# Andy Burnham Could Become UK Prime Minister Within Weeks Under Labour Leadership Timetable Labour has announced a fast-track schedule to elect its next leader following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation. The timetable could allow Andy Burnham to become both Labour leader and prime minister as early as 17 July. Burnham currently appears to be the strongest candidate in the race. If no other Labour MP secures enough support to challenge him, he could take over leadership within a matter of weeks. ## Labour Unveils Leadership Election Schedule Labour's governing body has outlined the process for selecting the party's next leader. Candidates can begin collecting MP nominations on 9 July and must reach the required threshold by 15 July. Those who qualify must then secure support from affiliated organizations, including trade unions, by 16 July. If only one candidate meets all requirements, Labour will announce the new leader at a special party conference on 17 July. Following that announcement, the King would formally appoint the new prime minister. ## Membership Vote Possible if More Candidates Enter The situation could change if additional candidates enter the contest and secure enough backing. In that case, Labour members and affiliated supporters would vote between 6 August and 27 August. The party would then announce the final result on 29 August. At present, Burnham remains the only confirmed candidate, which strengthens the possibility of an early leadership transition. ## Burnham Gains Strong Support Across Labour Burnham declared his intention to run shortly after Sir Keir stepped down on Monday. Several prominent Labour figures have already endorsed his campaign. Supporters include Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, and Health Secretary James Murray. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting also decided not to run and instead backed Burnham's bid for the leadership. Meanwhile, Darren Jones has ruled out entering the race. Former Armed Forces minister Al Carns has not yet confirmed whether he plans to stand. Political observers believe Burnham may attract enough nominations to prevent any rival candidate from reaching the required threshold. ## Starmer Seeks Smooth Transfer of Power Although Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, he will remain prime minister until Labour elects a new leader. He has emphasized the importance of an orderly transition and has authorized civil servants to meet potential leadership candidates. These meetings aim to help candidates prepare for the responsibilities of government. Government officials have rejected suggestions that the administration has become ineffective during the transition period. They insist ministers continue to carry out their duties while the leadership contest unfolds. ## What Happens Next? The coming weeks will determine whether Burnham faces competition or secures an uncontested victory. If no challenger emerges, Labour could install a new leader and prime minister on 17 July. If the race becomes contested, party members will have the final say in August. For now, Burnham remains the clear favorite to lead Labour into its next chapter.
PoliticsUnited States

Andy Burnham Could Become UK Prime Minister Within Weeks Under Labour Leadership Timetable

Labour has announced a fast-track schedule to elect its next leader following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation. The timetable could allow Andy Burnham to become both Labour leader and prime minister…

Brooke George Dubai murder case
EntertainmentNews

British TikTok Influencer Brooke George Faces Murder Charge in Dubai

Arrest Following Fatal Incident British TikTok influencer Brooke George, 23, is facing a murder charge in Dubai after a fatal stabbing involving her boyfriend. Authorities arrested the Kent native on…

