Full Royal Welcome: Spain’s Royal Family & PM Welcomes Pope at Madrid Royal Palace in Grand Ceremony

June 6, 20226 | Pope Leo XIV was received at Madrid’s Royal Palace on June 6 in a formal state ceremony hosted by Spain’s King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, marking a major diplomatic and religious event during the pontiff’s first official visit to Spain.

The reception highlighted longstanding Vatican–Spain relations. Discussions were expected to focus on migration, European unity, and social cohesion. The visit is part of a broader apostolic journey across Spain, including engagements in Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands.

The royal welcome underscores the intersection of faith and state diplomacy at a time of heightened global political and social tensions.

Dimitra's Dishes: Zucchini Fritters: Greek Kolokithokeftedes

May 18, 2026 | κολοκυθοκεφτέδες

Get the full recipe here.

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines

June 9, 2026

Democracy Now! can be supported here.

Pour la première fois depuis 1000 ans, un mariage a été célébré à l’abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel

Cette capture d'écran du mariage est tiré de la vidéo qui accompagne cet article de Madame Figaro.
MADAME FIGARO : Ce lundi 1er juin, le mannequin Ming Xi et l’entrepreneur Mario Ho se sont mariés dans l’abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel, une première depuis 1000 ans.

Ils se sont dit oui... et pas n’importe où. Sept ans après leur union civile, le mannequin Ming Xi et l’entrepreneur Mario Ho ont célébré leur mariage religieux au cœur de l’abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel. Ce qui rend cet évènement si spécial ? Selon les dires de la mariée, « c’était la première fois en plus de 1000 ans » qu’un mariage était célébré en ces lieux. Un endroit insolite, classé au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO et devenu la destination de rêve de nombreuses mariées françaises et étrangères. » | Par Axelle Dusart | lundi 8 juin 2026

WIKIPEDIA: Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey »

Kushner’s Sazan Plan: Barefoot Self-discovery or Modern Land Grab?| Soumaya Ghannoushi | MEE Opinion

Jun 9, 2026 | Soumaya Ghannoushi, a writer and expert in Middle East politics, argues that Jared Kushner's multi-billion-dollar plan to build a luxury resort on Sazan Island exposes a significant disconnect between elite privilege and the real-world implications of sovereignty.

Ghannoushi points out that what Ivanka Trump describes as an innocent "barefoot discovery" of an untouched "mysterious Mediterranean paradise" is actually a calculated venture supported by foreign sovereign wealth funds and facilitated by local authorities that are compliant with these plans.

She argues that Kushner is attempting to reduce sovereign geography to merely a picturesque backdrop, drawing a troubling parallel to his controversial real estate ambitions regarding the "waterfront potential of Gaza" during Israel’s genocidal war on the besieged strip.


This is a fantastic synopsis. Bravo! — Mark

Minister: Bulgariens neue Regierung will Waffenlieferungen an Ukraine einstellen

BERLINER ZEITUNG: Bulgarien will nach Angaben des Verteidigungsministers keine Waffen mehr an die Ukraine liefern. Zudem fordert Dimitar Stoyanov Friedensverhandlungen.

Dieser Screenshot stammt aus diesem Artikel. | Bulgariens Verteidigungsminister Dimitar Stoyanov | © Zuma Press Wire/imago
Die neue Regierung Bulgariens will der ukrainischen Armee keine weiteren Waffen liefern, erklärte Verteidigungsminister Dimitar Stoyanov laut der bulgarischen Nachrichtenagentur BTA am Dienstag. „Wir erleben einen Abnutzungskrieg, und egal wie viele Waffen angehäuft werden, das Ergebnis ist der Verlust von Menschenleben“, sagte er demnach.

Stoyanov sagte laut Bloomberg, die Ukraine brauche „mehr Menschen, nicht mehr Waffen“ und forderte einen „gerechten Frieden, der von beiden Konfliktparteien mitgestaltet wird“. Dabei sei auch die Rolle der EU „von größter Bedeutung“. Er sprach sich dem Bericht zufolge außerdem für die Aufhebung der Sanktionen gegen Russland aus, da diese der europäischen Wirtschaft schadeten. » | Anika Schlünz | Dienstag, 9. Juni 2026

12 Gay Movies with Plot Twists That Destroyed Us

Feb 16, 2026 | Have you ever watched a film that completely blindsided you, leaving you emotionally wrecked for days? Today we're counting down twelve gay movies with plot twists so devastating, they shattered us completely.

