French Judge Magali Lafourcade reported that two emissaries from President Trump's administration raised concerns about the trial of French politician Marine Le Pen. Lafourcade claimed these discussions aimed to portray Le Pen's legal troubles as politically motivated. Le Pen, who was found guilty of financial misconduct, is appealing her conviction, which prevents her from running for office.
Key Facts
Judge Magali Lafourcade spoke out about a meeting with two Trump administration officials in May 2025.
The officials allegedly questioned the legal proceedings against Marine Le Pen.
Le Pen was found guilty of misusing European Parliament funds from 2004 to 2016.
She has denied wrongdoing and is appealing the court's decision, which bars her from elected office for five years.
President Trump criticized Le Pen's trial on social media, calling it a "witch hunt."
Lafourcade informed the French Foreign Minister after her conversation with the Trump officials.
The French High Council of the Judiciary emphasized that political statements should not influence legal proceedings.
President Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner of Uganda’s presidential election with 72% of the vote. Bobi Wine, the main opposition candidate, received 25% and claims there was election fraud. He and his party allege ballot tampering and violence, and say they have evidence of these activities.
Key Facts
President Museveni won the Ugandan election with 72% of the vote.
Bobi Wine, also known as Robert Kyagulanyi, got 25% of the votes.
Bobi Wine and other opposition candidates claim the election had issues like ballot stuffing.
The United Nations mentioned widespread repression and intimidation during the election.
Bobi Wine said he was forced into hiding after his home was raided.
The internet was shut down for four days in Uganda after the elections.
The government says seven people died in election-related violence, but opposition claims there were more deaths.
Bobi Wine alleges he has evidence of election fraud, including videos of vote tampering.
Scientists in Austria discovered that a cow named Veronika can use tools, a skill not previously documented in cattle. This finding suggests cows might have more advanced thinking abilities than once believed.
Key Facts
Veronika is a cow living in Austria that uses tools like sticks, rakes, and brooms.
Veronika uses the bristle end of a broom for scratching hard-to-reach areas and the handle for softer areas.
This is the first time scientists have recorded a cow using a tool.
Tool use is uncommon among animals and was thought to occur mainly in chimpanzees apart from humans.
The research indicates that cows might be smarter than previously thought.
The discovery could mean other cows have the potential to develop similar skills.
The findings are published in the journal Current Biology.
A human rights group, AOHR UK, and a British law firm have requested that the UK impose sanctions on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They accuse him of inciting violence and committing acts deemed genocidal against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. The International Criminal Court has also issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and a former defense minister for alleged war crimes.
Key Facts
An Arab human rights NGO, AOHR UK, wants UK sanctions against Israeli PM Netanyahu for incitement to violence and genocide.
The request was filed by Deighton Pierce Glynn, a British law firm.
They cite Netanyahu's previous statements and actions, linking them to incitement and unlawful military operations.
Netanyahu is also accused of supporting illegal settlements in the West Bank.
The UK has previously sanctioned other Israeli officials for serious abuses of Palestinian rights.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and a former minister for crimes during the war in Gaza.
South Africa has brought a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of genocide in Gaza.
Meteorologists are watching a winter storm called Winter Storm Fern, which could drop more than 6 inches of snow on New York City starting Sunday. The storm is expected to impact a large part of the U.S. from the Southern Plains to Virginia with snow and ice. As of now, no official weather warnings have been issued, but people should keep an eye on forecasts as the weekend nears.
Key Facts
A winter storm named Fern may bring over 6 inches of snow to New York City starting Sunday.
The storm is expected to affect 19 states from the Southern Plains to Virginia.
New York City currently has a 59% chance of seeing 6 inches or more of snow.
No winter storm warnings have been issued yet since the storm is still several days away.
A winter storm warning is issued when at least 6 inches of snow is expected in 12 hours.
Possible effects include hazardous travel and very cold temperatures.