# UK Heatwave Breaks Records as Temperatures Reach 36.7°C The United Kingdom experienced its hottest day of 2026 on Thursday as temperatures climbed to 36.7°C in Somerset. Weather experts have also warned that the country could see its warmest June night ever, with overnight temperatures expected to remain unusually high. According to provisional weather data, Merryfield in Somerset recorded the highest temperature of the day. The figure surpassed previous records and marked the hottest day of June this year. ## Extreme Heat Warning Remains in Effect Authorities have kept a rare red extreme heat warning in place across parts of England and Wales. The alert covers southern, central, and western regions and highlights serious risks linked to prolonged high temperatures. Officials extended the warning for a third consecutive day, the first time such an extension has occurred. Millions of people in London and southeastern England remain affected by the alert. ## Warm Nights Add to Heatwave Challenges The heatwave has created difficult conditions across the country. Many residents struggled to sleep as temperatures stayed exceptionally high overnight. Wednesday night became the warmest June night on record in the UK after temperatures in Cardiff remained above 23.5°C. The previous June record stood at 22.7°C and had been in place since 1976. Forecasters believe Thursday night could challenge or even surpass that record as hot air continues to dominate much of the country. ## Schools, Water Restrictions and Travel Disruption The ongoing heatwave has already caused widespread disruption. Several schools closed because of the extreme conditions, while water companies introduced hosepipe restrictions for some customers in Kent. Transport services also faced delays and disruptions as infrastructure struggled to cope with the intense heat. ## Rain and Thunderstorms Expected Weather conditions are expected to change gradually. Forecasters predict periods of heavy rain across Scotland, moving southeast during the evening. Thunderstorms may also develop in southwestern areas before spreading inland. While these conditions could bring temporary relief, many regions are likely to remain very warm. ## Record Temperatures Across All UK Nations Every nation within the UK recorded its highest temperature of the year on Thursday. England reached 36.7°C in Merryfield, Somerset, setting a new June benchmark for 2026. Wales recorded 35.6°C in Cardiff's Bute Park, making it the hottest June day ever recorded in the nation. The previous June record was 33.7°C. Scotland recorded its highest temperature of the year at 31.2°C in Threave, Dumfries and Galloway. Northern Ireland also experienced its hottest day of 2026, reaching 30.0°C in Castlederg, County Tyrone. ## Heatwave Continues to Grip the UK Meteorologists continue to monitor the situation closely as the heatwave affects millions of people across the country. With temperatures remaining unusually high both day and night, health officials are urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and take precautions during the extreme weather conditions.
Weather

UK Heatwave Breaks Records as Temperatures Reach 36.7°C

The United Kingdom experienced its hottest day of 2026 on Thursday as temperatures climbed to 36.7°C in Somerset. Weather experts have also warned that the country could see its warmest…

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Crime and Justice

New York Prosecutors Drop Final Rape Charge Against Harvey Weinstein

Prosecutors End Long Running Legal Battle New York prosecutors have decided not to pursue the remaining rape charge against former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. The decision ends a legal battle…

Trump Ends Protected Status for Haitian and Syrian Immigrants
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US Supreme Court Allows Trump to End Protected Status for Haitian and Syrian Immigrants

The US Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Trump administration, allowing it to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Haiti and Syria.…

IBM NanoStack Chip Technology
Information TechnologyTechnology

IBM Unveils NanoStack Chip Technology That Could Transform Future Computing

A Major Step Forward in Chip Design IBM has revealed a groundbreaking chip technology that could reshape the future of computing. The company says its new NanoStack architecture can place…

With 16 cities across three nations hosting the 2026 World Cup, we have been treated to some very impressive stadiums. 2026 World Cup stadiums
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2026 World Cup Stadiums: Which Venues Have Stood Out So Far?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has given football fans a chance to experience some of the most famous stadiums in North America. With 16 host cities spread across the United…

Europe's heatwave shifts east as France raises health alert to highest level
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Europe Heatwave 2026: Extreme Temperatures Move East Across the Continent

Europe continues to face one of its most intense heatwaves in recent years. After days of scorching temperatures in Spain, France, and the United Kingdom, the extreme heat is now…

