CPC Political Bureau Convenes Meeting, Reviews Work Regulations for Party Central Decision-Making and Deliberation Coordination Bodies; Xi Jinping Presides
The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee held a meeting on June 30 to review the "Regulations on the Work of Decision-making and Deliberation and Coordination Bodies of the Party Central Committee." Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting. The meeting pointed out that the establishment of decision-making and deliberation and coordination bodies of the Party Central Committee is an important institutional arrangement to strengthen the Party Central Committee's centralized and unified leadership over major work and promote the implementation of major tasks. The formulation and issuance of the "Regulations on the Work of Decision-making and Deliberation and Coordination Bodies of the Party Central Committee" will further regulate the establishment, responsibilities, and operation of these bodies, which is of great significance for playing their functions of top-level design, overall coordination, holistic advancement, and supervision of the implementation of major work. The meeting emphasized that the decision-making and deliberation and coordination bodies of the Party Central Committee should accurately grasp their functional positioning, adhere to planning, deliberating, and focusing on major issues, implement more effective overall leadership and coordination for major work, and achieve coordination without substitution, and proper action without overstepping. They should conduct in-depth investigations and research, improve the quality and efficiency of decision-making and deliberation, and propose practical and effective policy measures. They should vigorously guard against formalism and bureaucracy, and ensure that their work is pragmatic and effective. The meeting also discussed other matters.
Xi Jinping Stresses Comprehensive Strict Party Governance, Deeper Implementation of Party's Self-Revolution in New Era at 21st CPC Political Bureau Study Session
Xi Jinping emphasized adhering to a good work style to advance comprehensive and strict Party governance and further implement the requirements of the Party's self-revolution in the new era during the 21st group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. CCTV News (Xinwen Lianbo): The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee held its 21st group study session on the afternoon of June 30 on establishing a long-term mechanism to implement the eight-point frugality rules of the Central Committee and correct "four undesirable work styles." Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, on behalf of the Party Central Committee, extended festive greetings for "July 1st" to all Communist Party members across the country! He emphasized when presiding over the study session that self-revolution is the second answer for our Party to break out of the historical cycle of rise and fall, and advancing comprehensive and strict Party governance by focusing on improving work style is an important experience of the Party's self-revolution in the new era. To advance the Party's self-revolution, we must further implement it in terms of enhancing understanding, strengthening Party spirit, standardizing the exercise of power, strict supervision and discipline enforcement, and fulfilling the responsibility of Party governance. Comrade Zhao Baoguo, director of the Department of Party Style and Conduct Supervision of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission, gave a lecture on this issue and offered work suggestions. Members of the Political Bureau listened carefully to the lecture and held discussions. Xi Jinping delivered an important speech after listening to the lecture and discussions. He pointed out that the Central Committee's eight-point frugality rules are a move by the Party Central Committee to establish credibility, and a landmark measure for governing the Party in the new era. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the Party Central Committee has started with the eight-point rules, insisting on establishing strict rules and strong constraints, adhering to leading by example, starting with the Political Bureau, adhering to a problem-oriented approach, focusing on correcting "four undesirable work styles" through concentrated education and a series of special rectifications, insisting on continuous, meticulous, and long-term efforts, guarding and advancing at every node, and insisting on grasping Party spirit, Party conduct, and Party discipline together, and integrating the rectification of work style, strict discipline, and anti-corruption, curbing many unhealthy tendencies that were previously considered impossible to curb, eliminating some stubborn problems that had been difficult to eliminate for many years, and solving many prominent problems strongly complained about by the masses. The Party style and government style have taken on a new look, promoting the overall improvement of Party governance and gathering strong positive energy for the development of the Party and the country's cause. Xi Jinping emphasized that the Chinese-style modernization tasks our Party shoulders are very arduous, and the governing environment it faces is exceptionally complex. The string of self-revolution must be pulled even tighter. Party organizations and members, regardless of their level or work responsibilities, should have the responsibility of self-revolution. Leading cadres, especially senior cadres, should set an example in self-revolution. Xi Jinping pointed out that to advance self-revolution, we must strengthen our foundations and enhance Party spirit. To enhance Party spirit, the focus is on strengthening ideals and convictions, forging loyalty to the Party, cultivating deep feelings for the people, purifying moral character, and maintaining honesty and integrity. We must strengthen theoretical arming and uphold the spiritual pursuit of Communists; actively participate in the practice of Chinese-style modernization, temper a struggling life in doing