Norwegian rider Soren Waerenskjold won a sprint finish at the Tour de France. The road stage was completed at an average speed of 50.91kph. That pace made it the fastest stage in the race’s history across its 113 editions. The result highlights Waerenskjold’s exceptional speed in a record-setting Tour stage.
Tour de FranceSoren Waerenskjoldcyclingfastest stage
Norwegian rider Soren Waerenskjold secured his first Tour de France stage win on Wednesday. He beat Belgian Jasper Philipsen in a mass sprint at the finish of the 161-kilometre 11th stage. The route ran from Vichy to Nevers. Riders completed the stage at an average speed of 50.91 kilometres per hour, making it the fastest stage in the race’s history.
Apricots grown in Armenia’s Ararat valley have become entangled in a geopolitical dispute involving Russia and the West. The Kremlin, angered by Yerevan’s shift away from Moscow, introduced bans and restrictions on imports of numerous Armenian goods. The measures cover products including fruit, vegetables and flowers. They were imposed ahead of Armenia’s parliamentary elections last month.
Why does the conflict keep being reignited? Carrie Lee of the German Marshall Fund of the US argues that the Iran War persists because both sides seemingly believe that maintaining continuous conflict gives them greater leverage in negotiations. The result is a repeating cycle of war and talks between Washington and Tehran, with each side apparently viewing confrontation as a way to strengthen its bargaining position.
Donald Trump has vowed to intensify attacks on Iran. Oil prices are climbing as the conflict continues to shape market attention. The update urges readers to catch up on the latest developments. It offers no further details beyond the pledge and the rise in oil prices.
Iran’s internal chain of command has come under scrutiny during its deadly war with the United States. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has taken the lead, especially on matters involving the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s government says it is aligned with the IRGC’s position. The account points to the military organisation’s prominent role while emphasising that officials present a united front.
Donald Trump is backing away from a proposed cargo fee connected to the Strait of Hormuz as Gulf states push back. The US maritime blockade has resumed, while some ships are still crossing the passage. Attacks across the region continue, keeping pressure on the contested route and its users.
The US president has suggested that the findings of an investigation into a strike on a school in Iran may never be made public. He does not believe the inquiry can produce a conclusive report. The remarks concern the investigation and possible disclosure of information surrounding the attack amid the US-Iran conflict.
The US operation in Iran could ultimately cost as much as $100 billion, according to estimates cited by NBC. Some sources put the price of repairing US military infrastructure in Bahrain alone at about $1 billion. The figures are presented as estimates from unnamed sources and highlight the potentially enormous infrastructure costs associated with the operation.
Iran operationUS military costsBahrainmilitary infrastructure
The United States has restarted its war against Iran. Since the conflict began in February, it has used a significant number of munitions. That expenditure is raising questions about whether the US weapons stockpile is running low.
The US military launched a new “wave of strikes” against Iran on Wednesday, according to CENTCOM. The announcement followed an Iranian government spokesperson’s claim that more than 30 civilians had been killed in US air strikes on the country’s southern region in recent days. Tehran responded quickly, while Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain each reported attacks. Developments are continuing in the region as the live coverage tracks the latest updates.
Ukrainian strikes on energy facilities in Crimea have left towns in the peninsula’s northern part without water. Independent Russian investigative outlet Agentstvo reports that social media users, charities and businesses have begun collecting drinking water for residents. Volunteers are taking action as the disruption leaves communities in need of basic supplies.
Netflix appears unable to let Stranger Things go. Since the show’s final episode aired on New Year’s Eve, the company has added a behind-the-scenes documentary and an animated series that expands its story. Now, marking the 10th anniversary of the show’s original release, Netflix has issued a new version of its first season. The nostalgic re-release is another attempt to bring audiences back to the series’ earlier appeal.
A dispute over the line at a gas station in Chelyabinsk escalated when one driver fired at another motorist. The weapon was a rubber-bullet pistol, according to Russian news outlet 74.ru. The man who was shot was taken to hospital for treatment. The incident occurred as Russia faces a fuel crisis, linking an ordinary wait for gasoline to a violent confrontation.
EU ambassadors have failed to reach agreement on the bloc’s 21st sanctions package targeting Russia, a source says. Negotiations have been postponed until next week, leaving the package unresolved for now. The talks are expected to resume after the delay.
