Marine Le Pen, a French far-right leader, said she will run for president in 2027 even though an appeals court confirmed her conviction for misusing EU funds. The court reduced her ban from running for office, allowing her to start her campaign while she plans to appeal the conviction.
Key Facts
Marine Le Pen was convicted of embezzling EU funds to pay party staff.
An appeals court confirmed her conviction but shortened her ban from running for office.
Le Pen announced she will run for president in the 2027 election.
She launched her campaign website immediately after the court decision.
Le Pen said she will appeal the conviction.
This situation is unusual in France, as a top candidate is running despite a guilty verdict related to public funds.
The ruling allows her to appear on the presidential ballot for 2027.
The case involves political and legal issues connected to her party's use of EU money.
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The cost of Obamacare health insurance plans is expected to rise by about 14% next year. This increase is due to higher health care costs and the end of special government subsidies, leading to more expensive premiums for many people and causing some healthier individuals to drop their coverage.
Key Facts
Obamacare premiums will go up by a median of 14% in 2027.
Two years in a row have seen double-digit premium increases.
Higher health care costs and expired subsidies are the main reasons for the increase.
People making more than about $64,000 a year will not get extra help with costs.
Rising premiums make healthier people more likely to drop coverage, which raises costs for everyone remaining.
Enrollment in Obamacare plans dropped by about 3 million people from last year, now at 19.2 million.
Democrats say Republicans are responsible for subsidy expiration and higher costs, while the Trump administration blames fraud and improper enrollments.
Medical care and prescription drug costs are rising faster than before, contributing to higher premiums.
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President Donald Trump announced that the agreement with Iran to end conflict is no longer valid. He also said he instructed the Treasury Secretary to stop trade relations with Spain, criticizing Spain’s role in NATO.
Key Facts
President Trump said the deal with Iran is "over" and he will not engage with Iran’s leadership.
He called the Iranian leaders "sick people."
Trump made these remarks at a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
He ordered Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to cut trade ties with Spain.
Trump described Spain as a "terrible partner" in NATO.
The statements were made on July 8, 2026.
The NATO summit involved several European and global leaders.
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The Port of Dover is facing major delays and long traffic jams because of problems with the EU’s entry/exit system (EES), which checks passengers crossing between the UK and Europe. MPs have warned the government to push French authorities to fix the issues or suspend EES checks before the busy summer holiday period starts.
Key Facts
The EU’s EES system uses fingerprinting and facial recognition to check travelers.
Dover expects about 50% more vehicles this summer compared to last year.
Technology problems with biometric kiosks at Dover, supplied by France, prevent their use.
Delays of up to four and a half hours were seen during a recent holiday period.
MPs visited Dover and saw preparations, including new kiosks and land changes.
The EU rejected calls to suspend EES checks despite admitting some border spots face delays.
The EES system can be suspended temporarily but only until September.
Industry groups warn that delays affect airports and transport across multiple European countries.
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Millions of people in western U.S. states face extreme heat due to a strong weather pattern called a heat dome. Temperatures are expected to be dangerously high through at least Thursday, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke.
Key Facts
Extreme Heat Warnings cover parts of Arizona and California.
Temperatures in some areas could reach up to 118 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Phoenix area and south-central Arizona expect highs between 109 and 116 degrees.
Overnight temperatures will remain warm, mostly in the 80s, reducing cooling at night.
The heat dome forms when high pressure traps and heats air near the ground.
Prolonged heat and warm nights create health risks, especially for the elderly, children, and people without AC.
Heat can strain power grids due to higher air-conditioning use.
Officials advise drinking water and staying in air-conditioned places to stay safe.
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Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Greenland is not for sale and vowed to protect Danish territory after President Donald Trump insisted the U.S. should control Greenland. The comments came during a NATO summit in Turkey focused on alliance unity and defense against threats like Russia.
Key Facts
Greenland is a semiautonomous territory under Danish control.
President Trump expressed interest in the U.S. controlling Greenland.