business, and sublimate moral realms in bringing benefits to the people; actively participate in inner-Party political life, be courageous in self-reflection, and consciously accept the education of Party organizations and supervision from all aspects. In selecting and appointing personnel, Party spirit should be strengthened, and the cadre's outlook, loyalty, and integrity should be emphasized. Xi Jinping emphasized that to combat corruption, the exercise of power must be standardized. We must improve institutional mechanisms that unify, clarify, and make traceable the authorization, exercise, and control of power, and focus on identifying loopholes in the exercise of power and making up for institutional shortcomings. We must strictly enforce institutions, comprehensively implement democratic centralism, and supervise the exercise of power throughout the entire process. Party members and cadres must always bear in mind that all power is given by the people, and always revere the people, the organization, and the law and discipline. Xi Jinping pointed out that strict supervision and discipline enforcement are sharp tools for the Party's self-revolution, and violations of discipline and law must be dealt with resolutely. We must combine inner-Party supervision with people's supervision, attach importance to the "frontline" role of mass supervision and public opinion supervision, and promote the贯通 and coordination of various types of supervision. We must strengthen the daily supervision of Party organizations and effectively improve their penetration and effectiveness. We must intensify efforts to investigate and treat both corruption and undesirable work styles, transform the hard requirements of Party style and discipline into hard measures, let strict rules have sharp teeth, send a signal to the entire Party of being strict to the end and not yielding an inch, and form a deterrent effect. Xi Jinping emphasized that the main responsibility of Party governance, the supervisory responsibility, the primary responsibility, and the "one post, two responsibilities" constitute a complete chain of responsibility, and each responsibility must be strictly implemented. Leading cadres at all levels, as the "key minority," must resolutely shoulder the responsibility of Party governance, be strict with themselves, strictly bear their responsibilities, and strictly manage their subordinates, transmitting pressure layer by layer, and truly creating a strict atmosphere and establishing an upright style. Comrades of the Political Bureau should set benchmarks and examples for the entire Party in fulfilling their responsibilities for Party governance. Xi Jinping pointed out that in carrying out in-depth study and education on implementing the Central Committee's eight-point frugality rules, Party organizations at all levels must earnestly fulfill their political responsibilities, bravely face problems, urge rectification in place, strictly curb all kinds of unhealthy tendencies, and improve normalized and long-term mechanisms for improving work style, ensuring that the study and education has a good beginning and end, and achieves practical results.
Steadfastly Follow the Party, Create a Better Life: Xi Jinping's Reply Letter to Galacun Villagers in Tibet's Nyingchi Resonates Widely
Recently, General Secretary Xi Jinping replied to all villagers of Gala Village, Bazi District, Nyingchi City, Tibet, expressing his hope that they would effectively safeguard national unity and create an even happier and better life. The General Secretary's reply was heartwarming and inspiring. Everyone expressed that they would bear in mind the General Secretary's entrustment, work hand in hand, and help each other to contribute to the construction of a prosperous and stable border region of the motherland. In his reply, General Secretary Xi Jinping recalled the wonderful time of his visit to Gala Village four years ago and was pleased with the new changes that have taken place in the village in recent years. In July 2021, when General Secretary Xi Jinping was inspecting Tibet, he visited Gala Village and also went to Dawa Jiancang's home as a guest, sitting with his family in the living room and chatting about daily life. Years later, Dawa Jiancang still remembers it vividly. Dawa Jiancang's family life is improving day by day, and the village's development has also made new progress. Over the past four years, everyone has vigorously developed rural tourism and expanded the collective economy in the direction guided by the General Secretary. Last year, the per capita disposable income of villagers was 41,200 yuan, an increase of nearly 10,000 yuan compared to 2020. The village also received honors such as "National Model Collective for Ethnic Unity and Progress." This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region. After discussion, everyone decided to write a letter to the General Secretary to report on the gratifying changes in the village. In his reply, the General Secretary expressed earnest expectations for the villagers. He hoped that they would create a happier and better life and protect the natural beauty of the snow-capped plateau. Now everyone is planning to deeply promote rural revitalization, further develop "tourism+," upgrade the service quality and infrastructure of scenic spots, enrich tourist attractions, and further polish the "Peach Blossom Village" brand. At the same time, they are implementing ecological restoration projects along the Niyang River to better protect the ecological environment while developing. The General Secretary's reply is not only an earnest expectation for the villagers of Gala Village but also an encouragement and inspiration for cadres and masses of all ethnic groups in Tibet. Standing at the new starting point of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region, everyone expressed that they would be guided by the spirit of the reply, implement the Party's strategy for governing Tibet in the new era, and write a new chapter of long-term stability and high-quality development on the snow-capped plateau.
