A federal judge stopped the Department of Justice (DOJ) from demanding the names and personal details of workers involved in the 2020 election in Fulton County, Georgia. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into the 2020 election that began during President Donald Trump’s administration.
Key Facts
The DOJ issued a subpoena to get information about Fulton County's 2020 election workers.
A federal judge quashed (canceled) this subpoena on July 7, 2026.
The subpoena was part of an election probe started under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Fulton County challenged the subpoena legally.
Fulton County is located in Georgia and was involved in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
The investigation relates to events and actions during the 2020 election.
The judge’s decision protects the privacy of election workers in Fulton County.
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Marine Le Pen, leader of the French National Rally party, announced she will run for the French presidency in 2027. She is also appealing a court decision that requires her to wear an electronic tag after being found guilty of misusing EU funds in a fake jobs scheme.
Key Facts
Marine Le Pen confirmed her bid for the 2027 French presidential election.
She leads the National Rally party in France.
A Paris appeal court found her guilty of misusing €2.8 million in EU funds.
The conviction relates to a fake jobs scheme.
The court ruled that she must wear an electronic tag for one year.
Despite the conviction, she is allowed to run for president while wearing the tag.
Le Pen said she wants to use all legal options to prove her innocence.
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Prosecutors released new video footage they say shows Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing Charlie Kirk. The footage includes Robinson driving a car and walking through a parking garage.
Key Facts
The video was shared by prosecutors on Tuesday.
The footage shows a man believed to be Tyler Robinson.
Tyler Robinson is accused of killing Charlie Kirk.
The video shows Robinson driving a vehicle.
It also shows him walking through a parking garage.
The video is part of ongoing legal proceedings.
The incident took place in Utah.
Authorities are using the footage as evidence in the case.
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The Supreme Court declined to stop Texas from enforcing a law that requires app stores to verify users’ ages, allowing the state to continue applying the law while legal challenges proceed. This law aims to protect minors by restricting certain app content and requires app stores to use reasonable age checks, but it faces criticism from Big Tech companies who say it limits free speech and privacy.
Key Facts
Texas passed the App Store Accountability Act, requiring app stores to verify ages and restrict some apps for users under 18.
A federal judge blocked the law in December 2025, saying it likely violates free speech protections.
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that block in June 2026, saying the law likely meets legal standards.
Big Tech groups, including the Computer & Communications Industry Association, called the law a "broad censorship regime."
The Supreme Court refused to reinstate the block, so Texas can enforce the law while the case continues.
The law exempts some nonprofit, government, and emergency service apps from these rules.
The legal debate centers on how strictly the law should be examined under free speech rules.
Texas argues the law protects children’s data, safety, and privacy by requiring age checks and parental consent.
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George E. Johnson Sr., who created a successful Black hair care company and was the first Black owner of a company listed on the American Stock Exchange, died at age 99. He founded Johnson Products in 1954, which served mainly Black customers and became well-known for products like Afro Sheen and Ultra Sheen.
Key Facts
George E. Johnson Sr. died at his home in Chicago at age 99.
He and his wife started Johnson Products in 1954 with a $250 loan.
Johnson Products catered mainly to Black consumers with hair care brands such as Afro Sheen and Ultra Sheen.
It was the first Black-owned company listed on the American Stock Exchange.
Johnson Products sponsored the 1970s TV show "Soul Train."
Johnson was born in Mississippi in 1927 and moved to Chicago during the First Great Migration.
He also founded Independence Bank and was the first Black board member at Illinois’ utility company Commonwealth Edison.
Johnson created an educational fund granting over 1,000 college scholarships.
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The Canadian province of British Columbia plans to sue OpenAI for not alerting police about violent messages linked to the person who committed a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge. The lawsuit claims OpenAI failed to notify authorities despite internal warnings about the shooter’s violent use of ChatGPT several months before the attack.
Key Facts
The mass shooting happened on February 10 in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
The shooter killed six people, including five children and one teacher, and injured 27 others before dying by a self-inflicted gunshot.
OpenAI’s safety teams flagged violent prompts from the shooter’s ChatGPT account months before the shooting.