Denmark’s Prime Minister said her country will defend Greenland and expects NATO allies to uphold mutual defense commitments.
NATO’s main focus is external threats, especially from Russia.
Iceland’s Prime Minister emphasized that Greenland belongs to its people and called for NATO unity.
NATO Secretary-General praised the U.S. for military action against Iran amid rising tensions.
The NATO summit in Turkey aimed to discuss defense spending and alliance strength.
European countries have increased defense budgets since 2017, partly due to pressure from the Trump administration.
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President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran is over after recent attacks and retaliations between the two countries. The U.S. and Iran exchanged strikes in the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. responded by hitting Iranian targets, leading to increased tensions and rising oil prices.
Key Facts
President Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran "over" and called negotiations "a waste of time."
Iran and the U.S. exchanged missile strikes after Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. Treasury revoked a waiver that allowed Iran to sell oil and petrochemicals, cutting off a major revenue source.
The U.S. said it hit over 80 Iranian targets in retaliation for attacks on ships.
Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes targeting U.S. military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Explosions were reported in the Iranian port city of Bushehr, home to the country’s only civilian nuclear power plant.
Oil prices rose sharply, with Brent crude up 5.3% and West Texas Intermediate up 5.4% after the announcements.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard accused the U.S. of violating the ceasefire by launching airstrikes in southern Iran.
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The US Treasury Department has stopped allowing Iranian oil sales to use US dollars after several oil tankers were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, over 60 million barrels of Iranian crude oil remain unsold and stuck at sea.
Key Facts
The US revoked a waiver that let Iran sell oil in US dollars on global markets.
This change follows attacks on Iranian oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
More than 60 million barrels of Iranian crude oil are now stranded at sea.
Without the US dollar waiver, buyers may hesitate to purchase Iranian oil.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway for global oil shipments.
The decision is part of ongoing tensions involving Iran and international trade.
The article also mentions other business topics, including a Chinese factory increasing air conditioner production due to European demand.
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President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran appears to be over and called further talks a waste of time. This comes about three weeks after a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran, which has since seen new attacks and rising tensions.
Key Facts
President Trump stated he believes the ceasefire with Iran has ended.
He said he does not want to negotiate with Iran anymore.
The U.S. and Iran signed a peace deal roughly three weeks ago.
Since the deal, both countries have launched new attacks.
The situation has led to increased tension and instability in the region.
After Trump's comments, oil prices rose by more than 5% in morning trading.
Trump made these remarks during the NATO summit in Turkey.
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The Esports World Cup (EWC) was moved from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to Paris, France, in just eight weeks due to safety worries linked to the conflict between the USA and Iran. The tournament features thousands of players competing in popular video games and attracts millions of viewers worldwide.
Key Facts
The EWC was originally scheduled to be held in Riyadh but was relocated to Paris for safety concerns.
The move happened quickly, with organizers setting up the new venue and technical equipment in about two months.
The tournament features around 2,000 players from 100 countries competing in games like Call of Duty and League of Legends.
The Esports Foundation runs the event; it is a non-profit group supported by the Saudi government.
The EWC offers a prize pool of $75 million (around £50 million).
Some people criticize the EWC because of Saudi Arabia’s involvement, calling it “sportswashing,” which means using sports events to improve the country’s image despite human rights concerns.
The French government helped with the relocation, including visa arrangements for players.
Ticket sales in Paris have been strong, with fans from France, Germany, and the UK attending in person.
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Last year, about half a million Russians declared bankruptcy as the country’s banks face growing risks linked to the war in Ukraine. Russian banks have issued more risky loans, partly to support the war and borrowers, but this has increased financial problems and the chance of more defaults.
Key Facts
Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development lowered its growth forecast for 2026 from 1.3% to 0.4% due to war impacts.
Over 500,000 Russians declared bankruptcy last year, a rise of nearly one-third from the previous year.
Russian banks issued more risky loans recently, including to individuals and companies linked to defense.
