Friday, June 26, 2026

Trump-Rutte 'Bromance' Hits a Snag | DW News

Jun 26, 2026 | US President Donald Trump demanded more money and loyalty from NATO, or as he put it to the chief of the military alliance, "a little kiss" at their Oval Office meeting in Washington on Wednesday. Secretary General Marc Rutte was quickly on his feet, to interrupt the US Commander-in-Chief and break into a bout of "show and tell" - to impress his so-called "daddy" with a chart showing an unprecedented surge in military investment in the organization. The theatrics have a high entertainment value, but DW's Ben Fajzullin asked Michael Kimmage, Director of the Kennan Institute, if there was any substance to the show.


“NATO’s Rutte is known as the ‘Trump whisperer’” Or should he be known as Trump's ...? 😊 — Mark

Noch mehr über diese Geschichte befindet sich hier.

Democracy Now! Top US & World Headlines

June 26, 2026


Democracy Now! can be supported here.

Trump's about to Face an 'Absolute Nightmare' of His Own Making | Sir Bill Browder

Jun 26, 2026 | Sir Bill Browder joins Maddie Hale to discuss Trump's Iran deal, the economic risks facing his presidency, Ukraine's growing pressure on Russia, NATO's future, and why he believes Trump's credibility is rapidly eroding.

Europe Hits Record Temperatures: Is This the New Normal? | DW News

Jun 26, 2026 | Europe has been roasting for days with record-breaking temperatures across the continent. More than 150 million people have been living through temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius. We talked to Armel Castellan, the Extreme Heat Services Technical Advisor at the World Meterological Organization and Theodore Keeping, an extreme weather researcher at Imperial College London. He's also the lead author of a new so-called 'rapid study' by the World Weather Attribution that says the heatwaves Europe is now experiencing are driven by climate change and would not have been possible 50 years ago.

Was passiert, wenn Donald Trump stirbt? | Sandra Navidi

Jun 26, 2026 | Donald Trump ist 80 Jahre alt geworden. Er hat mehrere Attentatsversuche überlebt und auch seine Liebe zu Fastfood. Doch so gerne er noch Reden schwingt und gegen Freund und Feind poltert, mehren sich die Aufnahmen, die Trump geschwächt oder verwirrt zeigen.

Wie gut geht es dem US-Präsidenten? Eine Frage, die nationale Interessen und Machtverhältnisse in Amerika genauso betrifft, wie die globale Wirtschaft und das Weltgeschehen. Was passiert, wenn Trump stirbt? Darüber sprechen wir mit US-Expertin Sandra Navidi.


Sir John Major in Conversation with The Independent on the 10th Anniversary of Brexit

Jun 26, 2026 | Sir John Major has given an exclusive interview to The Independent editor-in-chief Geordie Greig, speaking about the impact of Brexit, Nigel Farage’s impact on Britain leaving the European Union, and posing a challenge to Andy Burnham if he were to become Labour leader.

The former prime minister was speaking to The Independent as part of its Europe: The Way Back campaign - launched to explore ways to rebuild Britain's future relationship with Europe.



On the question of Brexit, I agree with Sir John Major. On Kemi Badenoch, on the other hand, I most certainly do not. I am shocked by Sir John Major’s take on her. Kemi Badenoch is four-square against this country’s return to Europe. She also has a number of other whacko ideas. I would wager that the Conservative Party will never be a party that appeals to the British electorate under her leadership. Badenoch is no Margaret Thatcher! She has no mass appeal.

Moreover, how can John Major rue our leaving the European Union AND be for a leader of the Conservative Party who is such a strong Brexiteer? — © Mark Alexander

Die Königin der SS & Himmlers persönlicher Albtraum – Seine Frau Margarete

Jun 25, 2026 | Margarete Himmler war die Ehefrau von Heinrich Himmler, dem Reichsführer-SS und einem der mächtigsten Männer in Nazi-Deutschland. Während ihr Mann die Konzentrationslager, den Polizeiterror und die Maschinerie des Holocaust überwachte, hielt Margarete ihm kompromisslos die Treue und übernahm die Ideologie des Dritten Reiches ohne jedes Zögern.

Diese Dokumentation beleuchtet das Privatleben der Familie Himmler sowie die seltsame und oft verstörende Welt, die die Elite des NS-Regimes während des Zweiten Weltkrieges umgab.

Geboren als Margarete Boden im Deutschen Kaiserreich, arbeitete sie zunächst als Krankenschwester, bevor sie in den 1920er Jahren Heinrich Himmler kennenlernte.

Verbunden durch Antisemitismus, Nationalismus und ihre Verehrung für Adolf Hitler wurden die beiden Teil des inneren Machtzirkels von Nazi-Deutschland. Mit dem wachsenden Einfluss ihres Mannes versuchte Margarete, sich unter den Ehefrauen führender SS-Offiziere zu etablieren, wurde jedoch innerhalb der gesellschaftlichen Kreise des NS-Regimes häufig verspottet und abgelehnt.

Die Dokumentation begleitet Margarete Himmler durch den Aufstieg und den Zusammenbruch des Dritten Reiches, einschließlich ihrer Tätigkeit im Deutschen Roten Kreuz während des Zweiten Weltkrieges, ihrer Besuche in den Konzentrationslagern Dachau und Ravensbrück sowie ihrer Reaktion auf die Affäre ihres Mannes mit seiner Sekretärin Hedwig Potthast.

