Latest News
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Zelenskiy, Ukraine's Zelenskiy, confirms drone attack on refinery facilities in Russia's Tyumen Region
Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the Ukrainian president, said that Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery in Russia's Tyumen Region, located in western Siberia. This was more than 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles), from Ukraine. He said that Ukraine has also developed long-range drones with a range of more than 3,000 kilometers. In his video message, Zelenskiy thanked the Ukrainian military's special forces for reaching Tyumen Region, Russia, and a?oil refinery. More than 2,000 kilometers from our state boundary. "This is effective work." Ukraine's military is engaged in a long-term campaign of?strikes against Russian targets. The focus has primarily been on the oil industry, in order to stop Moscow's ability to fund the war. Alexander Moor said earlier that Russian air defences had repelled an attack by drones on the oil refinery. According to him, preliminary reports indicate that there were no damages and the staff was evacuated. It has an annual nominal capacity of around 8 million tons. According to estimates, it processes approximately 6 million tons of crude oil annually and produces 0.5 million tons gasoline and 2.5 millions tons diesel. Zelenskiy said that the modernised, long-range drones have also been "successfully deployed". He said, "They are now able to reach targets at a distance of up to 3,000 km." This is a 'completely justified response to Russian attacks against our state. Ukraine is implementing its plan for long-range operations." Reporting by Ron Popeski, Oleksandr Kozoukhar and Editing by Franklin Paul
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Spain feels the heat as Madrid World Cup Fan Zone is cancelled
A fan zone in Madrid was cancelled because of the forecast high temperatures. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), in collaboration with the city of Madrid, transformed Plaza de 'Colon into a large fan meeting place called Plaza Seleccion. Here, fans could watch Spain’s?World Cup games on large screens. The Spanish football federation (RFEF) turned Plaza de?Colon in the capital city into a large meeting point?for fans, called Plaza Seleccion, where supporters could watch Spain's 'World Cup matches on large screens. The RFEF announced on Saturday that "for reasons of safety and public health it has been decided to cancel the entire program planned for the Colon Fan Zone. This includes the broadcast of match." Fans are advised to avoid prolonged exposure to heat and to follow instructions from the emergency and civil protection services. The stadium roof will be closed, and the air conditioners will keep the temperature down.
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The Cubs are on a roll and score another 7 against the Blue Jays
The Chicago Cubs, fresh off their second seven run inning in two games, will be looking to win their third consecutive series on Saturday when they take on the Toronto Blue Jays. Carson Kelly's second grand slam of his career highlighted a seven-run opening inning, as Chicago recorded a new season high for runs in a 16-2 win over Toronto. ?Kelly? also recorded a lifetime-high six RBIs, after working a bases loaded walk in the sixth and seventh innings. "I just have to be aggressive at those moments." Kelly told Marquee Sports Network, "Great win for the guys." Two days after their 8-6 win over the Colorado Rockies, the Cubs pounded out 18 hits. MLB.com reports that Chicago has not had seven-run innings consecutively since July 5-6 2001. Chicago, which had a terrible stretch of going 0-9-1 overall in series, has now turned the tide. The Cubs' recent success can be attributed to a number of offensive stars. Pete Crow-Armstrong, who had three hits and a RBI in the first game of the series, also reached base on all five occasions he appeared at bat. He has now hit safely in 21 of 22 games, and nine consecutively. "You won't come here and steamroll people every time." Crow-Armstrong said that we are bound to be called "stretchy" when we have played in the manner we have so far. If we can just get on a roll right now, it would be great. This will set us up nicely for the break. Just adding to our identity which we see in games such as this. That is a lot of aggression?and instinctual baseball. That's us." On Saturday, Toronto's left-hander Patrick Corbin (2-4, 4.57 ERA), will face Chicago's right-hander Colin Rea(5-5, 5.35). Corbin's winless streak extended to four appearances following his team’s 8-3 defeat against the New York Yankees on Sunday. In 3 2/3 innings, Corbin allowed two runs on seven hits. The?36 year-old has a 5-2 record with a?4.60 ERA over 14 career appearances (13 starting) against the Cubs. Rea is looking to bounce back from two subpar performances. He gave up 11 runs in 15?hits, including three homers. In 9 1/3 innings he also walked six times. The 35-year old is 1-1 in his career with a 2.77 ERA (both starts) against the Blue Jays. Toronto's Vladimir?Guerrero Jr. grabbed his lower back after a pop-out on Friday in the sixth inning. The five-time All-Star had missed two games in the first half of this month because of a back problem, but manager John Schneider said that this injury is not as serious. Schneider said that the situation was "nothing like when he missed two games." "Unless something changes, I believe he should be fine (on Saturday), which is a positive." Field Level Media
