Explosions in Tehran as Israel says it struck a centrifuge site overnight

Israel and Iran traded overnight fire as the conflict between the pair enters its sixth day.

Africa: Q&a - Aid Cuts Call for African Self-Reliance in Research

[SciDev.Net] Scidev.Net -- As Africa reckons with shrinking foreign research support and looming health threats, scientists across the continent are pushing for a more self-reliant future.

Latest news bulletin | June 18th – Morning

Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.

The Netherlands hiked cigarette taxes to get smokers to quit. Many are buying tobacco abroad instead

The Dutch public health agency said policy changes are needed to prevent smokers from evading the country’s high tobacco taxes by buying these products abroad.

2025 State of the Digital Decade report urges renewed action on digital transformation and technological sovereignty

The European Commission's State of the Digital Decade 2025 report assessed the EU's progress along the four target areas for the EU's digital transformation by 2030, highlighting achievements and gaps in the areas of digital infrastructure, digitalization of businesses, digital

N Korea to send thousands to help rebuild Russia's Kursk

Russia's Sergei Shoigu said Pyongyang would send 5,000 builders to its war-torn Kursk region.

Africa: News - Africa CDC Reports Daily Cholera Cases Decline in Amhara, Attributes Progress to Joint Response

[Addis Standard] Addis Abeba- Daily cholera cases in the Amhara Region have declined in recent weeks, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), which attributed the development to a "coordinated response" implemented jointly with the

Bali flights cancelled after Indonesia volcano erupts

Lewotobi Laki-Laki spewed an ash tower more than 11km into the air on Tuesday.

Dave Scott, ‘Step Up 2’ and ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Choreographer, Dies at 52

Dave Scott, an American dance teacher and choreographer who worked on “Step Up 2,” “Step Up 3” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” died on Monday. He was 52. Scott’s death was confirmed via an Instagram post on his personal account. The cause of death was not disclosed. “Today we

Africa: Akinyemi Ayinoluwa Bringing African Music Law Into the 21st Century

[Afropop] Akinyemi Ayinoluwa is a Nigerian entertainment lawyer, recently named to Billboard's 2025 Top Music Lawyers list. This honor recognizes him as one of the most influential legal figures shaping today's music industry. Ayinoluwa's firm, Lagos-based Hightower Solicitors,

Africa: G20 Countries Could Produce Enough Renewable Energy for the Whole World - What Needs to Happen

[The Conversation Africa] The world's most developed economies have also burnt the most oil and coal (fossil fuels) over the years, causing the most climate change damage. Preventing further climate change means a global fossil fuel phase-out must happen by 2050. Climate change

New Zealand approves medicinal use of 'magic mushrooms'

WELLINGTON - New Zealand on June 18 approved the medicinal use of psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound notably found in so-called “magic mushrooms”.

China’s bid to mediate Israel-Iran conflict: How much sway does it really have?

Analysts say China's calls for de-escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict reflect not just diplomatic ambition, but concern over its own vulnerabilities - from oil routes and regional projects to tensions with the United States.

With Trump on side, Israel becomes the Middle East’s clear hegemon

President Donald Trump had cast himself as a man of “peace” and a “dealmaker” intent on stabilizing a febrile region and ending wars. But he now appears poised to join one.

Kneecap rapper in court on terror charge over Hezbollah flag

A member of the provocative Irish rap group Kneecap, charged with a terror offence for allegedly showing support for Hezbollah, was due to appear in a London court Wednesday. Liam O'Hanna, 27, known by his stage name Mo Chara, was charged in May after being accused of

Gary Oldman Says He Was ‘Typecast’ as the ‘Poster Boy for Rent-a-Villain,’ Which Was ‘Fun for a While’ But Eventually ‘Got a Little Old’: ‘I Just Put a Stop to it’

