Marine Le Pen, the leader of France’s far-right National Rally party, has officially started her campaign for the 2027 presidential election after a court reduced her ban on running for office. She plans to appeal her conviction for embezzlement of European Parliament funds, which is currently on hold, allowing her to campaign without restrictions.
Key Facts
Marine Le Pen was convicted for embezzling over €2.8 million from European Parliament funds between 2004 and 2016.
A court of appeal shortened her ban from running for office, letting her participate in the 2027 presidential election.
She received a one-year sentence that included wearing an electronic ankle tag, but this is paused while she appeals to France’s highest court.
Le Pen denies all charges and says she is innocent.
Some politicians and protesters criticized her candidacy because of her legal issues.
Her appeal to the Court of Cassation focuses on whether legal procedures were properly followed, not on the case facts.
The court decision on her appeal could come early next year and might lead to a new trial if her appeal is accepted.
Despite legal challenges, Le Pen is focusing her campaign on topics like cost of living, security, job losses, and low wages.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ruth Ellis, the last woman executed in the UK in 1955, has been given a conditional pardon because new evidence shows she was abused by her partner. This pardon means her death sentence is replaced with life imprisonment, recognizing that modern law might have treated her case differently.
Key Facts
Ruth Ellis was executed in 1955 after killing her partner, David Blakely.
She was 28 years old and a single mother of two at the time.
Ellis’s grandchildren applied for her pardon based on evidence she suffered domestic abuse and coercive behavior.
The UK’s deputy prime minister announced that King Charles granted the conditional pardon.
A conditional pardon changes the punishment but does not erase the conviction. For Ellis, it replaces the death penalty with life imprisonment.
Modern legal defenses like diminished responsibility and loss of control were not available during Ellis’s trial but could have reduced her charge.
Ellis was badly abused by Blakely, including physical assaults and threats that were not considered at her trial.
The pardon is seen as an act of mercy and recognition that the justice system failed Ellis.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Oil prices rose sharply after President Donald Trump said that talks to end conflict with Iran are a "waste of time" following new U.S. strikes on Iran. Although prices increased, the market does not expect a full return to war or a long closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil price reached $77.53 per barrel, about $5 higher than the start of the week.
President Trump stated the Iran ceasefire is "over," but negotiations might still continue.
The U.S. conducted strikes in response to Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil prices are rising but remain far below peaks from earlier in the year when prices hit $126 per barrel.
The market expects some uncertainty and higher costs in shipping due to risks around vessel safety and delays.
The U.S. revoked temporary waivers that allowed Iran to sell oil under a previous agreement.
Despite the waiver revocation, Iran is still able to sell significant amounts of oil.
If oil prices keep rising, U.S. gasoline prices might increase again after weeks of decline.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right party, began her fourth presidential campaign after an appeals court confirmed her conviction for embezzling European Union funds but allowed her to run. She plans to appeal the conviction to the highest court while campaigning in the 2027 election.
Key Facts
Marine Le Pen launched her 2027 presidential campaign in La Flèche, France.
An appeals court upheld her conviction for misusing millions of euros in EU public funds.
The court allowed her to run for president despite the conviction.
She was ordered to wear an electronic ankle monitor for one year but avoided this while appealing to the Court of Cassation (France’s highest court).
Some people at her campaign event shouted demands for her to return the money and go to jail.
Le Pen denied wrongdoing and said she is innocent.
Her party, Rassemblement National, is anti-immigration and views this election as a strong chance to gain power.
Jordan Bardella, her party’s president, supports her campaign and could become prime minister if she wins.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A German doctor working in end-of-life care was found guilty of killing 15 patients and was sentenced to life in prison. The doctor used strong drugs to stop patients’ breathing without their permission and sometimes tried to burn their homes to hide his crimes.
Key Facts
The doctor is 41 years old and from Berlin, identified as Johannes M.
He killed 12 women and 3 men between September 2021 and July 2024.
He used anesthetics and muscle relaxants to cause death within minutes.