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Heatwave in Europe prompts crisis talks in France
As temperatures reached record highs, the punishing heatwave that swept across Europe led to emergency meetings in France, warnings for all of Germany, and stress on residents and tourists in Italy. Sebastien Lecornu, the French prime minister, was to convene a crisis conference on Saturday. The national weather agency Meteo France had warned that the heat wave would continue into the next week. It compared it to "major episodes" in 2003 and 2019 Forecasters predicted that temperatures between 39 and 40 degrees Celsius could reach 41C in some parts of Burgundy by Sunday. On Monday temperatures are likely to reach a peak, possibly matching historical highs. Temperatures of up to 38C were also reported in Germany. The DWD weather service warned that a combination of heat, humidity and thunderstorms could be triggered by a combination. COOLING UNDER A ROMAN TEMPLE Temperatures expected to reach 36-37C in some Italian cities have transformed the daily life of residents and tourists. The summer heat in Rome made sightseeing a challenge for tourists. Some found relief in the cool underground spaces under the semi-hidden remnants of the Temple of Claudius. Bologna is one of the hotter cities in the peninsula. People splashed water at the 16th century Fountain of Neptune, and sought shade under the porticoes. Poles in Warsaw sought relief from the summer heat at popular summer destinations along the 'Vistula River. HEATWAVES - AN ECONOMIC TOLL Scientists claim climate change will make heatwaves in Europe more intense and frequent, increasing the risk of economic disruption and health emergencies during summer. Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire ordered that parks remain open 24 hours a day to help residents. Attention is also drawn to the economic impact of extreme heat. Bank of France Emmanuel Moulin stated that the short-term impact on?growth was "somewhat ambiguous" citing both decreased productivity and increased energy consumption, but warned in the medium-term heatwaves will weigh on economic activity. (Reporting from Giselda Vasgnoni, Dominique Vidalon, and Rachel More, in Paris; editing by Jan Harvey).
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Israeli strikes kill 10 in Lebanon after ceasefire
Israeli'strikes' in Lebanon have killed at least ten?people? on Saturday. This is hours after Hezbollah declared a ceasefire. Israel said it was responding to the projectiles fired from this Iran-backed group. According to the state-run NNA news agency, Israeli drones and warplanes have hit several locations in the Bekaa valley and south. Hezbollah fired over 50 projectiles overnight at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, according to an Israeli military official. This prompted strikes against "Hezbollah targets", as the official put it. Hezbollah does not claim responsibility. Senior Hezbollah officials said that the group will not allow Israel to "freedom of move" in what they called occupied Lebanese territories, adding that resistance is still legitimate as long as Israeli forces remain in Lebanon. The violence shows the fragility of the truce that was supposed to stop months of violence escalating, as well as the?interim peace agreement between the U.S. DEADLY STRIKES A village official in Barish, in southern Israel's Tyre district, said that one of the most deadly Israeli strikes killed a father, his mother, and their two children in a three-storey building. The Lebanese Army said that an Israeli strike on the Kfarrumman - Nabatieh Road killed a soldier and accused Israel for undermining attempts to restore stability. Israel's Arabic language military spokesperson said that calm could?be achieved if Hezbollah stopped what she called hostile activity and violations. She added that Israel's presence within a security area was to remove threats, dismantle Hezbollah's infrastructure and not harm civilians. After a dramatic escalation of hostilities, a ceasefire was reached on Friday. A?U.S. A?U.S. Lebanon's Health Ministry?states that 3,912 people, including women and children, have died in Israeli attacks since 2 March. Israeli authorities claim that at least 32 soldiers, four civilians and a woman have died in the latest hostilities. The U.S. and Iran understanding announced this week calls for an end to all military operations on multiple fronts by both parties, as well as their allies, including Lebanon. Israel, who was not a part of these negotiations, has objected to provisions that it believes could limit its campaign in Lebanon. (Reporting Jana Choukeir Laila Basam and Maayan Loubell. Eman Abouhassira contributed additional reporting. William Mallard, Mark Potter and William Mallard edited the article.
