Xi Is Defining History on His Own Terms

Xi Jinping has formally declared the end of China's reform era, establishing a new historical narrative that divides Communist Party history into four stages: revolution, construction, reform, and the New Era. By creating this fourth stage beginning with his 2012 rise to power, Xi positions himself as a transformative leader comparable to Mao Zedong, rather than merely a successor to Deng Xiaoping. While previous leaders shared credit for reform's achievements, Xi claims exclusive ownership of the New Era. Though the government continues using reform rhetoric, its meaning has fundamentally shifted from a governing principle emphasizing openness and market liberation to a tool serving centralized party control and state security. Deng's reforms moved China toward openness and economic freedom; Xi's approach reverses this trajectory, reasserting party dominance over society and markets. By reframing history, Xi elevates his status while signaling a strategic departure from four decades of liberalizing policies toward greater state control and self-reliance.

Taiwan Believes Japan Will Help Defend Against China

Taiwanese-Japanese relations have reached historic highs since former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's 2021 declaration that contingencies for Taiwan represent contingencies for Japan. Current Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reinforced this commitment in November 2025, stating a Chinese attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan's survival. While China reacted furiously, Taiwan's Lai administration praised Japan's support. A survey of 1,195 Taiwanese voters reveals broad bipartisan support for Japan across all political parties, with majority positive perceptions even among the China-leaning Kuomintang. Most respondents believe Japan would aid Taiwan militarily if attacked. Notably, favorability toward Takaichi significantly influences voters' confidence in Japanese commitment. Taiwanese voters view potential conflict with China as a regional issue involving both the United States and Japan rather than merely a cross-strait matter. However, recent tensions emerged following a controversial visit by Taiwan's Premier to Japan. While civil society relations remain strong across party lines, potential disconnects between elite politics and public perception could create future complications if the Japanese government becomes viewed as Taiwan's lifeline in conflict scenarios.

Europe Braces for a Russian Provocation

The Ukraine conflict risks escalating into a broader European war as Russia, facing mounting domestic pressure and battlefield losses, may test NATO's resolve through limited strikes or incursions against Baltic states or Poland. Former CIA Director William Burns warns that escalatory risks are real and growing, with U.S. officials sharing these concerns with European allies for the past month. Intelligence officials detect signs Russia is exploring attack plans against NATO targets, though no operational movements toward NATO borders have been confirmed yet. Meanwhile, the conflict intensifies within Ukraine and Russia, with Ukraine conducting deep strikes on Russian infrastructure and Russia increasing ballistic missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. NATO allies, including Poland and Baltic nations, are preparing defensive strategies and discussing potential Russian provocations. A pivotal question emerges regarding President Trump's commitment to NATO at the alliance's Ankara summit: will he demonstrate strong leadership and deter Putin, or distance himself from the conflict? Russian economic pressures and mounting casualties suggest potential vulnerability, but Putin must carefully calculate whether limited hybrid attacks or more aggressive measures would risk triggering NATO intervention, particularly under Trump's administration.

Putin May Escalate, but Ukraine Is Winning

On July 1, Russia launched a massive airstrike on Kyiv, likely intended as a show of dominance. However, this reflects Russian weakness rather than strength, as Ukraine's fortunes have rebounded dramatically in recent months. Ukraine's increasingly automated armed forces have slowed Russia's advance and retaken territory, while effective long-range strikes on Russian energy infrastructure have limited Moscow's economic gains. Ukraine has earned special status as an experienced operator in contemporary warfare. A total Ukrainian collapse appears increasingly unlikely, though less-ideal outcomes remain possible, including ceasefire arrangements favoring Russia. The war has followed a pattern of violent stagnation alternating with Ukrainian breakthroughs, but this pattern may finally be shifting. Russia's advance has slowed to its lowest pace, and casualty ratios now favor Ukraine. Ukrainian drones and cruise missiles now strike Russian targets hundreds of miles away, damaging military and economic assets. These strikes weaken Putin's domestic support, as Russians face mounting war costs and isolation. While Russia's military remains formidable, de-escalation is unlikely. Putin may instead pursue horizontal escalation through hybrid activities targeting European infrastructure. For a negotiated peace to succeed, either both sides must feel satisfied or one must achieve clear dominance—neither currently exists. Ukraine's allies should maintain consistent support rather than assume victory ensures peace.