Außerdem untersucht der Film ihre private Korrespondenz, die einen tief verwurzelten Hass auf Juden und ihre unerschütterliche Unterstützung für Heinrich Himmler offenbart, selbst als Millionen Menschen unter dem von ihm mitgeschaffenen NS-System starben.

Anhand historischer Aufzeichnungen, Briefe, Zeugenaussagen und Dokumente aus der Kriegszeit untersucht diese Dokumentation die Beziehung zwischen Ideologie, Familienleben und Mitverantwortung innerhalb von Nazi-Deutschland. Sie verfolgt zudem Margarete Himmlers Leben nach dem Zusammenbruch des Dritten Reiches, einschließlich ihrer Verhaftung, ihrer Verhöre und ihrer Aussagen nach dem Krieg.


SCANDAL: Jared Kushner’s COOKED

Hopefully ROASTED!

Trump and his corrupt chumps have turned the USA into a SICK JOKE. — © Mark Alexander

Venezuela : les premières images satellites des dégâts avant et après le double séisme meurtrier

LE FIGARO : VIDÉO - Au Venezuela, des images satellites de la côte caribéenne après le double séisme meurtrier ont été publiées ce jeudi et ont révélé l’ampleur des dégâts.

Des pâtés de maisons transformés en champs de ruines. Au Venezuela, des premières images satellites publiées le 25 juin ont révélé l’ampleur des dégâts le long de la côte caribéenne du double séisme meurtrier survenu le mercredi 23 juin. La catastrophe a tué plus de 200 personnes. Un bilan loin d’être définitif. » | Par Juliette Picard | vendredi 26 juin 2026

Corée du Sud : sept ans de prison pour l’ex-première dame dans une affaire de corruption

LE FIGARO : Kim Keon-hee, l’épouse de l’ancien président destitué Yoon Suk Yeol, a été reconnue coupable d’avoir accepté des « métaux précieux de grande valeur » en échange de faveurs dans le cadre de nominations à des postes.

Un tribunal sud-coréen a condamné vendredi l'ancienne première dame Kim Keon-hee, qui purge déjà une peine dans le cadre d'une autre affaire de corruption, à sept ans de prison supplémentaires pour avoir accepté des pots-de-vin. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | vendredi 26 juin 2026

De nos jours, où que l'on regarde, on trouve de la corruption ! Où sont passées toutes les personnes honnêtes ? Tout le monde cherche à s'en mettre plein les poches ! — © Mark Alexander

European Heatwave Is Worst Ever and Impossible without Climate Crisis, Scientists Say

THE GUARDIAN: Study also finds high humidity means people in hundreds of cities are enduring their worst ever heat stress

The heatwave scorching western Europe is the most severe and widespread ever and is only possible due to the climate crisis driven by fossil fuel burning, scientists have said.

Almost half of Europe’s 850 largest cities are also enduring their worst ever heat stress, a combination of temperature and humidity, they found. Muggier conditions mean sweating is less effective at cooling the body, making heatwaves even more dangerous.

The analysis comes as the UK recorded its hottest ever June temperature on Thursday, 36.7C (98.06F) in Somerset, and much of western Europe recorded a sharp rise in medical emergencies, including some deaths.

In summer 2022, more than 60,000 people died due to heat in Europe. The statistical analysis needed to assess the impact of the current heatwave will take time to complete. Nonetheless, the heatwave is certain to exact a heavy toll and is also disrupting lives and livelihoods, with schools closed, hospitals struggling and rail and air journeys cancelled across the continent. » | Damian Carrington | Environment editor | Friday, June 26, 2026

Russia Preparing Possible ‘Provocation’ in Baltic States or Poland, Sources Say

THE GUARDIAN: Kremlin may attempt to test Nato cohesion as Russia comes under growing pressure from Ukraine, according to sources from two countries

This photo is from this Guardian article. | The aftermath of a Ukrainian attack on Moscow last week, when nearly nearly 200 drones hit several locations across the Russian capital. Photograph: EPA

Two countries on Nato’s eastern flank have warned that Russia is preparing a possible “provocation” in the Baltic states or Poland in an effort to test the cohesion of the western military alliance.

Western sources also fear there could be danger on the horizon because the Kremlin is coming under pressure from Ukraine’s campaign of long-range attacks on targets near Moscow and St Petersburg.

On Monday, Latvian intelligence said: “We see indications that Russia is preparing military provocations against the Baltic countries or Poland.” However, it would be well short of a full scale attack.

A senior political source from a second Nato member made a similar statement last week. They said “we are picking up intelligence” that Vladimir Putin was “planning something against the Baltic states”.

They said Putin might be willing to test US support for some of Nato’s smallest member countries – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – in a desperate effort “to throw the dice” as Russia struggles with its invasion of Ukraine. » | Dan Sabbagh | Defence and security editor | Friday, June 26, 2026

Thursday, June 25, 2026

Elon Musk Loses MASSIVELY as SpaceX Stock Plunges after Stunning Rating Blow

Elon Musk and Donald Trump are losing massively, with Musk's SpaceX stock plunging for a third straight day and falling even lower after receiving the lowest ESG rating.