WARNING: Viewer discretion is advised!

Why The Press Doesn't Hold Trump Accountable

Lucas Bean tells us why.

'A Game of Snakes and Ladders’ - Iran Official on US Negotiations

Common sense coming from an Iranian official.

We The People

Father David on why it makes sense to dump Trump!

Democracy Now! Iran Warns Israel over Attacks on Lebanon after Iran, Israel Exchange Strikes: Trita Parsi

Jun 8, 2026 | Iran and Israel exchanged fire overnight in the most serious escalation since a U.S.-Iranian truce was reached in April. Iran launched a wave of missiles at northern Israel in retaliation for Israeli attacks near Beirut on Sunday. Israel responded with attacks on Iran, with explosions reported in Tehran, Tabriz and Isfahan. This comes as peace talks appear stalled between the United States and Iran, largely over Iran's insistence that any agreement must include Lebanon and halt Israel's attacks on that country. President Donald Trump has also repeatedly expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and reports from NBC News and The New York Times indicate the Pentagon is growing increasingly concerned over Israel spying on U.S. officials.

"I was not surprised by the Iranian attack on Israel," says analyst Trita Parsi, who notes that Iran's leaders want to "extend their deterrence" to Lebanon. "What is perhaps a bit surprising is … that the Israelis defied Trump's expressed wishes."


Democracy Now! can be supported here.

Trump Tells BBC: “If I Tell Netanyahu to Do Something, He Does It” | BBC News

Jun 8, 2026 | The US President Donald Trump has told the BBC that if he tells Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu “to do something, he does it”.

The president was speaking to the BBC’s North America Editor Sarah Smith in a telephone interview, following the recent new round of hostilities between Israel and Iran.

Israel had launched attacks on Iran’s capital Tehran on Sunday, in apparent defiance of a demand from the White House to comply with the fragile ceasefire in force since April. Israel said the action was in retaliation for attacks by the Iranian backed Hezbollah militia group in Southern Lebanon. Iran responded to the airstrikes by firing multiple missiles at Israel, the first such attack since April.

Hours before Israel launched its attacks, President Trump had declared “I call the shots” and had instructed Benjamin Netanyahu to comply with the ceasefire. The President told the BBC that Israel had already launched its attacks, at the time when he had requested that Israel exercise restraint.

Donald Trump said he had persuaded Mr Netanyahu to return to the ceasefire, telling him: “We have to use sense. We’re very close to signing a very good deal” with Iran.

Reeta Chakrabarti presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Sarah Smith, Wyre Davies and Jeremy Bowen.

Steve Rosenberg: Russian Holidaymakers Using Fortune-telling Cards to Predict When Airports Won't Be Shut by Drones

June 8, 2026 | With Ukrainian drone attacks continuing to force temporary shutdowns of Russian airports, one Russian paper today reports that “Russians have started to use fortune telling cards to tell them what date they should fly off on holiday.”

Corée du Nord : Xi Jinping accueilli fastueusement par Kim Jong-un

Cette capture d'écran provient de cet article du Figaro. | Le dirigeant nord-coréen Kim Jong Un (au centre à droite) et son épouse Ri Sol Ju (à l’arrière à droite) accueillent le président chinois Xi Jinping (au centre à gauche) et son épouse Peng Liyuan (à l’arrière à gauche) à leur arrivée à l’aéroport de Pyongyang, en Corée du Nord. - STR / AFP
LE FIGARO : EN IMAGES - En visite de deux jours en Corée du Nord, le président chinois Xi Jinping a été accueilli avec faste par le leader nord-coréen Kim Jong-un, avec qui il éprouve un « sentiment particulier de proximité ».

Le président chinois Xi Jinping a été accueilli en grande pompe lundi en Corée du Nord pour sa première visite depuis 2019, à l’heure où Pyongyang s’affirme aux côtés de Moscou et maintient fermement le cap sur son programme nucléaire. Si la Chine reste un soutien diplomatique, économique et politique clé de Pyongyang, soumis à de multiples sanctions de l’ONU, le dirigeant nord-coréen Kim Jong-un s’est considérablement rapproché de Moscou, sur fond d’envoi de soldats soutenant les forces russes contre l’Ukraine.

