A leap year in a turbulent era
The Court of Appeal has ruled that the non-custodial sentences handed to three teenage defendants for rape and related offences in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, were unduly lenient. The judges have quashed the previous sentences and imposed detention in a majority of cases, citing the severity of the crimes and harm to the victims.
Oil prices have fallen since a US‑Iran interim deal reopened the Strait of Hormuz, sending more tankers through and pushing Brent toward pre‑war levels. Wholesale fuel costs have dropped, but retail pump prices are easing slowly as refining, distribution and inventory lags persist and the White House has ordered a DOJ review into alleged price gouging.
Ocean surface temperatures in June have hit record highs, surpassing 2023 and 2024, with six months of near-unprecedented warmth. Scientists warn El Niño could intensify heat and extreme weather this year and next.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies has found that a Russian drone campaign operated across Europe from 2024 to 2026, with HAV Dolphin docked near Hull and other vessels acting as relays. The effort targeted UK and continental sites, with officials saying Moscow acted with substantial impunity and evidence points to Putin's involvement.
Misty Roberts, a former Louisiana mayor, has been sentenced to 90 days for sexual crimes involving a 16-year-old. She must register as a sex offender, pay fines, and undergo therapy and regular drug testing. The case uncovered vitriolic victim statements and calls for accountability.
Mozambican opposition figures continue to face violence and disappearances after the October 2024 elections. Investigations link prominent figures with the ruling party to intimidation, killings, and media blackouts. Chissale’s disappearance highlights risk to journalists reporting sensitive issues.
Waymo, Wayve, Baidu and Uber-backed ventures have pushed robotaxi testing and commercial rollouts in London, San Francisco and Houston, while Uber has announced Houston as its next market after San Francisco. Companies have recalled vehicles and limited freeway operations after construction-zone incidents, and unions and regulators are blocking some US rollout plans.
The Prosperity Party has secured a decisive majority in the House of Peoples' Representatives, with 438 of 501 seats reported by the electoral board. Voting did not occur in Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia due to security concerns, while turnout was high in areas where voting occurred. The government frames the result as a mandate for stability and continued reforms, but opposition voices warn of fear and intimidation amid ongoing tensions and regional disputes.
De la Espriella has won the runoff by under a point and pledges to restore Colombia's ties with the United States and Israel, reversing Petro-era policies amid rising violence.
Volkswagen has signalled a major restructuring plan, with reports that the group is weighing further job cuts and plant closures in Germany to cut costs and counter Chinese competition. The board meeting on July 9 will review potential closures of Hanover, Zwickau, Emden, and Neckarsulm, as part of a broader program to reduce costs and boost profitability.
The NFL has declined to hold a 2026 supplemental draft for Brendan Sorsby. He will remain ineligible in 2026 but is deemed draft-eligible for 2027; he has accepted responsibility for gambling issues and is focusing on recovery and preparation.
Usyk has vacated the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight belts to allow contenders to fight for them, a move that opens the division and sets the stage for new champions. Kabayel has become WBC champion, while Gassiev is poised to inherit the WBA title; IBF actions point toward Frank Sanchez or Moses Itauma as next contenders. The sport faces a reshuffle as Usyk pivots toward a final, high-stakes bout.
Carroll has urged a Manhattan court to require Trump to pay the $5m verdict for sexual abuse and defamation. The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear an appeal keeps the original judgments in place, while interest brings the total to nearly $5.8m. Attorneys say delays must end and payment should proceed.
San Francisco Archbishop Cordileone must write apology letters to roughly 530 abuse survivors as part of a historic settlement. The deal includes 14 child-protection reforms and an open, public list of accused clergy. Survivors will receive an equitable distribution of funds, overseen by a survivor committee.
Syria’s parliament will convene its first session under a transitional framework after President Sharaa’s appointments fill 70 seats, expanding female representation and minority presence while laying groundwork for a 30-month term and a new elections law.
Kroger has announced its plan to acquire Giant Eagle, a family-owned grocer with 197 supermarkets and 11 pharmacies across five states. The deal, approved by Kroger’s board, will broaden Kroger’s reach into adjacent markets and is expected to close in 2027 after regulatory clearance. Some analysts predict price competition may ease in the near term, while others warn prices could rise in less competitive areas over the long term.
Google and Amazon report rising electricity and water demand tied to data-center growth for AI, while claiming progress on clean-energy use. Google's 2025 data-center energy use has surged, yet emissions have fallen slightly; Amazon reports record data-center capacity growth with emissions up 16%. The industry faces heightened scrutiny as AI expands infrastructure, with Microsoft’s report due soon.
The government has signed Lulu’s Law, directing the FCC to enable emergency mobile alerts when shark attacks occur. States will implement warnings; Alabama already has a similar system. Lulu Gribbin, who survived a 2024 shark attack, advocates the measure, saying it could save lives.