Ukrainian lawmaker Kira Rudik assesses how upcoming national elections across Europe could reshape political support for Ukraine. She says the Coalition of the Willing may have a “very different representation” next year. The expected changes are tied to the results of several key European elections. The discussion focuses on how shifts in national politics could affect the coalition backing Ukraine.
European electionsUkrainepolitical supportCoalition of the Willing
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said goodbye to members of Parliament. He also pledged to support the person who succeeds him. Andy Burnham is expected to formally replace Starmer on Monday. Burnham will become the United Kingdom’s seventh prime minister in a decade. The transition marks another change at the top of British government within a ten-year period.
UK politicsprime ministerial transitionKeir StarmerAndy Burnham
The two nations share a long history both on and off the football pitch. That background is expected to add extra intensity to their upcoming semifinal. The match is likely to be fiery, with the countries’ longstanding connection and rivalry fueling the occasion.
Maria Zakharova said Russia sees no genuine willingness in Paris to pursue peaceful solutions to the Ukraine issue. She argued that Emmanuel Macron’s approach is consistent with the course of Europe’s current ruling elites to deter Russia. Zakharova characterized Macron as wearing the “tricorn hat of the war party,” using the phrase to portray his position as aligned with those favoring confrontation rather than peace.
A New York Times report suggests that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio now effectively controls Venezuela. It says his influence extends to the country’s finances, the distribution of its natural resources and the government itself. The claim follows the capture of Nicolas Maduro. FRANCE 24’s Monte Francis discusses the report with Christopher Sabatini, director of Chatham House’s Latin America program, examining whether Rubio covertly runs the country.
Maria Zakharova said the West should determine who masterminded the Nord Stream attack rather than focusing only on those who carried it out. She referred to a German federal prosecutor’s press release announcing an indictment filed on June 30 against “Ukrainian national Sergey K.” The case concerns the September 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines. Her remarks place the question of ultimate responsibility at the center of the investigation.
Nord StreamGerman prosecutorsUkrainepipeline sabotage
Zaporozhye legislator Stepan Kuvachev condemned the trial of the SOS Donbass founder in Paris. He called the proceedings baseless and politically driven. Kuvachev described the case as an example of hypocrisy. His remarks directly challenged the grounds and motives behind the trial.
Palestinians held a funeral for a father, a mother and their six-year-old daughter. The family members were killed in an Israeli air attack on a home in Gaza. Their deaths brought relatives and members of the community together to mourn them. The funeral followed the reported strike on the residence.
The United States has been striking Bandar Abbas, a southern Iranian port city, since Tehran and Washington resumed missile attacks last week. One operation involved an unprecedented sea-drone assault on a submarine maintenance facility. The city, home to more than half a million people, has emerged as a prime target for the US military. The report examines why Bandar Abbas has assumed such importance in the campaign.
The home of Spain and Barcelona star Lamine Yamal was targeted in an attempted burglary. The property was formerly owned by Barcelona great Gerard Pique and Colombian music star Shakira. The incident involved an attempted break-in at Yamal’s residence. Its previous high-profile owners add further prominence to the reported burglary attempt.
Russia will cancel fines imposed on drivers who violated parking and stopping rules while waiting in line for gasoline, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Irina Volk said. The decision concerns penalties issued during queues to buy fuel. It applies specifically to parking-related violations committed while motorists were waiting for gasoline.
The 2027 ODI Cricket World Cup in Africa will feature a revised competition structure. Fourteen teams will take part in the tournament. A Super Seven stage will replace the route that previously included quarterfinals. The change could create an opportunity for India and Pakistan to meet one more time during the event.
Atlanta police are preparing enhanced security for the World Cup match between England and Argentina. The host city says advanced security measures will be in place proactively. The arrangements are intended to guard against possible crowd trouble involving supporters of the two teams. The preparations focus on preventing potential disorder before it occurs.
Critic Emma Jones examines Christopher Nolan’s version of the Greek epic The Odyssey. She says the film was worth the long wait, despite its eye-watering budget. The production also explores themes from the ancient story that continue to speak to contemporary audiences. Matt Damon plays a world-weary Odysseus, while Anne Hathaway portrays a notably patient Penelope. Lupita Nyong’o takes on both Helen of Troy and her twin sister, Clytemnestra, in the all-star cast.