He tried to cover up his actions by setting fires in victims’ homes at least 5 times.
Authorities are still investigating many other possible deaths linked to him.
The doctor admitted to killing people and expressed regret during the trial.
Prosecutors said he had no clear reason for killing except the desire to kill.
Similar cases in Germany include other healthcare workers convicted of killing patients.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Insurgents in southwestern Pakistan killed 18 police officers who had been kidnapped earlier and 11 soldiers in a separate attack. The violence is part of ongoing conflict in Balochistan province, where separatist and militant groups attack security forces and civilians.
Key Facts
18 police officers were killed after being abducted in the Ziarat district of Balochistan.
11 soldiers died in an ambush on their vehicle on a highway in the same province.
Since Monday, at least 42 people have been killed in related attacks, mostly security personnel.
Pakistan’s military says it has killed 54 insurgents in multiple operations during this period.
The government blames the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) for the attacks.
Pakistan accuses India of supporting the BLA, but India denies this.
The BLA and Pakistani Taliban both have strong presence in Balochistan.
The U.S. designated the BLA as a foreign terrorist group in 2019.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Rolling Stones released a new album called "Foreign Tongues," their 25th studio album. The songs show the band’s lasting creativity, featuring guest artists like Paul McCartney and Bruno Mars, and touch on themes of aging, personal reflection, and politics.
Key Facts
"Foreign Tongues" is the Rolling Stones’ 25th studio album.
Mick Jagger sings about getting older and staying home in the song "Mr. Charm."
The album includes political themes, especially about current America.
Guest musicians include Paul McCartney on bass and Bruno Mars on cowbell.
The late Charlie Watts, the band’s original drummer who died in 2021, plays on one track.
The album continues the band’s creative surge, following their 2023 album "Hackney Diamonds."
Songs like “Divine Intervention” and “Back in Your Life” have strong guitar and vocal performances.
The album has no weak tracks and features a blend of rock and emotional lyrics.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, announced he will resign from Parliament and run again in a special election in London. He faces questions about large donations and financial ties, while major parties say they will not oppose him in the election.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage is the leader of the Reform UK party in Britain.
He plans to quit his Parliament seat and seek reelection in a special election.
Farage says the election is a fight between “people versus the establishment.”
Major political parties have agreed not to run candidates against him.
Farage’s finances are under investigation, including a £5 million donation from a cryptocurrency billionaire.
There are also questions about his links to George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster.
Farage became a lawmaker two years ago after previous failed attempts.
Reform UK has eight seats in the House of Commons and has gained popularity recently.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump criticized Spain during the NATO summit in Ankara and said the US may stop trade with Spain. He also renewed his demand for Greenland, a territory of Denmark, saying it is important for global protection. NATO leaders and the EU responded by affirming existing agreements and saying Greenland is not for sale.
Key Facts
President Trump called Spain a “terrible partner” in NATO and threatened to stop trade with Spain.
Spain had refused US use of its military bases for operations against Iran and closed its airspace for US planes.
Spain’s Prime Minister said relations with Washington remain excellent despite Trump’s statements.
The European Union expects the US to follow trade agreements signed with the EU.
Trump said Greenland is important for protecting the world and the US wants more presence there.
Denmark’s Prime Minister firmly stated Greenland is not for sale.
NATO allies want to reduce Trump’s anger over Iran and show they will increase defense spending.
Trump complained that the US spends too much on NATO compared to Europe.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Denmark is prepared to protect Greenland after President Donald Trump spoke again about the U.S. wanting to buy the island. She confirmed that Denmark will defend all its territories, including Greenland, which is part of NATO.
Key Facts
Denmark’s Prime Minister is Mette Frederiksen.
Greenland is a territory owned by Denmark.
President Donald Trump mentioned the possibility of the U.S. buying Greenland again.
Denmark is a member of NATO, a military alliance.
Frederiksen stated Denmark will defend every part of NATO territory, including Greenland.