Latest CPC Internal Statistics Released
The latest Party statistics from the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee show that as of the end of 2024, the total number of Communist Party of China members reached 100.271 million, a net increase of 1.086 million from the previous year. The number of grassroots Party organizations was 5.250 million, a net increase of 74,000 from the previous year. The total number of Party members maintained steady growth. The total number of Party members increased by 1.1% compared to the previous year. A total of 2.131 million new Party members were recruited throughout the year, of whom 1.120 million were from the front lines of production and work, accounting for 52.6%; 1.159 million had a college degree or above, accounting for 54.4%; and 1.784 million were aged 35 or younger, accounting for 83.7%. Party member education and management were further strengthened. Party organizations at all levels consolidated and expanded the achievements of the theme education on studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, solidly carried out Party discipline education, and further strengthened Party member education and training. The number of Party members trained throughout the year increased by 16.5% compared to the previous year, and Party committees at or above the county level conducted full-time training for 4.366 million grassroots Party organization secretaries.
Various Regions Mark 104th CPC Founding Anniversary
On the eve of "July 1st," various localities carried out diverse activities to welcome the 104th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. The Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, recently launched a special exhibition on the "Red Boat Spirit," attracting tourists from all over the country to revisit Party history and feel the original aspirations. Putian, Fujian, recently held a special讲座 on "July 1st," guiding Party members, cadres, masses, university faculty, and students to promote the great spirit of Party building. In Ruijin, Jiangxi, Shexian, Anhui, Tieli, Heilongjiang, Qianjiang, Hubei, and other places, immersive red education activities were carried out, allowing Party members and the masses to inherit the red bloodline and draw strength for progress from historical relics and revolutionary stories. In factories and workshops in Changde, Hunan, in forest farms in Shidian, Yunnan, and in the Tibet Autonomous Region Archives, new and old Party members solemnly swore an oath to the Party flag, relived their oath of admission, and strengthened their ideals and convictions. In Loumenguan Community, Banqiao Town, Zunyi, Guizhou, after the oath ceremony, commemorative medals of "Glorious 50 Years in the Party" were awarded to Party members who had been in the Party for 50 years. Songs of praise were dedicated to the Party, celebrating the new era. In Taiyuan, Shanxi, and Pingshan, Hebei, people expressed their deep love for the Party and the country through singing, dancing, and recitation. In Haibei Prefecture, Qinghai, and Weifang, Shandong, Party members and cadres from government agencies and enterprises sang classic red songs, praising the glorious journey of the Party. On the eve of "July 1st," various units of the entire armed forces carried out diverse theme Party day activities, guiding officers and soldiers to draw spiritual strength from the Party's struggle, and forge the soul of strengthening the army with firm ideals and convictions.
