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‘The Pitt’ and ‘Pluribus’ are poised to compete for top honors as Emmy nominations are announced

‘The Pitt’ and ‘Pluribus’ are poised to compete for top honors as Emmy nominations are announced

Summary

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards nominations were announced, highlighting strong contenders including HBO Max’s “The Pitt,” Apple TV+’s “Pluribus,” and the final season of “Hacks.” The Emmy ceremony will be held on September 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and hosted by Mariska Hargitay.

Key Facts

  • “The Pitt” is coming back for its second season and expects multiple Emmy nominations, including for lead actors Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa.
  • “Pluribus,” a new Apple TV+ series, could break the 32-year-old record for most Emmy nominations for a debut season.
  • Rhea Seehorn stars in “Pluribus” and is a likely nominee for best actress.
  • “Hacks” is in its fifth and final season, with Jean Smart expected to be nominated for best comedy actress again.
  • Actor Harrison Ford may earn his first major Emmy nomination for his role in “Shrinking.”
  • Other possible comedy nominees from Apple TV+ include “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” and “Widow’s Bay.”
  • The Emmy Awards will air on NBC, with nominations announced by actors Liza Colón-Zayas and Jeff Hiller.
  • The Peacock Theater will host the Emmys and is also set to be the new home for the Oscars.
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Former Wisconsin judge to be sentenced after conviction in obstructing arrest of Mexican immigrant

Former Wisconsin judge to be sentenced after conviction in obstructing arrest of Mexican immigrant

Summary

Former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan will be sentenced for felony obstruction after being convicted of helping a Mexican immigrant avoid federal agents. The case is linked to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and drew national attention as it involved conflicts over immigration law enforcement.

Key Facts

  • Hannah Dugan, 67, was a Milwaukee County circuit judge for nine years before resigning after her conviction.
  • She was convicted on December 19, 2024, of felony obstruction for aiding an immigrant to evade federal officers.
  • The Trump administration prosecuted her as part of a broader immigration crackdown.
  • Republican lawmakers pushed for her impeachment and called for a harsh sentence after the conviction.
  • Dugan did not testify at her trial but plans to make remarks during her sentencing hearing.
  • Prosecutors say she violated her judge’s oath and endangered law enforcement and public safety.
  • Federal sentencing guidelines suggest 15 to 21 months in prison, but the judge can decide the actual sentence.
  • Dugan’s lawyers argue she has been punished enough through resignation and threats and plan to appeal any sentence.
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DNA evidence from Charlie Kirk assassination disputed by defendant’s lawyers

DNA evidence from Charlie Kirk assassination disputed by defendant’s lawyers

Summary

The preliminary hearing continues for Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Robinson’s lawyers are questioning the DNA evidence that connects him to the murder weapon, while prosecutors say the DNA testing is reliable enough to move forward to trial.

Key Facts

  • Tyler Robinson is accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in September.
  • A rifle wrapped in a towel was found at the scene and linked to Robinson through DNA evidence.
  • Robinson’s defense team questioned the FBI DNA analyst’s methods and conclusions during the hearing.
  • The defense lawyer argued that the analyst could not definitively match Robinson’s DNA to the rifle.
  • Prosecutors say the reliability of DNA evidence is for the trial to decide, not the preliminary hearing.
  • Robinson has not entered a plea and has not commented on guilt or innocence.
  • Defense lawyers have tried but failed to remove the death penalty option in this case.
  • The hearing includes testimonies from FBI analysts and Utah County prosecutors.
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Platner may be finished, but voters’ hunger for change and willingness to take risks will remain

Platner may be finished, but voters’ hunger for change and willingness to take risks will remain

Summary

Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, faces a sexual assault allegation he denies. Despite past controversies, he gained support as an outsider challenging party veterans but is now urged to drop out before the July 13 deadline to allow a replacement in the key Senate race.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner is a 41-year-old Maine oysterman running for U.S. Senate as a Democrat.
  • He gained early support with a grassroots campaign against establishment-backed candidates.
  • Platner faced past controversies, including a tattoo some identified as a Nazi symbol and questionable social media posts.
  • A former girlfriend accused Platner of sexual assault in 2021, which he denies.
  • His supporters are now urging him to withdraw by July 13 so the party can pick a new candidate.
  • Platner’s outsider campaign style bypassed traditional party vetting systems.
  • The Democratic Party had initially backed Maine Governor Janet Mills before she dropped out.
  • Similar scandals have affected election outcomes before, like Democrat Cal Cunningham in 2020.
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Chinese men in Germany used Telegram groups to share rape videos and drugging tips, prosecutors say

