Iran attacked Kuwait and Bahrain with drones and missiles as a response to ongoing tensions. Iran also warned it might stop all talks with the United States meant to resolve their conflict.
Key Facts
Iran launched strikes on Kuwait and Bahrain on Sunday.
Kuwait’s military detected and intercepted Iranian drones and two ballistic missiles.
The attacks in Bahrain damaged the top floor of an 8-story building.
Iran threatens to completely halt negotiations with the U.S. aimed at ending their conflict.
The strikes are seen as retaliation within ongoing tensions in the Gulf region.
The situation increases instability in relations between Iran, Gulf nations, and the U.S.
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California voters will decide on a one-time 5% tax on fortunes over $1 billion in November. Experts say instead of creating new wealth taxes, the U.S. should close tax loopholes and improve current tax rules that already tax the richest 1% of earners.
Key Facts
California may impose a one-time 5% tax on fortunes bigger than $1 billion.
The richest 1% in the U.S. paid about 31.5% of their income in federal taxes in 2024.
This tax rate is roughly 8 percentage points lower than it was around 2000.
Closing tax loopholes and reducing special tax breaks could raise around $300 billion more per year.
Only Norway, Spain, and Switzerland had some wealth taxes among advanced economies in 2024.
Wealth taxes are hard to enforce because it’s difficult to value some assets and it may cause rich people to move money or stop investing.
Experts suggest focusing on estate and inheritance taxes instead of new wealth taxes.
Wealth taxes can feel like double taxation since they tax money already taxed as income.
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A White House office called the National Design Studio (NDS), created by President Trump’s executive order, has rebuilt several sensitive U.S. government websites for passports, voter registration, prescription drugs, and children’s savings. Critics say these sites use tracking software that may break federal privacy laws and are controlled directly by the White House, raising concerns about transparency and data privacy.
Key Facts
The National Design Studio was established in August by an executive order from President Trump.
It is led by Joe Gebbia, Airbnb co-founder, and staffed mainly by veterans from Elon Musk’s "department of government efficiency" known as Doge.
NDS developed or rebuilt sensitive government websites: passport applications, voter registration, prescription drug pricing, and children’s savings accounts.
These websites used commercial tracking software that could bypass common privacy protections used by internet users.
None of the NDS’s spending or vendor information appears in the official federal spending database, raising questions about funding and oversight.
The NDS runs White House-controlled versions of websites that legally belong to other agencies, such as a passport portal and vote.gov voter-registration site.
The sites route sensitive government services through the White House infrastructure, which is not subject to usual federal reporting and accountability rules.
After being contacted, the NDS removed some tracking software; the White House states the studio complies with all legal requirements.
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Kiki is a greyhound who does not like racing and instead found a new life as a pet with a musical couple from the US. She will live with them in Germany now and later move to California, enjoying a calm home life rather than running on a track.
Key Facts
Kiki is a greyhound bred for racing but shows no interest in chasing.
She was born in Sunderland and will move to California with her new family.
Her new owners are Natalie Angst and Tomas Antonic, who are jazz musicians.
Kiki was tested and found to be calm, gentle, and good with children and other animals.
She currently lives with her new family in Germany and will eventually join them in the US.
Organizations like Home Run Hounds help match dogs with suitable owners based on lifestyle.
Kiki prefers playing and being petted over running or racing.
She has her own Instagram account that highlights her friendly nature.
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JD Vance recently spoke at the Nixon presidential library and downplayed the Watergate scandal, saying it wouldn't end a presidency today and blaming the "deep state" instead of Nixon’s crimes. The article explains that Republican figures like Ronald Reagan also minimized Watergate, calling investigations a “witch-hunt” and defending Nixon despite evidence of illegal actions.
Key Facts
JD Vance spoke at the Nixon library about his book and minimized Watergate, calling it a short news story rather than a presidency-ending scandal.
Vance claimed the "deep state" took down Nixon, not Nixon’s involvement in crimes.
The Watergate investigation proved Nixon planned to cover up a break-in and used illegal funds for bribes.
Ronald Reagan, a Republican leader, also downplayed Watergate, calling investigations a "witch-hunt" and a “lynching.”
Reagan publicly supported Nixon despite low public trust in Nixon’s denial of wrongdoing.
Reagan’s defense of Nixon helped him gain support among conservative Republicans.
Other Nixon aides, like Pat Buchanan, argued the investigation was political revenge by liberals.