Russia plans to require migrants to purchase mobile phones that authorities can use to track their whereabouts. Deputy Interior Minister Igor Zubov made the statement, according to Russian business news outlet RBC. The proposal would introduce a specific phone requirement for migrants. It links migration administration with the ability of authorities to monitor individuals’ locations.
Environment Canada has issued health warnings as smoke from more than 100 active wildfires in northern Ontario reaches Toronto. The city’s sky turned a sickly yellow on Wednesday, while smoky conditions spread across cities in the northeastern US. IQAir, the Swiss company that monitors air quality worldwide, ranked Toronto as having the worst air quality in the world. The warnings followed the sharp deterioration in conditions over Canada’s largest city.
Extreme heat and wildfire smoke are affecting a wide area of the eastern United States on Wednesday. Washington is forecast to exceed 100F, or 38C, while New York City’s heat index could reach 102F. Smoke from wildfires in Canada is expected to move farther south later in the week. The conditions are bringing both intense heat and deteriorating air quality across the region.
Canadian wildfireswildfire smokeextreme heateastern US
PayPal’s payment system is reportedly being considered for an acquisition valued at more than $53 billion. A merger between Stripe and PayPal would create the world’s largest payment operator. The combined company would handle annual turnover of around $1.9 trillion. Such a deal would reshape the global payments industry.
A Kenyan court has rejected a request from the country’s small Rastafarian community for legal permission to smoke marijuana as part of its religious practice. The group relied on the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion. The judge ruled that the applicants had not demonstrated that marijuana use was necessary to their worship. The decision therefore denies the requested religious exemption.
Samsung has offered an early glimpse of the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 in a new teaser tied to Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The video shows Spidey taking a foldable phone from a 3D printer and opening it in a book-like fashion. Heavy lens flares obscure the device in each appearance, leaving the promised “brand new shape” largely hidden. The teaser provides a suggestive look rather than a clear reveal of the phone’s design.
Jamey Carney, an American mother who was slain, was remembered during a livestreamed funeral in Killarney, Ireland. The ceremony celebrated her life and described her as a “ray of sunshine.” A Jordanian suspect connected to the case remains detained abroad. The service focused on honoring Carney’s memory while the legal situation continues elsewhere.
A militia aligned with Yemen’s government says it intercepted a boat in the country. The group alleges that the vessel was carrying “weapon-making equipment for the Houthis.” The reported seizure therefore centers on material that the militia links to Houthi weapons production. The claim is attributed to the pro-government force, with no additional account of the interception provided.
Pro-government militia seizes boat with ‘Houthi weapons materials’ in Yemen
FlashTranslated by Minutes
🇯🇵 🩳 Tokyo civil servants ditch suits for shorts amid heatwave
In a country where business attire is still the norm, Tokyo civil servants are being encouraged to swap out their suits for shorts in the scorching summer heat, as offices cut reliance on air conditioning due to high energy costs
🇯🇵 🩳 Tokyo civil servants ditch suits for shorts amid heatwave
In a country where business attire is still the norm, Tokyo civil servants are being encouraged to swap out their suits for shorts in the scorching summer heat, as offices cut reliance on air conditioning due to high energy costs
Heavy rain continues to soak South Texas, with dangerous flash flooding still possible. The storms also produced a tornado in San Antonio on Wednesday morning. The severe weather is continuing to affect the region, while the threat from intense rainfall and sudden flooding remains. Conditions have not yet eased across the area as downpours persist and storms continue to develop.
The big six banks posted quarterly numbers so enormous that the results felt like a meme moment. Their performance was marked by record trading activity, underscoring an unusually powerful quarter for the major institutions. The report highlights the scale of the figures and the striking impression they created.
Bloomberg reports that the Pentagon has blocked the publication of a report on the F-35 fighter jet program. The acquisition review was determined for the first time to contain controlled unclassified information, or CUI. As a result, the report is restricted from public release. The decision concerns the document’s disclosure and access status.
OpenAI has released its first hardware product, but it is not the mysterious AI device being developed with former Apple designer Jony Ive. That project is already entangled in a messy lawsuit. Instead, the new product is made for OpenAI’s coding platform, Codex. Called Codex Micro, it is a square-shaped block covered with buttons for use with the platform.