Chinese men in Germany used Telegram groups to share rape videos and drugging tips, prosecutors say

Summary

German prosecutors have uncovered a network of mostly Chinese men in Germany who used Telegram chat groups to share videos of rapes and advice on drugging women. Three men have been convicted, and a fourth is on trial in Berlin for their involvement in these crimes.

Key Facts

  • The group called themselves the “German driving school for experts,” but their real activity was discussing and sharing evidence of sexual assaults.
  • They used code words: women were “cars,” sedatives were “fuel,” and rape was “driving.”
  • The victims were mostly Chinese women living in Germany.
  • Prosecutors reviewed years of messages in about 24 Telegram group chats linked to this predator network.
  • Three members have been convicted of rape and related charges; one trial is still ongoing in Berlin.
  • The investigators described the criminals as ruthless and carefully planning their attacks.
  • The case is part of a larger investigation into online sexual violence.
  • The article includes a note offering helpline numbers for sexual violence assistance in the U.S., Germany, and China.
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Former NATO Commander Says Trump Has 3 Options on Iran Amid New Strikes

Former NATO Commander Says Trump Has 3 Options on Iran Amid New Strikes

Summary

Retired U.S. Navy Admiral James Stavridis outlined three main choices for President Donald Trump after recent U.S. military strikes against Iran. The U.S. targeted over 80 Iranian military sites in response to attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, worsening tensions between the two countries.

Key Facts

  • Admiral James Stavridis served as NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
  • He said President Trump can either ignore the situation, launch large-scale strikes, or increase pressure with targeted attacks.
  • Stavridis believes none of these options are ideal, but pressuring Iran’s economy will be important.
  • The U.S. military struck more than 80 locations tied to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.
  • Targets included air defenses, command centers, radar, missile sites, and vessels.
  • The strikes responded to Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.
  • U.S. Central Command called Iran’s actions aggressive and a threat to navigation freedom.
  • These events add to rising tensions that could affect regional stability and risk a wider conflict.
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Oil prices surge as US strikes Iran, reversing slide to pre-war levels

Oil prices surge as US strikes Iran, reversing slide to pre-war levels

Summary

Oil prices rose sharply after the United States launched strikes on Iran and ended a temporary permission allowing limited Iranian oil sales. This increased tensions between the two countries and raised concerns about safety in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.

Key Facts

  • Brent crude oil prices increased by as much as 3 percent, reaching $76.07 per barrel, the highest since June 23.
  • The US launched military strikes against Iran after attacks on three commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The US blamed Iran for the attacks, while Iran warned ships not to use certain routes in the strait without its approval.
  • The US revoked a 60-day waiver that temporarily allowed limited Iranian oil sales as part of earlier negotiations.
  • The revocation restricts new purchases or loading of Iranian oil starting July 17.
  • Iran said it would take strong actions to protect its interests after the waiver was canceled.
  • The dispute involves whether the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway or part of Iran’s territorial waters.
  • Analysts expect oil prices to stay high due to ongoing risks and possible continued control by Iran over the strait.
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Two in five Britons think Muslims cannot integrate in UK, poll finds

Two in five Britons think Muslims cannot integrate in UK, poll finds

Summary

A recent poll found that 42% of Britons believe Muslims cannot fit into British society, and 55% think national identity is being lost due to diversity. While many Britons hold these views, most British Muslims say they want to integrate and live peacefully with others.