Iran Is Still Fighting a War Against Dissidents Abroad

Iranian dissidents and human rights activists across Europe face intensifying threats from Tehran's transnational repression campaigns. Soran Mansournia, a Dutch-based Iranian activist whose brother was killed at a 2019 anti-government protest, has endured harassment, surveillance, direct threats, and online intimidation since fleeing Iran in 2021. Similar targeting affects journalists and activists in France, the U.K., and Canada, including assassination attempts and coercion through threats to family members in Iran. The Iranian regime employs diverse tactics including cybersurveillance, phishing, blackmail, and proxy violence. While the EU designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization in February 2024, many dissidents argue Western governments remain inadequately protective. The U.K. has sanctioned but not proscribed the IRGC, limiting law enforcement capabilities. Despite heightened personal danger and insufficient governmental support, Iranian dissidents abroad continue their activism, maintaining that silence would abandon those suffering repression within Iran.

Europe Is Struggling to Lead NATO

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte presented a "Trump Trillion" chart to demonstrate that U.S. allies have spent over a trillion dollars on defense since 2017, setting the stage for NATO's Ankara summit. European allies are increasing defense spending and purchasing U.S. equipment to maintain security cooperation, with Germany committing 750 billion euros to rearmament. However, significant divisions persist among allies regarding defense integration, capability contributions, and industrial competition. The E5 nations—France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom—seek greater European defense autonomy while managing Trump's unpredictability. Concerns include duplication of military systems, with Europe operating 174 main weapon systems compared to America's 33. Smaller countries worry about being sidelined by larger European powers, while Poland fears exclusion from strategic discussions. France pushes for independence from the U.S., while Germany seeks closer defense industry ties. Key leadership roles in NATO's restructured command will be distributed among British, German, Italian, and American commanders, reflecting attempts to balance power and maintain alliance cohesion amid uncertainty about transatlantic relations.

Erdogan Has Laid a Trap in Ankara

The July 7-8 NATO summit in Ankara strongly favors Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who enters with significant leverage. Following geopolitical upheaval, Erdogan seeks economic lifelines from the U.S., reinstatement to defense supply chains including F-110 jet engines, and integration into the EU's 150-billion-euro defense procurement system. Trump's attendance signals America's weakened regional standing and reliance on Turkey's strategic position bridging Europe and the Middle East, as well as its proximity to Russia and control of critical straits. However, Turkey remains NATO's problem child due to civil rights concerns, the S-400 controversy, and Erdogan's aggressive "Blue Homeland" maritime doctrine asserting claims over the Aegean and Mediterranean. This nationalist strategy sustains his political coalition but risks alienating Greece and Israel. Despite these tensions, Erdogan excels at managing contradictions—diplomatically yielding while compensating rhetorically at home through conspiracy narratives blaming foreign conspiracies for Turkey's problems. Facing constitutional term limits in 2028, he may engineer early elections for a third term. NATO, structurally unprepared for authoritarian members, will likely accommodate Erdogan's demands to maintain alliance cohesion, creating short-term stability while deferring deeper governance questions.