Areas further south may see even more severe conditions, like heavy snow, ice, and power outages.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is urging people to monitor local forecasts closely.
In a supermarket in Flintshire, seven-month-old Rupert Smith stopped breathing due to a seizure linked to his rare neurological disorder. His mother, Siobhan, performed CPR until emergency services arrived and he was then airlifted to a hospital. The family is working to raise funds for Rupert's treatment, as the condition requires specialized care not fully available in the UK.
Key Facts
Rupert Smith is a seven-month-old baby with Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC).
He suffered a seizure and stopped breathing in a Tesco store in Broughton Park.
Rupert's mother administered CPR, and he was later flown to Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
Rupert continues to experience significant seizures and is undergoing tests in the hospital.
The Smith family is raising money for treatment and possible participation in clinical trials in the US.
The evacuation of the supermarket and the swift response from emergency services highlighted the seriousness of Rupert's condition.
AHC can cause episodes of paralysis, seizures, abnormal movements, and breathing issues.
The family's charity, Rupert's Rainbow, has raised about £65,000 for research and potential treatment in the US.
The British government is defending its decision to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, despite criticism from President Donald Trump, who previously supported the deal. The agreement ensures that the UK leases Diego Garcia, a strategic military base, to the U.S. for 99 years. The move faces opposition from British opposition parties, who are concerned about security risks.
Key Facts
The UK signed a deal to give Mauritius sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia.
Diego Garcia hosts a significant U.S. military base, crucial for U.S.-UK operations.
President Trump criticized the UK for transferring control, despite previously supporting the agreement.
Trump expressed concerns that China and Russia could exploit this move.
The UK agreed to pay Mauritius at least £120 million annually to lease Diego Garcia for 99 years.
The United Nations and its top court have been advocating for the UK to return the islands to Mauritius.
The House of Commons approved the agreement, but it faced opposition in the House of Lords.
British opposition parties argue that transferring the islands endangers UK security.
Iran warned President Donald Trump not to take aggressive actions against its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A top Iranian military spokesman threatened a severe response if the leader was harmed, amidst tensions related to protests in Iran. The U.S. has shown military readiness in response to the situation.
Key Facts
Iran's military spokesman warned of severe consequences if harm comes to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
President Trump called for new leadership in Iran and criticized the current government.
The U.S. military is moving assets closer to the Middle East, indicating readiness.
Protests in Iran have reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths and detentions.
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported on protest-related deaths.
President Trump stated the U.S. is prepared to act if Iran harms protesters.
A past assassination attempt on President Trump was mentioned in Iranian media.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas suggested that the Court should revisit how it understands the Ex Post Facto Clauses, based on a concept from 1798. The Court ruled on a case regarding court-ordered restitution, confirming that it is considered a criminal punishment under current law. Justice Thomas, supported by Justice Neil Gorsuch, expressed a desire to return to the original interpretation from the 1798 Calder v. Bull case in future cases.
Key Facts
Clarence Thomas called for a return to an 18th-century understanding of Ex Post Facto Clauses.
The Supreme Court ruled that restitution is a criminal punishment under the Mandatory Victims Restitution Act.
The Act requires people convicted of certain federal crimes to compensate victims financially.
The petitioner argued that the restitution order violated the Ex Post Facto Clause since it was given retroactively.
The Ex Post Facto Clause prevents laws from being applied to actions that occurred before the law was in place.
Calder v. Bull from 1798 set a precedent by allowing some retroactive laws in civil cases but not in criminal ones.
Justice Thomas criticized the current, complex method the Court uses to define criminal punishment.
The Supreme Court reversed the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals in this restitution case.
The Northern Lights, also called the Aurora Borealis, were visible across the UK on Monday evening. This natural light display, usually seen near the Arctic Circle, occurs when solar particles collide with Earth's atmosphere, creating colorful lights in the sky.
Key Facts
The Northern Lights were seen in the UK on Monday evening.