A small group of wealthy French entrepreneurs is purchasing hundreds of hectares with the aim of allowing nature to reclaim the land. Rodolphe Landemaine, an artisan baker who runs 30 bakeries across France and Japan, is among them. He regularly welcomes other business leaders to his estate in Normandy, hoping they will also choose to use their wealth for a worthwhile purpose.
Maia Sandu’s visit to Kyiv could clear the way for weapons to transit through Moldova, expert Dmitry Sorokin says. He argues that the assessment is reinforced by Russian Armed Forces operations actively destroying ammunition depots in Ukraine. Those strikes, Sorokin says, are creating an urgent need for additional arms supplies. The statement presents the possible transit route as a response to that immediate demand.
The European Union has extended its price cap on Russian oil for another week after Greece blocked agreement on a new sanctions package. The 21st package had been expected to win approval on July 15. Two EU officials told The Kyiv Independent that Greece refused to soften its hardline opposition to proposals aimed at stopping EU countries from trading liquefied natural gas with third countries. The dispute has delayed the agreement.
A Russian married couple say Turkish authorities detained them after they read the Bible inside Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. The historic site is now a mosque. The couple described the detention to the news outlet Ostorozhno Novosti. Their account frames the incident as a consequence of reading a Christian religious text inside the mosque.
The consulate general is investigating the detention of Russians at Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia mosque. Sources inside the Istanbul police confirmed that the incident occurred but declined to provide further comment. No details were given about the reason for the detentions or how many people were involved. The inquiry is continuing as officials seek to clarify what happened at the site.
The International Handball Federation has allowed Russian teams to take part in tournaments. The federation said that full reintegration could require a transition period for both Russian and Belarusian teams and officials. It did not specify how long that period might last or what arrangements it would involve.
US President Donald Trump is urging Immigration and Customs Enforcement to keep using traffic stops as an enforcement tactic. His support comes after the agency announced a temporary pause. The pause followed fatal shootings in Texas and Maine. Trump is backing the tactic despite those deadly incidents.
President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement must keep conducting traffic stops. His position conflicts with a decision made the previous day to suspend the practice. The ban followed the fatal shooting of a Colombian driver in Maine by an ICE agent. Another motorist was killed by immigration officers in Texas last week. The incidents have placed the agency’s use of vehicle stops at the center of the dispute.
The Department of Homeland Security reversed a decision made just one day earlier. It had planned to halt most immigration-related traffic stops. President Donald Trump demanded that the tactic continue. The reversal followed the fatal shooting of a man during an enforcement operation in Maine.
President Donald Trump said Immigration and Customs Enforcement should resume traffic stops. His administration had paused the practice just one day earlier. The pause followed recent deadly shootings. Trump’s statement signals a reversal over whether ICE should use traffic stops as an enforcement measure.
Donald TrumpICEtraffic stopsimmigration enforcement
President Donald Trump says Immigration and Customs Enforcement should keep conducting traffic stops following recent fatal shootings. His position appears to conflict with a new policy that would halt those stops. The statement highlights an apparent contradiction between Trump’s direction and the newly announced enforcement approach. It comes as the administration responds to the recent shootings.
Donald TrumpICEtraffic stopsimmigration enforcement
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that forcing a restructuring of supply chains would impose high costs on everyone involved. He said China will continue expanding its openness. China will also keep providing high-quality products and opportunities for cooperation to the global market. The remarks reaffirm Beijing’s stated emphasis on openness and cooperation with global markets.
Russia is urging every party involved in the Gulf conflict to return to negotiations. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow is “extremely concerned” by the resumption of hostilities in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Her remarks address the renewed fighting in the strategically important waterways. The Russian position calls for negotiations to resume as the way forward.
Russia says France’s refusal to issue a visa to a TASS reporter attending UNESCO events is puzzling. Maria Zakharova said the reporter was due to cover events on July 17 during a global conference for the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development. A UNESCO-Russia International Prize for Achievements in Fundamental Sciences is scheduled to be awarded at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
The Bishnoi case illustrates how transnational organized crime networks based in India have developed. Their activities have moved beyond a purely domestic law enforcement issue and become a concern for authorities around the world. The case highlights the gangs’ cross-border character and the widening reach of networks connected to India.