China's Manufacturing PMI Continues to Rebound
The China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing and the National Bureau of Statistics announced today (June 30) that China's manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for June was 49.7%, an increase of 0.2 percentage points from the previous month. Among the 21 industries surveyed, 11 were in the expansion range of above 50%, an increase of 4 from the previous month, indicating an expansion in the manufacturing sector's prosperity. Both supply and demand in the manufacturing market expanded, especially with overall market demand rebounding from a decline. The new orders index was 50.2%, an increase of 0.4 percentage points from the previous month. At the same time, manufacturing exports also gradually recovered, with the new export orders index rising for two consecutive months month-on-month. From the perspective of key industries, new drivers maintained a stable expansion trend, with the PMI for equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing both remaining in the expansion range for two consecutive months. Consumer goods manufacturing also achieved stable growth. In addition, the PMI for large enterprises was 51.2%, continuing to be in the expansion range, providing significant support for the overall manufacturing sector. The new orders index for medium-sized enterprises increased by more than 4 percentage points from the previous month, showing a clear recovery in market demand.
Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link Marks First Anniversary, GBA Integrated Transport System Improves
The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, connecting Shenzhen, Zhongshan, and Guangzhou, has maintained high traffic flow since its opening one year ago, providing strong impetus for the high-quality integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The reporter learned from the Guangdong Provincial Department of Transportation that as of 3:00 PM today (June 30), the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link has accumulated a total traffic volume of 31.55 million vehicle trips, with an average of 86,400 vehicle trips per day. The peak traffic volume reached 181,600 vehicle trips on May 1st this year. The continuous growth of traffic flow and smooth operation are backed by the constantly improving intelligent system of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. Today, the daily traffic volume of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link accounts for about one-fifth of the total cross-Pearl River Estuary traffic, with obvious backbone channel effects, accelerating the integrated development of the east and west banks of the Pearl River Estuary. Industrial linkages such as "Shenzhen headquarters + Zhongshan intelligent manufacturing" and "Shenzhen R&D + Zhongshan transformation" have greater attraction and radiation. The connecting effect of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link is not only changing Zhongshan and Shenzhen but also radiating to more cities in the Greater Bay Area. In Nansha, Guangzhou, connected by the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, the semiconductor and integrated circuit industry is deeply integrated with Shenzhen's scientific and technological resources, and its industrial output value currently grows at an annual rate of over 30%. Relying on the operation of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link for the past year, the comprehensive transportation system of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has been further improved. The "one-hour living circle" in the Greater Bay Area has become a reality, and cities have achieved deep integration and coordinated development.
PLA Navy's Liaoning and Shandong Carrier Groups Complete Combat Drills
Recently, the Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carrier strike groups of the Navy successfully completed their far-sea combat-oriented training missions and returned to port. During this far-sea combat-oriented training, the two aircraft carrier strike groups focused on various subjects such as reconnaissance and early warning, anti-strike, and anti-surface attack. This training mission was a routine exercise organized according to the annual plan, which effectively tested the effectiveness of joint training and improved the ability to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests. In this far-sea combat-oriented training, the Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carrier strike groups maneuvered across the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, South China Sea, and Western Pacific waters, adhering to realistic combat training, joint combat training, and systematic exercises. They coordinated with relevant military services and arms to organize practical confrontations that served as mutual conditions and opponents, completing studies and exercises on subjects such as reconnaissance and early warning, anti-strike, anti-surface attack, air defense, and carrier-borne aircraft tactical flights across day and night. During the mission, the Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carrier strike groups actively explored the practical application of strike group combat elements and forces, forming multiple research findings, and effectively enhancing the systemic combat capabilities of the aircraft carrier strike groups. This is the second time the two aircraft carrier strike groups have conducted systemic confrontation exercises in distant waters after their first joint exercise last year. During the mission, foreign military ships and aircraft repeatedly approached for reconnaissance, tracking, and surveillance. The Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carrier strike groups maintained a high state of alert and readiness to react throughout, organizing multiple combat take-offs of carrier-borne aircraft, and handling responses professionally and steadily, ensuring the successful completion of all training missions.
State Council Information Office Holds Press Briefing on "Strugglers on the New Journey"
The State Council Information Office held a press conference for Chinese and foreign journalists today (June 30) under the theme "Strivers on the New Journey." Five national self-improvement role models met with Chinese and foreign journalists to discuss "promoting the spirit of self-improvement and pooling strength for progress." They shared their inspiring stories of striving and selfless dedication in various fields, demonstrating the determination of people with disabilities in the new era to bravely overcome difficulties and challenges, actively pursue their life dreams, and make positive contributions to comprehensively building a strong nation and achieving national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization.
