace 'non-negotiable'

The Philippines and Vietnam upgraded ties, affirming South China Sea peace is non-negotiable.

Reuters

US proposes new plan to ease Israel-Lebanon tensions amid fighting

The US has introduced a new proposal to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Lebanon amid ongoing fighting. This fresh diplomatic effort aims to reduce hostilities and stabilize the region.

Colombia presidential runoff pits leftist senator against pro-Trump rival
BBC News

Colombia presidential runoff pits leftist senator against pro-Trump rival

Colombia’s June 21 runoff pits conservative Abelardo de la Espriella against leftist Iván Cepeda after neither won outright. President Petro alleges irregularities, while the campaign was marred by significant violence.

Grammy-winning director explores his Nigerian grandfather's role in the Biafran war
BBC News

Grammy-winning director explores his Nigerian grandfather's role in the Biafran war

Grammy-winning director Meji Alabi explores his grandfather’s role in the Biafran War through a BBC documentary, uncovering family ties to Nigeria’s brutal civil war.