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- Ukrainian Woman Named Suspect in Monaco Bomb Attack, Interpol Confirms
- France prepare to face Paraguay in World Cup Round of 16 match
- B.C. Conservatives conclude Penticton retreat united behind new leader
- National Guard and law enforcement ensure security for July Fourth events in Washington, D.C.
- Suspect identified in Monaco explosion that critically injured Ukrainian billionaire and his lover
- Burnham supports reform of first-past-the-post electoral system in Britain
- Trump departs for Mount Rushmore as extreme heat disrupts July Fourth events
- Egypt alleges Dallas police officer pushed player and team director at World Cup
LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.
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Ukrainian Woman Named Suspect in Monaco Bomb Attack, Interpol Confirms
8:01 am
Ukrainian Woman Named Suspect in Monaco Bomb Attack, Interpol Confirms
Following devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, with tremors of magnitudes 6.1 and 5.9 reported, the Venezuelan government has mobilised emergency services to aid the thousands affected. Officials have confirmed at least 40 fatalities and widespread infrastructure damage, prompting international aid offers, including assistance from Scottish firefighters. The situation has escalated concerns regarding humanitarian aid delivery, as officials struggle to manage the crisis amid ongoing socioeconomic turmoil. For more on global political tensions, visit this link.
The earthquakes are expected to further strain Venezuela’s already fragile economy, impacting trade and energy production. Analysts predict that the fallout may exacerbate the country’s hyperinflation and reduce oil output, which is vital for its economy. What to watch for next includes potential international diplomatic discussions on humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts as the scale of the devastation becomes clearer.
Key developments across the world
‘I can only describe it as a war zone’: the rescuers navigating Venezuela’s post-quake hellscape
GLOBAL SECURITY — Following recent earthquakes in Venezuela, rescuers are facing devastating conditions. They describe the severity of the situation, with frequent aftershocks creating fear and chaos in already devastated areas.
The earthquakes have resulted in substantial casualties and destruction of infrastructure. Rescuers are struggling to access remote locations, compounding the challenge of delivering timely aid to those affected.
Interpol names Ukrainian woman as suspect in Monaco bombing
GLOBAL SECURITY — Interpol has identified a Ukrainian woman as a suspect in a bombing incident in Monaco. The suspect allegedly disguised herself as a male to evade detection during the attack, which has raised global security concerns.
The bombing, which occurred at a parcel distribution site, led to significant injuries and heightened security alerts across Europe. Authorities are now focused on tracking the suspect, following the issuance of a global red notice.
Starmer warns Burnham he cannot spend less time on diplomacy
WORLD POLITICS — UK Labour leader Keir Starmer has warned Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham about prioritising foreign policy. Starmer emphasised the importance of a collaborative political approach to address pressing global issues.
This assertion comes amid internal discussions about the Labour Party’s strategic direction as it prepares for future elections. Starmer’s emphasis on foreign affairs reflects the increasing recognition of international issues in domestic politics.
Brutal heat cancels Fourth of July events in DC and Philadelphia
GLOBAL BUSINESS — Severe heatwaves in the US have resulted in the cancellation of major Fourth of July celebrations. High temperatures have posed serious health risks, forcing officials to rethink event schedules and public gatherings.
The extreme weather highlights ongoing challenges linked to climate change and its effects on traditional celebrations. Such cancellations are indicative of a broader pattern of climate-related disruptions affecting public life and local economies.
US feels the heat as it celebrates 250th anniversary of breakup from Britain
GLOBAL ECONOMY — As temperatures rise drastically, the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary of independence. The extreme heat diminishes the celebratory atmosphere and raises safety concerns for participants.
This anniversary reflects both national pride and the stark realities of climate conditions, prompting discussions about public safety and climate preparedness. Economic impacts from the heatwave are expected, particularly in the hospitality and event sectors.
What to watch — Observations will shift towards international responses to aid efforts in Venezuela’s earthquake aftermath.
Further reading from global news sources
BBC News
Scottish firefighters help earthquake rescue efforts in Venezuela
The Guardian
‘I can only describe it as a war zone’: the rescuers navigating Venezuela’s post-quake hellscape
Al Jazeera
‘A nightmare’: Strugging with the aftermath of Venezuela’s earthquakes
Financial Times
Monaco bomb suspect is a woman from Ukraine
The Independent
Starmer insists he has no ‘personal animosity’ towards Burnham in first interview
France prepare to face Paraguay in World Cup Round of 16 match
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Get you up to speed: France vs Paraguay: World Cup Round of 16 – Mbappe, prediction, kickoff
France will face Paraguay in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Philadelphia Stadium, US, on Saturday, July 4, at 5pm (21:00 GMT). Both teams have confirmed their line-ups, with no suspensions or reported injuries.