# Venezuela Earthquake Sparks Panic as Hundreds Face Devastation A powerful Venezuela earthquake caused widespread panic on Wednesday evening as two strong tremors struck the country within seconds of each other. The back to back quakes damaged buildings, forced residents into the streets, and left communities struggling to assess the full scale of the disaster. Authorities have confirmed that more than 160 people lost their lives, while hundreds suffered injuries. Rescue teams continue searching through damaged buildings as officials warn that the final death toll could rise significantly. ## Residents Rush Into the Streets Many residents in Caracas feared for their lives when the ground suddenly began shaking. Verónica, a resident of the capital city, was celebrating a national holiday with her mother when the earthquakes struck. She described the terrifying experience, saying she believed the building around her would collapse at any moment. Like thousands of others, she quickly evacuated and joined crowds gathering in the streets. Many people remained outdoors for hours as they feared additional aftershocks. Families desperately searched for information about relatives and friends amid communication disruptions. ## Two Powerful Earthquakes Strike Within Minutes The first earthquake measured 7.2 in magnitude and struck around 6:04 PM local time. Less than a minute later, a second and even stronger 7.5 magnitude earthquake followed. The powerful tremors shook large parts of northern Venezuela. Areas near Caracas and La Guaira experienced some of the strongest shaking. The earthquakes damaged homes, businesses, roads, and public infrastructure. Emergency services immediately launched rescue operations in the worst affected regions. ## Rescue Efforts Continue Rescue workers are digging through piles of debris in search of survivors. Several buildings collapsed completely, trapping people underneath the rubble. Videos shared online show damaged streets filled with debris. In some areas, trapped residents could be heard calling for help as rescue teams worked to reach them. Emergency crews continue operating around the clock despite difficult conditions. ## Power and Internet Outages Slow Response Power outages and internet disruptions have complicated rescue and recovery efforts. Several communities remain difficult to reach, making it challenging for authorities to gather accurate information. Officials believe some of the hardest hit areas have not yet reported the full extent of the damage. As communication networks recover, authorities expect a clearer picture of the disaster to emerge. ## Family Homes Destroyed For many survivors, the disaster has changed their lives forever. Verónica later confirmed that she and her mother survived the earthquakes. However, she believes they have lost their home. According to her account, the building suffered severe structural damage, with major cracks appearing throughout the property. As thousands of Venezuelans face uncertainty, rescue operations continue and communities begin the long process of recovery after one of the country's most devastating earthquakes in recent years.
News

Venezuela Earthquake Sparks Panic as Hundreds Face Devastation

A powerful Venezuela earthquake caused widespread panic on Wednesday evening as two strong tremors struck the country within seconds of each other. The back to back quakes damaged buildings, forced…

Kunal Shah Takes Charge of WhatsApp as Meta Bets on Payments and AI Growth From Indian Startup Founder to Global Tech Leader Kunal Shah, the founder of Indian fintech company Cred, has been appointed as the new head of WhatsApp. The move places him at the center of one of the world's largest digital platforms, with more than three billion users worldwide. For years, Shah was well known in India's startup and investment community. However, his new role at WhatsApp has brought him international attention. Meta's decision comes after its reported $900 million investment in Cred and reflects the company's ambition to expand WhatsApp beyond messaging. Meta aims to strengthen WhatsApp's position in digital payments, business services, and artificial intelligence. Shah's experience in building consumer-focused technology products made him a strong choice for the role. Building a Reputation in India's Startup Ecosystem Kunal Shah first gained recognition in 2010 when he co-founded FreeCharge. The platform allowed users to recharge mobile phones and quickly became popular as India's digital economy started to grow. The company achieved rapid success and attracted significant investor interest. In 2015, e-commerce company Snapdeal acquired FreeCharge in one of India's biggest startup deals at the time. Following the acquisition, Shah shifted his focus toward investing in emerging technology companies. He worked closely with startup founders and became a respected mentor within the entrepreneurial community. A Trusted Adviser to Startup Founders After leaving FreeCharge, Shah spent several years advising and investing in promising startups. During this period, he also collaborated with renowned organizations such as Y Combinator and Sequoia Capital. These experiences helped him build strong relationships across the technology sector. As India's startup ecosystem expanded, Shah became known for sharing insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and business growth. His podcasts, interviews, and social media posts attracted a large audience. He often discussed topics such as trust, incentives, wealth creation, artificial intelligence, and human behavior. An Unconventional Journey to Success Unlike many leading technology entrepreneurs, Shah did not attend a prestigious engineering or management institution. He studied philosophy while living in Mumbai and followed a different path to success. According to stories shared by fellow entrepreneurs, Shah selected philosophy partly because the class schedule allowed him to continue working after his family's business faced financial difficulties. While studying, he took on various jobs to support himself. Those experiences shaped his understanding of business and eventually inspired him to launch FreeCharge. How Cred Changed the Fintech Market In 2018, Shah founded Cred, a fintech company designed to reward users for paying their credit card bills on time. The concept focused on encouraging responsible financial behavior through incentives and rewards. The platform quickly attracted users and investors. Over time, Cred expanded its services into lending, insurance, commerce, and wealth management. Shah frequently explained that the company's foundation was built on trust and incentives. This philosophy helped Cred stand out in India's highly competitive fintech industry. What Shah's Appointment Means for WhatsApp As WhatsApp enters a new phase of growth, Shah faces the challenge of turning the platform into more than just a messaging service. Meta wants to expand digital payments, support businesses, and introduce new AI-powered features. His track record of building innovative financial products and understanding consumer behavior could play a major role in shaping WhatsApp's future strategy. With billions of users and growing competition in the technology sector, all eyes will now be on Kunal Shah as he leads one of the world's most influential communication platforms.
Information TechnologyNews