« Peu importe l’évolution des temps ou la façon dont la situation internationale se transforme, l’amitié traditionnelle entre la Chine et la Corée du Nord est toujours invincible », a cependant insisté Xi Jinping lundi en Une du Rodong Sinmun, le journal officiel nord-coréen. Kim Jong-un et son épouse Ri Sol-ju ont accueilli Xi Jinping, accompagné de son épouse Peng Liyuan, à l’arrivée de leur avion à Pyongyang. » | Par Marie Rochereau-Krueger et AFP | mardi 9 juin 2026

LESEN SIE AUCH:

Xi bei Kim: China will Nordkorea daran erinnern, wer sein wichtigster Partner ist: Mit großem Pomp wird Xi Jinping in Pjöngjang empfangen. Hinter der Inszenierung steckt jedoch ein strategisches Ziel. Russlands wachsender Einfluss soll begrenzt werden. »

One Is the Pope, the Other an Atheist. They Both Oppose Trump.

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Pope Leo XIV and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain, who met on Monday, have recently clashed with President Trump. Their motivations, however, may be different.

This screenshot is from this NYT article. | Pope Leo XIV welcoming Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain at the Vatican last month, in a photo made available by Vatican media. | Vatican Media, via Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
When Pope Leo met in Madrid with Spain’s left-wing prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, on Monday morning, they represented, at least to many liberals, a powerful duo joining forces to lead the opposition to President Trump.

“They have the same voice,” when it comes to speaking out against Mr. Trump, Cardinal José Cobo of Madrid said.

Pope Leo has drawn the president’s fury for criticizing the war in Iran and later saying he had “no fear” of the Trump administration. Mr. Sánchez has battled Mr. Trump on everything from NATO spending to the migration policy to his opposition to the wars in Gaza and Iran.

Their motivations, though, are seemingly different.

If the pope was dragged into the fight by Mr. Trump, Mr. Sánchez happily jumped in. Mr. Sánchez is perhaps Europe’s most accomplished political escape artist, after wriggling free from countless crises during his eight years in power. His most recent high-wire act has been to seize on international quarrels with Mr. Trump to raise his global profile and distract from troubles at home, especially the corruption scandals and accusations now swirling around his former allies and family.

Appearing with the pope “will help Sánchez with his external public image,” said Joseba Louzao, a professor at Cardinal Cisneros University and author of “A Brief History of the Catholic Church in Spain.”

Meeting the pope at the Vatican’s embassy in Madrid on Monday, Mr. Sánchez sought to underline their connection by giving the pontiff a Spanish olive bonsai tree that was, the Spanish government said in a statement to reporters, “a universal symbol of peace, dialogue and understanding, values shared by Spain and the Vatican.” » | Jason Horowitz | Reporting from Madrid | Monday, June 8, 2026

Leer en español.

Related material here.

CBS Shocker Exposes Trump’s Media Machine

Jun 5, 2026 | Mary Trump and Wajahat Ali expose the Supreme Court's latest ruling, the collapse of CBS News, and Trump's expanding media influence as democracy faces a critical test.

THE NEW YORK TIMES:

Mary Trump Has More to Talk About Than Her Uncle: The president’s niece is newly married and ready to open up about her life with Ronda Cress. »

Eagles : Lyin' Eyes | 2013 Remastered

Nov 1, 2018 | Provided to YouTube by Rhino/Elektra

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid • Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head • B.J. Thomas

Jun 21, 2021 | Soundtrack from the 1969 George Roy Hill film, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, with Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katherine Ross, Strother Martin, Henry Jones, Jeff Corey, George Furth, Kenneth Mars, Sam Elliott & Cloris Leachman. - HD Film Tributes is a channel that currently has three hundred movie homages uploaded. …

Harry Nilsson : Without You | 1972 HD

Jun 20, 2015 | Views on YouTube: 13,365,495 | SME records CD titled: "Harry Nilsson Without You", sound recording administered by: SME. Copyright music records SME.

Full Speech: Pope Leo XIV Delivers Historic Address at Spanish Parliament in Madrid Visit

June 6, 2026 | Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful and wide-ranging address at the Spanish Parliament during his apostolic journey in Madrid, focusing on human dignity, democracy, peace, and moral responsibility in public life.