John Iadarola and Tory Shulman break it down on The Damage Report. …



That SpaceX is going down and down is great news, in my humble opinion! Long may it lose value! It’s all a giant bubble anyway. Let us return to common sense in company valuations! — © Mark Alexander

Donald Trump Is Spent | Steve Schmidt

Jun 25, 2026 | Donald Trump is a decomposing brute who has abused our allies on countless occasions. Steve Schmidt breaks down Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte's trip to the White House, Trump's threat to global democracy, and why appeasement never works.


Mark Rutte is SHAMEFUL! Weak and shameful! An ARSE-licker! Mike Johnson is a queer little fellow. End of story! — © Mark Alexander

Cigarettes Testosterone Boosting Hack: Pre-workout and Post-workout Cigarettes

Jun 15, 2026 | Secret testosterone boosting hack with cigarettes.


This guy delights me! He smokes and goes to the gym! How cool is that? 😊

Real men smoke! And if they don’t smoke, they tolerate other men who do. They don’t bitch, moan, and whine about other men who love to inhale.

The worst men in history that I can think of who were ardent anti-smokers were truly disgusting creatures. Adolf Hitler, and Vladimir Lenin are chief amongst them! Being a diehard anti-smoker is really nothing to be proud of – you belong to a list of the worst of characters in history!

Starmer, who is on the way out anyway, hasn't got a snowball's chance in hell of stopping people smoking, with his ludicrous and undemocratic generational smoking ban. Only a political greenhorn could even think up a law as stupid as that! — © Mark Alexander

UK and Switzerland Record Hottest Ever June Day as Health Emergencies Surge in Europe

THE GUARDIAN: Temperatures linked to third child’s death in France, where three-quarters of country is under extreme heat alert

The UK and Switzerland both recorded the hottest-ever June temperatures on Thursday, while brutally hot conditions supercharged by the climate crisis were linked to the death of a third toddler in France and a sharp rise in medical emergencies across Europe.

The UK’s new provisional high of 36.4C (97.5F), recorded in Yeovilton, Somerset, surpassed Wednesday’s June record of 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire, which had beaten the previous peak of 35.6C set in Southampton in 1976.

In Switzerland, the national weather agency said temperatures had exceeded 37C for the first time in June, breaking a record set in 1947. “A temperature of 38C was even recorded at the Basel weather station” – the same place where the 1947 record was logged, MétéoSuisse said on social media.

Earlier on Thursday, the Met Office – the UK’s weather and climate service – said a sweltering night in Cardiff broke another heat record for the country. Temperatures only fell to 23.5C overnight in the Welsh capital, the highest minimum temperature ever recorded in June. » | Damian Carrington in London and Ashifa Kassam>/a> in Madrid | Thursday, June 25, 2026

Sinking the "Super Pardon" with Steve Schmidt and Rep. Jamie Raskin

Jun 25, 2026 | Fighting Democrats' series is back as Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland joins Steve Schmidt. Rep. Raskin is not only taking aim at Trump's unprecedented corruption, but at the "super pardon" acting AG Todd Blanche is trying to hand both Trump and his corrupt family members. Accountability is coming and Donald and his crew know it. Don't miss this conversation!


I have said it very many times before, but I will say it YET AGAIN: Trump should be IN PRISON. He is the KING of CORRUPTION. The man STINKS of it! Because if this, America and Americans cannot be respected. If Americans want ever to be respected again, they need to incarate the BLACKGUARD! — © Mark Alexander

Democracy Now! Top US & World Headlines

June 25, 2026


Democracy Now! can be supported here.

Rente, Tankrabatt, Grundsicherung: Das ändert sich für Verbraucher im Juli

BERLINER ZEITUNG: Mit dem kommenden Monat gibt es einige Neuerungen. Die wichtigsten Informationen im Überblick.

Im Juli kommen zahlreiche Änderungen auf die Verbraucher zu. Es gibt eine Rentenerhöhung, zudem heißt das Bürgergeld zukünftig Grundsicherung. Im neuen Monat läuft zudem der von der Bundesregierung festgelegte Tankrabatt aus. Die wichtigsten Informationen im Überblick.

Die rund 21 Millionen Rentner in Deutschland erhalten ab Juli mehr Geld. Die Altersbezüge steigen um 4,24 Prozent. Grund ist die Entwicklung der Bruttolöhne im Vorjahr, an die die Rentenhöhe gekoppelt ist. Für eine Standardrente bei durchschnittlichem Verdienst und 45 Beitragsjahren bedeutet das laut Bundesarbeitsministerium ein Plus von 77,85 Euro im Monat. » | Eva Maria Braungart | Donnerstag, 25. Juni 2026

NB: Rente (D) = state pension (GB). – Mark

Surprising Facts about Brokeback Mountain (2005)

June 21, 2026

Crisis Looms for Pope Leo as Splinter Sect Seeks to Ordain Far-right Bishops

THE GUARDIAN: Conflict threatens to worsen mounting tensions between the Vatican and rightwing Catholics in the US and globally

This photo is from this Guardian article. | Pope Leo at a meeting with the World Food Programme, in Rome, Italy, on 22 June 2026. Photograph: Alessandra Benedetti/Corbis/Getty Images

A far-right Catholic sect’s plan to ordain its own bishops on the first day of July has placed it on a collision course with the Vatican – posing a possible crisis for Pope Leo a little over a year into his papacy, and straining the Roman Catholic church’s already fraught relationship with rightwing and traditionalist Catholics in the US and elsewhere.