This light show is also known as the Aurora Borealis.
The phenomenon happens when particles from solar eruptions hit Earth's atmosphere.
It usually appears near the Arctic Circle, but can be seen elsewhere during high solar activity.
The lights display colors like green and pink in the sky.
Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have left a camp holding people with links to the Islamic State (IS) due to ongoing clashes with Syrian government forces, despite a ceasefire. The Syrian government criticized the SDF's withdrawal, mentioning that it occurred without coordination. This move came after prisoners broke out of a nearby detention center amid fighting.
Key Facts
The SDF withdrew from al-Hol camp, which holds about 20,000 people associated with IS, due to conflicts with the Syrian government.
The Syrian government condemned the withdrawal, noting there was no coordination with them or the US-led coalition.
Around 120 detainees escaped from Shaddadi prison during clashes, but 81 have been recaptured.
The SDF reported losing control of the prison and mentioned that 1,500 detainees were released by government forces.
Al-Aqtan prison near Raqqa has been shelled and has lost access to water.
An agreement with the Syrian government will have the SDF withdrawing from some regions and integrating into government forces.
The SDF's withdrawal and integration is significant because it relinquishes their gained autonomy after fighting IS.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa aims to reunify Syria, which remains divided and affected by sectarian violence.
American travelers will need a travel authorization called ETIAS to visit 30 European countries starting in late 2026. This change does not mean the end of visa-free travel for Americans. The ETIAS will cost around $23 and allows stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Key Facts
Starting late 2026, Americans need ETIAS to travel to 30 European countries.
The fee for ETIAS is about $23.
ETIAS is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires.
The process is similar to the U.S.'s ESTA system for travelers.
The requirement applies to other countries like Australia and Canada as well.
ETIAS does not guarantee entry; border checks will still be in place.
Current reports about immediate visa changes due to political tensions are incorrect.
The Syrian government quickly took control of oil-rich areas previously held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. This occurred before a shaky ceasefire was agreed upon.
Key Facts
The Syrian government launched a rapid military operation.
The operation targeted areas rich in oil.
These areas were previously controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
A ceasefire was established after the offensive.
The situation in Syria remains uncertain, with power dynamics shifting.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commented on President Trump's interest in buying Greenland, saying it could create a crisis for NATO. Lavrov expressed concerns about the role of the U.S. in global affairs and commented on other international issues, including conflicts in Ukraine and a proposed U.S. "Board of Peace".
Key Facts
President Donald Trump has shown interest in purchasing Greenland.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said this move could cause a crisis in NATO.
Lavrov mentioned that Trump's actions challenge the Western global order.
Lavrov denied any Russian or Chinese plans to threaten Greenland.
He expressed cautious support for Trump's "Board of Peace" idea, aimed at global crises.
The Kremlin is reviewing Trump's invitation to join this board.
Russia is critical of U.S. actions involving Venezuela's leader and concerns in Latin America.
Lavrov discussed Ukraine conflict negotiations and critiqued changes to U.S. proposals by Europe's allies.
California Governor Gavin Newsom suggested a new rebate program for electric vehicle (EV) buyers to continue encouraging clean transportation. This plan aims to replace federal EV tax credits that were ended by President Donald Trump. The details of the program are not finalized, and it requires approval from the California Legislature.
Key Facts
Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a rebate program for electric vehicle buyers in California.
The program aims to make up for the federal EV tax credits that ended under President Trump.
California's budget plan includes EV incentives as a one-time investment.
The transportation sector is the largest source of pollution in California.
Newsom's proposal serves as a starting point for budget talks with California's Legislature.
Previous federal credits were removed through President Trump's executive order from 2024.
The proposal needs legislative approval before the July budget deadline.
Details like income limits and vehicle price caps for the rebate are not yet decided.
Antarctic penguins are starting to breed earlier due to rising temperatures, which causes problems for their food supply. This earlier breeding impacts three species, with some at risk of extinction by the century's end. Scientists have observed these changes using cameras across various penguin colonies.