Domestic News Briefs
Over 28 years, trade between the mainland and Hong Kong has grown at an average annual rate of 6.3%. According to Shenzhen Customs statistics, since Hong Kong's return 28 years ago, the trade value between the mainland and Hong Kong has grown from 420.87 billion yuan in 1997 to 2.2 trillion yuan in 2024, with an average annual growth rate of 6.3%, demonstrating strong development momentum. In the first five months of this year, trade between the mainland and Hong Kong became even closer, with total imports and exports reaching 941.71 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 11.3%, achieving double-digit growth. National Summer Cultural and Tourism Consumption Season Launched. The National Summer Cultural and Tourism Consumption Season was launched today (June 30). Various regions will hold over 4,300 cultural and tourism consumption activities in about 39,000 sessions, focusing on summer leisure, coastal vacations, and parent-child entertainment. They will introduce benefit measures such as consumption vouchers and ticket price discounts, and issue over 570 million yuan in consumption subsidies to meet summer cultural and tourism consumption needs. Beijing Opens Trans-Caspian China-Europe Railway Express. Today (June 30), the China Beijing-Azerbaijan Baku Trans-Caspian China-Europe Railway Express was launched. The train departs from Fangshan, Beijing, exits through the Horgos Port in Xinjiang, and adopts a "rail-sea-rail" intermodal transport model, crossing the Caspian Sea to reach Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The entire journey of over 8,000 kilometers takes only 15 days, shortening the time by nearly 30 days compared to sea and road transport from Tianjin Port. Ordos Basin Completes 15 Billion Cubic Meters of Natural Gas Production Capacity. Today (June 30), the reporter learned from Yanchang Petroleum Group that Yanchang Petroleum's 15 billion cubic meter natural gas production capacity doubling project in the Ordos Basin has been officially completed and put into operation. This project is the largest newly built natural gas production capacity project in Northwest China. According to the plan, by 2030, Yanchang Petroleum's natural gas production capacity in the Ordos Basin will be further increased to 20 billion cubic meters. Yinchojiyao Project Successfully Test-Runs Entire Line. Today (June 30), the Yinchojiyao Water Diversion Project, a key national water network project, successfully completed its test run across the entire line. This project will divert 436 million cubic meters of water annually from the Choer River, a tributary of the Nen River, to alleviate water shortages in the Xiliao River basin, benefiting over 3 million people in 8 counties and cities along the line in Xing'an League and Tongliao City in eastern Inner Mongolia. Baoyun Tunnel of Yu-Kun High-Speed Railway Completed. Today (June 30), the Baoyun Tunnel, a controlling project of the Yu-Kun High-Speed Railway, was successfully completed. The Yu-Kun High-Speed Railway is approximately 700 kilometers long and is expected to be completed and open to traffic in 2026. After completion, the train travel time from Chongqing to Kunming will be reduced from about 5 hours to about 2 hours. The Yunnan section will be Yunnan's first high-speed railway designed for a speed of 350 kilometers per hour. Xinjiang Ahe Highway Officially Opens. Today (June 30), the Xinjiang Ahe Highway officially opened to traffic. The Ahe Highway connects Altay City and Hemu Village in Kanas Scenic Area, Xinjiang, with a total length of 209.45 kilometers. It connects attractions such as Wushilike Wetland, Tongba Grassland, and Yilek Stone Forest, forming a new tourist loop line and effectively alleviating traffic pressure during the peak tourist season. Large-Scale Documentary Series "Tracing Ancient China: Qilu Chronicle" Premieres Tonight. The large-scale documentary series "Tracing Ancient China: Qilu Chronicle," jointly produced by China Media Group and the National Cultural Heritage Administration, will premiere tonight (June 30) at 10:30 PM on CCTV-1 and be exclusively streamed on Yangshipin. The film fully utilizes new discoveries and research findings from the Bashan site in Linyi, Shandong, the Dawenkou site in Tai'an, and other locations, showcasing Qilu's outstanding contributions to Chinese civilization.