Founded in Switzerland in 1970 to oppose liberalizing reforms in the Catholic church, the Society of St Pius X (SSPX) has gained significant followings in the US, France, Argentina and other countries. The order, which has a large base of operations in Kansas, claims that more than half a million people worldwide attend its masses, though these numbers are difficult to verify. It counts nearly 1,500 priests, seminarians and other vocational members among its members.

Pope Leo told journalists in Rome last week that he was “considering making another appeal to say: ‘Do not do this, let us try to live in communion within the church.’” But it was the SSPX’s “choice”, he said, whether to continue on a trajectory that threatens schism.

“If they make that choice,” Leo added, “I am sorry, but we must move forward.” » | J Oliver Conroy | Thursday, June 25, 2026

Why is America the source of all evil iand destructive deas? The mere mention of far-right bishops seems to be tantamount to a contradiction of the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ eschewed greed and espoused radical charity. There is nothing far-right about that! — © Mark Alexander

Thomas kocht: Gazpacho - das perfekte Rezept für heiße Tage

Jun 25, 2026 | Gazpacho Andaluz ist wahrscheinlich die bekannteste kalte Gemüsesuppe der Welt. Im Süden Spaniens ist sie der absolute Klassiker, den man überall gerne genießt. Für heiße Tage gibt es nichts Besseres, als ein Glas eisgekühlte Gazpacho.


Klicken Sie hier fürs ganze Rezept. Dann klicken Sie auf 'more‘.

France 'Best Prepared' in Europe for Heatwaves, While UK Views Heat as 'Occasional Inconvenience'

Jun 24, 2026 | Nadia Massih is pleased to welcome Ian Williams, Professor of Applied Environmental Science in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Southampton, UK.

He argues that Europe's current heatwave should not be understood as an exceptional weather event but as evidence of a new climatic reality shaped by anthropogenic warming. While acknowledging that adaptation measures can significantly reduce mortality and social disruption, he maintains that increasingly intense heat extremes are ultimately driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Williams presents France as a notable case study in climate adaptation, citing its post-2003 reforms as among the most comprehensive heat governance frameworks in Europe.

However, he also stresses that even the best-prepared societies face mounting challenges as climate change amplifies the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events.


« Je pensais mourir » : au Venezuela, un double séisme plonge le pays dans le chaos

Cette photo provient de cet article du Figaro. | Dans les rues de Caracas, les habitants découvrent les dégâts causés par le séisme Gaby Oraa / REUTERS

LE FIGARO : REPORTAGE - Deux tremblements de terre de magnitude 7,2 puis 7,5 ont frappé le nord du pays mercredi 24 juin en fin d’après-midi. Le bilan provisoire fait état d’au moins 32 morts et plus de 700 blessés.

Deux puissants séismes ont secoué le nord du Venezuela à partir de 18h04 (heure locale) mercredi, en plein jour de fête. Le premier, de magnitude 7,2, a été suivi moins d’une minute plus tard d’une seconde secousse plus forte, évaluée à 7,5. Dans la capitale, le mouvement a été fortement ressenti dans les quartiers huppés de l’est, notamment Los Palos Grandes, La Castellana, Altamira, Las Mercedes et San Bernardino, où de nombreux immeubles ont été évacués dans l’urgence.

Le pays se trouvait alors en jour férié, à l’occasion de la commémoration de la bataille de Carabobo. Une grande partie de la population était à son domicile lorsque les secousses ont débuté, ce qui a amplifié les effets causés par cette concentration des habitants dans les immeubles résidentiels au moment des effondrements et accéléré les scènes de panique dans les zones urbaines. Dans la rue, certaines femmes sont sorties de leur douche en courant, simplement couvertes d’une serviette.

Selon les premières données du Service géologique des États-Unis, l’épicentre se situe dans le centre-nord du pays, entre les États de Carabobo et de Yaracuy, à environ 150 kilomètres à l’ouest de Caracas. Cette région est traversée par plusieurs failles actives du système Boconó–San Sebastián, connues pour leur potentiel sismique élevé. Les autorités évoquent un « doublet », phénomène rare caractérisé par deux fortes secousses rapprochées dans le temps. Ici, moins de 39 secondes. » | Par Florence Tomasi, à Caracas | jeudi 25 juin 2026

Réservé aux abonnés

Sandra Navidi: Sozialismus für Reiche: Brauchen wir Billionäre?

Jun 25, 2026 | In den USA konzentriert sich Reichtum extrem bei Tech-Milliardären. Ausgerechnet sie profitieren massiv von Subventionen und Regierungsaufträgen, sagt US-Expertin Navidi.