OpenAI banned the shooter’s account in June 2025 after detecting disturbing content.
Despite employees urging OpenAI to report the threats, the company did not notify police.
OpenAI said it did not report the threats because it did not see a clear, immediate danger.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman publicly apologized for not alerting law enforcement.
British Columbia’s Attorney General hired lawyers in Canada and California to explore legal actions against OpenAI, separate from victim families’ lawsuits.
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Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s National Rally party, plans to run for president in 2027 while appealing her criminal conviction at the country’s highest court. By appealing, her conviction is temporarily suspended, allowing her to present herself as innocent during the campaign, but she risks serving a sentence if the court upholds the verdict quickly.
Key Facts
Marine Le Pen was found guilty by two courts but is appealing to the French High Court of Appeal, called the Court of Cassation.
The appeal suspends her conviction during the legal process, meaning she is presumed innocent for now.
If she accepted the appeal court’s decision without further appeal, she could run a normal campaign but would likely have to wear an electronic ankle tag as part of her sentence.
By appealing, she avoids wearing the ankle tag for now, but if the highest court rules against her before or during the campaign, she would have to wear it immediately.
Le Pen’s lawyers may hope the court takes a long time to decide, possibly ruling after the election.
If Le Pen wins the presidency, she would have legal immunity and could avoid serving the sentence while in office.
There is a risk the court may speed up the decision if it feels the legal process is being delayed deliberately.
The situation creates uncertainty for Le Pen’s campaign because the timing of the court’s ruling could affect her ability to campaign freely.
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Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell has been in the hospital for more than three weeks due to undisclosed health problems. Senate Republican leaders have spoken with him recently, and no new information about his condition has been released.
Key Facts
Mitch McConnell was admitted to the hospital on June 14, 2026.
His health issues have not been publicly detailed by his aides.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senator John Barrasso have spoken with McConnell by phone.
McConnell, 84, is retiring at the end of his current term in January.
His hospital stay follows several past health incidents including a concussion in 2023 and falls in previous years.
McConnell uses a wheelchair sometimes due to mobility difficulties partly related to polio in his childhood.
Statements from his office say he is improving and staying involved with Senate work during his recovery.
McConnell was first elected to the Senate in 1984 and led Senate Republicans from 2007 to 2025.
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President Donald Trump expressed disappointment with NATO during the first day of a summit in Turkiye, criticizing some European allies for not supporting the US during conflicts and urging them to increase defense spending. The summit also discussed NATO’s support for Ukraine amid the Russia-Ukraine war and raised tensions over Greenland’s sovereignty.
Key Facts
President Trump said he was “very disappointed” with NATO and criticized some European countries like Italy, Germany, and France for not supporting the US in conflicts involving Iran.
Trump urged European NATO members to spend more on defense, pointing out that only five members are expected to meet the 3.5% GDP spending target by 2026.
Trump renewed his claim that Greenland should be controlled by the US, not Denmark, which Denmark’s prime minister rejected, emphasizing Greenland is not for sale.
The summit is focused on maintaining NATO unity amid ongoing tensions, including disagreements over Iran, Greenland, and mutual defense commitments.
NATO leaders discussed continuing military support for Ukraine, with Norway pledging about $306 million for air defense and other allies expected to keep support through 2026 and 2027.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged NATO to allow Ukraine to join the alliance for stronger defense protection.
President Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin before the summit and is expected to meet Zelenskyy during the event.
Trump expressed hope that the Russia-Ukraine conflict would be resolved soon, saying both sides want a deal.
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The Trump administration ended a special permission that allowed some sales of Iranian oil and petrochemicals. This decision followed reports that Iran attacked three ships near the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for shipping oil.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump’s administration revoked a sanctions waiver for Iranian oil and petrochemical sales.
The waiver allowed certain transactions that are now no longer permitted.
The revocation was announced by the U.S. Treasury Department.
This action came after reports of Iran striking three ships near the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway used for transporting oil internationally.
The sanctions aim to limit Iran’s oil exports as part of U.S. policy.