Minimizing Watergate has been a pattern in Republican responses since the scandal.
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Postmaster General David Steiner said the U.S. Postal Service will stop delivering mail ballots in states that do not share sensitive voter information with the federal government. This decision has raised concerns among Democrats and voting rights groups ahead of the November elections.
Key Facts
The U.S. Postal Service will not deliver mail ballots in certain states.
The affected states are those that refuse to share sensitive voter data with the federal government.
Postmaster General David Steiner made this announcement.
The decision is part of the Trump administration’s efforts related to mail-in voting.
Democrats and voting rights groups are worried this could affect voter access.
This issue has become a concern before the November general elections.
Mail ballots are a key method for people to vote by mail.
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The Democratic Party is experiencing growing disagreement about the issue of Israel following New York City’s recent primary elections. Zohran Mamdani, the city’s first democratic socialist mayor, supported three candidates who won their primaries and focused heavily on the topic of Israel, defeating two incumbent Democrats.
Key Facts
New York City held Democratic Party primary elections last week.
Zohran Mamdani is New York City’s first democratic socialist mayor.
Mamdani backed three candidates who won their primaries.
These victories resulted in the defeat of two incumbent Democratic politicians.
The Israel issue was a major focus during the primaries.
The Democratic Party in New York is showing more division over their stance on Israel.
The election results reflect changing opinions within the party on foreign policy matters related to Israel.
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Venezuela was hit by two strong earthquakes that caused many deaths and damaged buildings. The US government under President Trump quickly started a disaster response, sending rescue teams and money to help, in a country now viewed as an ally after a recent change in leadership.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes in Venezuela killed at least 920 people and caused building collapses.
The US deployed over 250 disaster responders and pledged $150 million in aid.
The US special forces removed Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela's former leader, earlier this year.
Venezuela’s current acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, is cooperating more with the US.
The Trump administration moved disaster aid responsibility from USAID to the State Department and cut many aid workers.
This earthquake response is the largest US disaster mission in the western hemisphere since these changes.
Experts say the first 72 hours after an earthquake are critical for saving survivors.
The US has reduced international aid programs and shifted focus to deals seen as beneficial to both countries, rather than charity.
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An Australian man named Simon Peter Carman has been charged with murdering a 17-year-old girl whose body was found in a suitcase in Thailand. Police say the crime started after a disagreement over money, and Carman denies the charges, claiming self-defense.
Key Facts
Simon Peter Carman, 46, was arrested in Bangkok related to the death of Tunchanok Donhomla, 17.
Donhomla’s naked body was found in a suitcase near railway tracks in Pattaya.
Carman faces three charges: murder, hiding a dead body, and abducting a minor for indecent purposes.
CCTV shows Carman and Donhomla together early in the morning and Carman dragging the suitcase late at night.
Carman claims the death was unintentional and says he acted in self-defense.
In Thailand, murder can lead to the death penalty or long prison sentences.
Donhomla’s father said he is very sad and struggling to cope with the loss.
Carman remains in custody and will return to court on a future date.
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The U.S. Supreme Court is about to decide on several important cases that will affect President Trump’s powers and other key issues like birthright citizenship, election laws, and transgender athlete bans. These rulings could change how far the president can go in firing federal officials, who qualifies as an American citizen, and how certain voting and civil rights rules work.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court will rule on cases affecting President Trump’s ability to exercise power, including firing federal officials.
One major case involves whether the president can end birthright citizenship, which currently protects children born in the U.S. under the 14th Amendment.
Experts warn ending birthright citizenship could cause confusion and problems for many families and hospitals across the country.
The court may decide if federal agencies like the Federal Reserve and FTC commissioners can be removed by the president more easily.
Other cases include a Mississippi law about counting mail-in ballots received days after Election Day and limits on how much money political parties can spend with candidates.
The court will also address bans on transgender athletes competing in sports matching their gender identity, with conservative justices likely to support the bans.
Another case questions if using geofence warrants (a type of location data tracking) violates the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unfair searches.
These decisions will influence presidential authority, voting rights, civil rights, and privacy protections.
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Iran attacked U.S. military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait after the U.S. struck several Iranian targets, increasing tensions between the countries. These actions challenge a recent ceasefire aimed at stopping fighting related to control of the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for global oil transport.
Key Facts
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched missiles and drones at U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.
The U.S. attacked Iranian military sites near the Strait of Hormuz in response to Iran's drone attack on an oil tanker.