About 10% of corporate loans in Russia are considered doubtful or at risk of default.
Many Russians took three or more loans simultaneously, encouraged by state-backed credit programs.
Overdue corporate loans amount to roughly 7 trillion roubles ($91 billion), about 3% of Russia’s GDP.
The state is expected to support banks by keeping interest payments current on defense-related loans.
New sanctions planned by the EU may further strain Russian banks and their financial situation.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan briefly held President Donald Trump’s arm and guided him during a welcome ceremony at a NATO summit in Ankara on July 7, 2026. This short moment sparked debate about Trump’s health and leadership but can also be seen as a normal part of protocol during formal arrivals.
Key Facts
The event happened during the NATO summit arrival ceremony at Etimesgut Air Base in Ankara, Turkey.
Erdoğan took President Trump’s arm to help guide him into position on the red carpet.
The interaction was captured on video and quickly spread online, drawing mixed reactions.
Some people saw it as a usual diplomatic gesture related to ceremony staging and protocol.
Others interpreted it as a sign of concern about Trump’s age and cognitive sharpness.
The U.S. State Department’s Office of the Chief of Protocol manages the exact timing and positioning of leaders during such events, often requiring physical guidance.
The moment came amid larger political issues at the summit, including tensions over Greenland and disputes with European allies.
The White House defended President Trump’s health and energy, calling him very sharp and hardworking.
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In the fiscal year 2025, over 1.3 million people received U.S. green cards, with Mexico being the top country of origin. Most green cards were given through family-based immigration, followed by employment and refugee statuses, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security covering October 2024 to September 2025.
Key Facts
A total of 1,320,080 green cards were issued in fiscal year 2025.
Mexico had the largest number of recipients, with 195,760 green cards issued.
Family-based immigration accounted for the majority, with 684,530 green cards given to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens.
Employment-based green cards were the third largest category, with 159,070 issued.
Refugees and asylum seekers received 116,470 and 60,390 green cards respectively.
The Diversity Visa lottery granted 52,470 green cards.
The data covers the end of the Biden administration and the start of President Trump’s second term.
Since January 2025, President Trump’s administration has introduced new immigration rules increasing scrutiny on green card applications and limiting some pathways to residency.
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President Donald Trump said the temporary peace deal between the U.S. and Iran is over. He called dealing with Iran a waste of time as tensions increased after recent military strikes and attacks in the region.
Key Facts
President Trump said the ceasefire agreement with Iran is "over."
He described Iran negatively and said he does not want to spend time negotiating with them.
The comments were made during the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
The U.S. recently launched military strikes on Iran in response to attacks on tankers near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran responded with strikes on Bahrain and Kuwait, increasing tension in the region.
The ceasefire had been agreed upon in April and renewed in a memorandum on June 17.
Trump said his negotiating team can talk, but he thinks it is a waste of time.
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Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, received a £5 million gift from a cryptocurrency billionaire that bankers reported to the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) over concerns of possible money laundering. Farage resigned his MP seat in Clacton to trigger a byelection but plans to stand again; he denies wrongdoing and says he was unaware of the NCA report.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage received a £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne, a cryptocurrency billionaire based in Thailand.
Bankers reported this large gift to the National Crime Agency due to concerns it might be linked to money laundering.
The National Crime Agency’s report is not proof of a crime but prompts further investigation.
Farage resigned his MP seat for Clacton to force a byelection, which other major parties are boycotting.
Farage has given different reasons for the gift and claims he was not required to disclose it because he was not a sitting politician when he received it.
Reform UK’s deputy leader accused the NCA of leaking private financial information to the media.
Farage denies any wrongdoing and says he trusts the source of the money.
The gift was partly received after Farage said he would not stand for parliament and partly before he reversed that decision.
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Marine Le Pen has been convicted but continues her campaign for the French presidency. Different newspapers report mixed views on her legal case and political future, with some seeing risks for democracy and others noting her ongoing support among voters.