Gary Oldman got tired of playing the villain. While discussing his performance as Dr. Zachary Smith in “Lost in Space” during a recent episode of Variety‘s “Know Their Lines,” Oldman said there was a point in his career where he was the go-to for casting directors who needed a

China’s central bank living life in the Trumpian fast lane

Few central banks, if any, are having a crazier 2025 than the People’s Bank of China. When Governor Pan Gongsheng entered this most chaotic of years, his top priority was supporting economic growth as Beijing worked to address a property crisis that was fueling deflation. As

G7 leaders fail to reach major agreements on key global issues after Trump's early departure

The summit concluded with a broadly worded statement in which leaders of the G7 unanimously agreed that Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon and called for de-escalation in the Middle East.

Japan’s rainy season carries hidden danger of heatstroke

A high pressure system raised temperatures across Japan on June 17 morning, causing intense summer-like heat despite the rainy season.

South Korea’s baby box is last refuge for single mothers

A baby box is a facility that allows mothers to safely leave their babies in a protected environment.

Donald Trump’s craven war on Myanmar

American President Donald Trump has seemingly declared war against the global trading order, post-war liberal internationalism, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Canada, Mexico and a large part of American society, including immigrants, universities, the legal

'Spectacular' moment an enormous tornado crosses a rainbow

Stormchasers captured footage of the major twister swirling near Dickens, Nebraska.

Virginia nail-biter: Early takeaways from the Democratic primaries

Tuesday’s Democratic primaries in Virginia saw incredibly close contests for lieutenant governor and attorney general. While The Hill’s partners at Decision Desk HQ did not call either of the races as of late Tuesday night, state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi (D) and former Del. Jay

Rachel Griffiths Says ‘Older Women Are Having a Moment,’ Gushes Over ‘The Last Showgirl’ and Jamie Lee Curtis ‘Dancing on That F—ing Table’: ‘I Was in Awe of That Girl!’

According to Rachel Griffiths, whether it’s cinema or TV, “older women are having a moment.” “We all know that’s true: Demi Moore is a brand. There are so many great actresses of that generation. Take Helen Mirren in ‘MobLand’ right now, for fuck’s sake. I loved Pamela

Today's Wordle answer for Wednesday, June 18

Today's Wordle: Help with the daily puzzle.

Tucker Carlson, Ted Cruz get in heated back and forth over Iran

Tucker Carlson and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) got into a fiery exchange on Tuesday over the senator's support for President Trump and his posturing toward Israel in its escalating conflict with Iran. The conservative media personality on Tuesday released a clip from the interview

Japan, South Korea pledge closer ties after Ishiba-Lee meeting on sidelines of G-7 summit

The two leaders agreed to beef up cooperation with US to respond to geopolitical risks.

UN agency map reveals Cambodia as global scammer hub

Profits from these scam rings are allegedly linked to those close to Cambodia's political elite.

China downplayed nuclear-capable missile test: Classified NZ govt papers

Pacific Island nations were not provided with advance notice, New Zealand diplomats noted.

South Korea's Lee cites 'inseparable' relationship with Japan in first summit

SEOUL/TOKYO - South Korea's new President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowed to deepen a relationship prized by Washington and closely watched by China and North Korea, as the pair met for their first summit.

Pete Hegseth’s surprisingly unsurprising message at Shangri-La

On May 31, 2025, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth gave the Trump administration’s first major policy address on its approach to the Indo-Pacific region. This was not an entirely conventional Shangri-La Dialogue speech – it was full of bluster about “warrior ethos,”

US Embassy in Israel to close from Wednesday to Friday

The U.S. Embassy in Israel will be closed from Wednesday to Friday because of the ongoing “security situation” in the region, the State Department announced Tuesday. “Given the security situation and in compliance with Israel Home Front Command guidance, the U.S. Embassy in

Trump to sign executive order this week to extend TikTok's deadline to sell the app by 90 days

The new order will be the third time Trump has delayed the ban imposed by Congress and upheld by the US Supreme Court on the viral video sharing app owned by the Chinese company, ByteDance.

