Gavin Newsom urges a national 'billionaires' tax' while fighting one in California

• The U.S. and its allies are exploring strategies to reduce global economic reliance on the Strait of Hormuz following lessons learned from conflicts with Iran. • Proposed measures include increasing strategic oil stockpiles and constructing new pipelines to bypass the waterway's potential for disruption.

• NATO's deputy commander is calling for an upcoming summit in Turkey to urge member nations to increase defense spending and strengthen support for Ukraine. • The push for unity comes amid instability caused by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened to leave the alliance and sent conflicting signals regarding U.S. force posture in Europe.

• An expert at a World Economic Forum meeting in Dalian urged Gulf states to diversify their defense strategies to mitigate risks associated with their geographic locations. • The expert noted a shift in Iran's strategic priorities, stating that Tehran now views economic survival as its primary goal over geopolitical ambition.

• A fragile lull in hostilities has been observed in southern Lebanon since Tuesday, with UN peacekeepers reporting no new airstrikes or missile fire. • Despite the pause, tensions remain high as Israeli drones continue to operate over the region and ground military operations persist.

• The Iranian regime has introduced a 14-point draft agreement with the U.S., a move that has sparked internal divisions and increased tensions within the government. • This diplomatic push occurs amidst severe domestic crises, including chronic energy and water shortages, environmental degradation, and rampant inflation that has eroded purchasing power.

• India is seeking to secure the financial viability of the Chabahar Port by implementing local currency payment frameworks or humanitarian trade exemptions to bypass shifting global sanctions. • To stabilize regional relations, India aims to re-engage shared cultural diplomacy by leveraging Indo-Persian historical and linguistic ties.

• The city of El Obeid in North Kordofan, Sudan, faces an imminent ground offensive by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies after 18 months of siege-like conditions. • Credible reports indicate a high risk of atrocity crimes and widespread human rights violations as the conflict intensifies in the region.

• Tensions are rising between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as of June 25, 2026. • The friction stems from Washington's evolving diplomatic approach toward Iran and a shift in regional strategy.

• Hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah have continued through June 2026, following the start of the conflict on 2 March 2026. • According to the UN and Lebanese government data, at least 4,175 Lebanese citizens were killed as of 22 June 2026, though military and civilian casualties are not distinguished.

Home secretary speeds up major part of bill governing asylum and refugees as new prime minister set to take overShabana Mahmood will seek to shore up support for her controversial immigration bill on the progressive left of Labour, as she sets out plans to speed up the opening of new safe and legal routes that will permit thousands of refugees to come to the UK.The home secretary, who is the leading contender to stay in her job if Andy Burnham becomes prime minister, will next week introduce the legislation, which will also set new limits on immigration claims on human rights grounds and under modern slavery law.Removing modern slavery protections for any foreign national who has committed a crime and received a sentence, scrapping the previous 12-month threshold.Rejecting last-minute modern slavery claims where an objection could have been raised earlier or where there is evidence of false documentation.Allowing immigration claims to be brought under the right to a family life only if the family member is a parent, spouse or child under 18 except in exceptional circumstances.A new test to make clear that deporting foreign national offenders is in the public interest and should only be blocked in the most exceptional circumstances. Applications for family reunion under the right to a family life will in future have to be brought by a UK-based sponsor, not the overseas family member.Giving every trafficked and exploited child a dedicated independent guardian to support their safeguarding and recovery. Continue reading...

High commissioner for human rights calls for ‘those responsible for violations of the law’ to be held to accountUS politics live – latest updatesThe United Nations high commissioner for human rights, Volker Türk, on Friday raised the alarm internationally about deaths in US government immigration custody and called for “prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigations”.Türk’s call came as the Trump administration faced investigations by watchdogs at its own Department of Homeland Security (DHS) into deaths and use of force against people detained in its expanding immigration detention system across the country. Continue reading...

Michael Phillips, who says he has a 0.38in member, wrote that he needed procedure to improve his ability to urinateThe North Carolina man who has made the apparently undisputed claim of having the world’s smallest penis is seeking the public’s support for enlargement surgery.Michael Phillips said online on Thursday that he needed the procedure to improve his ability to urinate, which is difficult for him given that he is reportedly 0.38in (0.97cm) long when fully erect. Otherwise, he said he must continue to wear diapers for adults with incontinence daily. Continue reading...