Die Tech-Milliardäre sind Schmarotzer! Fast alle sind echte "Welfare Queens"! Sie möchten alles: keine Steuer, Staatsgeld, politischer Einfluß, und gar nichts mit den kleinen Menschen zu tun haben, die die Steuer bezahlen ihnen „Welfare“ zu spenden. — © Mark Alexander

Venezuela Earthquakes Kill At Least 32, with 700 Injured | BBC News

Jun 25, 2026 | Back-to-back earthquakes have killed at least 32 people in Venezuela, with at least 700 injured, acting President Delcy Rodríguez says.

The quakes, which had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, hit an area west of the capital Caracas, and could be felt as far away as Bogota, Colombia.

Venezuela was celebrating a national holiday, and many people were at home when the quakes struck at 18:04 local time (23:04 BST).

Buildings are without power, and the metro system is completely closed as rescuers search through the rubble for survivors.


Kein „Küsschen“ für Trump: US-Präsident kritisiert Deutschland und lobt Selenskyj

BERLINER ZEITUNG: US-Präsident Trump kritisiert beim Treffen mit Nato-Chef Mark Rutte Deutschland und weitere Verbündete für ihre Haltung zum Iran-Krieg. Über Selenskyj äußerte er sich positiv.

US-Präsident Donald Trump hat knapp zwei Wochen vor dem Nato-Gipfel in Ankara seine Kritik an europäischen Verbündeten erneuert. Trump zeigte sich am Mittwoch im Oval Office verärgert über die aus seiner Sicht mangelnde Unterstützung mehrerer Nato-Staaten im Iran-Krieg.

Er sei „enttäuscht über Deutschland“, sagte er nach Angaben der Nachrichtenagentur AFP, ohne Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (CDU) namentlich zu nennen. Er habe die Bundesregierung um Unterstützung gebeten: „Gebt uns einen kleinen Stups, gebt uns ein kleines Küsschen. Aber sie haben nein gesagt.“

Über Rutte sagte Trump laut Reuters, dieser habe „wirklich gute Arbeit geleistet“. „Ich glaube, wenn jemand anderes in dieser Position gewesen wäre, würden wir uns heute gar nicht treffen, um ehrlich zu sein, denn wir wurden im Stich gelassen“, so der US-Präsident. » | Anika Schlünz | Donnerstag, 25. Juni 2026

Gold, Gold, und noch mehr Gold! In der Tat, eine Unmenge von Gold ist überall wahrzunehmen! Trotzdem sieht Trumps Weißes Haus so billig aus! Trump sollte eine einfache Lektion lernen: Weniger ist meistens mehr! – © Mark Alexander

Venezuela: Chaos and Fear After Deadly Earthquakes

THE NEW YORK TIMES: The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude quakes toppled dozens of buildings, killed at least 32 people and injured at least 700 others, the authorities said. A frantic rescue effort was underway.

Huge, twinned earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, toppling many buildings and killing at least 32 people and injuring 700 others in a disaster that added to the country’s already severe political and economic turmoil.

One of the quakes was the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century, and the full scale of the damage was not immediately clear early Thursday morning. President Delcy Rodríguez announced the initial toll of deaths and injuries on television but noted that it did not include the worst-hit state of La Guaira where dozens of buildings had collapsed.

In nearby Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, structures shook and fell and people fled into the streets. Neighborhoods in some areas of Caracas went dark because of power outages, while subway and train services were suspended. Some streets were flooded by burst water pipes.

Ms. Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, calling on doctors and nurses to report to their jobs. She later said that hotels and shelters were available for those whose homes were destroyed or damaged and urged the public to inform the government about people who were missing.

Video circulating widely on social media and verified by The New York Times showed scenes of fear and destruction. In La Guaira, a hotel was reduced to rubble and other structures were badly damaged and tilting precariously. At the Simón Bolívar International Airport, which serves Caracas, some people rushed for cover inside a shaking building.

In Caracas, rescuers combed through collapsed structures and urged onlookers to remain silent as they called out for missing people.

The first earthquake hit just after 6 p.m. Eastern time with a magnitude of 7.2, and was followed less than a minute later by a 7.5-magnitude earthquake, according to U.S. monitoring agencies. The stronger quake was the largest to hit the country since 1900.

The epicenter was near San Felipe, a city of about 220,000 in the state of Yaracuy, west of Caracas. As seismologists review available data, they may revise the reported magnitudes of the earthquakes.

The earthquakes are the latest blow to a country that has experienced extraordinary upheaval in recent years. In January, U.S. forces deposed and captured Nicolás Maduro, the former Venezuelan leader who oversaw an economic collapse and efforts to consolidate authoritarian rule during his time in office.

Since then, the Trump administration has seized control over Venezuela’s oil industry, turning the country into something resembling a vassal state. Investors from the United States have been flocking to Caracas to explore potential deals, marking Venezuela’s shift away from allies like Cuba, Iran and Russia. Live Updates » | María Victoria Fermín and Simon Romero | María Victoria Fermin reported from Caracas, Venezuela, and Simon Romero reported from Mexico City. | Thursday, June 25, 2026

Leer en español »

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

UK Will Rejoin EU by 2036, Says Former Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg

Jun 23, 2026 | Former deputy prime minister Sir Nick Clegg has predicted the UK will rejoin the European Union within the next decade, likely around 2036.

Clegg argues that Brexit has created ongoing political instability and that the country must eventually acknowledge the "catastrophic mistake" to move forward.


