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Tours (France) (AFP) – As temperatures across Europe soar above 35C, people in France cool off in lakes and rivers, despite widespread bans over safety fears. 40 people have drowned in heatwave-related incidents in the space of five days, according to the French Interior Ministry. “There are very few freely accessible, easy or free ways to cool down, and that is a concern for us,” says one swimmer, adding: “Measures will need to be put in place, but at the moment there do not seem to be many, which is somewhat worrying”.

Foxborough (United States) (AFP) – England and Ghana supporters reacted differently outside Boston stadium after a 0-0 draw, with English fans frustrated by their team’s inability to break down Ghana’s defense, while Ghana fans celebrated a disciplined and organized performance.

Hong Kong’s subdivided flats are being phased out after a law to regulate them came into effect in March. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered the wealthy finance hub to resolve its housing woes which are the result of decades of pervasive inequality, an acute housing shortage and eye-watering rents. AND SOUNDBITES

Moskau (AFP) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Europe is becoming “a major threat to international peace and security”, by providing military support to Ukraine. In recent months Moscow has grown increasingly critical of Europe’s role in supporting Ukraine and trying to stop US President Donald Trump pushing Kyiv to accept a Russia-friendly peace.

Washington (AFP) – US President Donald Trump critizes outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying the Labour leader faced “problems” over energy, immigration and relations with Washington. Starmer’s resignation comes after months of pressure from his own party over U-turns, ministerial resignations and scandal surrounding ex-envoy Peter Mandelson.

(AFP) – Footage released by North Korean state media shows leader Kim Jong Un presiding over a three-day meeting of the Workers’ Party of Korea in the western province of North Pyongan. During the meeting, which wrapped up on Monday, Kim reportedly vowed to beef up his country’s defence capabilities. According to state media, Kim cited military modernisation efforts by South Korea and the United States pushing the region “to the brink of a nuclear war”.

London (AFP) – UK ministers attend a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street a day after Keir Starmer’s resignation as prime minister and leader of the Labour party. Andy Burnham is currently the favourite to replace Starmer, having returned to parliament this week following the high-stakes Makerfield by-election.

Gaza (AFP) – Gaza surfers carry their boards past tents and destroyed buildings on their way to the beach in Gaza City, where they keep surfing despite the risk of Israeli attacks. “It lets us breathe and makes us feel safe,” says one surfer.

Ningbo (China) (AFP) – An indoor rice planting competition kicks off at a makeshift paddy field in a shopping mall in Ningbo, China. “I took a three hour high speed train from Suzhou today just to relive the joy of my childhood,” says Zeng Xiao, one of hundreds to have participated.

Copenhagen (AFP) – Copenhagen zoo welomes the arrival of its third giraffe calf born this year. The zoo is part of an international giraffe breeding programme, and has now bred 52 since the first one arrived in 1902. Giraffes are close to being an endangered species in the wild due to habitat loss caused by human activity.

London (AFP) – Londoners prepare for the seventh British prime minister in a decade, after Keir Starmer resigns following months of pressure from his party. Current favourite to take over is former mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, who secured a return to parliament last week in the high-stakes Makerfield by-election. “I don’t think there’ll be any change. It’s just another day, another leader,” says one Londoner.

New York (AFP) – Norwegian football fans flood New York’s Times Square and perform the ‘Viking row’ on the eve of their team’s World Cup Group I match against Senegal. In their first World Cup match in 28 years, the Scandinavian team beat Iraq 4-1. Their final group stage match will be against last tournament’s finalists France on June 26.