Today, NewsForKids.net looks at three important stories from around the world. Europe is facing its second heat wave of 2026. Keir Starmer says he’s stepping down as prime minister of the United Kingdom (UK). And far right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella appears to have won Colombia’s election for president.
Europe Struggles Under Intense Heat Wave
June’s not over yet, but much of Europe is already struggling with its second heat wave of the year. Across the continent, people are dealing with dangerously hot weather, and temperatures of 104º Fahrenheit (40º Celsius) or higher. Governments are taking steps to try to keep people safe.
(Source: Emergency Response Coordination Centre [CC BY 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons.)
After a heat wave in May that lasted into June, temperatures have risen again as hot air from Africa’s Sahara desert became trapped over Europe.
In France, over half of the country is under its highest heat warning, a red alert. In Spain, Italy, Germany, and the UK, similar warnings are in effect. Greece is fighting wildfires caused by dry, hot weather.
Many schools have been closed. Train service in many places has also been affected, since the metal rails can bend in the heat. Extreme heat can cause health problems for people who are old, sick, or don’t have air conditioning.
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In France, over half of the country is under its highest heat warning, a red alert. In Spain, Italy, Germany, and the UK, similar warnings are in effect. This digital sign in the south of France shows a temperature of 41º Celsius (106º Fahrenheit) on June 22.
The hottest temperatures are expected on Wednesday. Conditions could begin to cool after that.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Steps Down
On Monday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that he would step down. Mr. Starmer faced strong pressure from members of his own Labour Party.
Mr. Starmer has been the prime minister of the UK for less than two years. He led Labour to a surprise victory in 2024, replacing the Conservative government, which had struggled following Brexit difficulties.
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On Monday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that he would step down (above). Mr. Starmer faced strong pressure from members of his own Labour Party. Mr. Starmer will remain in office until a new Labour leader is chosen and can take over.
But since then, Mr. Starmer’s popularity has dropped sharply. He has been criticized for not following through on promises. His reputation was damaged by a cabinet member’s connections to the criminal, Jeffrey Epstein. He also struggled in his relationship with US President Donald Trump, who often picked on Mr. Starmer.
Importantly, members of Mr. Starmer’s party believe he’s unlikely to win the next general election. Many people think that Andy Burnham, a popular politician just elected to Parliament, will become the next prime minister.
Mr. Starmer will remain in office until a new Labour leader is chosen and can take over.
Right-Wing Lawyer Elected to Lead Colombia
Abelardo de la Espriella, a right-wing candidate, appears to have won Colombia’s election for president. With 99% of the votes counted in a “quick count” early election report, Mr. de la Espriella had 49.7% of the vote, barely beating an opponent from the political left, Iván Cepeda, who had 48.7%.
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Abelardo de la Espriella, seen above speaking to supporters on Sunday, appears to have won Colombia’s election for president. Mr. de la Espriella is a right-wing candidate who calls himself “El Tigre” (The Tiger). He has worked as a lawyer, but doesn’t have any political experience.
Mr. de la Espriella, who calls himself “El Tigre” (The Tiger), has worked as a lawyer, but doesn’t have any political experience. Backed by US President Donald Trump, Mr. de la Espriella says that he’ll be tough on crime, drugs, and gangs. He says he’ll use Colombia’s military against these targets, and plans to build several massive prisons to hold all the people he plans to arrest.
Mr. Cepeda, an ally of current president Gustavo Petro, is challenging some of the voting results. Official results are not expected for several days.
Did You Know…?
In recent years, the position of prime minister of the UK has changed hands many times. When the next prime minister takes office, he or she will become the UK’s seventh prime minister in the last 10 years.