Key Facts
Antarctic penguins are beginning to breed about two weeks earlier due to warming temperatures.
From 2012 to 2022, temperatures in penguin breeding areas increased by 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius).
Three penguin species affected are the Adelie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins.
Adelie and chinstrap penguins mainly eat krill and face competition from gentoos, which have a more varied diet.
Gentoo penguins are breeding earlier and overlapping with the other two species' breeding times.
As a result of dietary competition and environmental changes, Adelie and chinstrap penguins may face extinction by the end of the century.
The warming Antarctic region is causing less sea ice, affecting the food chain starting with phytoplankton, vital for penguin diets.
Increased commercial fishing further reduces the food supply available for penguins.
Russia has not shown interest in acquiring Greenland, despite President Trump's concerns over Russia's actions in the Arctic. President Trump has expressed interest in annexing Greenland due to security concerns involving Russia and China, which has led to tensions with European allies. Russia has been increasing its presence in the Arctic but denies any aggressive intentions toward Greenland.
Key Facts
Russia has not publicly stated any intentions to acquire Greenland.
President Donald Trump has voiced interest in annexing Greenland, citing security reasons.
Russian officials, including Ambassador Vladimir Barbin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, have denied plans to stake claims in Greenland.
Russia views the Arctic as strategically important and has increased military activities there.
European allies are concerned about Trump's stance on Greenland, considering it a threat to the island's sovereignty.
Russian rhetoric suggests celebrating Trump's interest in Greenland as potentially harming NATO's cohesion.
Russia has been involved in hybrid warfare tactics in the Arctic, affecting NATO countries' operations.
Nicola Peltz Beckham is an actress married to Brooklyn Beckham, the son of David and Victoria Beckham. She is known for her acting roles and comes from a wealthy family, with her father being a billionaire businessman. Her high-profile marriage has put her in the media spotlight, and she also advocates for dog adoption.
Key Facts
Nicola Peltz Beckham is an actress and the wife of Brooklyn Beckham.
Nicola’s parents are Nelson Peltz, a billionaire businessman, and Claudia Heffner, a former model.
She began her acting career with a stage role in 2005 and appeared in films like "The Last Airbender" and "Transformers: Age of Extinction."
Nicola made her directorial debut with the film "Lola," released in 2024.
She is an advocate for animal adoption, receiving a Peta award for her efforts.
Nicola has talked about facing online criticism due to her privileged background.
She rose to greater fame after her 2022 wedding to Brooklyn Beckham, which attracted significant media attention.
Australia's Parliament passed new laws focusing on anti-hate speech and gun control after a fatal attack in Sydney. The laws aim to restrict gun ownership and ban certain groups that promote hate, inspired by concerns over safety following the attack. Both laws have been approved in the House and Senate.
Key Facts
Australia's Parliament passed laws targeting hate speech and gun control after an attack in Sydney.
The attack resulted in 15 deaths and was linked to the Islamic State group.
New gun laws include restrictions on ownership and a government-funded buyback program.
Anti-hate speech laws allow for the banning of groups not classified as terrorists, like Hizb ut-Tahrir.
Two separate bills were introduced for anti-hate speech and gun control, both passing in the House and Senate.
The attack involved guns legally owned by one of the shooters, although both shooters would be banned under the new laws.
The new laws give the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) power to help decide which groups should be banned.
Opposition from some politicians concerns potential effects on free speech, especially the Jewish community.
Uganda's opposition leader Bobi Wine told Al Jazeera that he evaded a police raid on his home. He claims the raid happened following a presidential election that he believes was unfair.
Key Facts
Bobi Wine is Uganda's opposition leader.
He spoke to Al Jazeera while in hiding.
Bobi Wine claims his home was raided by police.
The raid occurred after Uganda's presidential election.
Bobi Wine believes the election was not conducted fairly.