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Pakistan roadside blasts kill seven, AP says
The Associated Press reported?on 'Saturday? that two roadside bombs had killed at least seven people in a region of northwest Pakistan and injured three?, citing the police. The?agency stated that there was no immediate claim to responsibility for the explosions. Authorities?launched an investigation into the perpetrators. It was reported that the first blast occurred in the district of Bannu, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and then the second one followed, as rescuers were responding. Yasir AFridi, an experienced police officer, is credited with the information. Afridi said that three people were injured and five were killed. Requests for comment were not immediately responded to by the district administration or the office of?the Bannu Divisional?commissioner. Asif 'Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan, condemned the attack on X and warned "internal & external handlers terrorism" to refrain from providing safe havens, financial assistance, and logistical support to such networks. (Reporting and editing by Clarence Fernandez in Bengaluru, Anusha Sharma in Bengaluru)
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Israeli strikes continue after ceasefire, US and Iran envoys to meet
Axios reported that the personal envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran's Foreign Minister were heading to Switzerland to hold talks. However, Axios also noted that Israel's deadly strikes in Lebanon on Sunday could be a test for a new ceasefire to end the Iran War. The talks led by Steve 'Witkoff' and Abbas Araqchi are an attempt to transform a 14-point interim pact that was signed this week into a regional agreement to end the war between Israel and the United States, which began on February 28. Lebanese media reported that Israeli drones and air strikes killed at least 5 people in the southern part of the country on Saturday. This was just hours after the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah militants, who are backed by Iran, came into effect. The U.S. and Iran must first stop fighting in Lebanon before they can begin 60-day talks to settle disputes about Iran's nuclear programme and other difficult issues. A durable agreement is essential to reopening Strait of Hormuz, stabilising oil supplies worldwide and resolving disputes. After Vance pulls out, WITKOFF AND ARAQCHI TALKS ARE SET UP A senior U.S. government official confirmed that the ceasefire in Lebanon took place around 4 pm (1300 GMT), on Friday, after an exchange of gunfire. The ceasefire was confirmed by two Hezbollah sources and a senior Israeli official. Israeli drones and warplanes carried out a series strikes in the Nabatieh region overnight and Saturday morning. They destroyed residential buildings. Israeli artillery shelled Nabatieh, its suburbs, and their surroundings before dawn, according to NNA, Lebanon's state news agency. Israel has not yet commented on the NNA Report. Axios reported that Witkoff would be traveling to Switzerland on Saturday to join Jared Kushner (Trump's son-in law) who was already there. The White House did not answer questions regarding Witkoff’s travel. Iran hasn't confirmed Araqchi’s plans. The Vice President JDVance canceled his plans to visit the Swiss mountaintop resort of Buergenstock on Thursday, as technical discussions were well underway. This was due to rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The Swiss Foreign Ministry said that Switzerland was ready to facilitate U.S. Iran talks, and preparations were ongoing. The interim agreement reached on Wednesday requires that the United States and its allies, Iran, and all other parties to the deal, declare a permanent and immediate end to all military operations, including those in Lebanon. Israel says that it was not a party to the agreement despite being excluded from the negotiations. LEBANON IS KEY TO A DURABLE U.S. IRAN PEACE DEAL In a Friday telephone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart, Araqchi said that the United States was responsible for any breach of the agreement, including the ending of the fighting in Lebanon. His ministry confirmed this. Hezbollah's attack on Israel in March prompted Israel to launch an offensive and invade Lebanon's south. State Department: Before the attacks on Saturday, U.S. Secretary Marco Rubio and Lebanese president Joseph Aoun discussed holding Israel/Lebanon talks in Washington between Tuesday and Thursday. According to the Lebanese Presidency, a comprehensive ceasefire is a key element of these discussions. At least 7,000 people have died in the Iran war, mostly in Iran or Lebanon. It has driven up energy costs, which is a major factor in global inflation. Brent crude prices fell by about 8% in the past week. Oil shipments through Strait of Hormuz increased after the interim agreement was signed. Before the war, Iran blockedade the strait and stopped it from carrying a fifth or more of crude oil and liquefied gas. Iran's body for managing the Strait of Hormuz said Friday that it would waive fees during the period of negotiations on the interim agreement. The interim agreement provides relief from economic sanctions for Iran, unfreezing assets worth tens and tens billions of dollars as well as immediate waivers by the United States for its oil exports. The bill also provides a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran, as well as other financial incentives. Trump defended his deal again after criticism from Washington, including Republican allies in Congress who questioned whether he had conceded too much in order to end a conflict unpopular with the majority of Americans before midterm elections this November. The War has reduced Iran! Trump posted on Facebook on Friday that "Iran was the one who met us out of desperation." They're finished! We will play out the 60-day period. "They get nothing, not even 10 cents!" Reporting by Bureaus; Writing by David Brunnstrom; Nathan Layne; and William Mallard. Editing by Alistair Bell; Clarence Fernandez.