Speaking before Spain’s top political and judicial leaders, including Congress President Francina Armengol and Senate President Pedro Rollán, the Pope emphasized the role of law in protecting human rights and the importance of dialogue in divided societies. His historic speech highlighted Spain’s intellectual legacy and called for unity, justice, and peace. …


THE GUARDIAN:

Pope uses Spain speech to warn of global ‘spiritual and cultural crisis’: Addressing lawmakers, Leo XIV also highlights migration at a time when Madrid is bucking European trends »

Donald Trump Has Fouled Himself and America | Steve Schmidt

June 8, 2026 | Donald Trump had a complete psychological meltdown on Meet the Press. Steve Schmidt breaks down Trump's ongoing decomposition and why this interview should frighten every American.

Americans have a penchant for electing geriatrics as their president. I guess they must like doddering people to lead them! Nevertheless, it is truly beyond my comprehension that a nation which prides itself on its dynamism should elect into office, and in this case re-elect into office, a man who is so clearly on his last legs! So much for dynamic America! — © Mark Alexander

Der Kronprinz Mohammed bin Salman wollte Saudi-Arabien neu erfinden: Was ist davon übrig?

BERLINER ZEITUNG: Vor zehn Jahren präsentierte ein 30-jähriger Kronprinz eine Utopie, die Vision 2030: ein Saudi-Arabien ohne Ölabhängigkeit, modern, reich an Touristen und Technologie. Eine Bilanz.

Dieser Screenshot stammt aus diesem Artikel. | Mohammed Bin Salman ist faktisch der Herrscher Saudi-Arabiens und die treibende Kraft der futuristischen Vision 2030. | © Nathan Howard - Pool via CNP/Imago
Die Vision erschien grenzenlos. Als der 30-jährige Mohammed bin Salman im April 2016 in Riad seine Diversifizierungsstrategie vorstellte, klang Saudi-Arabien wie ein Land, das sich selbst neu erfindet: weg vom Öl, hin zu Tourismus, Technologie und Entertainment von Weltklasse. Er nannte das Programm Vision 2030. So der Plan. Rund zehn Jahre später sieht die Realität etwas anders aus.

Mohammed bin Salman – von den Medien gerne MBS genannt – war nicht der älteste Sohn des saudischen Königs Salman, sondern das achte Kind der dritten Ehefrau. Es gelang ihm trotzdem, sich durchzusetzen und in die Rolle des Kronprinzen zu schlüpfen, obwohl er nicht der Erstgeborene war. Als er im Jahr 2015 die Führung übernahm, war er bereits Verteidigungsminister – ohne militärische oder diplomatische Ausbildung.

Was folgte, war eine Zentralisierung der Macht, die das Königreich in seiner modernen Geschichte so noch nicht kannte. Der Journalist Ben Hubbard beschreibt in seiner Biografie über den Kronprinzen detailliert, wie das Luxushotel Ritz-Carlton in Riad über Nacht in ein Hochsicherheitsgefängnis verwandelt wurde. So ließ MBS im November 2017 Hunderte Prinzen und Geschäftsleute im Ritz festsetzen – offiziell eine Antikorruptionskampagne, faktisch die Ausschaltung möglicher Konkurrenz. Wer zahlte, kam frei, wer nicht, der blieb. Schätzungsweise 100 Milliarden Dollar sollen damals den Besitzer gewechselt haben. » | Luise Evers | Sonntag, 7. Juni 2026

Blicken Sie nur auf den Kitsch im Oval Office! Es ist kaum zu fassen, dass ein Präsident diesen Raum so geschmacklos einrichten konnte. Das ist der beste Beweis dafür, dass man Klasse mit Geld nicht kaufen kann. — © Mark Alexander

Hongrie : les députés renoncent à 40% de leur salaire

Cette capture d'écran provient de cet article du Figaro. | Le Premier ministre hongrois, Péter Magyar. Bernadett Szabo / REUTERS
LE FIGARO : À partir du mois prochain, le salaire de base des députés hongrois sera de 3.690 euros brut, les économies réalisées représentant, selon la majorité conservatrice, un an de frais de fonctionnement du parlement.