Iran Urges UN Security Council to Hold US, Israel Accountable for Aggression
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian sent a letter to the United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council on the 29th, demanding that the Security Council identify Israel and the United States as aggressors, hold them accountable, and demand war reparations. Amir-Abdollahian stated in the letter that Israel's blatant aggression against Iran, with deliberate attacks on multiple residential areas and civilian infrastructure, severely violates international law. Iranian nuclear facilities supervised by the International Atomic Energy Agency have also been targeted by Israel and the United States, which constitutes a serious violation of the UN Charter, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and relevant resolutions of the IAEA. The spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Justice stated on the 29th that Israel's attack on Tehran's Evin Prison on the 23rd resulted in the deaths of 71 people, including prison staff, prisoners and their families, and nearby residents. According to Iranian media reports on the 29th, Iranian Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri spoke with Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman on the same day. Bagheri stated that Iran has "serious doubts" about Israel's fulfillment of its ceasefire and other commitments. If Israel attacks Iran again, Iran will respond decisively. Iranian President Pezeshkian stated at a cabinet meeting on the 29th that developing relations with neighboring countries and regional relations is Iran's core strategy. Iran is willing to cooperate fully with the Gulf Cooperation Council and open a new chapter in relations with its neighbors.
Russian Media: Russian Forces Control First Settlement in Dnipropetrovsk; Ukraine Claims Intercepting Numerous Drones and Missiles
Russian media reported today (June 30) that the Russian army has taken control of the settlement of Dakhnoye in the Dnipropetrovsk region, marking the first settlement controlled by the Russian army in that region. The Dnipropetrovsk region is located in central-eastern Ukraine and borders the Donetsk region. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on the 29th that in the past day, the Russian army launched large-scale strikes on Ukrainian military industrial facilities and oil refineries using high-precision weapons, including the "Kinzhal" hypersonic missile system, and drones, with all designated targets destroyed. The Russian Ministry of Defense also stated that Russian air defense forces shot down 102 drones. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces stated on the 29th that the Ukrainian army struck targets such as Russian personnel, weapons, and military equipment concentration areas, and intercepted 436 Russian drones and 38 missiles from the evening of the 28th to the morning of the 29th.
International News Briefs
International Body Warns US Tariff Policy Could Lead to US Inflation. The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) warned in its annual report released on the 29th that the US tariff policy disrupts the global economy, exacerbates global economic uncertainty, and poses a risk of high inflation in countries including the United States. The BIS pointed out that the Federal Reserve may face more severe challenges due to slowing economic growth and rising inflationary pressures. The BIS is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, and its main function is to promote international monetary and financial cooperation. Civilians Waiting for Aid in Gaza Strip Attacked Again by Israeli Forces. According to the Palestinian news agency on the 29th, civilians waiting for aid in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, were again attacked by Israeli artillery fire, resulting in 5 deaths and dozens of injuries. According to statistics released by the Gaza media office on the same day, since the so-called "aid" plan supported by the United States and Israel began operating in the Gaza Strip on May 27 this year, 580 Palestinians have been killed, 4,216 injured, and 39 are missing while waiting for aid. Two Firefighters Die in Shooting at US Wildfire Scene. According to Idaho police, two firefighters were shot and killed and one was injured at a wildfire scene in the Coeur d'Alene area of Kootenai County on the 29th. Police found a male body with a gun nearby. According to US media reports, law enforcement agencies believe the man deliberately set the fire and then opened fire when firefighters arrived. The case is still under investigation, and the local wildfire remains unextinguished. UK and Germany Experience High Temperatures, Warnings Issued in Some Areas. The UK Meteorological Office stated today (June 30) that many parts of the UK have experienced continuous high temperatures for several days, and an "amber heat-health alert" has been issued for London and other areas. Forecasts released by the German Meteorological Office today indicate that temperatures in some parts of Germany may rise above 39 degrees Celsius this week. The German Meteorological Office also warned that continuous high temperatures and drought significantly increase the risk of forest fires in the area.