Starmer’s Going Soon…

…so now you can start smoking again! 😊 The benefits of smoking! “…Started smoking cigarettes at 37”! Good for you!


F*** politicians! I’m f*****g sick to death of the bastards! Enjoy your life! Smoke if you want to! And enjoy your smoke, too! There’s nothing quite like it. People who smoke are far less likely ever to contract Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's. Now those are two very good reasons to start smoking, aren't they? Moreover, smoking keeps you slim. — © Mark Alexander

MAGA and Donald Trump Are Up in Smoke | Steve Schmidt

Jun 24, 2026 | Tucker Carlson has left the Republican Party for all the wrong reasons. Steve Schmidt breaks down what Carlson's comments mean for Trump, MAGA, and the future of American politics.

Peter Leahy | A Chance, and It Worked: The Journey to Authentic Happiness

Jun 24, 2026 | In this episode of Out Late With David, David sits down with author Peter Leahy to discuss his remarkable journey of coming out at age 44 after 20 years of marriage, raising two children, and living a life that looked successful on the outside but felt deeply unfulfilled within.

Peter shares how years of self-loathing, fear, and hiding his true identity gave way to courage, community, and ultimately authentic happiness. From finding support through Gay Fathers of Atlanta, navigating family relationships, and building a new life, to meeting his husband and relocating to Palm Springs, Peter reflects on the risks and rewards of embracing his true self.

He also shares the powerful letter he wrote to his former closeted self—a moving reminder that sometimes the bravest decision is simply taking the first step toward the life you deserve.

This conversation is about far more than sexuality; it’s about hope, reinvention, self-acceptance, and the truth that it’s never too late to become the person you were meant to be.

Guest: Peter Leahy, author of Glowing Up Gay.


The Rise of Israeli Ultra-Nationalism and Kahaneism

June 23, 2026

Anthem of Europe

May 2, 2011 | Views on YouTube: 7,725,837
Joy, beautiful sparkle of the gods,
Daughter of Elysium!

We enter, fire-drunk,
Heavenly one, your shrine.

Your magic again binds
What custom has firmly parted.

All men become brothers
Where your tender wing lingers.

Whoever has had the great fortune
To be a friend's friend,

Whoever has won a devoted wife,
Join in our jubilation!

Indeed, whoever can call even one soul,
His own on this earth!

And whoever was never able to, must creep
Tearfully away from this band!

Indeed, whoever can call even one soul,
His own on this earth!

And whoever was never able to, must creep
Tearfully away from this band!

Joy, beautiful sparkle of the gods,
Daughter of Elysium!

We enter, fire-drunk,
Heavenly one, your shrine.

Your magic again binds
What custom has firmly parted.

All men become brothers
Where your tender wing lingers.

Your magic again binds
What custom has firmly parted.

All men become brothers
Where your tender wing lingers.

12 Études, Op. 10: No. 3 in E Major "Tristesse"

Aug 1, 2019 | Provided to YouTube by NAXOS of America


I love this image of this very talented musician. Maybe it's because he looks so avuncular. – © Mark Alexander

Democracy Now! Top US & World Headlines

June 24, 2026


Democracy Now! can be supported here.

Islamic Call to Prayer Faces Ban under Left-wing Danish Government

THE TELEGRAPH: Parts of Denmark feel like ‘a suburb of Islamabad’, says immigration minister

This screenshot is from this Yelegraph article. | Denmark’s immigration minister has said the call to prayer has ‘no place in Denmark’ Credit: Ole Jensen/Getty Images

Denmark’s immigration minister has announced plans to ban the Islamic call to prayer, claiming parts of the country felt like “a suburb of Islamabad”.

Morten Bødskov, a member of the centre-Left Social Democrats party, said the new government would resume an investigation into the legality of imposing a ban.

“The call to prayer should not be heard over Danish rooftops,” the minister told Danish news outlet Ritzau. “It has no place in Denmark, and you shouldn’t be in any doubt whether you’ve ended up in a suburb of Islamabad when you walk around Denmark.”

In parts of the country, such as Copenhagen, bylaws already forbid the call to prayer being broadcast from loudspeakers in minarets because of strict noise limits.

Mr Bødskov also claimed that a creeping “Islamisation” in Denmark was “taking up too much of the public space”. » | James Rothwell | Berlin Correspondent | Wedbesday, June 24, 2026

Senator Chris Murphy Exposes 500 Days of Donald Trump's Corruption in Methodical Forensic Speech.

Jun 24, 2026 | Senator Chris Murphy took to the Senate floor to deliver a forceful speech accusing President Donald Trump of presiding over what he described as "500 days of corruption." Murphy outlined allegations of pay-to-play politics, conflicts of interest, controversial pardons, and the growing influence of wealthy donors, corporate interests, and foreign governments, arguing that the administration has repeatedly put private interests ahead of the public good. He also criticized Congress for failing to hold the White House sufficiently accountable. Watch Murphy's full speech as he presents his case, detailing the events and allegations he says have defined Trump's presidency and fueled an increasingly heated political debate in Washington.


