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A federal appeals court in Manhattan rejected President Donald Trump’s request to delay paying over $5 million to E Jean Carroll after she won a sexual abuse and defamation case against him. The court ordered the release of about $5.8 million, including interest, which has been held in a court-controlled account since June 2023.
Key Facts
E Jean Carroll won a sexual abuse and defamation trial against President Trump in 2023.
A jury awarded Carroll $5 million plus interest, totaling about $5.8 million.
The money has been held in a court-controlled account since June 2023.
President Trump tried to delay paying by asking the appeals court for a stay (a delay of payment).
The appeals court denied Trump’s request, ordering the payment to be made.
Manhattan federal judge Lewis Kaplan said Trump had delayed the case for years and the judgment had been upheld through all appeals.
The US Supreme Court refused to hear Trump’s appeal on June 29, allowing the payment to proceed.
Carroll’s lawyers argued the case has ended and Trump must pay the judgment as agreed.
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Waymo, Alphabet’s driverless taxi service in California, cannot yet expand its ride area or charge for rides in its new Ojai vehicle because of a delay by California’s regulatory agencies. The company is waiting for state approval to operate and charge fares while addressing safety and legal concerns.
Key Facts
Waymo operates driverless taxi services in California using autonomous vehicles.
The company introduced a new car called the Ojai, made by Chinese company Zeekr but assembled with U.S. technology.
California requires companies to get permission from two agencies before allowing driverless taxis to carry paying passengers.
Waymo applied in January to expand its service to more cities in Northern and Southern California and add Ojai cars to its fleet.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) delayed approval, asking for more information about safety during emergencies and rules about minors riding alone.
A labor union filed a complaint about Waymo carrying unaccompanied minors, which is illegal in California.
Waymo cannot charge for rides in Ojai cars until CPUC approves its request; the company may offer free rides until at least the end of September.
Waymo’s existing Jaguar I-Pace robotaxis continue charging passengers as usual.
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The UK government plans to cut funding for some important research labs despite increasing overall science spending to a record £22.6 billion by 2029-30. These cuts will reduce budgets for projects like cancer treatment research, better battery design, particle physics, and astronomy, as the UK Research and Innovation Agency (UKRI) needs to save over £160 million due to rising costs.
Key Facts
UKRI must save more than £160 million over the next four years because research costs have increased.
Total government spending on research and development will reach £22.6 billion annually by 2029-30.
UKRI’s budget will rise from about £9 billion to nearly £10 billion in that period but still needs to cut some projects.
National labs, which run big scientific machines, will face the biggest cuts, with some budgets dropping by over half.
Funding for research into artificial intelligence will be £1.6 billion; quantum tech will get about £1 billion; and £750 million will go towards a national supercomputer.
Projects at Daresbury Laboratory and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, which support particle physics and data analysis, will see budget cuts.
The Boulby Underground Laboratory’s budget will be cut by 40%, affecting dark matter research.
The UK will remain a major contributor to international projects like CERN and will increase its subscription by 19% over four years.
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The article discusses the idea that cellphone data may not be fully protected from government searches without a warrant. It suggests that assumptions about digital privacy could be mistaken based on past events.
Key Facts
Cellphone data often contains sensitive personal information.
Legal protections for cellphone data searches have been debated.
Some court decisions have allowed access to cellphone data without a warrant.
Public expectations about digital privacy might not match legal realities.
The issue continues to be important as technology use grows.
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The Imraguen people of Mauritania have fished using traditional, wind-powered boats for hundreds of years. Now, climate change, too much fishing, and loss of old fishing knowledge are putting their way of life and culture at risk.
Key Facts
The Imraguen people live in Mauritania and depend on fishing.
They use wind-powered boats and traditional fishing methods.
Their fishing takes place in the Banc d’Arguin, a rich fishing area.
Climate change is affecting the waters and fish availability.
Overfishing by others reduces the fish stocks.
Traditional fishing knowledge is slowly disappearing.
These changes threaten both the Imraguen's income and their cultural heritage.
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Leading economists are urging Andy Burnham, expected to become UK prime minister soon, to make big changes to the tax system and public services. They propose replacing several current taxes with one national tax on all income and using the money to fund universal public services like free school lunches and bus rides.
Key Facts
Economists including Jim O’Neill and Jonathan Portes wrote an open letter calling for radical tax and spending reform in the UK.
The country spends £100 billion per year on debt interest, more than on defense and half of the NHS budget.
The Prosperity 2030 report suggests replacing six taxes—including income tax and national insurance—with one levy on all income types.
This new tax system could raise an extra £75 billion annually within five years, depending on the rate set.
The report proposes spending the new revenue on universal services such as free bus service and free primary school lunches.
It recommends scrapping stamp duty and council tax and replacing them with a 1% national property levy given to local authorities.
Andy Burnham is expected to become Labour leader on 17 July and prime minister on 20 July.
Ed Miliband is considered a likely choice for Burnham’s chancellor, and Jim O’Neill might advise the new government.
