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- US demands Iran cease attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
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- Hegseth expresses frustration over grooming standard non-compliance by troops
- Ukraine targets 49 ships from Russia’s shadow fleet in recent attacks
- Belgium to introduce road tax for foreign drivers starting May 2027
- Graham Platner withdraws from Maine Senate race amid ongoing allegations
- US Agrees to Continue Talks with Iran as Trump Claims Ceasefire Is Over
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Europe
Belgium’s three regions have announced the introduction of a road tax starting 1 May 2027, affecting both domestic and foreign drivers. The tax requires vehicle registration, with annual fees ranging from €90 for zero-emission cars to €125 for higher polluting vehicles.
The French government has activated the “Orsec extreme heat plan” for nine departments due to a persistent heatwave, with red alerts extended to 24 areas, including Ile-de-France. This unprecedented measure is aimed at protecting vulnerable populations amid increasing wildfires, which have already burned twice as much land as last year.
Andy Burnham, a veteran politician, has garnered support from 322 Labour MPs in his bid to succeed Keir Starmer as Labour leader. With nominations closing on 16 July, Burnham stands poised to become the sole candidate, potentially taking office on 20 July following a special conference.
Pope Francis declared the death penalty inadmissible in all circumstances, urging for its abolition and advocating for improved prison conditions to honour human dignity.
The potential candidates to succeed Pope Francis include Pietro Parolin, Matteo Zuppi, and Jose Tolentino de Mendonca, reflecting varying levels of experience and progressive views within the Vatican.
Pope Francis has chosen to be buried at Saint Mary Major Basilica, deviating from the tradition of burial in St. Peter’s Basilica, marking a break in nearly 150 years of precedent.
Christians in Gaza’s only Catholic church honoured Pope Francis, who consistently reached out to them for over a year during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, culminating in his last phone call on Saturday.
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 due to a cerebral stroke that resulted in a coma and subsequent heart failure, as reported by the Vatican.
A meeting in Paris between US, French, and Ukrainian officials signals a potential reinsertion of sidelined European leaders into negotiations to end the Ukraine war.
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