England and Argentina meet again in the semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match renews one of football’s most celebrated rivalries. Live coverage follows the contest with ongoing text updates. Attention is focused on how this high-profile semifinal unfolds between the two teams.
Spain has secured its place in the World Cup final. England and Argentina are preparing for a match at Atlanta stadium. The tournament bracket, predictions and schedule chart the teams’ routes through the competition, with the final now taking shape. Attention is focused on the teams still preparing for the decisive games and the path that leads to the title.
England and Argentina held training sessions at the venue ahead of their World Cup semifinal in the North and Central American tournament. The match is scheduled for Japan time on the 16th. At press conferences, the managers of both teams spoke about their determination before the game. Their previous meetings are also being revisited.
England and Argentina are set to renew their World Cup rivalry in the semifinals after a 24-year gap. The match brings Harry Kane and Lionel Messi into direct contention on the same stage. The preview focuses on the renewed rivalry and the two star players at its centre. It also considers what the outcome could be as the teams meet for a place in the final.
England will meet Argentina in the World Cup semifinal on Wednesday. Thomas Tuchel says his team has “not peaked yet” ahead of the match. England are seeking a place in the World Cup final. Reaching it would mark their first appearance there since 1966.
The United States has taken another step toward keeping daylight saving time all year. On Tuesday, the House advanced the Sunshine Protection Act by a 308–117 vote. The measure would permanently move clocks one hour forward. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social in May that the bill would save money. The vote brings the country closer to a permanent change in how it observes daylight saving time.
US politicsdaylight saving timeHouse of Representatives
Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang, who is visiting Japan, said this week would mark the beginning of “Japan AI.” He previewed an announcement on July 16 concerning partnerships with major Japanese companies. On the night of July 15, Huang also visited an izakaya in Kanda, where he held discussions with Japanese business leaders and others. The visit came ahead of the planned announcement.
French lawmakers are due to vote on Wednesday on a bill establishing a legal right to assisted dying for adults with incurable illnesses. The proposal has brought an intense ethical and political debate to a vote. It remains highly controversial and has drawn especially strong opposition from France’s right wing. France 24’s Luke Shrago explains why the measure has become such a contentious issue.
France’s lower house is expected to approve an assisted dying law in a final vote on Wednesday evening. The measure, championed by President Emmanuel Macron, has taken a long and controversial path toward adoption. If passed, France would move closer to joining countries that guarantee a right to assisted dying. Critics are still urging lawmakers to prevent the bill from becoming law, but the vote is expected to go ahead.
France was poised on Wednesday to approve a controversial assisted dying bill in its final vote. The measure, championed by President Emmanuel Macron, has followed a long and difficult path toward adoption. Its passage would bring France closer to countries that guarantee a right to assisted dying. The vote marks the culmination of a major political debate over the bill.
JBL’s Flip 7 is a compact Bluetooth speaker suited to a wide range of everyday uses. It can accompany beach trips, camping weekends, and other outdoor adventures, while also providing music during sprinkler time in the yard. At home, it can play tunes or a podcast while food is being prepared. The speaker is currently available at 40 percent off.
Units from Russia’s 201st base in Tajikistan carried out drills focused on suppressing an enemy command system. The exercises took place at the Lyaur mountain training range. The item describes a military training activity involving the base’s personnel and command-control operations.
Gibraltar and Spain have ended physical border checks, in a move expected to help local businesses. From Wednesday, thousands of people travelling each day between Spain’s southern tip and the British territory will no longer need to cross a physical border. The arrangement followed a formal opening at midnight on Tuesday, when a border fence was removed. It provides new freedom of movement under a historic treaty between the European Union and the United Kingdom.
A new treaty has been signed by Britain and the European Union. One provision removes border checks between Spain and Gibraltar. The change raises questions about how Gibraltar will be positioned between the Schengen area and the United Kingdom. It also highlights the unusual relationship created by the new arrangement.
Spain and Gibraltar are celebrating the removal of the last frontier fence in western Europe. A post-Brexit agreement took effect at midnight, ending land-border controls between Spain and the British overseas territory for residents, tourists and the thousands of Spanish workers who cross daily. Signed in Brussels on Tuesday, the deal concludes more than four years of negotiations involving the UK, Spain, Gibraltar and the EU after Britain left the bloc.