These remarks were made before a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
Denmark’s government has rejected the idea of selling Greenland to the U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iran has ended following recent military strikes between the US and Iran. Iran attacked US military sites after the US bombed locations in Iran, which the US said was in response to attacks on shipping.
Key Facts
President Trump declared the MoU with Iran is "over."
The US carried out bombings targeting sites in Iran.
Iran responded by striking US military installations.
The US said its attacks were in response to Iranian attacks on shipping.
The exchange of strikes happened recently and involved military forces from both countries.
The MoU was an agreement or understanding between the US and Iran that is now ended.
This development marks increased tensions between the two nations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 22-year-old neo-Nazi named Alfie Coleman was sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison after being caught in a secret MI5 operation. He was arrested while collecting a gun and ammunition, planning to carry out a violent attack.
Key Facts
Alfie Coleman was 22 years old and worked in a supermarket.
He was described as a "militant accelerationist," meaning he wanted to speed up social collapse through violence.
MI5 agents used undercover work, including contacting him on the encrypted app Telegram.
Coleman was arrested in September 2023 in east London as he picked up a Makarov pistol and 200 bullets.
He was convicted at the Old Bailey court in April for preparing terrorist acts.
Coleman had been radicalized online since age 14 and dreamed of a race war.
A judge called him a "dangerous offender" with strongly racist views.
The arrest involved a sting operation where he paid £3,500 and picked up the weapon in a Morrisons car park.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Mitch McConnell was hospitalized on June 14 after being found unconscious, raising questions about his health and ability to serve. At the same time, President Donald Trump is pushing Congress to pass a law requiring voters to prove their U.S. citizenship to vote, leading some to call for similar transparency from lawmakers about their fitness to serve.
Key Facts
Senator Mitch McConnell, age 84, was admitted to the hospital on June 14 after an emergency call about an unconscious person at his home.
McConnell’s office says he is improving and communicating with staff while hospitalized.
Rumors about McConnell’s health circulated online, including false claims that he was “brain dead.”
President Trump supports the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship and photo ID for voting in federal elections.
The SAVE America Act passed the House in February but lacks enough support in the Senate.
Voters already must say under oath that they are citizens, but the bill would require actual documents as proof.
Experts say illegal voting by noncitizens is very rare in studied areas.
Critics argue that while voters must prove eligibility, politicians like McConnell do not have to publicly show their ability to serve.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Blue Origin, the space company founded by Jeff Bezos, is raising $10 billion from private investors for the first time, valuing the company at $130 billion. Bezos will invest $2 billion himself, while other investors like Coatue Management and large institutions will contribute the rest to help Blue Origin compete with SpaceX.
Key Facts
Blue Origin was founded in 2000 by Jeff Bezos.
The company aims to be a leader in spaceflight, building heavy rockets, lunar landers, and satellite constellations.
Blue Origin is raising $10 billion in private capital, including $4 billion from Coatue Management, $4 billion from institutional investors, and $2 billion from Bezos.
This new funding comes after years of Bezos funding Blue Origin almost entirely by himself.
The company’s main rocket, New Glenn, exploded in May, destroying its launch pad in Florida.
Bezos and Blue Origin’s CEO, Dave Limp, are quickly working to rebuild and plan to fly New Glenn again, possibly within a year.
Blue Origin competes with SpaceX, which has a much higher valuation of around $2 trillion after recent funding.
Blue Origin plans include two large satellite networks to provide internet services worldwide.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump gave a speech at the NATO summit amid rising tensions with Iran and some disagreements with U.S. allies. He supported the idea of selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey despite concerns about Turkey buying Russian missile systems.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke at the NATO summit during ongoing tensions with Iran.
There have been recent disagreements between the U.S. and its NATO allies.
Issues include conflicts involving Iran, defense spending, and trade.
President Trump defended the potential sale of F-35 jets to Turkey.
Some allies worry because Turkey recently bought Russian missile defense systems.