The attacked oil tanker was carrying over two million barrels of crude oil and was damaged but its crew is safe.
Bahrain and Kuwait condemned Iran’s attacks, calling them violations of their sovereignty.
The attacks threaten a ceasefire agreement signed earlier in June between the U.S. and Iran.
Iran says ships must use its designated route through the Strait of Hormuz or it will consider it a breach of the ceasefire.
President Donald Trump warned Iran it may face further military action if it continues aggression.
The ceasefire agreement includes a plan for safe passage of commercial ships through the Strait, which moves about 20% of the world’s oil.
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A powerful pair of earthquakes hit Venezuela's La Guaira state, killing at least 1,430 people and leaving nearly 69,000 missing. Many locals and rescuers criticized the government for being unprepared and slow to respond, while international teams have arrived to help with rescue efforts.
Key Facts
Two strong earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela three days ago.
At least 1,430 people have died and about 68,900 are reported missing.
Rescuers and civilians used shovels, equipment, ropes, and bare hands to look for survivors in rubble.
Many local people feel the government’s rescue efforts are insufficient and poorly managed.
More than 14,000 military and police personnel are patrolling the affected area, with restricted access.
International rescue teams have arrived, with 17 flights bringing over 1,600 team members.
Many bodies have been recovered and taken to a hospital parking lot for identification.
Frustration grew as some victims were reportedly found alive but not rescued in time.
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A traditionalist Catholic group called the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) plans to make four new bishops without approval from Pope Leo XIV. The Vatican has warned this act could lead to excommunication, a serious penalty that separates someone from the church, but the group intends to go ahead anyway.
Key Facts
SSPX is a breakaway Catholic group that disagrees with the Vatican’s modern reforms since the 1960s.
The group announced on July 1 it will consecrate four priests as bishops without the pope's permission.
Bishops must be approved by the pope to maintain unity in the Catholic Church.
Vatican cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández warned this action is schismatic (causing division) and could result in automatic excommunication.
Pope Leo XIV said if SSPX chooses to rebel, the church will move forward without them.
Excommunication means someone cannot take part in certain church rituals until they repent.
SSPX leaders say they want to stay true to traditional Catholic beliefs and would rather die than give them up.
SSPX says it needs more bishops because its current ones are older, and the group is growing.
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Australian actor Paul Hogan called politician Pauline Hanson a “pelican” in response to her support for an “Australian monoculture.” Hogan used the term to suggest she is foolish, while also defending multiculturalism as a reality in Australia.
Key Facts
Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, supports the idea of an “Australian monoculture.”
Hanson mentioned Paul Hogan and a TV character Norman Gunston as part of this monoculture.
Paul Hogan, known for Crocodile Dundee, called Hanson a “pelican,” a slang word meaning fool or clown in Australian English.
The term “pelican” is used as an insult based on the bird’s perceived slow and awkward nature.
Hogan said Hanson “sounds very much like this stupid boofhead over here, Trump,” criticizing her views.
Hogan supports Australia as a multicultural country, pointing out most Australians are migrants except Aboriginal people.
The insult “pelican” has been used in Australian slang and even appears historically in Shakespeare’s King Lear with a different meaning.
Despite the insult, the pelican bird is recognized for positive traits like teamwork and high flying ability.
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A seven-year-old girl named Hala survived an Israeli attack on her home in Gaza that killed her parents and two siblings. Thousands of Gaza children have lost parents or been injured in ongoing violence since October 2023, with many needing urgent medical and psychological care.
Key Facts
Seven-year-old Hala was badly injured in an Israeli attack on her Gaza home that killed her immediate family.
Hala is in al-Shifa Hospital and requires urgent medical treatment abroad to prevent further damage.
Since the war began in October 2023, about 17,000 children in Gaza have lost parents or primary caregivers.
Over 21,000 Palestinian children have died and 44,500 have been wounded during the conflict, according to UNICEF.
Despite a declared ceasefire in October 2023, Israel continues nearly daily attacks that have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians.
Around one child per day was killed during the first three months of the ceasefire, with many more wounded.
Many children in Gaza have permanent disabilities, including amputations caused by attacks.
Psychologists warn that orphaned children face serious mental health risks like trauma and loss of family identity.
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New Caledonia held its first provincial elections since 2019 amid a large police presence to ensure security. About 192,000 voters chose representatives for three provincial assemblies, which will help decide the future status of the French-ruled Pacific territory.