Key Facts

  • 42% of Britons think Muslims cannot integrate into British society.
  • 55% believe Britain's national identity is disappearing because of diversity.
  • 85% of British Muslims support integration and feel comfortable mixing with other faiths.
  • The poll involved 4,094 adults and highlighted growing distrust in UK institutions.
  • 33% of Britons support remigration, the idea of moving immigrants back to their home countries.
  • Among young adults aged 18-34, 29% consider political violence sometimes acceptable.
  • The report notes that far-right and extremist views are spreading and being used by hostile groups.
  • Many British Muslims feel that white people and Jewish people are working against them, and 27% mistakenly believe the Holocaust was exaggerated or invented.
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WATCH:  Krispy Kreme launches Girl Scout cookie-inspired doughnut flavors

WATCH: Krispy Kreme launches Girl Scout cookie-inspired doughnut flavors

Summary

Krispy Kreme has introduced new doughnut flavors inspired by Girl Scout cookies. The new flavors include Coconut Caramel, Lemon-Ups, and Thin Mints.

Key Facts

  • Krispy Kreme partnered with Girl Scouts to create these doughnuts.
  • The flavors are based on popular Girl Scout cookies.
  • New doughnut flavors are Coconut Caramel, Lemon-Ups, and Thin Mints.
  • The announcement was made around July 7, 2026.
  • This is a collaboration between a doughnut company and a cookie brand.
  • The news was featured alongside other top stories but focuses on food product innovation.
  • These flavors aim to attract fans of Girl Scout cookies to try them in doughnut form.
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Experts warn Trump is playing politics with US intelligence

Experts warn Trump is playing politics with US intelligence

Summary

Former officials say that President Donald Trump’s changes to the US intelligence agencies could make national security more political. The acting Director of National Intelligence, Bill Pulte, has removed 19 officers accused of belonging to a secret group called the ‘deep state.’

Key Facts

  • President Trump is making major changes to the US intelligence agencies.
  • Bill Pulte is the acting Director of National Intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard.
  • Pulte has fired 19 intelligence officers linked to the ‘deep state.’
  • The ‘deep state’ is a term used for officials believed to work secretly to oppose government decisions.
  • Former intelligence officials warn this overhaul could interfere with the impartial work of national security.
  • They are concerned that political views might influence intelligence operations.
  • The changes have raised worries about separating politics from national security efforts.
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Why do airlines make passengers check their carry-on at the gate?

Why do airlines make passengers check their carry-on at the gate?

Summary

Airlines ask passengers to check their carry-on bags at the gate mainly because smaller planes cannot fit all the luggage in the overhead bins. Rising fees for checked bags have led more travelers to bring larger carry-ons, which makes it harder to store bags quickly during boarding and can cause flight delays.

Key Facts

  • Smaller planes, especially on short regional flights, often cannot hold all carry-on bags in overhead bins.
  • More travelers bring full-sized carry-ons due to higher checked bag fees.
  • Airlines say gate-checking carry-ons helps speed up boarding times and keep flights on schedule.
  • Delta Airlines uses tools to predict if overhead bins will be full and gate-checks bags only as a last option.
  • Some airlines offer free checked bags at the airport if a flight is expected to be full.
  • Boarding earlier by buying a higher fare class can increase the chance of keeping your carry-on.
  • Airlines like Southwest usually ask for gate-check bags only from passengers who board last.
  • Checked bag fees recently increased to help airlines cover higher jet fuel costs caused by the conflict with Iran.
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Top Maine Democrat says Platner campaign has sought to influence possible replacement

Top Maine Democrat says Platner campaign has sought to influence possible replacement

Summary

The Maine Democratic Party Executive Director said that the campaign of Senate candidate Graham Platner has tried to affect the decision of who might take his place on the Democratic ticket after he was accused of sexual assault. The party emphasized the importance of keeping the process fair and transparent.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner is a Democratic candidate for Maine Senate.
  • Platner has been accused of sexual assault.
  • His campaign has reportedly tried to influence the choice of his replacement on the ticket.
  • The Maine Democratic Party Executive Director spoke about these efforts on Tuesday.
  • The party stressed that the fairness of the replacement process is very important.
  • The party is focused on maintaining transparency in deciding a replacement candidate.
  • This issue concerns the upcoming election in Maine.
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Kuwait and Bahrain face incoming missiles after US strikes on Iran

Kuwait and Bahrain face incoming missiles after US strikes on Iran

Summary

Kuwait and Bahrain reported that their air defenses were active to stop incoming missile attacks after the United States carried out airstrikes targeting Iran. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties in either country.