Les députés hongrois ont accepté lundi de diminuer de 40% leurs revenus pour contribuer à soulager les finances publiques et renvoyer l'image de probité réclamée par le nouveau premier ministre Péter Magyar dans un contexte budgétaire tendu. « Il s'agit d'humilité », avait déclaré le conservateur le mois dernier à RTL pour justifier cette mesure, adoptée à l'unanimité des 189 parlementaires présents, rapidement après sa victoire aux législatives d'avril. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | lundi 8 juin 2026

Hungry Man Kitchen: How to Make a Seriously Good Turkish Bulgur Pilaf | Burghul Pilaf

May 6, 2021 | “Today, I'm making my favorite bulgur pilaf, which is very rich in flavors, with fragrant spices and is simply delicious. Turkish bulgur pilaf is an extremely filling, satisfying and quite healthy dish that is easy to make and is a really nice alternative to rice. Bulgur is very nutritious, and one of the many benefits of consuming bulgur pilaf is the rich amount of fiber that the whole wheat contains.

Hope you enjoy the video and the recipe!”


HUNGRY MAN KITCHEN can be supported on Patreon here.

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines

June 8, 2026

Democracy Now! can be supported here.

The Trumps are eco-saboteurs. They should be STOPPED. You can help stop them and help protect Sazan Island from the Trump family by signing this petition: Sign it here.

Machen Superreiche die Welt besser? | Stimmt es, dass ...? | ARTE

Jun 7, 2026 | Mit Milliarden die Welt zu einem besseren Ort machen – Philanthropie gilt als große Erfolgsgeschichte. Aber stimmt das eigentlich?

Die Doku zeigt die Gestaltungsmacht superreicher Spender und wie sie mit ihren Geldern tief in soziale Strukturen eingreifen können. Zwischen Fortschritt und Einfluss stellt sich die Frage: Was hat das für Gesellschaften bedeutet? Und für die Demokratie?

Video verfügbar bis zum 03/06/2027

Waleed Asadi: The Cream Behind Every Great Middle Eastern Dessert | Ashta | قشطة

June 7, 2026 | “Ashta is one of the most beloved ingredients in Levantine desserts but many people have never heard of it. This delicate cream finds its way into everything …”


Click here for the full recipe.

Waleed’s very own selection of spices can be found here. Don’t forget to use the code ZAWI10 for 10% off your first order.

Waleed’s favourite Lebanese olive oil, Les Cousines, can be found here. Don’t forget to use Waleed’s very own special introductory code for 15% off your first order.

Turquie : la présidente du Venezuela en visite surprise à Istanbul

LE FIGARO : Delcy Rodriguez, qui dirige le pays depuis que les forces américaines ont capturé l’ancien président socialiste Nicolas Maduro en janvier, est arrivée à Istanbul dimanche soir après une visite de cinq jours en Inde.

La présidente par intérim du Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, va rencontrer le président turc Recep Tayyip Erdogan lundi après son arrivée inattendue à Istanbul, a annoncé la présidence turque. Delcy Rodriguez, qui dirige le pays depuis que les forces américaines ont capturé l'ancien président socialiste Nicolas Maduro en janvier, est arrivée à Istanbul dimanche soir après une visite de cinq jours en Inde. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | lundi 8 juin 2026

Mohammed bin Salman Rejects Trump's Hormuz Push, Gulf Tensions Rise

Learn more here.

Why Things Are Going Very Well for Péter Magyar

Jun 8, 2026 | Two months since the election, and things really couldn't be going any better for Péter Magyar. In this video, we're taking a look at Magyar's first eight weeks in government and explain why it's going so well.

We Found Out Peter Thiel's Sick Experiment on Argentina

n 5, 2026 | Most billionaires buy houses; Peter Thiel seems to buy countries. Not literally, obviously; but over the last two decades, he has funded projects to build new nations, backed experiments in private governance, collected back-up citizenships, and searched for places where politics works differently. Now he's setting up a new life in Argentina. And if you've followed Peter Thiel for any length of time, that should probably make you nervous.

Steve Rosenberg: "Petrol Sales Restricted in Many Russian Regions" Russian Media Reports

Jun 8, 2026 | One Russian paper today reports that “In many Russian regions there are restrictions on the sale of petrol.” Another, reveals that, in Crimea, hotel bookings are “down 31%...& hotel cancellations double due to the fuel crisis.”

Jennifer Welch: Why Is Ivanka Building Her Own Private Island Right Now?