America is as corrupt as corrupt can be! Why people look up to, and drool over, America is beyond my comprehension. The place STINKS of CORRUPTION! It stinks to high heaven! And America’s orange felon who has been elected and even re-elected to lead them REEKS of CORRUPTION, too! He belongs in PRISON. As I have said many times before, he should be put in an orange jumpsuit to match his FAKE TAN.

How Americans can elect and even re-elect such a man to lead them is mind-boggling. Americans deserve all they get for doing so; trouble is, we in the rest of the world, however, must suffer the fall-out. — © Mark Alexander

84% des Français n’ont pas confiance dans la politique étrangère de Donald Trump, selon un sondage

LE FIGARO : Selon une enquête annuelle du Pew Research Center publiée mardi, les États-Unis de Donald Trump sont jugés fiables que pour un Français sur quatre. Un chiffre en chute libre en comparaison avec le précédent président américain, Joe Biden.

Seulement un Français sur quatre considère les États-Unis de Donald Trump comme un partenaire fiable et a une opinion favorable du pays, selon un sondage à grande échelle du Pew Research Center publié mardi. Selon cette enquête annuelle, menée dans 36 pays, 27% des Français interrogés qualifient les États-Unis de partenaires fiables, un chiffre qui plonge de 35 points par rapport à 2022, quand le démocrate Joe Biden était président.

La même proportion a une image favorable du pays, au plus bas depuis 2020, dernière année du premier mandat de Donald Trump à la Maison-Blanche. Ils sont 84% à ne pas avoir confiance dans la politique étrangère du président américain. Et à travers le monde, la cote de l'Amérique se dégrade considérablement. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | mercredi 24 juin 2026

EU-Parlament stimmt für digitalen Euro: Was verschwiegen wird

BERLINER ZEITUNG: Der digitale Euro nimmt Gestalt an. Die EU verspricht Datenschutz und den Erhalt des Bargelds. Kritiker sehen jedoch Risiken, über die bislang kaum gesprochen wird.

Seit Jahren wird in Brüssel über den digitalen Euro gestritten, nun kommt das Projekt der Europäischen Zentralbank (EZB) einen Schritt voran. Am Dienstag verabschiedete der Ausschuss für Wirtschaft und Währung (ECON) des Europäischen Parlaments seine Position zum Währungspaket, das auch die Einführung des digitalen Euro umfasst.

Die neue elektronische Form des Zentralbankgeldes soll von der EZB ausgegeben werden und sowohl online als auch offline nutzbar sein. Während Online-Zahlungen über ein kontobasiertes System abgewickelt werden, sollen Offline-Zahlungen direkt zwischen Endgeräten erfolgen. Die Einführung des digitalen Euro ist nach den derzeitigen Planungen bis 2029 vorgesehen. » | Franz Becchi | Mittwoch, 24. Juni 2026

Hitzewelle trifft Europa: Temperaturrekord und Stromausfälle in Frankreich

BERLINER ZEITUNG: Eine Hitzewelle führt zu einem Stromausfall in Frankreich für zehntausende Haushalte. Auch in Deutschland werden weiter hohe Temperaturen erwartet.

Dieses Foto stammt aus diesem Artikel. | Menschen erfrischen sich am Eiffelturm unter einem Wassersprühnebel. | © Michel Euler/AP/dpa

Eine Hitzewelle hat große Teile Europas erfasst und in Frankreich zu Stromausfällen geführt. Im nordwestfranzösischen Département Finistère waren am Mittwochmorgen rund 68.000 Haushalte ohne Strom, teilten die zuständigen Behörden laut AFP mit. Zeitweise seien bis zu 120.000 Haushalte betroffen gewesen.

Auslöser sei ein hitzebedingter Vorfall an einem Transformator in Ergué-Gabéric nahe Quimper gewesen, wo die Temperaturen auf rund 40 Grad gestiegen waren. Der Netzbetreiber RTE rechne damit, dass die Stromversorgung erst am Abend wieder vollständig wiederhergestellt sein werde, berichtete AFP. Pflegeheime würden bis dahin mit Notstromaggregaten versorgt. » | Anika Schlünz | Mittwoch, 24. Juni 2026

Canicule en France : une nouvelle vague de chaleur se profile en juillet

LE FIGARO : Si les températures baissent la semaine prochaine, les organismes météorologiques anticipent la forte probabilité de « nouvelles remontées d’air brûlant du Sahara » à compter du 10 juillet.

La France pourrait-elle de nouveau suffoquer au mois de juillet ? Au micro de France Inter ce mercredi matin, la ministre de la Transition écologique Monique Barbut a évoqué ce dernier scénario, se fondant sur les prévisions de Météo France pour affirmer « qu’il y a de fortes probabilités qu’à partir de la semaine d’après [le 6 juillet], nous revenions à des chaleurs extrêmes jusqu’au 14 juillet ».

L’ancienne présidente de l’ONG WWF France a confirmé que l’hypothèse d’une troisième canicule au cours de l’été était envisagée, après les deux vagues de chaleur qu’a vécues la France à la fin du mois de mai et sur la deuxième quinzaine du mois de juin 2026. Un tel scénario est-il vraiment à craindre ? » | Par Jeanne Durieux | mercredi 24 juin 2026

Red Extreme Heat Warning in Place in UK as Europe Battles Heatwave | BBC News

Jun 24, 2026 | A rare red weather warning is in place in the UK until 21:00 BST on Thursday. It covers parts of southern England, as well as the Midlands and south Wales, with people in those areas warned there is a risk of serious illness or danger to life.