Key Facts

  • Kuwait said its air defenses were working to intercept missile attacks.
  • Bahrain also reported facing incoming missiles on the same day.
  • The U.S. launched airstrikes targeting Iran shortly before these reports.
  • No information was given about any damage or hits in Kuwait or Bahrain.
  • Both Kuwait and Bahrain have been targeted in past attacks linked to tensions involving Iran.
  • These events add to unrest around a temporary deal between Iran and the U.S. aimed at ending conflict.
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The NATO summit was supposed to focus on defense spending. Trump’s strikes on Iran changed that

The NATO summit was supposed to focus on defense spending. Trump’s strikes on Iran changed that

Summary

President Donald Trump surprised NATO leaders at a summit in Turkey by ordering military strikes on Iran and revoking Iran's oil sales license. This action shifted the focus of the summit from discussing defense spending and support for Ukraine to addressing tensions with Iran.

Key Facts

  • The NATO summit took place in Ankara, Turkey, with leaders from 32 member countries.
  • President Trump launched strikes on Iran after attacks on three merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Trump also revoked Iran’s license to sell oil on the global market.
  • The strikes happened shortly after a dinner with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
  • Trump said that NATO allies like Italy, Germany, and France refused to support the U.S. in the conflict with Iran.
  • NATO members had planned to show progress on defense spending and backing Ukraine’s war with Russia.
  • NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called European allies' defense spending the “Trump Trillion,” totaling $1.2 trillion.
  • Launching military action while outside the U.S. is uncommon for presidents, with few past examples such as President Obama in 2011.
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Will Le Pen rise again? French nationalist leader defiant after court's ruling

Will Le Pen rise again? French nationalist leader defiant after court's ruling

Summary

Marine Le Pen, a French nationalist leader, was found guilty of misusing public funds by a Paris court but announced she will run in next year’s French presidential election. The court reduced her ban from office, allowing her to campaign while requiring her to wear an electronic tag, which she said she will not wear until a higher court rules on her case.

Key Facts

  • Marine Le Pen was convicted by a Paris court for misuse of public funds.
  • The court shortened her original five-year ban from running for office, allowing her to run for president.
  • She launched her presidential campaign with the slogan "Pour la France" (For France) and the subtitle "La Renaissance" (The Rebirth).
  • Le Pen emphasizes representing "the people" against the "Metropolitan Elite" and opposes what she calls "Globalists".
  • Current French President Emmanuel Macron cannot run for a third term due to term limits.
  • Le Pen has run for president before and lost to Macron twice.
  • Despite the conviction, she remains strong in public opinion polls ahead of the next election.
  • She plans to challenge the court decision in France’s highest court.
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US charges Indian criminal gang leader with organising murder of Canadian Sikh activist

US charges Indian criminal gang leader with organising murder of Canadian Sikh activist

Summary

US authorities charged Lawrence Bishnoi, leader of an Indian criminal gang, for planning the murder of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. This case is part of a larger investigation involving 37 people linked to international crime groups active in multiple countries.

Key Facts

  • Lawrence Bishnoi and Satinderjeet Singh are accused of organizing the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
  • Nijjar, a Sikh independence activist, was shot outside a temple where he was president.
  • Bishnoi directed the murder from an Indian jail using smuggled cellphones.
  • The investigation involved US, Canadian, and European law enforcement agencies.
  • A total of 37 defendants are charged with crimes including kidnapping, racketeering, extortion, drug trafficking, and murder.
  • Officials are still searching for several fugitives in the US, India, and Europe.
  • The murder increased tensions between Canada and India, with Canada accusing India of involvement.
  • The criminal groups operate internationally in countries like the US, New Zealand, Australia, Portugal, and the UK.
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Scoop: Trump administration lifts restrictions on OpenAI's GPT 5.6

Scoop: Trump administration lifts restrictions on OpenAI's GPT 5.6

Summary

The U.S. Department of Commerce has approved OpenAI to broadly release its new GPT 5.6 model after initial limited testing. OpenAI plans to launch the model widely this week following discussions and tests with government officials.