Explosions in Damascus Won’t Shake Macron’s Faith in Sharaa

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's efforts to demonstrate democratic reform were undermined when explosions in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron's historic visit injured at least 18 people, marking the second attack this month. Despite the violence, Macron proceeded with scheduled meetings, and the leaders signed agreements reinstating ambassadors and returning over $50 million in confiscated assets from Assad's family. Since ousting dictator Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Sharaa has implemented reforms, joined the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS, secured tens of billions in investment deals, and convinced the EU to lift sanctions. However, violent clashes between government forces and ethnic and religious minorities continue across the country. At NATO's summit, Chief Mark Rutte unveiled defense spending initiatives to appease President Trump, who remains frustrated with European contributions and NATO's refusal to grant Washington control of Greenland. Trump did agree to lift sanctions on Turkey regarding its S-400 missile system purchase. In legal developments, a French appeals court cleared far-right leader Marine Le Pen to run for president despite upholding her embezzlement conviction, while UK Reform leader Nigel Farage resigned from Parliament amid financial investigation allegations.

Everyone Wants in on Brazil’s Rare Earths

Brazil possesses the world's second-largest rare-earth reserves and substantial deposits of other critical minerals, making it a coveted partner for major global powers including the United States, European Union, China, and others competing for secure supply chains. However, Brazil faces significant obstacles in capitalizing on this advantage. The country lacks a complete geological survey of its mineral wealth, with only 30 percent mapped, and hasn't established necessary regulatory frameworks or processing capabilities to move beyond raw ore exports. President Lula has emphasized Brazil's desire for partnerships involving technology transfer and value-added production rather than remaining a raw material supplier. As of July, a national critical minerals policy remains pending, with proposed legislation still awaiting Senate approval. The regulatory uncertainty, staffing shortages, and upcoming October elections between incumbent Lula and far-right candidate Bolsonaro create additional complications. Experts warn that prolonged delays risk deterring long-term investment, with Brazil potentially squandering a historic opportunity if it doesn't act decisively soon.

Le Pen to run for president despite embezzlement conviction

Marine Le Pen announced her fourth presidential campaign after an appeals court upheld her embezzlement conviction but revised her election ban, allowing her to run in 2027. The court sentenced her to three years in prison, with two years suspended and one year under house arrest. Rather than accept the ruling, Le Pen announced she would appeal to France's highest court, arguing this would free her from wearing an ankle monitor during her campaign. She insisted her "hands are clean" and vowed to prove her innocence. Le Pen promised to campaign alongside her party's president, Jordan Bardella, offering him the prime minister role if elected. While polls show her leading in the first round, her opponents plan to use the judges' criticism about her misuse of nearly €3 million in European Parliament funds. Bardella, more popular in recent polls, had been expected to lead the ticket, but Le Pen's legal maneuvering keeps her as the party's presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

Orbán’s favorite Brussels think tank eyes new funding after Hungary orders parent organization to close

The Hungarian government has ordered the dissolution of the Mathias Corvinus Collegium Foundation by July 31, threatening the future of its Brussels operation, MCC Brussels. The think tank, which has become a prominent voice on the European right since arriving in Belgium four years ago, depends on MCC Hungary for over 99 percent of its funding. Prime Minister Péter Magyar, elected on a platform to end government support for right-wing think tanks that thrived under Viktor Orbán, specifically targeted MCC, calling its funding structure a "criminal offense." MCC Brussels stated it is pursuing alternative funding options and could potentially continue as a private foundation. The organization faces additional challenges, having been suspended from the EU's transparency register last month, complicating staff access to EU institutions. Right-wing MEPs have called for justification of the suspension. Potential funding sources may include the United States, where officials have reportedly sought to finance like-minded think tanks.

Whatever happens to Le Pen, her party’s legal headaches are only beginning

European prosecutors are investigating alleged improper spending by Jordan Bardella's Patriots group in the European Parliament. Police recently raided contractors who worked for the party's dissolved Identity and Democracy group, though Bardella himself is not accused of wrongdoing. The investigation centers on irregular expenses totaling millions of euros during the 2019-2024 parliamentary term, with the Patriots facing potential additional repayment orders of over €545,000 for similar breaches in 2024. The alleged violations fall into two categories: donations to local organizations unrelated to the group's political work and procurement procedure breaches. Notably, millions were spent with communications firms linked to Frédéric Chatillon, a figure from French extremist circles and longtime associate of Marine Le Pen. The investigation began following a Parliament audit after Identity and Democracy's dissolution. Bardella and his allies have denounced the investigation as politically motivated harassment, claiming other parliamentary groups face less scrutiny. The case complicates the National Rally's efforts to rehabilitate its image ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Google says it’s protecting our privacy. The EU thinks it’s guarding a monopoly.