Authorities have confirmed that the match will be held at Philadelphia Stadium, beginning on Saturday, July 4, at 5pm local time (21:00 GMT). Both teams have no reported injury concerns, and no player is currently facing suspension ahead of the Round of 16 tie.
Didier Deschamps publicly acknowledged Paraguay’s quality, stating, “They are not here by chance,” while emphasising the need to remain vigilant. In anticipation of extreme heat in Philadelphia, both teams are likely to strategise to mitigate the weather’s impact during the knockout match.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how the extreme heat and potential storms might affect the match conditions in Philadelphia.
France prepare to face Paraguay in World Cup Round of 16 match
Sport|World Cup 2026France vs Paraguay: World Cup Round of 16 – Mbappe, prediction, kickoff
France have been the best team so far at the World Cup, although Paraguay are in a confident mood after upsetting Germany.
Published On 4 Jul 20264 Jul 2026
How can your team reach the final and win the World Cup 2026? Click here to find out.
Who: France vs Paraguay
What: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 16
Where: Philadelphia Stadium, US
When: Saturday, July 4, at 5pm (21:00 GMT)
How to follow: We will have all the build-up on WTX News Sport from 18:00 GMT before our live text commentary stream.
Kylian Mbappe’s France have been the outstanding team so far at this World Cup and will be expected to get the better of Paraguay on Saturday and extend their run to the quarterfinals.
France look a very good bet to win their third World Cup, and they are certainly expected to overcome a Paraguay team ranked 41st in the world.
After winning the trophy in 2018 and losing the 2022 final on penalties, France are hoping to become only the third team in World Cup history to reach three consecutive finals, after West Germany and Brazil.
That remains a long way off but their performances so far suggest they will take some beating.
Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat of Sweden in the last 32, in which Mbappe scored twice and Bradley Barcola once, made it four wins in four matches with 13 goals scored.
But the Paraguayans head to Philadelphia with their confidence sky-high after their victory on penalties against Germany – which led to a national holiday being declared back home.
What happened in France’s last-32 game?
Mbappe scored twice, and Michael Olise was in scintillating form as France beat Sweden 3-0.
The Real Madrid striker finished a superb move to break the deadlock just before half-time. Olise set up Paris Saint-Germain winger Barcola for the second goal on 53 minutes, and then delivered a delightful pass for Mbappe to complete a convincing victory.
Mbappe’s strikes saw him move level with Lionel Messi on six goals in the all-star golden boot race at this World Cup.
The France captain now has 18 World Cup goals in total, meaning he is just one behind Messi’s overall record of 19, a mark 27-year-old Mbappe will keep chasing.
Olise in action against Sweden [AFP]
What happened in Paraguay’s last-32 game?
The Germans trailed 1-0 at half-time to Julio Enciso’s 42nd-minute header from Matias Galarza’s cross on Monday.
It was a limp display by the four-time winners in the first period, but they drew level in the second half, when Kai Havertz scored eight minutes after the restart with a glancing header from Florian Wirtz’s ball in from the flank.
Germany then had a Jonathan Tah goal from a corner ruled out after a VAR review for a foul on Paraguay’s keeper, and with no further goal, the game went to spot kicks after extra time.
Havertz, who helped Arsenal end a 22-year wait to win the English Premier League title this season, missed the opening kick of the shootout. The forward’s side would miss three kicks in total, as Paraguay, who themselves missed two kicks, eventually prevailed 4-3.
Deschamps releases the handbrake
France have enjoyed plenty of success during Didier Deschamps’s 14 years in charge, but for a long time there was a sense that a pragmatic coach was not allowing his team to maximise their attacking potential.
Now at his last tournament before stepping down, that appears to have changed. Mbappe, Barcola, Ousmane Dembele and the brilliant Michael Olise seem unstoppable.
“There is an excellent rapport between the attacking players. They speak the same footballing language,” said Deschamps after the Sweden game.
But France’s coach says his side will not take Paraguay lightly.
“They are not here by chance. Germany are a top side, and they have that South American DNA, which means they get stuck in,” Deschamps said.
“And they have good players too. You can’t just qualify for the last 16 of the World Cup like that by chance.”