Jun 4, 2026 | Jennifer Welch of the I've Had It podcast joins Jim Acosta to react to reports that Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have purchased a 1,400-hectare private island in the Adriatic Sea off Albania, reportedly for $1 billion. Welch alleges the timing raises serious questions given Jared Kushner's $2 billion deal with Saudi Arabia and his alleged ties to efforts to shield Ghislaine Maxwell. Jim and Jen also cover Trump's UFC arch on the White House South Lawn, Hunter Biden fighting back against MAGA attacks, the far right's alleged war on the free press including the targeting of 60 Minutes, and what Jen calls the "repressed sexuality" underpinning the MAGA movement's culture war obsession.

Very strong language alert!

The Trumps are eco-saboteurs. They should be STOPPED. You can help stop them and help protect Sazan Island from the Trump family by signing this petition: Sign it here.

Americans and Their Thoughts and Prayers!

Lucas Bean explains the silly American mentality.

Here Comes My Virtual Heart-throb*— Again! 😊 Bewitching Me, as Ever, with His Spellbinding Smile and Enchanting Me with His Dulcet Tones! | Reupload | Still Searching!

April 13, 2026 | Baby It Rains

* Unfortunately, I’ll have to make do with a virtual heart-throb until I have the great good fortune of meeting my Mr Wonderful! 😊 — Mark

Why Ivanka’s Albanian Dream Is a Protester's Nightmare • FRANCE 24 English

Jun 5, 2026 | Erisa Kryeziu is an Albanian journalist for the independent media outlet Citizens.AL, based in Albania. She reported on the ground on the protests against the construction activity.

When is the civilized world going to be free of the Grifter-in-Chief and his family of grifters, the Trump chumps if you will? If you are anything like I am, you are sick to death of hearing about that corrupt family and the family’s little helpers. The news is full of Trump this and Trump that. The whole thing is so damn TIRESOME. The pain that those American DORKS unleashed upon the world when they voted for that orange fascist is unbelievable! It is high time that Americans start to try and undo their dangerous experiment. Electing a businessman into high political office is NEVER a good idea. A businessman’s raison d’être is ALWAYS the bottom line: profit. And so it has been with Trump at the helm. The profit, of course, is always for him, his family, and his little helpers. However, a sound, well-run economy is far, far more than this. A sound, well-run economy should ALWAYS be run for the benefit of all. Such a concept is totally and utterly alien to people like Trump and his chumps.

This Albanian nightmare is proof of corruption at the top — at the top of Albanian society, and corruption at the top of American society. STOP this DAMN CORRUPTION! — © Mark Alexander

Bernadette Chirac, Formidable Ex-First Lady of France, Dies at 93

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Long seen as the cool, coifed wife of the president, she emerged as a political player in her own right, as well as a relentless champion of charities.

This screenshot is from this NYT article. | Bernadette Chirac in 2006. | Christophe Ena/Associated Press
Bernadette Chirac, the aristocratic, imposing and frequently outspoken wife of the former French president Jacques Chirac, who became an elected official in her own right as well as a charity leader, died on Friday. She was 93.

President Emmanuel Macron of France announced the death on social media, writing: “Bernadette Chirac changed so many lives with discretion and obstinacy. A great lady of the heart has departed.”

Mrs. Chirac’s daughter, Claude Chirac, also confirmed the death, to Agence France-Presse, but did not specify a cause or say where her mother died.

As France’s first lady from 1995 to 2007, Mrs. Chirac presented a flawless, somewhat haughty image in Chanel suits and dark Dior glasses, a leonine coiffure framing her high forehead.

But she was no cutout figure and was known for brusque candor. Her judgments of Mr. Chirac’s political advisers could seal their fates. “I’m like my snakeskin bag: I bite,” she once said on the campaign trail.

After being omitted from a photo spread in the glossy Paris Match magazine that portrayed her husband as a devoted grandfather, she said, “Did you know the president is a widower?”