Kunal Shah Takes Charge of WhatsApp as Meta Bets on Payments and AI Growth

From Indian Startup Founder to Global Tech Leader Kunal Shah, the founder of Indian fintech company Cred, has been appointed as the new head of WhatsApp. The move places him…

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Australia Space Agency Identifies Likely Source of Mystery Space Balls Found on Queensland Beach Residents of northern Queensland were left surprised after six large silver spheres washed up on Forrest Beach near Townsville. At first, no one knew where the objects had come from, leading to widespread curiosity and safety concerns. The Australian Space Agency (ASA) has now identified the most likely source of the mysterious objects. According to the agency, the spheres appear to be pressure vessels from a space launch vehicle. Officials believe the objects are consistent with debris from a foreign rocket that recently re entered Earth's atmosphere. Although investigators have not yet confirmed the exact launch vehicle, the agency is working with international authorities to identify its origin. Authorities Secure the Area Local emergency services quickly responded after the discovery. The Queensland Fire Department created a 50 metre exclusion zone around the objects and warned residents not to approach or touch them. Officials advised anyone who finds a similar object to move away immediately and contact emergency services. Safety experts took extra precautions because the spheres could still contain dangerous substances. Specialist crews wearing protective suits carefully collected the metal balls. They placed them inside hazardous material containers while police secured the area. Authorities wanted to eliminate any possible risk before transporting the objects for further examination. Why Experts Considered the Objects Dangerous Some space experts suggested the spheres could be propellant or pressure tanks from a rocket. If that is correct, they may contain small amounts of highly flammable or chemically reactive materials left over from the launch. Although officials have not confirmed the presence of hazardous chemicals, they continue to treat the objects with extreme caution until testing is complete. Local Community Reacts The discovery quickly became the main topic of conversation in the quiet coastal community. Lisa Scobie, owner of Forrest Beach Takeaway, said unusual events rarely happen in the area. She explained that the arrival of emergency crews and investigators created excitement and curiosity among local residents, who wanted to know where the mysterious objects had come from. Similar Discoveries Have Happened Before This is not the first time space debris has reached Australian shores. In 2023, Indian authorities confirmed that a large metal dome found on a beach in Western Australia belonged to one of the country's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV). A similar metal sphere also appeared in remote grasslands in Namibia in 2011. Experts at that time believed it was a fuel or bladder tank from an unmanned rocket. They suspected it had once contained hydrazine, a highly volatile rocket propellant. Investigation Continues The Australian Space Agency continues to work with international partners to verify the rocket responsible for the debris. Investigators will examine the recovered objects before making a final determination. Until the investigation ends, authorities are asking the public to avoid any unidentified metal objects that could be connected to space launches and report them immediately to emergency services.
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