USA; France forward Kylian Mbappe (10) in action against Sweden during a Round of 32 match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images” fetchpriority=”low”>Mbappe in action against Sweden during the Round of 32 [Vincent Carchietta/Reuters]
‘We also have our own strengths’
One Paraguayan player well-known in France is Julio Enciso of Strasbourg, who scored against Germany.
He recognises that few people will expect Paraguay to win as they aim to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup for just the second time.
“We also have our own strengths, and with our style of play, we’re going to try to make things difficult for any opponent,” said Enciso.
Enciso celebrates scoring against Germany in the last 32 [AFP]
Extreme heat warnings
One potential opponent for both teams is the weather, with temperatures in Philadelphia set to reach 37 degrees Celsius (98 Fahrenheit) on Saturday.
This match will take place in the city where the American Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago, but celebrations for the occasion are at risk of being affected by storms.
France have already played in Philadelphia in this World Cup, and their 3-0 win over Iraq during the group stage was interrupted for two hours because of rain and thunder.
Coping with the conditions could be a challenge, and both sides will want to avoid the draining prospect of extra time and penalties.
The last meeting of the countries at a World Cup featured extra time and turned out to be one of the most pivotal moments in the modern history of the French national team.
On their way to winning the trophy for the first time on home soil in 1998, Les Bleus – with Deschamps as captain – edged Paraguay 1-0.
France vs Paraguay: Kickoff time, TV channel
France: Bein Sports 1 (11pm, Central European Time)
United Kingdom: BBC, ITV (10pm, British Summer Time)
United States: FOX, Telemundo (5pm, Eastern Daylight Time)
To check the TV listings for your country, head to FIFA’s TV listing schedule here.
France vs Paraguay prediction
The Opta supercomputer gives France a 78.8 percent chance of winning in regulation time, while Paraguay are at 7.6 percent.
The model estimates a 13.7 percent probability that the game will go to extra time.
Head-to-head
The two countries have faced each other five times, with France winning three of the games and two ending as draws.
France beat Paraguay 5-0 in their most recent encounter – a friendly in 2017 – in which Olivier Giroud scored a hat-trick.
June 02, 2017: France 5-0 Paraguay (friendly)
June 01, 2014: France 1-1 Paraguay (friendly)
May 31, 2008: France 0-0 Paraguay (friendly)
June 28, 1998: France 1-0 Paraguay (World Cup last 16)
June 08, 1958: France 7-3 Paraguay (World Cup group stage)
Team news
Neither side has any suspensions or reported injury concerns.
France’s predicted starting XI:
(4-2-3-1): Maignan (goalkeeper); Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe
Paraguay’s predicted starting XI:
(4-3-3): Gill (goalkeeper); Caceres, G Gomez, Canale, Alonso; Galarza, Cubas, D Gomez; Almiron, Avalos, Enciso
B.C. Conservatives conclude Penticton retreat united behind new leader
5:00 am
Get you up to speed: B.C. Conservatives leave Penticton retreat united under new leader
Findlay addressed media at the conclusion of a retreat, highlighting the commitment and teamwork of the party’s MLAs. The event took place in an undisclosed location.
The retreat concluded without specific timelines for upcoming legislative initiatives. Findlay emphasised the importance of unity among party members as they prepare for the next session.
Findlay commended the party’s MLAs for their dedication and collaboration, highlighting the positive impact of their recent retreat. The party plans to build on this momentum in the upcoming legislative session to strengthen its agenda.
What remains unclear — The specifics of the MLAs’ commitments and teamwork were not detailed.
B.C. Conservatives conclude Penticton retreat united behind new leader
Addressing media at the conclusion of the retreat, Findlay praised the party’s MLAs for their commitment and teamwork.
National Guard and law enforcement ensure security for July Fourth events in Washington, D.C.
3:00 am
Get you up to speed: National Guard troops, law enforcement providing tight security for July Fourth celebrations in Washington, D.C.
Heightened security measures are in place in Washington, D.C., for the America 250 celebrations, which include a major fireworks display. Officials have confirmed that there are no specific, credible threats for the event.
The U.S. Marshals Service has deployed hundreds of officers from 44 local law enforcement agencies to ensure safety during the events. Attendees will undergo airport-like screening and are permitted to bring one clear bag, while coolers and chairs are prohibited.
Heightened security measures for the America 250 celebrations in Washington, D.C., include the designation of the events as a “national special security event,” with the U.S. Secret Service in charge of operations. Authorities have confirmed that there are no specific, credible threats for the weekend, while attendees will undergo airport-like screening and must adhere to restrictions on personal items.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how many attendees will participate in the fireworks display.