The European Commission must decide by late July which Google search data to share with competitors under the Digital Markets Act, balancing competition with privacy concerns. Google's dominance stems from possessing billions of search queries that reveal user behavior, creating an insurmountable competitive advantage. Rivals like Ecosia and Qwant argue they need access to this data to compete effectively in search and AI markets. However, Google warns that even anonymized search data can reveal sensitive personal information and enable re-identification of users within hours. Privacy advocates express concern about releasing vast datasets, though some argue anonymization provides acceptable protection. The Commission proposes sharing data only with vetted recipients under strict contractual restrictions and Commission auditing. Legal experts debate whether privacy and competition are genuinely incompatible, with some arguing EU lawmakers already balanced these interests through anonymization requirements in the DMA. Ultimately, regulators must determine whether opening Google's data advantage to competitors outweighs privacy risks, a decision that belongs to enforcers rather than the company itself.

Le Pen’s French presidential bid dashes EU hopes for a Meloni-like successor

Marine Le Pen announced her candidacy for the 2027 French presidency, disappointing Brussels officials who had hoped she would step aside for Jordan Bardella, the 30-year-old National Rally leader. Despite being sentenced to house arrest earlier that day, Le Pen declared her fourth presidential bid on live television. EU insiders had quietly viewed Bardella as the less disruptive far-right figure, appreciating his pragmatism and experience in the European Parliament compared to Le Pen's ideological stance. Unlike Le Pen, Bardella has not pledged to abolish the European Commission, pursue "Frexit," or exit the euro. He has engaged with business leaders, signaled openness to partnering with conservative European leaders like Giorgia Meloni, and shown less ideological rigidity on EU matters. However, EU lawmakers remain concerned about either candidate's presidency, fearing a National Rally victory could undermine consensus-building within the bloc and fragment NATO, particularly given Bardella's skepticism toward the alliance. Some conservative EU groups remain open to potential collaboration with either candidate.

EU watchdog foils Chinese counterfeit condom operation

The European Anti-Fraud Office disrupted an international counterfeit condom trafficking operation that distributed over 200,000 fake condoms across Europe. The counterfeit products, sold under a well-known brand, originated from China. Chinese authorities collaborated with the EU to identify the exporter. OLAF worked with national customs authorities to seize counterfeit products in Spain, Romania, and Serbia. According to OLAF Director-General Petr Klement, counterfeit condoms are dangerous because they are untested, uncontrolled, and unsafe. In the EU, condoms are classified as medical devices and must meet specific quality-control standards. The operation's disruption comes amid concerning trends in Europe, where a 2024 WHO report found an alarming decline in condom use among teenagers since 2014. The statement did not clarify whether legal action has been taken against the exporter.

She’s running: Marine Le Pen will stand for French presidency

Marine Le Pen announced Tuesday she will run for French president in the 2027 election following an appeals court's decision to reduce her electoral ban. Although a lower court had previously convicted her of embezzling European Parliament funds and deemed her ineligible, the three-judge appeals panel sufficiently shortened her ban, allowing her to participate in the April 18 vote. Le Pen was sentenced to one year of house arrest, and she had previously stated she would not campaign while wearing an electronic ankle monitor. However, she indicated plans to appeal the latest ruling to France's highest court, adding further uncertainty to her candidacy.