The NATO summit discussions focus on collective defense and sharing the cost burden.
The situation highlights challenges in U.S.-ally relationships regarding security and trade.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
U.S. stock markets are expected to fall after President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran has ended. Oil prices increased sharply due to concerns about more conflict affecting oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
President Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran "over" and called talks with Iran a "waste of time."
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to U.S. military strikes.
Oil prices rose about 6%, with Brent crude reaching $78.80 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate hitting $75 per barrel.
Stock futures showed declines: Dow Jones fell 1%, S&P 500 dropped 0.8%, and Nasdaq decreased 1.3%.
The U.S. government revoked a waiver that allowed Iranian oil sales, tightening sanctions after the tanker attacks.
Higher oil prices could increase inflation by raising gasoline and transport costs, potentially affecting Federal Reserve policies.
Some experts think the conflict may flare temporarily but believe the White House wants to avoid full military escalation.
Energy markets have adjusted by finding alternative oil routes and responding to lower global demand.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, faces calls to quit the race after a sexual assault allegation he denies. Maine Democrats say Platner’s team tried to influence the process of selecting a replacement nominee, but the party insists they have full control to choose a new candidate if Platner withdraws by July 13.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is the Democratic Senate nominee in Maine and is accused of sexual assault, which he denies.
Many Democrats, including Senators Bernie Sanders and Chuck Schumer, want Platner to drop out of the race.
The Maine Democratic Party says Platner’s campaign tried to influence who replaces him, but the party will decide without them.
Platner has not yet confirmed if he will withdraw from the race.
If Platner ends his campaign by July 13, Democrats have until July 27 to pick a new candidate.
Several Democrats, such as Nirav Shah, Shenna Bellows, and Troy Jackson, are interested in replacing Platner.
Republican Susan Collins is the opponent in the November Senate election.
State senator Joe Baldacci criticized Platner for trying to control the replacement process despite the damage to the party.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old who went missing during a boat trip near Mississippi on July 4, has been found deceased. His family has asked for prayers and privacy while a GoFundMe fundraiser in his memory nears $200,000 to help with related expenses.
Key Facts
Nolan Wells disappeared during a boat trip on July 4 near Horn Island, Mississippi.
A body was found in the water on Monday, believed to be Nolan Wells.
Nolan was 18 years old at the time of his disappearance.
His family has hired lawyer Ben Crump, known for civil rights cases.
Nolan's mother has asked for prayers and privacy during this time.
A GoFundMe fundraiser set up by a family friend has raised nearly $200,000.
The fundraiser aims to cover expenses for Wells' celebration of life.
The case has drawn attention and concern from the community and media.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The BBC’s new director general, Matt Brittin, said the current TV licence fee system is outdated and not working well. He suggested that the government should consider a new way to charge households for BBC funding, such as a compulsory fee included in utility bills like electricity or broadband.
Key Facts
Matt Brittin became BBC director general six weeks ago.
The BBC mainly gets money from a £180-a-year TV licence fee.
Fewer households are paying the TV licence fee, dropping to 80%.
Brittin called the licence fee model "yesterday's model" and "no longer fit for purpose."
He proposed a household levy collected through utility bills, which the government has previously ruled out.
Alternatives like adverts or subscriptions could reduce BBC services like children’s shows and local news.
The BBC is cutting about 2,000 jobs to save £500 million.
The current BBC funding agreement expires in 2027 and is under public review.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Mohammed al-Wahidi, a community worker in Gaza, was killed in an Israeli air strike shortly before displaced children were to watch a World Cup soccer match he had arranged. The event was meant to bring some relief to children affected by conflict.
Key Facts
Mohammed al-Wahidi was a local community figure in Gaza.
He organised a screening of the World Cup soccer match between Egypt and Argentina.
The screening was for displaced children in Gaza.
An Israeli air strike killed al-Wahidi just minutes before the event.
The strike took place amid ongoing conflict in the region.
The event aimed to provide entertainment and comfort to children amid difficult conditions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