National Guard and law enforcement ensure security for July Fourth events in Washington, D.C.
There’s heightened security around festivities in Washington, D.C., for America 250 celebrations, which include a fireworks display that is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people.
The main events on the Fourth of July are deemed a “national special security event,” which is the highest possible designation. It’s a rare status that is usually reserved for inaugurations and Super Bowls that puts the Secret Service in charge.
“I will tell you that you’ve had hundreds, if not thousands, of law enforcement professionals planning this event for several months,” said Tara McLeese, the special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Washington field office.
President Trump said he will speak during the festivities on Saturday around 9 p.m. before the fireworks show at 10:30 p.m.
Officials say there are no specific, credible threats this weekend.
The U.S. Marshals Service has sworn in hundreds of officers from 44 local law enforcement agencies nationwide to protect the capital.
“When I say that we are ready, I am staking my reputation on it,” said Marshals Service Director Gadyaces S. Serralta. “Our nation is ready to celebrate the birth of freedom in this country.”
Meanwhile, nearly 5,000 National Guard troops are stationed in Washington around miles of fencing. McLeese said agents and officers are strategically positioned along the fencing.
“If there is an event that requires a rapid evacuation, they’re going to break these fences, and we’re going to get people out safely,” she said.
Along the waterways, boats and vessels will be monitored by U.S. Coast Guard patrols.
Those who are attending will have to go through airport-like screening. Attendees can bring one clear bag, but no coolers or chairs.
Join WTX for “The Great American Block Party 250,” a primetime special on Saturday, July 4, hosted by WTX Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil and Entertainment Tonight’s Nischelle Turner, featuring live musical performances, celebrations around the country, and the largest fireworks show in history in the skies over the nation’s capital. Tune in July 4 at 8 p.m. ET on WTX and stream it on Paramount+ and WTX US News 24/7.
Suspect identified in Monaco explosion that critically injured Ukrainian billionaire and his lover
2:00 am
Get you up to speed: Suspect in Monaco explosion that left Ukrainian billionaire and lover ‘critical’ pictured | News World
A “deliberate” explosion targeted Ukrainian billionaire Vadim Ermolaev in his Monaco apartment on June 29, leaving him critically injured alongside Anna Nasobina, who required both legs to be amputated. Interpol has issued a red notice for suspect Anastasiia Berezovska, who is believed to have orchestrated the bombing and is considered armed and dangerous.
Interpol has issued a Red Notice for Anastasiia Berezovska, who is suspected of orchestrating the bombing that injured Vadim Ermolaev and two others. Following the incident on June 29, authorities are actively investigating her potential escape routes, suggesting she could be in the Balkans or have already reached France or Italy.
Christophe Mirmand, the minister of state for Monaco, stated that it appears the Ermolaev family was specifically targeted, while Prince Albert II condemned the incident as a “heinous crime” and expressed that it has shocked the Monegasque community. Interpol has issued a red notice for Anastasiia Berezovska, the suspected assailant, who remains at large, and authorities have warned the public that she is “armed and dangerous.”
What remains unclear — The location of Anastasiia Berezovska, the main suspect in the attack, remains unknown.
Suspect identified in Monaco explosion that critically injured Ukrainian billionaire and his lover
A suspect has been pictured following a ‘deliberate’ attack on a Ukrainian billionaire (Picture: Interpol/Best Image/Backgrid/East2west News)
The suspect in a ‘deliberate’ explosion that left a Ukrainian oligarch ‘fighting for his life’ has been pictured.
Vadim Ermolaev, 58, who is also known as Vadym Yermolaiev, was in a critical condition after a backpack of explosives was planted inside a luxury Monaco apartment where he was staying.
Ermolaev was with his ‘lover’, 46-year-old Anna Nasobina, and his 13-year-old son at the time. Nasobina needed to have both of her legs amputated.
Following the bombing on June 29, the suspect was described as being around 30 years old and believed to have disguised herself to appear male.
Now, Interpol has released an image of Anastasiia Berezovska, who is suspected of being behind the attack.
Authorities believe she was working with accomplices, and a warrant for her arrest has been issued.
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Vadim Ermolaev, 58, also known as Vadym Yermolaiev, suffered life-threatening injuries in the blast (Picture: East2west News)
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His lover, 46-year-old Anna Nasobina, had to have both legs amputated (Picture: East2west News)
She is wanted on suspicion of attempted murder, placing an explosive device on a public road with criminal intent, and criminal conspiracy.