Key Facts
Marine Le Pen was convicted but is appealing the decision and still running for president.
French newspapers describe her as a "political animal" who remains in control despite the conviction.
Some papers say the conviction is lenient, while others say it is serious.
There are concerns about the impact of her leadership on French democracy.
International media mention worries about the rise of far-right politics in France and Europe.
Turkey deported a Russian anti-war activist, Ariadna Litvinova, back to Russia, where she was detained.
Research shows that men’s average testosterone levels have dropped by half in 50 years, signaling a male fertility crisis.
Causes for low testosterone include obesity, diabetes, and environmental factors.
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Funeral events for Iran’s slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have started in Iraq’s holy city of Najaf, with thousands of mourners attending. Iraq declared a public holiday for the ceremonies, which are part of a series of funerals held in Iran and neighboring countries after Khamenei was killed in a strike on February 28.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, was killed in a strike by the US and Israel on February 28.
Funeral ceremonies began in Najaf, Iraq, with thousands attending and the city declaring a public holiday.
Khamenei’s remains were received in Najaf by Iraqi officials and Iranian representatives, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Khamenei’s eldest son.
Najaf is the third holiest city for Shia Muslims and hosts large religious gatherings regularly.
Khamenei’s burial is planned for Thursday in his hometown of Mashhad, Iran.
His son Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded him as Supreme Leader, has not appeared publicly and is reportedly wounded.
After Najaf, the coffin will go to Karbala for further procession at important Shia shrines.
Iranian and Iraqi leaders emphasized the close spiritual and political ties between the two Shia-majority countries during the ceremonies.
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Marks & Spencer (M&S) held a fashion show on the Silverstone Formula One pit lane for the first time ever, showcasing their summer clothing line. This event is part of M&S’s new long-term partnership with Silverstone and the Williams F1 Team, aiming to attract a younger, global audience.
Key Facts
M&S staged a fashion show on an active F1 pit lane at Silverstone on July 2nd, 2026.
The show featured the "Dress to Thrill" summer collection with neutral colors and racing red highlights.
M&S has a long-term deal with Silverstone covering major events like the British Grand Prix and MotoGP.
M&S is the official travel kit partner for the Atlassian Williams F1 Team, providing clothing for drivers and staff at races worldwide.
The Williams partnership marks M&S’s first entry into Formula 1 and targets younger customers.
The 2026 British Grand Prix broke attendance records with 564,000 people over four days and a global broadcast reach of over 1.8 billion viewers.
M&S’s previous summer show in Ibiza attracted over 26 million viewers, showing their focus on large-scale cultural moments.
The fashion show helped engage new audiences by combining F1 and fashion in a unique way, aiming to grow M&S’s relevance and customer base.
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A family in Iowa is using their garden hose to make art by creating water shapes called "water silhouettes." They use this fun activity to cool down during hot weather.
Key Facts
The family is located in Iowa.
They use a garden hose to spray water in creative ways.
The water shapes they make are called "water silhouettes."
This activity helps them stay cool in hot weather.
ABC News reporter Danny News conducted the interview.
The story was shared by ABC News on July 8, 2026.
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The UK government plans to charge asylum seekers a fixed fee of about £10,000 to repay the cost of support they receive during their application process. People like Frank, a Nigerian asylum seeker living rough in London, fear the repayment will be too expensive and push many into hiding.
Key Facts
Frank arrived in the UK in 2019 and is now seeking asylum because of safety concerns in Nigeria.
He is currently homeless and works part-time under restricted conditions while waiting for a decision.
The UK’s new Immigration and Asylum Bill requires some asylum seekers to repay £10,000 toward accommodation and support.
Repayment applies to adults who earn above a certain financial threshold.
Full repayment must be made before they can apply for settlement in the UK.
The government says asylum support is both a right and a responsibility.
Some asylum seekers fear the repayment will force them into hiding or poverty.
Community members suggest alternatives like community service instead of large repayments.
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