Mrs. Chirac endured with stoicism and sometimes dry humor her husband’s widely rumored extramarital affairs. » | Trip Gabriel | Published: Saturday, June 6, 2026. Updated: Sunday, June 7, 2026

À LIRE AUSSI :

Bernadette Chirac, l’incomprise qui a réussi à se faire aimer, est morte à l’âge de 93 ans : DISPARITION - L’épouse de l’ex-président de la République est décédée à l’âge de 93 ans. Souvent moquée pour son classicisme, elle a été durant des années le «point fixe» de Jacques Chirac, multipliant les conseils ou s’ingéniant à tenter d’éloigner les intrigants. »

« La classe, la discrétion, l’intelligence » : à Sarran, l’émotion feutrée d’un village qui se souvient de Bernadette Chirac : REPORTAGE - Ancienne première dame et figure politique de la Corrèze, Bernadette Chirac s’est éteinte vendredi soir à l’âge de 93 ans. À Sarran, où elle fut élue durant un demi-siècle, l’annonce a suscité une émotion teintée de fierté. »

« C’était une grande dame avec beaucoup de cœur » : l’hommage de Didier Deschamps à Bernadette Chirac : L’épouse de l’ex-président de la République est décédée à l’âge de 93 ans. Didier Deschamps, le parrain de l’opération «Pièces jaunes», a salué la mémoire de celle qui a tant œuvré au succès de cette campagne. »

Disparition de Bernadette Chirac : « Elle m’a beaucoup aidée », témoigne Brigitte Macron, qui fait part de son « immense respect » : « Grâce à Madame Chirac, depuis plus de 30 ans et partout en France, le quotidien de milliers d’enfants, d’adolescents hospitalisés et de personnes âgées a pu être amélioré », souligne l’épouse du président. »

LESEN SIE AUCH:

Bernadette Chirac mit 93 Jahren gestorben: Sie galt als wichtige Stütze und Beraterin ihres Mannes. Als Präsidentengattin wurde Bernadette Chirac auch international bekannt. Nun starb sie im hohen Alter. »

It’s True Because… Faith?

Seth Andrews questions a believer.
Believers ascribe human characteristics to God with such certainty. This is known as anthropomorphism. But it is perfectly possible for there to be a god which doesn’t love, doesn’t feel, doesn’t share human qualities and characteristics, so doesn’t give a damn what humans get up to. That god could be simply a metaphysical force, a god without consciousness. — © Mark Alexander

Ivanka Trump's Sazan Island Dream Project Torpedoed? Albania Protests Kushner–Rama Deal

Jun 7, 2026 | A major luxury development linked to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner is facing growing backlash in Albania, where thousands of protesters have taken to the streets against the proposed $1.4 billion Sazan Island project.

Demonstrators have targeted the development, backed by Kushner's Affinity Partners, with some invoking Jeffrey Epstein as they criticize the plan.

The controversy has intensified scrutiny of the high-profile project and fuelled debate over its political, environmental and economic impact on the Balkan nation.


It sounds to me as if the Albanian government is as corrupt as Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump, and the rest of the mob! I hope and trust that Albanians will be successful in stopping this crazy project. The Trumps have kitsched up just about everything they have ever touched—just look at that Oval Office for proof!—so don’t let them kitsch up Albania’s beautiful coastline now, as well. — © Mark Alexander

« C’est une espèce d’halalisation de la ville » : face aux prières de rue et autres appels par haut-parleurs, le grand défi des maires

Cette capture d'écran provient de cet article du Figaro. | Certains habitants des villes où ont retenti les appels à la prière dénoncent une forme de prosélytisme. GUILLAUME BAPTISTE / AFP
LE FIGARO : DÉCRYPTAGE - Le 27 mai dernier, jour du début de l’Aïd el-Kébir, des citoyens de plusieurs villes se sont plaints, tandis que certains élus souhaitent faire respecter l’ordre public.

Peut-on accepter que des élèves « suivent des cours de l’École de la République avec des psalmodies d’une religion en fond sonore, pendant environ une heure trente »? C’est une longue lettre exprimant leur « malaise, pour ne pas dire plus », que le maire de Bry-sur-Marne, Charles Aslangul, a reçue la semaine dernière, de la part de professeurs d’un établissement scolaire de sa ville. Le 27 mai, jour du début de l’Aïd el-Kébir, fête majeure de l’islam, nombre de citoyens, dans plusieurs villes de France, se sont plaints, sur les réseaux sociaux ou en mairie, d’avoir été dérangés par des appels à la prière diffusés par haut-parleurs. « Le problème n’est pas la liberté de culte, qui est garantie, mais la transformation progressive de pratiques religieuses en marqueurs territoriaux et politiques, analyse l’anthropologue Florence Bergeaud-Blackler*. Les maires se trouvent aujourd’hui en première ligne face à une pression croissante : prières de rue, appels à la prière, occupations de lieux publics, demandes d’accommodements visibles ». » | Par Stéphane Kovacs | vendredi 5 juin 2026

