Jens Spahn, parliamentary leader of Germany's ruling conservative bloc, resigned after controversy over his decision to have a child via surrogacy in the US, which is banned in Germany and opposed by his party. Chancellor Merz called the decision "correct" and "unavoidable."
US President Donald Trump dismissed Democratic lawmakers' demands to end the conflict with Iran after four US service members died in missile strikes in Jordan and Iraq. Trump downplayed the casualties by comparing them to past wars, while facing criticism from both Democrats and some conservatives, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, who accused the administration of waging war for Israel.
The article argues against calls to "move on" from Trump-era policies without accountability, specifically for ICE, citing recent killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero. It advocates for abolishing ICE, prosecuting its personnel, and resisting attempts to forget the victims.
Graham Platner, a Democratic Senate candidate, withdrew after a rape accusation, following numerous prior controversies. His saga has sparked a debate among Democrats about the different standards applied to white male candidates versus women and candidates of color regarding past mistakes and allegations.
Democratic lawmakers are urging Congress to block the revised Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, warning that the bill, championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, would impose tariffs up to 100% on imports from countries buying Russian oil and gas, leading to higher prices for American consumers and damaging trade relationships.
![Soybean Salad Oil Contaminated with Benzo[a]pyrene in Taiwan, Recall Initiated](/api/img?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.i-scmp.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2F1280x720%2Fpublic%2Fd8%2Fimages%2Fcanvas%2F2026%2F07%2F18%2F05924525-2cb4-4278-bb18-983bdc754d11_e55c8437.jpg%3Fitok%3DeSvdvxp2%26v%3D1784351802&w=800&q=72&f=webp)
Central Union Oil Corporation's soybean salad oil was found to contain excessive benzo[a]pyrene by Namchow Group, leading to a recall. The contamination, affecting 28,992 tonnes, was reported late to regulators, and the government also delayed its public announcement.
An unnamed individual suggested Washington reform its democracy instead of blaming other countries, as former President Trump accused China of interfering in the 2020 US presidential election, orchestrating a massive data compromise, and exploiting election infrastructure vulnerabilities during a White House address.
Liberal Democrats call for English FA and Uefa to exit Fifa, citing loss of integrity due to controversial decisions and commercial greed, despite potential consequences like England's World Cup participation.
Rising costs and climate change are making Australian ski fields inaccessible to many, shifting from an egalitarian pursuit in the 80s and 90s to an elite activity, with lift tickets now around $180-$220/day and unreliable snow due to global heating.
12 Democratic state attorneys general have filed a lawsuit to block the $111bn merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros Discovery, citing antitrust violations that could reduce competition and increase consumer prices in the film and cable television industries.
Former DP leader Jung Chung-rae announced his candidacy for reelection on Monday, intensifying the race for the party's leadership to five contenders. The winner will wield significant influence over candidate nominations for the 2028 parliamentary elections.
South Korea's ruling Democratic Party and the government agreed to enhance support for large-scale chip cluster and AI investment projects, pledging swift legislative action. The initiative, involving a $3.16 trillion investment, aims to boost economic growth through semiconductor and AI advancements.
US Rep. Ro Khanna accused the Israeli government and military of "lying" about his recent detention by armed settlers and soldiers in the West Bank. Khanna presented video evidence of the incident, contradicting Israeli claims that the situation was quickly resolved. He alleged that Israeli soldiers sided with the settlers, further detaining his convoy.
J&K CM Omar Abdullah criticized the Centre's delay in restoring statehood, questioning if he should approach Donald Trump after BJP politicians dismissed protests. NC plans a protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20.
Syria's new transitional parliament convened Sunday to draft a new constitution and establish democratic foundations after decades of authoritarian rule. The body, with 206 members initially, was formed through a process criticized as undemocratic, with President Ahmed al-Sharaa set to appoint the remaining members.
The Israel-Gaza war is creating deep divisions within the Democratic Party, impacting elections and fueling a progressive movement ahead of the November midterms. Candidates face a "litmus test" on their stance regarding Israel, with polls showing growing Democratic concern over US support for the country.
The Israel-Gaza war is creating deep divisions within the Democratic party, influencing primary races nationwide. Progressives are leveraging anti-war sentiment and Israel's declining popularity, while moderate candidates face pressure from pro-Israel groups and a growing segment of the electorate concerned about foreign policy and campaign finance.
The first patients have been enrolled in an Ebola treatment trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a record six weeks after the outbreak was declared a public health emergency. Despite rapid scientific progress, locals express impatience due to financial strain and mistrust, while frontline workers protest lack of pay, impacting containment efforts.
The Justice Department has subpoenaed New York Times journalists who reported on security concerns with President Trump's new Air Force One plane. Press advocacy groups, including the National Press Club and White House Correspondents' Association, have condemned the move as an attack on the First Amendment and press freedom.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse alleges rushed, improper renovations at the Kennedy Center, citing whistleblower reports of rusting steel, a faulty bathroom floor, and a reflecting pool needing rebuilding. These issues arose as President Trump attempted to seize control of the venue, rename it, and install his own leadership.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is recalling his National Guard members from Washington, D.C. earlier than planned due to concerns they were used for presence patrols in neighborhoods, deviating from their assigned role for America 250 celebrations. Other Democratic governors also sent troops with similar event-specific orders, but activists have documented guard members on broader law enforcement duties.
Five Democratic senators are demanding committee hearings to investigate the national security implications of President Trump's substantial cryptocurrency holdings, reported at $1.4 billion. They cite concerns that Trump may push for favorable crypto legislation due to his financial interests.
Senate Democrats are calling for congressional hearings into President Trump's crypto holdings after financial disclosures revealed over $1.2 billion in crypto-related income last year. They cite concerns over conflicts of interest, foreign influence, and Trump's role in shaping crypto policy.
Five top Senate Democrats are demanding hearings into Donald Trump's cryptocurrency holdings, citing his new financial disclosure revealing significant income from crypto ventures and raising concerns about foreign and unidentified investors, including a UAE-linked group.