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Violence between different communities in Chad has increased a lot recently. Over 300 people have died in the last two years, and the United Nations says more than 5,700 people have been killed in the Lake Chad region since last November alone.
Key Facts
Chad is experiencing a sharp rise in violence between different groups living there.
Authorities reported five violent events last month alone.
More than 300 people have died in Chad due to this violence over two years.
The United Nations warns that violence is increasing across the Lake Chad area.
Since last November, approximately 5,700 people have died in the region.
The violence has forced thousands of people to leave their homes.
New militia-like groups have appeared in Chad amid this unrest.
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The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says a strong El Nino weather pattern is developing in the Pacific Ocean. This El Nino could become one of the most powerful since 1950 and may cause more rain and warmer temperatures in the southern United States this fall and winter.
Key Facts
El Nino is a natural warming of the equatorial Pacific Ocean that affects weather worldwide.
NOAA predicts an 81% chance that this El Nino will become very strong by fall 2024.
Ocean temperatures related to this El Nino are near record highs for this time of year.
Human-caused climate change has added to the ocean warming linked to this El Nino.
The last super strong El Nino in 1997-1998 caused severe weather, thousands of deaths, and billions in damages.
This El Nino may bring wetter conditions and higher temperatures across the U.S. South during winter.
Scientists say this event is unusual but not completely unprecedented.
Strong El Ninos increase the chances of extreme weather but don’t guarantee it.
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Andy Burnham has been planning what he would do as prime minister for at least a year, according to his close ally Louise Haigh. Burnham is currently the only candidate to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader, and he has clear ideas for devolving power and reforming the welfare system.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham has prepared for a potential prime minister role for more than a year.
Burnham is the sole candidate so far to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader.
Louise Haigh, a Labour MP and former transport secretary, supports Burnham and plays a key role in his team.
Burnham has run twice before for Labour leadership in 2010 and 2015.
He spent nine years as Greater Manchester mayor, gaining experience in regional governance.
Burnham plans to devolve more power from Westminster to regional authorities and reduce the Treasury’s dominance.
Welfare reform is a major challenge, as the current disability benefit system is considered “not fit for purpose.”
Burnham wants to avoid cuts that would increase other costs in the system, emphasizing a sustainable approach.
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Democrat Graham Platner has quit the Maine Senate race following allegations of sexual assault made by a former partner. His withdrawal changes the dynamics for Democrats trying to win the seat from Republican Senator Susan Collins in the upcoming November midterms.
Key Facts
Graham Platner, a Democrat and military veteran, launched his Senate campaign in Maine in August 2025 as an anti-establishment candidate.
Platner won the Democratic primary in June 2026 with 72% of the vote, defeating Maine Governor Janet Mills who dropped out.
He has strong support from progressive Democrats like Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.
Allegations surfaced accusing Platner of sexually assaulting a former partner in 2021, which he denies.
Other controversies include a Nazi-era symbol tattoo, deleted social media posts about sexual violence, and reports of abusive behavior.
Some of Platner’s endorsers have withdrawn their support following the sexual assault claims.
Platner’s exit leaves Democrats without a candidate in a closely watched race against Republican Senator Susan Collins, who has held the seat for five terms.
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority, and Maine is considered a key battleground state for control of the Senate.
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A man was fatally shot by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents in Memphis during a federal task force operation. This is the second fatal shooting by a member of the same task force in four days.
Key Facts
The shooting happened in Memphis, Tennessee.
It occurred around 8:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time.
DEA agents were involved in the shooting.
The agents were part of the Memphis Safe Task Force, a federal crime-fighting team.
This is the second fatal shooting by a federal task force member in Memphis within four days.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is handling the investigation.
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Nigeria is facing pressure to reform its police force due to public distrust and worsening security problems. The country has not yet approved state-level police forces, which could help improve security under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.
Key Facts
Nigeria has 36 states in its federation.
None of these states have approved the creation of their own state police forces.
Currently, Nigeria relies mainly on a national police force.
The government wants to create both national and local police forces.
This plan is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s response to increasing security challenges.
Public trust in the police remains low.
Security in Nigeria continues to decline, prompting calls for police reform.
The issue is connected to Nigeria’s overall efforts to improve internal security.
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The Secret Service advised President Donald Trump to use an older Air Force One plane when leaving Turkey as a safety measure due to rising tensions with Iran. While President Trump said the switch was not about security, sources say it was done because of the older plane’s better security for this situation.
Key Facts
The Secret Service recommended using the old Air Force One plane for President Trump’s departure from Turkey.
This decision was made as a precaution during increased tensions with Iran.
The newer Air Force One was a gift from Qatar and has advanced security features but was not used for the Turkey departure.
President Trump denied that the change was due to security concerns.
Trump mentioned he is "No. 1 on the kill list for Iran."
Passengers were asked to keep window shades down during the flight for security reasons.
The plane with the president turned on its tracking system only after flying over the Black Sea.
The new Air Force One later joined the president’s flight in England after initially leaving Turkey earlier.
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Mark Esper, who was once the U.S. Secretary of Defense, said that Iran will try to gain as much advantage as possible in peace talks with the United States before the upcoming midterm elections. He also predicted that President Donald Trump will use the U.S. military more strongly against Iran after the elections.