4 key questions hanging over a Le Pen candidacy

Marine Le Pen will mount her fourth presidential bid after her election ban was reduced from five years to fifteen months, allowing her to run in 2027. Though sentenced to one year of house arrest, she plans to appeal to France's highest court to avoid wearing an electronic ankle monitor during campaigning. Le Pen has designated Jordan Bardella, her younger protégé, as her future prime minister. Le Pen faces several challenges. She polls at 32 percent compared to Bardella's 36 percent, partly because her name remains toxic to older voters due to her father's antisemitic remarks and her past EU-exit pledge. To win, the National Rally needs support from center-right voters who find Bardella more palatable than Le Pen. Though Bardella's higher polling has sparked speculation about a potential coup, his loyalty and lack of party infrastructure make this unlikely. Le Pen maintains control through key positions held by her allies. On policy, Le Pen remains a committed Euroskeptic opposing EU immigration policies and advocating constitutional changes prioritizing French law. She supports interventionist economics and opposes free trade deals. Notably, she wants to lower the retirement age to 62, contradicting Bardella's recent openness to compromise on pensions.

Farage triggers by-election — but nobody’s playing ball

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, resigned as MP for Clacton on Tuesday to trigger a by-election, framing it as a "people versus the establishment" contest. The move aims to overcome mounting financial scrutiny regarding undeclared donations from crypto billionaires. However, all major rival parties—Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens, and Restore Britain—have refused to contest the seat, calling it a "vanity project." Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch accused Farage of "cracking under pressure," while Labour described his move as "pathetic" and an attempt to change the subject from his sleaze scandal. Farage is under investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards for allegedly failing to declare a £5 million donation and other gifts. He maintains he followed rules since donations were received before his election and in a personal capacity. Experts note that investigations will likely continue regardless of the by-election outcome, and Farage could still face parliamentary rebuke if elected.

Bank of England warns an AI crash could plunge UK into recession

The Bank of England has warned that the U.K. risks recession if the artificial intelligence bubble bursts, as AI companies now comprise half of the U.S. S&P 500, up from a quarter in 2022. Governor Andrew Bailey identified a "triple whammy" of risks: oversized bets on AI stocks, slower-than-predicted technology adoption, and uncertainty over long-term sector winners. A sharp correction could reduce U.K. GDP by 2.2 percent, with 36 percent of losses from equity markets and half from bond market turbulence. The Bank declined to impose new regulations, instead seeking better understanding of financial stability consequences. Concerns include retail investors increasingly using leveraged exchange-traded funds and self-reinforcing capital loops where tech companies invest in AI firms that purchase their products. Expected AI hyperscaler capital expenditure for 2028 has surged from $600 billion to over $1 trillion. Private credit funding for data centers poses additional risks, with AI hyperscalers growing from 3 percent to 15 percent of U.S. investment-grade debt since year-end. Supply chain vulnerabilities for critical hardware and electricity, concentrated among few countries and companies, present further threats to sustained AI expansion.

Britain’s top trade adviser charmed Trump’s team. Now his job is on the line.

Since Labour came to power two years ago, Britain has experienced significant political turnover with three U.S. ambassadors and two trade secretaries. Throughout this instability, Varun Chandra, a senior adviser to the prime minister, has maintained crucial relationships with Trump administration officials. However, his position as a political appointee is now threatened. Industry figures warn that Chandra's potential departure could damage the already fragile U.S.-U.K. relationship. Chandra has been instrumental in trade negotiations, particularly securing a controversial drug-pricing agreement in December and negotiating a 10 percent tariff ceiling on U.K. goods—below the 15 percent rate applied to the EU. He has cultivated strong connections with multiple Trump administration officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. As a boss of advisory firm Hakluyt and former adviser to Tony Blair, Chandra serves as a bridge between governments and businesses. While some industry figures praise his diplomatic skills, others worry the government has become too dependent on a single adviser's personality rather than establishing sustainable institutional structures. His departure could undermine relationships that took considerable effort to establish.

