Foundry USA, the world's largest Bitcoin mining pool, has opened voting for its customers on Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP-110), a soft fork aiming to limit non-monetary transactions like Ordinals. The proposal faces opposition from industry leaders Adam Back and Michael Saylor, who warn of potential user fund freezes and transaction invalidation.
New analysis for the Guardian by More in Common shows how different UK voting systems would yield vastly different parliamentary seat distributions based on current polling. While FPTP could give Reform UK a near-majority, proportional systems would likely result in hung parliaments and coalition governments, potentially a progressive alliance.
The Kerry Fencing World Championships commenced in Hong Kong, with local fencer Harris Ho Shing-him sweeping pool matches and two other city athletes also securing spots in the main draw. The nine-day tournament marks its first time being held in Hong Kong.
An amendment proposed by Rep. Lauren Boebert to codify a ban on transgender people serving in the U.S. military failed in the House, with two Republicans defecting. However, Rep. Nancy Mace successfully passed two amendments restricting TRICARE coverage for gender-related medical procedures and banning transgender girls from K-12 sports in DoD schools.
Proposed voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws are set to pass the Northern Territory parliament, making euthanasia legal across all Australian jurisdictions. The bill, to be introduced Thursday and debated in August, has confirmed support despite diverging from inquiry recommendations on prognosis timeframe and a "gag clause" for doctors.
Incoming Labor president Kate Ellis warns that political toxicity is harming public debate and limiting MPs' ability to do their jobs. Ahead of the national conference in Adelaide, Ellis emphasized Labor's focus on policies to improve voters' lives, including universal childcare, while addressing sexism and safety concerns in politics.
The House of Representatives voted 220-205 to extend government funding at current levels until December 4, with six Democrats joining Republicans. The bill now moves to the Senate, where its passage is uncertain, potentially requiring reconciliation amid Democratic opposition.
Andy Burnham, the new UK Prime Minister, faces the challenge of resetting UK-EU relations amidst domestic priorities and Brexit's economic impact. While initially focused on internal affairs, he may pursue closer European engagement, particularly on security and economic cooperation, potentially shifting Labour's red lines despite Eurosceptic opposition.
Wisconsin Democrats urge the state elections commission to allow voters to cast new absentee ballots after candidates dropped out and re-entered the chaotic gubernatorial primary race, potentially invalidating thousands of votes already cast.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced a software error registered approximately 6,600 noncitizens as voters between June 2023 and June 2024, despite their non-citizenship indication. Fewer than 400 voted. The state is removing them and replacing the vendor, with Sherrill emphasizing accountability.
Andy Burnham initially suggested increasing the tax-free personal allowance, citing public frustration. However, sources close to him later clarified that such changes are not part of his immediate cost-of-living plan, emphasizing fiscal discipline and Labour's manifesto commitments, with government sources also confirming no short-term plans.
Newly-installed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is attempting to win back voters who have shifted to Reform UK by aligning with some of their key positions, including respecting Brexit, criticizing the Whitehall 'blob,' backing British industries, maintaining strict immigration reforms, and proposing a minister for coastal communities.
France's parliament has approved a bill banning social media access for children under 15, becoming the first EU country to implement such a restriction. Championed by President Macron, the ban will be phased in, starting September 1 for new accounts and January 2027 for existing ones, despite some criticism.
Satsuma Technology, a UK-based Bitcoin treasury company, will liquidate its entire 668 BTC position (worth $43.5M) and delist from the LSE after shareholders overruled its board. This unwinds the company, which raised £163.6M in 2025 but saw its stock crash during the crypto winter.
Newcastle United is set to change its club crest for the first time since 1988, citing issues with modern reproduction. Supporters will vote on new designs during a two-week window in August, following extensive consultation where 84% expressed a desire to honor heritage. Fan reactions are mixed, with some fearing a corporate design while others accept the need for evolution.
President Donald Trump indicated he has no intention of punishing China, despite previously accusing Beijing of causing an election security "nightmare" and interfering in the 2020 election. He suggested China may have learned its lesson, while also pushing for the unpassed SAVE America Act focused on voter ID.
Le sénateur LR François-Noël Buffet a été confirmé Défenseur des droits par le Parlement (43 voix pour, 39 contre), malgré la vive opposition d'une soixantaine d'associations et de syndicats critiquant ses positions passées sur les droits fondamentaux.
A Seoul court denied an arrest warrant for a woman, nicknamed "Oldarc," accused of obstructing business by blocking a vote counting center entrance for two hours last month. The court found no risk of evidence destruction or flight. Warrants were also sought for four men involved in related protests, with one granted.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise used an Olive Garden pasta pass as an analogy to argue for the SAVE America Act, a GOP bill requiring photo ID for new voters. Democrats oppose it as voter suppression, while some Senate Republicans also express skepticism, making its passage unlikely in the Senate.
France's parliament approved a bill banning social media for under-15s, making it the first European country to do so. President Macron championed the ban, set to start in September for new accounts and January 2027 for existing ones, despite some criticism.
Arizona holds primaries for governor, U.S. House, and secretary of state, testing voter sentiment in a swing state. Key races include toss-up House districts and the governor's re-election, with Donald Trump's endorsements playing a significant role.
Britain's new chancellor, John Healey, faces a severe affordability crisis with declining household incomes, high inflation, and rising borrowing costs. The article outlines a "triple bind" and proposes direct inflation reduction through essential price cuts and tax reforms on investment income and landlord taxation to provide relief without provoking higher interest rates.
En France, la proposition de loi sur la fin de vie, incluant euthanasie et suicide assisté, fait face à des doutes croissants et des abstentions parmi les députés. Malgré un soutien gouvernemental et une probable majorité, des voix s'élèvent contre un processus jugé bâclé avant les votes solennel le 30 juin et définitif le 15 juillet.
Le Parlement français doit voter définitivement une proposition de loi interdisant les réseaux sociaux aux moins de 15 ans, avec une mise en œuvre progressive dès septembre 2026. Le texte prévoit aussi l'interdiction des téléphones portables dans les lycées à partir de la rentrée 2026.