Key Facts
Mark Esper is a former U.S. Secretary of Defense.
He said Iran wants to get the best deal it can in peace negotiations before the midterm elections.
Midterm elections are coming soon and are important for U.S. politics.
Esper believes President Trump will have more freedom to act after these elections.
He predicts President Trump will increase U.S. military actions toward Iran once the elections are over.
Iran is aware of the timing and is trying to use it to its advantage in talks.
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Reform UK is under investigation for undisclosed donations totaling millions of pounds. Nigel Farage announced his resignation following reports that large money transfers made to the party and its leaders, including a £5 million gift to Farage, triggered anti-money laundering alerts. Questions remain about the timing and sources of these donations.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage plans to resign and hold a byelection after a £5 million gift to him was reported to the National Crime Agency (NCA) due to money laundering concerns.
The £5 million donation was reportedly given by billionaire Christopher Harborne on 5 April 2024.
Reports to the NCA about the £5 million were made on 16 May 2024, after Farage had started preparations for a political campaign.
Other transactions totaling over £1 million involving senior Reform UK figures also triggered Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to the NCA.
A separate £1 million donation to a Reform-affiliated group came from Fiona Cottrell, connected to a close associate of convicted fraudster George Cottrell; its source raised further concerns.
The £1 million donation was moved through an Australian money exchange called Oneify, which caused additional banking scrutiny.
Reform UK’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, was questioned about the origin of the £1 million donation and a personal loan of £80,000 from George Cottrell.
There are unresolved questions about when Farage received the £5 million gift and whether he fully disclosed this to parliamentary authorities.
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Nigeria is investigating a fake government agency that was created by a conman. This agency had offices on government grounds and received public funds, even though it did not officially exist.
Key Facts
The agency was invented by a conman and was not officially recognized.
It managed to set up offices inside government buildings.
The fake agency was listed in the government budget and received money.
Its claimed goal was to attract foreign investment to Nigeria.
Authorities only discovered the fraud after the agency had been operating for some time.
The situation raised questions about how the government manages public resources.
Nigerian police and officials are under pressure to improve oversight and trust.
The investigation started in early July 2026.
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Graham Platner has left the race for the U.S. Senate in Maine after an accusation of sexual assault, which he denies. The Democratic Party in Maine is now working to pick a new candidate through a special meeting.
Key Facts
Graham Platner was running for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine.
He dropped out of the race because of a sexual assault allegation.
Platner denies the accusation.
The Maine Democratic Party will hold a nominating convention to choose a replacement candidate.
The news was reported by CBS News and correspondent Fin Gómez.
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The US Space Force added two companies, Impulse Space and Relativity Space, to its list of bidders for military rocket launch contracts. Impulse Space is unusual because it focuses on spacecraft that operate in space rather than rockets, but it is developing a special "kick stage" to help launch satellites to higher orbits.
Key Facts
The US Space Force’s National Security Space Launch Phase 3 program selects companies to bid on military rocket launch contracts from 2025 to 2029.
Two companies, Impulse Space and Relativity Space, were recently added as eligible bidders.
Relativity Space is working on launching its heavy-lift Terran R rocket.
Impulse Space builds spacecraft for operations in space, not traditional rockets.
Impulse Space is developing a "kick stage" called Helios to boost satellites from low-Earth orbit to geostationary orbit (about 36,000 km high).
Helios can increase the performance of medium-lift rockets like SpaceX's Falcon 9, acting like a powerful extra booster.
To bid on contracts, Impulse Space must first demonstrate Helios in a successful test flight.
Impulse Space is testing Helios components in Mojave, California, including a test tank and the Deneb engine, which runs on liquid oxygen and methane.
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An Indonesian farmer became popular online for using a drone to travel. A video shows him flying above the ground on the drone as he moves through Java.
Key Facts
The farmer is from Indonesia.
He used a drone as a way to get around.
A video captured his drone journey.
The drone carried him safely over the ground.
The location of the trip was Java, an island in Indonesia.
The video quickly gained attention and spread widely online.
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Germany plans to pass a law making rental e-scooter companies responsible for accidents caused by their vehicles. This will help victims get compensation without needing to prove the rider’s fault, similar to car insurance rules. The law aims to address rising e-scooter accidents and problems with scooters left in unsafe places.
Key Facts
Germany’s government is introducing a law to make rental e-scooter operators liable for accidents caused by their scooters.
Victims will not have to prove that the rider was at fault to claim compensation.
The law puts rental e-scooters on a legal level similar to cars regarding accident liability.
E-scooters have been allowed on German roads since 2019 for riders aged 14 and older.
The number of e-scooter accidents doubled from 5,535 in 2021 to nearly 12,000 in 2024.
In 2024, 27 people died and about 1,500 were seriously hurt in e-scooter accidents.
The number of non-riders hit by e-scooters rose from 1,150 in 2020 to about 5,000 in 2023.
The new law also targets hazards from e-scooters left improperly on sidewalks and pavements.
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