Le Pen verdict: Surprise ruling complicates French far right’s presidential plans

An appeals court in Paris upheld Marine Le Pen's conviction for embezzling European Parliament funds but reduced her ineligibility period, technically allowing her to run in next year's presidential election. However, she was sentenced to one year of house arrest with an electronic ankle monitor, conditions she has refused to accept, stating she needs complete freedom of movement to campaign effectively. The court found that Le Pen and her far-right National Rally party fraudulently hired parliamentary assistants who spent most of their time on domestic politics rather than official duties, swindling European taxpayers of approximately €2.8 million. Le Pen bears significant responsibility as party leader. The ruling has created uncertainty about her candidacy. Her 30-year-old protégé Jordan Bardella, who is slightly more popular in polls, may become the party's presidential candidate instead. While both are Euroskeptic, they differ on economic policy—Le Pen favors welfare state protections while Bardella appeals to pro-market conservatives. The National Rally faces its strongest chance at winning the presidency yet.

Big EU banks must set out AI risk plan, says top ECB official

The European Central Bank has ordered the EU's largest banks to submit action plans by October addressing risks from advanced artificial intelligence models. ECB supervisory board chair Claudia Buch warned that cutting-edge AI systems like Anthropic's Mythos can identify software vulnerabilities and generate exploits at unprecedented speed, threatening banks' IT systems. The directive requires lenders to strengthen internal systems and evaluate external technology providers. While no sanctions are planned for non-compliance, the ECB will use the plans to assess and compare banks' AI risk management. The European Systemic Risk Board also issued a warning, designating frontier AI as a systemic financial risk, cautioning that cyber incidents could severely disrupt payment and settlement systems. The European Commission plans to announce an action plan detailing how the EU will conduct safety testing of advanced AI models, recognizing that more powerful models like Mythos will emerge.

Lithuania's markets fear for their future as young sellers stay away

Lithuania's traditional markets are experiencing a critical shortage of traders as older vendors retire and younger people avoid the work due to long hours, early starts, and unpredictable income. While Vilnius's Kalvarijai Market thrives with both loyal pensioners and increasingly younger shoppers attracted by fresh produce, regional markets like Šalčininkai's are struggling with half-empty stalls. Traders face additional pressure from proposed mandatory cash register requirements that some cannot afford. The primary challenge is intense competition from large retail chains, which can offer lower prices due to economies of scale. Though markets aren't always cheaper than stores, they provide unique value through haggling, product sampling, and social interaction, particularly in smaller communities. According to experts, markets function as cultural hubs and remain economically important locally, though their survival depends on addressing trader recruitment and regulatory concerns.

AI has taken over the stock market. The bond market is next

Mythos saga reveals how weak Europe is right now on AI

The European Union faces a significant challenge in the artificial intelligence era, as it lags far behind the United States and China in developing frontier AI models. While EU lawmakers seek access to powerful models like Anthropic's Mythos for safety testing, an upcoming action plan cannot address the bloc's fundamental dependency on American technology and infrastructure. The plan, to be unveiled by EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen, aims to establish how European regulators can review advanced models before release and secure access to cutting-edge AI systems. However, experts warn that pursuing access to U.S. models requires sharing sensitive source code and critical information, potentially deepening European vulnerability rather than strengthening its position. Recent restrictions on AI model exports by the U.S. government highlight the risks of relying on American companies. Without developing independent advanced AI capabilities and infrastructure, the EU risks cementing its technological dependence on the United States while inadvertently compromising its own digital security and sovereignty.

How Trump Lost America the World Cup

The United States hosted the 2026 World Cup but squandered an opportunity to showcase American hospitality and values. Initially, the tournament demonstrated genuine grassroots warmth, with communities across Kansas, New Jersey, and Washington enthusiastically welcoming international teams regardless of political circumstances. However, President Trump's involvement undermined this goodwill. His administration's travel restrictions prevented supporters from banned nations from attending matches, and a Somali referee was turned away at Miami airport. Most significantly, Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to reverse Folarin Balogun's red card suspension, allowing the U.S. player to compete against Belgium—a controversial intervention in sporting rules. Though the Americans lost 4-1, the damage extended beyond the result. The incident demonstrated that a phone call from a head of state could overturn on-field verdicts, establishing a dangerous precedent for future tournaments. Unlike previous hosts who benefited from World Cup hosting, Trump left the nation's international standing diminished, converting potential goodwill into resentment and undermining FIFA's independence.