The red notice, accompanied by a photo, says the 39-year-old has dark hair and a tattoo, possibly of a snake, on her right arm from the shoulder to the elbow.
She has Ukrainian nationality and can speak German.
However, Ukrainian sources have also suggested that she could have been born in Kazakhstan, holding a Russian passport and living in Crimea, possessing Ukrainian documents so she could easily live in the European Union.
Berezovska is reportedly pro-Vladimir Putin and is known for her ties to organised crime.
Police have said: ‘She is armed and dangerous and thought to be in the company of accomplices.
‘She should be approached with extreme caution.’
With Berezovska’s whereabouts currently unknown, it has been suggested that she could have already escaped as far as the Balkans, making it to France, then Italy.
She was allegedly seen on CCTV, wearing a black hat, tracksuit, white jeans, and trainers, dropping off bags shortly before the blast at around 9pm on Monday.
The backpack was believed to have been full of nuts and bolts, with the Monaco prosecutor claiming the person responsible for planting it then used a remote control to detonate.
A suspect likely used a car with a German registration plate.
In the immediate aftermath of the blast at the residential block in the La Rousse district, one fellow resident said it sounded as if ‘thunder was coming from behind the mountains’.
An international manhunt has been launched for parcel bomb suspect Anastasiia Berezovska (Picture: Interpol/Best Image/Backgrid)
Having lived in the principality for 20 years, he added to The Sun that the attack was especially shocking, as ‘there’s nowhere safer in the world’ and ‘things like this have never happened in Monaco before’.
Meanwhile, a horrified witness recalled seeing Nasobina with her ‘feet missing’ before she, along with Ermolaev and his teenage son, was rushed to a hospital in Nice.
Silvano Ippolito, who lives across from the building, told BFM TV: ‘She was slumped over, covered in blood.’
He called for his wife, who is a doctor and was able to intervene ‘very quickly, before the emergency services arrived, to apply tourniquets and perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation’ as Nasobina was ‘losing consciousness’.
It was originally thought that Ermolaev’s wife, who is also named Anna, was injured in the explosion, but it was clarified that the 56-year-old was abroad at the time.
Ippolito also described seeing a man staggering out of the building, blood-soaked. The staircase collapsed as he tried to walk down, so he fell onto Ippolito’s wife and a firefighter.
A shocked fellow resident of the block said ‘there’s nowhere safer in the world’ (Picture: Valery Hache/AFP via Getty Images)
There was a young boy ‘lying on the ground’, too, ‘covered in blood’, as someone tried to help him.
While injured, Ermolaev’s son was less severely hurt, so he can help investigators and tell them ‘exactly what he saw’.
Speaking afterwards, Christophe Mirmand, the minister of state for Monaco, said: ‘It appears that the family was specifically targeted.’
As per surveillance footage, he added that the suspect ‘had walked around the area several times while waiting for the victims’.
Prince Albert II further called the attack a ‘heinous crime’ and ‘a shock to the entire Monegasque community’.
Ermolaev is a real estate mogul and the 23rd richest man in Ukraine, as of 2020.
The tycoon was sanctioned in 2023 for selling alcohol in Russian-occupied Crimea.
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Burnham supports reform of first-past-the-post electoral system in Britain
1:00 am
Burnham supports reform of first-past-the-post electoral system in Britain
Electoral Reform Support
Burnham confirmed his ongoing support for reforming Britain’s first-past-the-post electoral system, which has historically favoured the two main political parties.
Burnham confirmed his ongoing support for reforming Britain’s first-past-the-post electoral system, which has historically favoured the two main political parties.
Electoral Reform’s Importance
Proposed changes to the electoral system could significantly alter the political landscape in the UK, diminishing traditional party dominance and promoting broader representation.
Proposed changes to the electoral system could significantly alter the political landscape in the UK, diminishing traditional party dominance and promoting broader representation.
Electoral Reform Support
Burnham stated, “I still back reforming Britain’s first-past-the-post electoral system, recognising its historical benefit to the traditional two main parties.”
Burnham stated, “I still back reforming Britain’s first-past-the-post electoral system, recognising its historical benefit to the traditional two main parties.”
Prospective UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham rules out early general election
Burnham indicated he still backs reforming Britain’s first-past-the-post electoral system, which has historically benefited the country’s traditional two main parties.
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