The measure tightens restrictions on Iran in response to regional security concerns.
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The article discusses the need for a shared national purpose in the United States to bring people together. The author, a retired Army brigadier general, suggests creating a universal national service system to unite Americans across different backgrounds and political beliefs.
Key Facts
The author is a Greek American who served as an Army doctor and retired as a brigadier general.
He reflects on questions about identity and belonging that persist after 250 years since the Declaration of Independence.
National identity is built through shared responsibility, not just slogans.
The author proposes a universal national service to connect young Americans from all races, religions, and political views.
Shared historical experiences do not guarantee a shared identity because people remember events differently.
Institutions today often divide people by background, income, culture, and politics rather than unite them.
The military is one of the few institutions that bring people together across these divides.
The article highlights that a common mission is needed to strengthen national unity in the U.S.
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President Donald Trump has strengthened U.S. ties with Turkey during the NATO summit in Ankara, recognizing Turkey’s growing strategic role between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Turkey’s military and diplomatic influence has increased in several regional conflicts, making it an important partner for NATO and U.S. regional strategy.
Key Facts
President Trump expressed strong support for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the NATO summit.
Turkey is geographically important, located between conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Some U.S. allies, including European countries and Israel, have criticized Erdogan’s style of leadership and Turkey’s growing influence.
Turkey has been a NATO member since 1952 and has one of the largest militaries in the alliance after the U.S.
Erdogan has led Turkey since 2003, boosting its military and diplomatic power in regions like Libya, Syria, and the Caucasus.
Turkish drones have been used effectively in conflicts in Ukraine and the Caucasus.
Turkey maintains a complex relationship with Russia, acting as a mediator between Moscow and Kyiv.
Turkey’s role is central to many NATO security concerns, making it a key partner for U.S. regional plans.
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Recent changes in federal energy policies under President Donald Trump are expected to increase energy bills for American households. A report by Energy Innovation predicts that rolling back clean-energy programs and incentives will add an average of $460 to energy costs per year by 2035, with some states facing even higher increases.
Key Facts
Energy Innovation analyzed seven major federal policy changes made since President Trump took office in January 2025.
These changes include cutting clean-energy incentives, rolling back emissions rules, and ending programs like Solar for All.
The report estimates households could pay $460 more annually for energy by 2035, with some states seeing increases over $500.
States likely most affected include Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
States like Maine, Vermont, Washington, and New Hampshire might face smaller impacts due to existing state energy-efficiency policies.
President Trump’s energy plan focuses on increasing fossil fuel and nuclear energy production while reducing clean energy support.
The administration aims to strengthen the energy grid, lower costs, and support manufacturing.
White House officials say these changes will make energy more affordable despite the report’s findings.
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In Greystones, Ireland, a community has agreed that children should wait until secondary school age before getting a smartphone. The episode also shares a story about a woman who created a safety device after a late-night attack and discusses an experiment where AI ran a café in Sweden.
Key Facts
Greystones has a volunteer rule to delay giving smartphones to children until they reach secondary school.
The "It Takes A Village" initiative supports this approach to managing children's phone use.
A local school principal and a parent explain the reasons behind this agreement.
A woman developed a wearable device to improve safety after surviving an attack.
In Sweden, a café was operated by artificial intelligence (AI) to test how it would work.
The episode was presented by Shiona McCallum and produced by Tom Quinn.
The story was broadcast on the World Service on July 7, 2026.
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Colombian President-elect Abelardo de la Espirella, who has support from U.S. President Donald Trump, paused the government transition. He said the current president, Gustavo Petro, is trying to stop him from taking office by planning a coup.
Key Facts
Abelardo de la Espirella is the newly elected president of Colombia.
He is a conservative and a millionaire.
President Trump endorsed de la Espirella during the election.
De la Espirella stopped the official transition to the new government.
He accused current President Gustavo Petro of trying to hold on to power through a coup.
President Petro was previously criticized by Trump but later called “terrific” after a meeting.
The transition pause creates uncertainty about Colombia’s political future.