Key Facts
Polling stations opened at 8 a.m. local time on Sunday in New Caledonia.
Around 2,500 police officers were deployed to secure the voting locations.
About 192,000 people voted to elect 76 councillors across three provinces.
These councillors will select 54 members of the territory’s main congress.
The election was delayed from 2024 due to violent clashes between Indigenous Kanaks and French loyalists.
New Caledonia is a French overseas territory with about 270,000 people, including 41% Melanesian Kanak and 24% European origin.
The vote is important for future discussions with France about independence.
Pro-independence groups rejected a deal with France that would have ended future independence referendums. Three previous referendums favored staying with France, but the last was boycotted by pro-independence supporters.
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The Green Party in England and Wales is reviewing how it makes decisions after its membership more than tripled under leader Zack Polanski. Currently, only members attending two yearly meetings can vote on policies, but the party is considering changes like delegate voting or online ballots to involve more members.
Key Facts
The Green Party’s membership grew from about 68,000 to over 230,000 since Zack Polanski became leader in September.
Policies are decided by members who attend one of two annual conferences in person.
Some party members worry this system favors those who can afford to travel and take time off work.
Possible changes include letting local groups choose delegates to vote or allowing members to vote online.
The party’s conference organization is expanding from one long-time organizer to a team due to growth.
Polanski won nearly 85% of member votes but currently has limited power to change policy between conferences.
There is debate over changing the party’s leadership model to allow the leader more influence while maintaining accountability.
Some controversial policies have made it difficult to manage grassroots suggestions within the large membership.
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Gulf leaders have expressed strong concerns to the US about Iran’s increasing power and influence through allied groups in the Middle East. The US Secretary of State said any future deal with Iran must limit its nuclear program and stop support for militant groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, militias in Iraq, and the Houthis in Yemen.
Key Facts
Gulf countries are worried that the recent Iran-US deal does not stop Iran’s regional influence.
The US wants Iran to stop supporting groups such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, militias in Iraq, and the Houthis in Yemen.
Iran’s ally Hezbollah remains key in its regional network despite losses in recent clashes with Israel.
The Houthis in Yemen have shown the ability to attack Israel and disrupt Red Sea shipping but act somewhat independently from Iran.
Shia militias in Iraq backed by Iran have launched attacks on US targets but avoided full-scale conflict.
Attempts by the US and Israel to recruit Iran’s ethnic minorities and Kurdish groups to oppose Iran’s influence failed.
The ceasefire conditions linking Iran and the US to end fighting in Lebanon have caused tension between the US and Israel.
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Tim Steiner, the boss of Ocado, has earned nearly £100 million since the company started selling shares in 2010, even though Ocado’s stock price is now lower than at the start. The company is reportedly discussing plans for a new chief executive amid concerns about high executive pay and recent drops in share value.
Key Facts
Tim Steiner co-founded Ocado in 2000 and became CEO.
Since Ocado’s stock market listing in 2010, Steiner has received about £94 million in payouts.
In 2019 alone, Steiner earned nearly £59 million, mostly from deals selling Ocado’s technology abroad.
The High Pay Centre criticized the high payouts as unfair and not clearly linked to company performance.
Ocado’s shares have fallen significantly, below their initial price of 180p, currently around 172p.
The company has lost value over the last five years, with shares dropping over 90% from their peak during the Covid pandemic.
Ocado is in talks with potential replacements for Steiner, including Niklas Heuveldop from Vonage.
The company’s new chair, Adam Warby, is believed to have started the search for a new CEO due to pressure from investors.
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The U.S. State Department plans to release thousands of pages of documents related to Prince Harry after a lawsuit from the Heritage Foundation. The documents do not include Harry’s actual visa application, which remains private, but could show how U.S. officials handled his move to America.
Key Facts
The Heritage Foundation sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to get Prince Harry’s visa records.
A court ruled in 2025 that Prince Harry’s visa application must remain private to protect his privacy.
The Heritage Foundation then sued the U.S. State Department for other documents about Prince Harry.
Officials reviewed 2,487 pages across 307 documents before deciding what could be released.
The State Department expects to start releasing some documents by the end of July 2026, with more every eight weeks.
The Heritage Foundation wants to see if Harry received special treatment during his U.S. visa process because of his past drug use.
The court agreed that some documents can be shared but not Harry’s actual visa papers to avoid harassment.
U.S. government lawyers say the records released will not prove any government wrongdoing.
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