Le Pen comeback revives French far right’s biggest fear: Can she actually win?

Marine Le Pen's conviction for embezzlement was upheld by French judges, but her five-year ban on running for office was reduced, allowing her to announce she will be her party's presidential candidate for next year's election. The far-right National Rally leader, a veteran of three previous presidential campaigns, will now run alongside her 30-year-old protégé Jordan Bardella, whom she had previously groomed as her successor, with Bardella positioned as her prospective prime minister. While Le Pen faces legal challenges and house arrest, her supporters view her as France's political survivor. Polls suggest she would likely reach the second-round runoff but lose against a centrist candidate. Since her 2022 loss to Macron with 41 percent of the vote, the National Rally has become France's most popular party. However, tensions exist within the party over policy differences, particularly regarding economic issues, with Bardella having pushed for a more business-friendly approach while Le Pen favors protectionist positions. Her legal troubles could strengthen her appeal to loyalists but may hinder efforts to attract new voters from the traditional right.

Prince Harry, Elton John lose privacy case against Daily Mail publisher

Prince Harry and several other high-profile claimants lost a lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited, the publisher of the Daily Mail, over allegations of unlawful information gathering. The trial in London's High Court began in January and included accusations of phone hacking and corrupt payments to obtain information. Judge Matthew Nicklin dismissed all 97 claims, ruling that the claimants had failed to prove their allegations with sufficiently convincing evidence. ANL denied all claims and argued the information was brought forward too late. The case also included claims from celebrities such as Elton John, Doreen Lawrence, Simon Hughes, Sadie Frost, and Elizabeth Hurley. Following the verdict, ANL's editor-in-chief Paul Dacre described the decision as a victory for journalists and freedom of the press.

How one US state’s political drama could see the Democrats fumble Congress

Maine's U.S. Senate race between incumbent Republican Susan Collins and Democratic candidate Graham Platner has become crucial to determining which party controls Congress. POLITICO reported a new sexual assault allegation against Platner from a woman named Jenny Racicot, who claims he assaulted her five years ago. Though Platner denied the charges, Democratic leaders who previously supported him withdrew their endorsements, calling for his exit from the race. The scandal significantly damages Democratic prospects in Maine, which they viewed as their best opportunity to flip a Republican-held Senate seat. Democrats need to flip four seats for Senate control. Maine represents an exceptional opportunity since it's the only state Democrat Kamala Harris won in 2024 that has a Republican senator. Collins is an electoral juggernaut who won reelection in 2020 despite Biden also winning Maine. However, Democrats believe anti-Trump sentiment and her declining job approval make her vulnerable this cycle. If Platner withdraws before July 13, state Democrats can field a replacement candidate by July 27, though late-cycle candidate changes are politically risky.

Badenoch says Farage ‘cracking under pressure’ as he triggers by-election

Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch has accused Nigel Farage of "cracking under pressure" following his decision to trigger a by-election in his Clacton constituency. Speaking at POLITICO's Playbook Live summit in London, Badenoch characterized Farage's move as a "gimmick" and "waste of taxpayers' money," suggesting he cannot handle scrutiny after enjoying a prolonged period without it. She questioned whether Farage was suitable for the top job, given his visible frustration with journalists. The Clacton by-election presents the Conservatives with an opportunity to reclaim the seaside seat they lost to Farage's Reform UK at the 2024 general election, though Badenoch refused to confirm whether the party would field a candidate. Farage's decision comes amid a financial probe and growing competition from right-wing rival Restore Britain. Other parties have dismissed the by-election as a vanity project driven by anti-establishment sentiment, refusing to participate in what they view as an unnecessary contest.

Marine Le Pen is running for the French presidency

Despite being found guilty by the Paris court of appeal