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Morales is waiting in the wings as Bolivia crisis tests Trump's government
* Morales keeps in regular contact with protest leaders Paz negotiates with fragile union leaders * La Paz restaurateurs say 42% of venues closed, hospitals short on painkillers By Cassandra Garrison LA PAZ, 19 June - Evo Morales watches and waits in the forests of Bolivia's Chapare Region. The former president, a leftist, is still a strong force from his rural stronghold. 50 days of road blockades by indigenous and labor unions have brought the country to a standstill, killed at least 14, and pushed the center-right government led by Rodrigo Paz close to collapse. In an exclusive video-link interview, Morales said he had been in contact with protesters on a regular basis and that the growing discontent of the public has "made" him consider a return into politics, even though he claims he's not actively campaigning. Blockades on key roads have left trucks stranded, and fuel, food, and medical supplies are stifled. Unrest began in Paz after the abrupt decision to cut long-standing fuel subsides to reduce the budget in the volatile lithium-powerhouse amid a growing dollar crunch, and ongoing discussions with the International Monetary Fund about a rescue agreement. Paz changed fuel prices and reversed unpopular land reforms, but protests turned into wider discontent. The unions want wage increases, an end to fuel shortages and dollar shortages and Paz’s resignation. Paz, who assumed office in November 2025, with the backing from President Donald Trump, as part of a larger strategy to increase U.S. Influence in the hemisphere has blamed Morales, a towering leftist figure who governed for almost 14 years, for stoking unrest. Andres Arauz, from the Center for Economic & Policy Research, says that the government is trying to divert attention from the social problems on the ground by portraying Morales in the worst possible light. Paz "is trying to spin it and frame it as a political confrontation and wait it out," said he. Morales is wanted on charges of trafficking in minors, which are linked to allegations that he fathered an infant with a teenage girl while he was president. Morales calls the accusations "fabricated" and politically motivated. In an interview with he denied that he played a role in inciting dissent. He said the "indigenous rebel" was driven by the economic hardship. Morales stated that "in my experience as a past president, when there is conflict, the state is at fault if the issue is a social request." He said Paz made "unfulfilled promises." Morales' presence looms over Paz’s increasingly fragile talks to remove the blockades. Paz attempted to strike a conciliation tone when he began talks with union leaders in La Paz on Wednesday. He said that "we must build the nation but we have build it by accepting different ways of thinking," calling on both sides to end their mistrust. A CITY on the Edge La Paz is a high-altitude city where a siege mentality is in full swing. Restaurants are empty, hospitals have run out of medication and supermarkets shut off lights at meat counters that were sold out. Pamela Espada is a regional manager of a supermarket. She described how she must fly meat in from Santa Cruz, and that she wakes up at 2 am to get eggs. Since the blockades began, the price of chicken and tomatoes has increased by 70%. The ripple effect has affected the entire city's economy. Ernesto Olivares is the head of the Gastronomic Association of La Paz. He said that 42% of restaurants have had to close. He said that "the exhaustion had reached its limit." "La Paz has been taken hostage by the politics." Hospitals are also affected by the crisis. The blockades have rendered medical transfers almost impossible, leaving many patients without treatment. Cancer patients and their loved ones gathered at La Paz’s main public hospital to chant "We want life!" Erika Alvarez's brother, who is fighting cancer in Oruro (a mining area about 225 km south of La Paz), broke down into?tears. "They told me he needed chemo but there was nothing in Oruro. There were no medicines." "I cannot bring my brother to this country because of the political issues, these blockades." Rosario Calle is the president of Association of Cancer Patients and Families. She said that she has heard of patients who died because they did not receive care on time, particularly in rural areas. In the capital there is a shortage of essential painkillers such as morphine and tramadol. Calle stated, "They cry and they do not know how to soothe their pain." What we need are solutions. "Enough is enough." Morales wants Paz to step down and for new elections to take place. He said the standoff may reach a breaking point, if his party is excluded from future elections. However, he insisted that he does not support this escalation. He said, "If they do not want it through votes, then it will be with bullets."
The Russian-owned Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant says that external power connection has been restored
The Zaporizhzhia?power station in southeast Ukraine, which is occupied by Russia, announced?on Saturday?that?external?power?had been restored. For a while the station was forced to rely solely on diesel generation.
The plant's Russian management released a statement on Telegram saying that the plant is operating normally after the return to external power. Radiation levels were normal.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog?also reported that?the external?line?was restored after a 4-1/2-hour break.
The Ukraine Energy Ministry stated that Russian military activity is responsible for the disconnections. This is the 20th time since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The plant is Europe's biggest with six reactors. It produces no electricity but requires power from?two external links? to keep the nuclear fuel cool.
The plant was seized by Russia in the first weeks of the conflict. Since then, both sides have accused each other of military actions that compromise nuclear safety. Reporting by Devika Nir in Bengaluru. Mark Potter, Ron Popeski, and Franklin Paul edited the report.
(source: Reuters)