Key Facts

  • The Department of Commerce reviewed and approved OpenAI’s advanced GPT 5.6 model for wide public use.
  • OpenAI had previously released GPT 5.6 only to selected, government-approved groups in a staggered way.
  • The Center for AI Standards and Innovation within the Department of Commerce conducted testing of GPT 5.6.
  • OpenAI technical experts stayed in Washington D.C. to answer government questions during the testing process.
  • The broad release is planned for this week, after additional testing and government meetings.
  • Restrictions on AI models like GPT 5.6 are part of ongoing negotiations between AI companies and the government.
  • President Donald Trump’s recent executive order calls for clearer rules on how AI models should be released, but those rules have not been finalized yet.
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Nato allies announce £37bn for new missile project

Nato allies announce £37bn for new missile project

Summary

Twelve NATO countries, including the UK, plan to spend over £37 billion in the next ten years to develop a new long-range missile called the Deep Precision Strike project. This missile will protect Europe by striking targets up to 1,250 miles away and is expected to be ready in the 2030s.

Key Facts

  • The Deep Precision Strike missile project involves 12 NATO countries and will cost more than £37 billion ($50 billion) over ten years.
  • The missile can hit targets nearly 200 miles away accurately, with the potential to reach up to 1,250 miles.
  • The project was announced ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
  • The UK, led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, is spearheading the initiative.
  • NATO members agreed to spend 3.5% of GDP on defense by 2035, but the UK has yet to present a full plan to meet this goal.
  • The UK government has already committed £300 billion for defense by 2030 as part of its Defence Investment Plan.
  • NATO has increased its readiness due to heightened Russian military activity near allied borders.
  • Ukrainian President Zelensky urged NATO allies to provide air defense systems to help Ukraine against Russian attacks.
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Zohran Mamdani’s Popularity with American Jews Compared to Netanyahu—Poll

Zohran Mamdani’s Popularity with American Jews Compared to Netanyahu—Poll

Summary

A recent AP-NORC poll shows New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is viewed more positively by American Jews than Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The poll also reveals shifting opinions among Jewish Democrats, with more supporting Palestinians and feeling the U.S. is too supportive of Israel.

Key Facts

  • Mamdani has a 44% favorability rating and 39% unfavorable among Jewish adults; Netanyahu has 32% favorability and 59% unfavorable.
  • Mamdani’s net favorability is +5%, Netanyahu’s is -27%.
  • 38% of Jewish respondents think the U.S. supports Israel too much; 24% say it supports Palestinians too much.
  • 30% of Jewish adults believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians; 49% say it has not; 21% don’t know enough.
  • 59% of Jewish adults identify as Democrats, 27% as Republicans, and 14% as independents or don’t lean.
  • Among Jewish Democrats, 51% feel the U.S. supports Israel too much, and 62% say the U.S. is not supportive enough of Palestinians.
  • 40% of Jewish adults approve of President Donald Trump’s handling of Israel; 58% disapprove.
  • Mamdani has faced scrutiny for his views on Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but has condemned antisemitism and promises to protect Jewish communities in NYC.
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Zelensky signs defence deals with Denmark, Estonia and Netherlands

Zelensky signs defence deals with Denmark, Estonia and Netherlands

Summary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced new defence agreements with Denmark, Estonia, and the Netherlands to share Ukraine’s experience in drone technology. These deals aim to improve military cooperation with NATO allies as Ukraine faces ongoing Russian missile attacks.

Key Facts

  • Ukraine signed three new drone-related defence deals with Denmark, Estonia, and the Netherlands.
  • The agreements allow sharing Ukraine’s drone expertise gained during the war with Russia since 2022.
  • Ukraine now has nine such defence agreements with NATO countries.
  • Denmark will participate in joint defence production with Ukraine and have access to Ukrainian weapons exports.
  • Zelensky announced the deals during a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
  • Ukraine wants to increase air defence capabilities against missile attacks from Russia.
  • Recent Russian attacks on Kyiv killed 19 people.
  • Zelensky travels internationally to promote Ukraine’s defence partnerships, including in the Middle East.
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