Border controls between Spain and Gibraltar have come to an end. As the new arrangement took effect, the old chain-link fence separating the two sides was removed. The historic decision is intended to make it easier for people and goods to move across the border, marking a significant change in movement between the two territories.
A decade after the failed 2016 coup attempt, Türkiye looks back on the consequences of its defeat. The failed coup is portrayed as helping usher in ten years of stronger diplomatic, economic and military power. The headline frames the anniversary through the ideas of Türkiye’s resolve and victory. It presents the period as one marked by the country’s expanding influence and capabilities.
Dramatic footage shows a wildfire encircling a freight train in Canada. CN Rail told the BBC that its operations were temporarily suspended in the affected area. The disruption occurred in Ontario, where the railway halted activity for a time as the fire surrounded the train.
Officials in the Trump administration have directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to halt most vehicle stops, according to people familiar with the decision. The move followed two deadly shootings in one week. An ICE officer shot and killed a Colombian driver in Maine on Monday, while another motorist was killed by an ICE officer in Houston a week earlier. The policy change was disclosed Tuesday.
The ruble accounted for 71.6% of payments made by countries in the Americas for imports from Russia in May. That was the highest share ever recorded. The figure concerns import payments by countries in the Americas and measures the currency’s role in trade with Russia. It marks a record level for ruble-denominated settlement in these transactions.
Iraq’s prime minister visited the White House in an effort to deepen economic ties with the United States. At the same time, Iran-aligned groups based in Iraq threatened to fight the US. The growing escalation between Washington and Tehran is putting Baghdad’s attempt to balance its relationships under pressure. Iraq now faces the challenge of managing closer economic engagement while confronting threats from Iran’s allies on its territory.
Cuba’s power grid has been restored after another blackout. However, power outages are continuing across the country, including in Havana. The restoration has therefore not ended the broader disruption to electricity supplies. Cuban residents continue to face an unstable power service.
Australian researchers have challenged long-held assumptions about the aerial abilities of greater gliders. The first study to measure the largest gliding marsupial’s performance found that the animals travel an average of 19 metres. That is far short of the 100 metres proposed by an 85-year-old study. Scientists say watching the fluffy animals in action remains breathtaking, despite the revised estimate.
Internal estimates indicate that about 144,600 Australians receiving autism support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme are expected to leave the program by 2030. The federal government is advancing reforms to narrow the focus of the A$52bn scheme. The stated direction is to prioritise people with significant and complex needs. Health department documents show that, from 2028, nearly two-thirds of the 241,000 participants expected to lose access will be aged 18 or under.
In a much-anticipated speech at the University of Sydney, Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said his government would keep pace with artificial intelligence and try to get ahead of the technological upheaval reshaping people’s lives. The plan is presented as an admirable effort to harness that change. Yet the difficulties of regulating social media and curbing hate speech demonstrate that technology companies can impose their own terms and prices on countries such as Australia, challenging the government’s ability to control them.
artificial intelligenceAustralia politicstech regulationsocial media
Environmental and community groups are calling for a halt to data-centre development in Australia until new regulations take effect. The demand follows Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s promise to provide greater clarity and speed in the approval process. In a speech on artificial intelligence at the University of Sydney, Albanese outlined proposed obligations for large-scale data centres. They would have to underwrite new power supply, pay their full share of grid-connection costs and return as much energy to the grid as they consume. Australia is also expected to create energy regulations for data centres.
Luminate’s 2026 Midyear Report highlights major streaming trends across music, film and television. Music streaming has reached unprecedented levels worldwide, with on-demand audio streams totaling 2.8 trillion. In the United States, Latin and country music are both gaining momentum as audiences stream more music than ever before.
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is making it harder for Corporate America to meet its green targets. Companies are struggling to keep pace with their climate commitments.
8BitDo’s FlipPad is presented as a remarkably pocket-friendly gamepad that transforms a smartphone into a Game Boy-inspired handheld. Both 8BitDo and GameSir unveiled tiny controllers of this kind at CES 2026. GameSir’s Pocket Taco reached the market months earlier, while the longer wait for the FlipPad is described as worthwhile. The Pocket Taco may still suit some players and devices better.