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A large landslide covered a tunnel construction site in Kerala, India, during heavy monsoon rains, killing at least five people. Rescue teams are searching for others who may be trapped under the debris.
Key Facts
The landslide happened during heavy monsoon rain in Kerala, India.
It buried a tunnel construction site.
At least five people died due to the landslide.
CCTV footage recorded the landslide collapse.
Rescue operations are underway to find more trapped workers.
The disaster occurred amid the seasonal heavy rains typical to the region.
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The National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C. has grown to about 5,000 troops during the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Some Democratic-led states, like Michigan and Minnesota, sent troops but face criticism from local groups who say the troops are being used beyond event security, linked to a longer deployment started by President Trump due to crime concerns.
Key Facts
National Guard troops from Democratic-led states joined the Washington, D.C. deployment for the 250th anniversary events.
The deployment has increased recent troop numbers from about 2,300–2,600 to around 5,000.
The Guard has been in Washington since August 2025, following an emergency order by President Trump citing high crime.
Troops have helped with arrests, medical emergencies, curfew enforcement, and city maintenance tasks like snow removal.
Some local groups and think tanks asked Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer to remove her state’s Guard forces.
The groups argue that President Trump’s use of the Guard is unusual and open-ended, raising concerns about misuse.
Michigan and Minnesota have joined other Democratic-led states in a lawsuit challenging the ongoing Guard deployment.
Minnesota Guard troops sent for the celebration are expected to leave early amid the criticism.
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President Donald Trump said the United States should control Greenland instead of Denmark, repeating claims about threats from China and Russia around the island. At a NATO summit, members announced major military spending plans, and Trump lifted sanctions on Turkey related to its purchase of a Russian missile system, improving U.S.-Turkey relations.
Key Facts
President Trump stated Greenland should be controlled by the U.S., not by Denmark.
Trump claimed Greenland faces threats from Chinese and Russian ships, a claim not supported by evidence.
NATO members announced billions of dollars in new military projects to increase defense capabilities.
Trump lifted U.S. sanctions on Turkey, which were imposed after Turkey bought a Russian S-400 missile defense system.
Turkey’s purchase of the S-400 led to its removal from the U.S. F-35 fighter jet program.
The U.S. is considering selling F-35 jets to Turkey despite concerns from Israel and some U.S. lawmakers.
Turkish President Erdogan and Trump showed a strong personal relationship during the NATO summit.
NATO’s secretary-general and European leaders aimed to satisfy Trump’s demands for increased European defense spending.
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Microsoft is cutting many jobs at its gaming studios id Software and Bethesda as part of a larger reduction in the Xbox division. Around half of id Software’s staff and up to half of Bethesda’s team behind The Elder Scrolls Online were laid off, with Bethesda shifting focus to its strongest game series.
Key Facts
Microsoft announced 3,200 layoffs in its Xbox division.
Around 50% of id Software’s employees, including most coders, were laid off.
Approximately 90 workers lost their jobs at id Software, known for Doom.
Bethesda Studios also faced heavy layoffs, with many employees affected.
Up to half of the developers for The Elder Scrolls Online were laid off.
Bethesda plans to focus more on its main game franchises for growth.
Future projects like Starfield and Elder Scrolls Online may be impacted by staff cuts.
Microsoft said it will lay off an additional 1,600 employees later this year.
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Two earthquakes in Venezuela caused buildings to collapse, trapping many people and killing more than 3,500. Families like Noel Márquez’s have been left to search for and recover their dead relatives on their own, often without government help or proper equipment.
Key Facts
The earthquakes struck Venezuela, heavily damaging high-rise buildings.
Noel Márquez’s family home collapsed and caught fire; only his brother survived, trapped under rubble.
Family members have been forced to recover bodies themselves, sometimes using bare hands and basic tools.
Authorities have not provided heavy machinery to remove large debris, delaying rescues and recovery.
The official death toll is over 3,535, with more than 16,740 injured.
Over 30,000 missing people have been reported to an opposition-run website.
Most rescue efforts by the government have ended; international teams are preparing to leave.
Civilians, firefighters, and some Mexican rescuers continue searching through 1.2 million tons of debris.
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