Switzerland Today - SWI swissinfo.ch

• U.S. District Judge Denise Casper in Boston has issued a ruling that converts a preliminary injunction into a permanent ban on several of Donald Trump's election overhaul efforts. • The decision follows a lawsuit brought by Democratic state attorneys general, rejecting the Republican administration's claim that the legal challenge was premature.

• The U.S. and Iran are currently in a dispute regarding whether Tehran has formally agreed to allow nuclear inspections. • Across the U.S., primary elections are underway in all 50 states to select nominees for various offices, with recent voting occurring in Maryland, New York, South Carolina, and Utah.

• Global benchmark oil prices have dropped below $76 a barrel, reaching their lowest level since before the onset of the US-Iran war. • The price decline follows a memorandum of understanding signed last week between the US and Iran to halt fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

• Ukraine has officially opened European Union accession talks, focusing on a set of "Fundamentals" that include democracy, the rule of law, and anti-corruption measures. • Despite this progress, the process is threatened by a persistent power struggle and unresolved judicial reforms within Ukraine's legal system.

• The U.S. Senate approved the 1795 Jay Treaty with Great Britain, establishing critical precedents for the nation's treaty-making process. • The agreement acknowledged the American economy's heavy reliance on English trade and utilized the British fleet as a strategic security shield.

• General Christopher Donahue, a highly respected four-star Army general commanding U.S. soldiers in Europe, is set to retire from his post. • The retirement follows a lack of new nominations for a position consistent with his rank from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

• Hungary has approved a new legislative package designed to eliminate corrupt structures and reduce the influence of oligarchs. • A key component of the reforms involves returning universities to state control to ensure greater transparency and governance.

• Leonardo CEO Roberto Mariani warned that Italy must maintain its current growth in defense spending to avoid becoming "EU subordinates" to France and Germany. • Mariani noted that a sudden jump from 1.5% to 3.5% of GDP in military spending would have overwhelmed Italian industries, making a gradual investment path essential.

• France is reconsidering its historical reluctance toward air conditioning as the country experiences its hottest day on record. • Current adoption rates in France are significantly lower than in other nations, with only 25% of households equipped with units compared to 50% in Spain and Italy and 90% in the US and Japan.

• The US Supreme Court has limited the scope of foreign human rights claims, narrowing the ability to file overseas abuse lawsuits against corporations in US courts. • The ruling stems from a case involving Cisco, which faced allegations of providing technology to the Chinese government to monitor and suppress Falun Gong followers.

• Princeton University professor and author Eddie Glaude has released a new book examining the historical connection between political turmoil and Fourth of July celebrations. • The text illustrates how tensions surrounding the nation's founding have historically reached a boiling point during independence day festivities.

• The group stage fixtures for European teams have been announced for the 2026 World Cup, hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. • A total of 12 groups (A-L) have been established, featuring European sides such as England, France, Germany, Spain, and Portugal alongside global competitors.