Trump Will Delay Enforcing TikTok Ban for a Third Time, White House Says

Under a U.S. law that went into effect Jan. 19, 2025, it is illegal for American companies to host or distribute TikTok in the country as long as it remains controlled by its Chinese owner, ByteDance. The legislation passed last year with overwhelming bipartisan support, on

Malaysian Drama ‘Ninavau’ Opens MIFFest, Environmental Epic ‘Transamazonia’ Closes

The 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) will open July 19 with “Ninavau,” a Malaysian feature exploring cultural identity and emotional heritage by director Bebbra Mailin, and close July 27 with “Transamazonia,” an environmental epic spanning France, Brazil,

Cambodian govt musters support from huge crowds in Thai border row

Border row dates back to drawing of countries’ 800km frontier in early 20th century.

Trade, a sudden exit, Middle East conflict - five takeaways from G7

This year's summit in Canada did not go as planned, but leaders of the world's wealthiest nations still secured some wins.

Bali flights cancelled after Indonesia volcano eruption

Bad Bunny Calls Out ICE ‘Motherf—ers’ in Video Depicting Puerto Rico Raids

Bad Bunny witnessed and documented an ICE arrest in Puerto Rico, sharing footage of the incident on social media of what appears to be agents detaining people in the street. The Puerto Rico native posted a video to his Instagram Stories on Tuesday with the caption “ice,”

Japan PM Ishiba says disagreements remain with US on tariff talks

Mr Ishiba said US tariff measures were impacting the earnings of many Japanese companies.

Fred Again.., Skepta, & Plaqueboymax Debut New Song And Stream Brooklyn Pop-Up On Twitch

Fred again.. has teamed up with Plaqueboymax and Skepta for a new collab called “Victory Lap,” which they debuted today on Twitch from New York. The three also announced a pop-up rave at the Brooklyn Paramount later tonight, which will be streamed.

Cambodian government musters support from huge crowds in Thai border row

Explosions heard in Tehran as Israel launches a new wave of airstrikes

US President Donald Trump says diplomatic talks are still an option for Iran as he offers to send Vice President JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff to resume talks with the Iranians amid heightened regional tensions and cross-border attacks.

Australia lifts blood, plasma donation ban for gay men

The Lifeblood service says the changes will have no impact on safety but will boost the donor pool.

SIA, Scoot flights from Changi Airport to Bali among dozens cancelled after Indonesia volcano eruption

Several domestic AirAsia flights leaving for Labuan Bajo on Flores were also cancelled.

Costco set to open first stand-alone gas station

The gas station will take over the lot of a former Bed Bath & Beyond store and will have 40 fuel pumps.

‘This Is Real Life’: How Bravo’s ‘The Valley’ Navigated Drug Addiction, a Violent Incident and a Cast Member in a Mental Health Facility

For Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor, stars of Bravo’s hit reality show “The Valley,” toxic arguments were nothing new. It’s why Cartwright left Taylor in January 2024, taking their young son, Cruz, with her. But last July, two days before the show’s second season started

Graham says Greene 'doesn't understand' Iran's nuclear threat

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said in a Tuesday interview that Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) “doesn’t understand” the nuclear threat that Iran poses. “I like Marjorie, but to be honest with you, she doesn't understand the threat, in my view,” Graham said in an interview

Nezza Speaks Out on Defying Dodgers’ Rules by Singing National Anthem in Spanish: ‘I Think God Entered My Body at That Moment’ (EXCLUSIVE)

When Nezza went against the rules the Los Angeles Dodgers had set out for her and proudly sang “The Star Spangled Banner,” there were some who considered it a downright ungodly moment. But the 30-year-old singer tells Variety that, to her, it truly had to be a God thing that

Kesha Gets Wild and NSFW in Outrageous ‘Boy Crazy’ Video

She's still horny and maybe just a tad crazier in the track's new video