The UK government confirmed Grenfell Tower will be dismantled nearly eight years after the fire that killed 72 people. The process, expected to take two years, aims to be “sensitive” with no changes before the eighth anniversary. The decision has divided the community; some want the tower as a memorial, while others find its presence distressing. Engineers advised dismantling due to significant damage and worsening conditions. Materials may be used for a memorial if desired. A specialist contractor will be appointed to plan the deconstruction. Some families want the tower to remain until prosecutions occur. Noah Prescott 07/02/2025 4:30 pm
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba prepared extensively for his first meeting with President Donald Trump, consulting with key figures like SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. He also sought advice from former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Shinzo Abe’s widow. Ishiba aims to build a personal relationship with Trump, despite the challenge of replicating Trump’s bond with Abe. Ishiba’s visit, following Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s, underscores the importance of U.S.-Japan relations amid challenges from China and North Korea. Noah Prescott 07/02/2025 4:30 pm
China criticized the U.S. for “coercion” after Panama ended an infrastructure deal with Beijing, following U.S. threats to reclaim the Panama Canal. China’s Foreign Ministry condemned U.S. tactics against the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to enhance China’s global ties through infrastructure projects. Panama’s decision is seen as yielding to U.S. pressure, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Panama to reduce Chinese influence over the canal or face retaliation. Panamanian leader José Raúl Mulino has resisted U.S. pressure. Ava Sinclair 07/02/2025 4:30 pm
Seismic activity on Santorini and nearby Greek islands is ongoing, with a larger quake potentially imminent, warns seismologist Rémy Bossu. The island is under a state of emergency due to continuous tremors, including a 5.2 magnitude quake. Santorini, near the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, is experiencing an unusual “earthquake swarm,” with increasing magnitude and frequency, unlike typical aftershock patterns. Nearby islands Amorgos and Ios are also affected. Hundreds of minor tremors have been recorded, causing significant disruption. Noah Prescott 07/02/2025 4:30 pm
Britain’s crackdown on illegal migration is undermining support for modern slavery victims, despite the 2015 Modern Slavery Act. New 2023 rules require victims to provide more proof for state support, increasing rejection rates from 11% in 2022 to 45% in 2023. Thousands of victims, mainly migrants, fear deportation and remain trapped. A House of Lords report estimates 130,000 victims in Britain, urging legislative changes. Despite previous opposition, the Labour government hasn’t amended the rules since taking power in July. Ava Sinclair 07/02/2025 1:00 pm
In Orebro, Sweden, a mass shooting at an adult learning center claimed 10 lives, including Salim Iskef, a Syrian refugee. The gunman, who acted alone, also died. The attack, Sweden’s worst mass shooting, has left the immigrant community, including Syrians and Bosnians, on edge. Jacob Kasselia, a Syrian Orthodox priest, mourned Iskef, describing him as a kind, helpful community member. The police have not released victim details, but the incident has heightened concerns about underlying hate. Ava Sinclair 07/02/2025 1:00 pm
A Russian spy ship, the Kildin, experienced difficulties off the Syrian coast, emitting flames and smoke. Despite drifting out of control, it refused assistance from a nearby NATO vessel. The incident, captured in audio and video, highlights NATO’s concerns over Russian activities, especially regarding potential sabotage of underwater infrastructure amid Ukraine tensions. The Kildin, a 55-year-old intelligence-gathering ship, was near Turkish naval exercises before the fire. This follows another Russian spy ship, Yantar, being monitored by the UK in the English Channel. Noah Prescott 07/02/2025 1:00 pm
Australian reptile handlers rescued 102 venomous red-bellied black snakes from a Sydney backyard mulch pile. Initially called after a dog was bitten, they found 40 snakes, with four giving birth to more young. The haul included five adults and 97 babies, a record for the handlers who usually catch 5-15 snakes daily. The snakes are quarantined and will be released into a national park. The dog is unharmed. Female snakes often gather to give birth, possibly for protection. Penelope Kingsley 07/02/2025 1:00 pm
Greece declared a state of emergency on Santorini after a series of undersea earthquakes, including a magnitude 5.2 tremor, shook the island. Emergency services have been mobilized, and thousands have evacuated to the mainland. The seismic activity, unrelated to volcanic activity, has not shown signs of easing. Epicenters are concentrated between Santorini and nearby islands, with underwater locations reducing potential damage. Municipal crews have cordoned off vulnerable areas to prevent rock slides. Ava Sinclair 07/02/2025 1:00 pm
China criticized the U.S. for “coercion” after Panama ended an infrastructure deal with Beijing, influenced by U.S. threats regarding the Panama Canal. China’s Foreign Ministry condemned U.S. tactics against the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to enhance China’s global ties through infrastructure projects. Panama’s decision is seen as yielding to U.S. pressure, following warnings from U.S. officials about reducing Chinese influence over the canal. Penelope Kingsley 07/02/2025 1:00 pm
