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• A dozen state attorneys general, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, are suing to block the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance. • The lawsuit cites antitrust concerns, arguing that the merger would harm U.S. audiences by reducing available content and increasing prices for consumers. • The group has formally requested that the companies halt the completion of the deal until the judicial process has concluded.

• Supreme Court justices appeared before lawmakers on Capitol Hill for a hearing focused on enhancing judicial security, marking their first such testimony since 2019. • The rare appearance highlights growing concerns over threats against judges and their families, necessitating a review of current protection protocols. • This move matters as it signals a critical need for legislative action and increased funding to safeguard the judiciary from political violence and harassment.

Bill marks a full-circle moment for the PM-in-waiting and encapsulates what he says his government will be aboutAndy Burnham has always said he took his first steps out of Westminster in 2009, when he walked out to address furious Liverpool fans at the Kop on the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.They chanted “Justice for the 96” for a full two minutes before the then culture secretary was able to continue, demonstrating their anger that nobody in public office had been convicted of any offence over the tragedy. Continue reading...

In today’s newsletter: A new law criminalising public bodies and officials that lie to the British public is expected to complete it final stages in the Commons. Why did it take so long?Good morning. We think we know this story, the one about the 97 who went to watch a football match on a sunny afternoon. Perhaps you remember, as I do, watching footage of the lethal crush at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough stadium, on the evening news in your childhood living room. Or maybe you read later how South Yorkshire police presented a series of false narratives that blamed Liverpool football club supporters, rather than take responsibility for their own catastrophic mismanagement of the FA Cup semi-final.Today, after a decade of campaigning, a new law criminalising public bodies and officials that lie to the British public, and supporting people fighting these authorities for the truth, is expected to complete it final stages in the Commons, pushed through by Keir Starmer as one of his final acts as prime minister.UK news | British counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe in a shock development that has renewed the debate over the security of politicians. A 28-year-old man from Rotherham is being held in custody on suspicion of her murder.Middle East | The US has launched its third consecutive night of strikes on Iran hours after Donald Trump said Washington would reinstate a maritime blockade on the country and, in an apparently policy reversal, charge ships for safe passage.UK politics | Andy Burnham is to become Britain’s next prime minister after winning the backing of 349 Labour MPs, including all eligible members of Keir Starmer’s current cabinet, making it impossible for any rival to secure enough nominations to challenge him.Environment | Most of the UK media stories about the record-breaking heatwave that struck in June failed to mention the climate crisis, analysis has found. Even fewer pieces drew a link between the heatwave and government policies designed to tackle the climate crisis.US news | The US government has already paid back tens of billions of dollars in tariffs it collected before the supreme court ruled them illegal, according to budget figures released on Monday. Continue reading...

• Congress is entering a critical "cyber sprint" to pass key legislation before the upcoming August recess. • Lawmakers are focused on two primary objectives: advancing AI security legislation and resolving a deadlock over warrantless surveillance authority. • These efforts are vital for updating national security frameworks and establishing guardrails for the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence.

• Philadelphia will host a series of signature events throughout 2026 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. • As the nation's birthplace, the city aims to leverage its historical significance to create a "once-in-a-lifetime" year of festivities. • These celebrations matter as they mark a major national milestone, drawing global attention and tourism to the city's historic landmarks.

• Congress returns to Washington on Monday to tackle a dense legislative agenda before the upcoming August recess and the midterm election cycle. • Lawmakers face a constrained timeline to address several key priorities, though the specific legislative goals were not detailed in the report. • The return to the Capitol is overshadowed by the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham, adding a layer of mourning to the political proceedings.