Russia says measures taken by NATO in the Arctic are increasing the risk of incidents there. Maria Zakharova said the alliance’s actions have changed the character of the region. In her description, the Arctic is no longer merely an area of economic disagreement. She said it has unfortunately become a zone and sphere of militarization.
The family of British couple Craig and Lindsay Foreman says an Iranian judge has added two years to Craig Foreman’s prison term. The family says the extra punishment was imposed after he spoke to the media. Both are serving 10-year sentences in Iran on espionage charges they deny. They were arrested in 2025 while travelling through Iran by motorcycle during a round-the-world trip. Britain has called their original sentences “totally unjustifiable”.
Briton jailed in Iran given additional two-year sentence, family says
FlashTranslated by Minutes
🇮🇹 🚰 Can desalination solve Italy's Aeolian Islands water challenge?
Without natural drinking water, residents of Italy's Aeolian Islands are mulling whether to build more desalination plants that will also cater to the large number of tourists, or continue bringing in water by ship
🇮🇹 🚰 Can desalination solve Italy's Aeolian Islands water challenge?
Without natural drinking water, residents of Italy's Aeolian Islands are mulling whether to build more desalination plants that will also cater to the large number of tourists, or continue bringing in water by ship
The Russian Foreign Ministry says arms deliveries to Kyiv are preventing a resolution of the conflict. Maria Zakharova said the West needs to stop hiding behind talk of peace. Her remarks present Western weapons support as an obstacle to ending the confrontation. The statement offers no further details on proposed steps or negotiations.
Behind the drone strikes and talk of ceasefires, a struggle over history is testing Kyiv’s prospects for ending the conflict. After more than four years of war, Ukraine’s political and diplomatic agenda appears caught in a cycle: hopes for a peace deal are followed by the reality that the Kremlin has no interest in abandoning its maximalist goals. Russia has again intensified air attacks on Kyiv. Repeated mass drone and missile strikes keep residents awake, with some reaching the city centre. One attack during the visit killed 27 people.
Ukraine’s General Staff says Russian forces have suffered total losses of 1,423,280 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022. The figure includes 1,470 casualties recorded over the past day. The statement centers on the reported Russian military losses and gives no additional battlefield details.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina will face England in a headline World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, with a place in the final on the line. Spain are waiting after ending France’s hopes of winning the tournament for a third time. The meeting of two major forces in world football is already highly anticipated. Long-running political tensions between the sides add another layer of intensity to the fixture.
England’s Jude Bellingham and Argentina legend Lionel Messi have both inspired their teams on the way to the World Cup semi-finals. They will face each other on Wednesday in Messi’s first meeting with the Three Lions. The contest between the two No. 10s could prove decisive in determining which side reaches the final against Spain.
England are due to face Argentina in the World Cup semifinals tonight. One player has repeatedly stood out across the tournament. Jude Bellingham is now a central figure in England’s midfield and has emerged as a national hero. His rise began much earlier, when he was simply a local youngster learning to play the game. The feature traces his rapid ascent to World Cup stardom.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has visited Japan. He attended an event held jointly with a major Japanese game company that has supplied Nvidia products for many years. The event also featured an episode about Nvidia receiving investment during a period when the company was struggling financially.
Japan’s Imperial family has been staying at the Nasu Imperial Villa in Tochigi Prefecture since the 15th. The visit is for a period of rest. They are remaining at the villa during their stay.
Maria Zakharova says proposals aimed at “addressing the situation” in Ukraine increasingly involve lowering the mobilization age to 22. She says some voices around Bankova are even calling for an immediate reduction to 18. Zakharova described Zelensky’s pledge to intensify mobilization in exchange for an EU loan as “genocidal.”
A special police team has been assigned to investigate the killing of an anti-migrant leader in South Africa. The provincial leader of March and March was shot and taken to hospital with injuries. He died there several days later. The investigation is focused on the circumstances surrounding the shooting and his subsequent death.
Chubu Electric Power’s improper data processing during a review of the Hamaoka nuclear power plant has drawn scrutiny. On the 15th, an official from the Nuclear Regulation Authority attended a special committee meeting of the Omaezaki city council in Shizuoka Prefecture, where the plant is located. Council members called for measures to prevent misconduct by electric power companies during reviews.
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Norwegian Soren Waerenskjold wins fastest Tour de France stage ever