Réservé aux abonnés

Frühwarnsystem für den Weltuntergang: Diese Webseite zeigt wann Tech-Milliardäre aus den USA fliehen

Jun 6, 2026

Inside Tehran as US Congress Votes to End Iran War

Jun 4, 2026 | Three months after Trump and Netanyahu attacked Iran, assassinating Ayatollah Khamenei and his top team, the government in Iran is more confident and hardline in its demands than ever. While America still claims a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is close, Iran’s leaders have dropped none of their demands. Tonight, we hear from Iranians about what they want.

Living in Albania | The Country Communism Forgot to Leave | 4K Documentary

Jun 3, 2026 | A country the size of Maryland built one hundred and seventy-three thousand concrete bunkers — roughly one for every sixteen people — against an invasion that never came.

For forty-one years it was the only nation in Europe to declare itself atheist by law.

One fifth of its people now live abroad.

This is Living in Albania. On a hillside above the village of Leskovik, a shepherd ducks into a concrete bunker the size of a refrigerator and hangs his canvas bag from a hook that was drilled into the wall in 1979. The country has one hundred and seventy-three thousand of them, built between 1967 and 1986.

On the Adriatic coast at Vlorë, a plaque above the harbour names a date: the seventh of March, 1991, when twenty-five thousand Albanians left this port in six days for the Italian shore. A few streets back from the water, the apartment blocks the regime poured in grey have been repainted, one building at a time, in cobalt and ochre.

Mass Protests Erupt in Albania over Kushner–Ivanka Trump Tourism Project

Jared and Ivanka’s mega resort not wanted in Albamia.

Can Trump's family do business abroad without controversy? | DW News

Jun 5, 2026 | Thousands of Albanians have taken to the streets to protest a proposed $1.6 billion luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump.

Supporters say the project will bring jobs, investment and tourism. Critics argue it raises questions about transparency, political influence, environmental protection, and Albania's ambitions to join the European Union.

Casey Michel of the Human Rights Foundation joins DW News to examine what the controversy reveals about foreign investment, political power and the global influence of the Trump family.


Shoo those Trumps away! — © Mark Alexander

King Pays Tribute to Lady Pamela Hicks

THE TELEGRAPH: Daughter of Lord Mountbatten, who has died aged 97, was a bridesmaid of Elizabeth II

This screenshot is from this Telegraph article. | The King with Lady Pamela Hicks, who was a first cousin of his father, Prince Philip | Credit: Stephen Lock
The King has paid tribute to his cousin, Lady Pamela Hicks, who has died aged 97.

Lady Pamela, who served as a lady-in-waiting and bridesmaid to Elizabeth II, died peacefully at her Oxfordshire home on Friday, surrounded by her family.

In a statement, a spokesman for King Charles said he was “greatly saddened” to learn of her death.

They added: “The King and Queen’s thoughts are with Lady Pamela’s family, as they mourn a woman whose warmth, wit and perspicacity always made such an impression, and who will be so dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her.”

Announcing her mother’s death on Instagram, Lady Pamela’s daughter, India Hicks, had said: “My mother died peacefully today. » | Victoria Ward | Deputy Royal Editor | Friday, June 5. 2026

ALSO READ:

Pamela Hicks, Lady-in-Waiting to Elizabeth II of Britain, Dies at 97: The queen’s third cousin, she was a bridesmaid at the royal wedding in 1947, and witnessed firsthand pivotal moments in British history. »

Thirties in Colour: Britain on the Brink of War I SLICE History | Full Documentary

Jun 5, 2026 | Using stunning colourised archive footage, this documentary brings 1930s Britain vividly back to life. From economic uncertainty and political tensions to new freedoms and modern lifestyles, discover what everyday life looked like as Europe moved closer to war.

Featuring rare footage of factories, gas mask preparations, public events, and Britain’s attempts to preserve peace with Nazi Germany, this film explores the hopes, fears, and realities of a nation standing on the brink of World War II.

Documentary: Thirties In Colour: Countdown To War EP:2
Directed by: Suniti Somaiya
Production: A Make Waves Ltd Production for Channel 5 (2019)