Southern England is forecast to see highs of around 37C on Wednesday - but could feel even hotter. France, Spain and Italy have been the European countries hardest hit by the heatwave, with it expected to spread to the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany later this week.


France Records Hottest Night and Day as Europe Heatwave Spreads | DW News

Jun 24, 2026 | France has recorded both its hottest night and hottest day since records began, with temperatures exceeding 44°C as a severe heatwave grips much of Europe.

Schools have closed, transport is disrupted and health authorities warn of growing risks — especially for vulnerable groups.

Scientists say such extreme heat is becoming more frequent and intense as the climate warms. We explore what’s driving the surge in temperatures - and how hot Europe could get in the future.


Donald Trump Is Circling the Drain | Steve Schmidt

Jun 23, 2026 | Donald Trump is blaming everyone else for his failures, Biden, Obama, mysterious “vandals.” Steve Schmidt breaks down why Trump is not fit to serve as president of the United States on the eve of America's 250th anniversary.

‘A Total, Utter Nightmare’: Small Businesses on Brexit, 10 Years On

THE GUARDIAN: Cheesemakers, farmers, exporters and wine merchants say red tape, lack of vision and rising costs mean they have stopped trading, sold up or retired early

Out of pocket, out of business, retired early. These are the tales of the “sunlit uplands” experienced by small-to-medium-sized businesses across Britain after Brexit.

Between 16,000 to 20,000 businesses stopped exporting to the EU altogether, but others who soldiered on complain Boris Johnson’s government catered for the “blue chips”, not the small, everyday companies when they designed the hard Brexit for Britain.

Cheshire cheesemaker Simon Spurrell says Brexit didn’t just leave him with a £250,000 hole in his small but fast-growing firm, but ultimately lost him his business.

Back in 2021, he described Brexit as the “biggest disaster” any government has negotiated. Looking back, nothing has changed his view.

“Brexit is the biggest self-harm that any government has inflicted on itself in recent history,” he says.

n the first few weeks of 2021, Ben Fletcher, the head of Logistics UK and then at Make UK, described Brexit as “Dante’s fifth circle of hell”.

Five years later? “We got even further down, to Dante’s seventh or eighth circle of hell, at its worst,” he says.

Spurrell was a case in point. He discovered he could no longer export his award-winning cheese to the EU because every sale, even those only worth £30, would need to be accompanied by a £180 health certificate confirming they conformed with EU standards. He sold out to a bigger company that could cope with the paperwork.

“Every small business that issues animal foodstuff – meat, cheese, dairy, eggs, even pet food – suffered massively because they didn’t have the luxury of a large organisation that could blend in the paperwork and have someone dedicated to doing that,” says Spurrell. » | Lisa O’Carroll | Senior correspondent | Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Nobody with even a basic understanding of economics would ever have voted for Brexit. Brexit is, was, and will forever be the wet dream of losers, backward-thinking people, fossils, and the mentally-challenged!

We, the people, and small and medium-sized businesses have suffered greatly as a result Brexit. People like that mouthy, self-enriching, money-grubber and charlatan, Nigel Farage, hexed this country’s economy with that ridiculous notion of regaining our sovereignty. First of all, we never lost our sovereignty in the first place; rather, we pooled it with our brethren in Europe. Second, before the talk of Brexit, I very much doubt whether the average person in the street would have been able to define sovereignty anyway! Most normal people worry about having money in their pockets to be able to enjoy life, put food on the table, and keep themselves afloat. They care little about such abstract notions as sovereignty.

For me personally, Brexit added greatly to my grief. On May 1st that year, my life’s partner had died before my very eyes; so I was already grief-stricken as it was. On the 23rd of June, that year—2016—along came the shattering result of Brexit. I burst into tears; Brexit intensified my already extremely painful heartache and grief. With the death of my American partner, I had lost my window to the West; now, because of Brexit, I had lost my window to the East as well!

I know that I am probably not in any way typical of the average Briton, but I can honestly say, hand on heart, thaI I feel European with every fibre of my being. And with Brexit, that clown and jester had stripped me and millions of other Britons of a possible future in Europe. My window of possibilities was shattered into smithereens.

I shall never forgive Farage for the fiasco of Brexit, because he caused me far too much grief, pain, and sorrow. And it was all for mothing anyway. We the people gained no advantage from Brexit, and our economy has flatlined ever since. The only thing I can think of that certainly hasn’t flatlined is Farage’s bank balance! — © Mark Alexander

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Merz Backs Plans to Raise Germany’s Retirement Age to 70 in Pension Changes

THE GUARDIAN: Recommendations from commission propose gradual rise in retirement age by the early 2090s

Screenshot taken from this article. | ‘No citizen needs to worry,’ said the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz. Photograph: Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Germany will gradually raise its retirement age to about 70 by the early 2090s under recommendations backed by the chancellor, Friedrich Merz, as a means of future-proofing the pension system for an ageing population.

Presenting its findings on Tuesday, an expert commission set up to explore reforms to the pension system said retirement age should be linked to rising life expectancy and early retirement should be scrapped.

“No citizen needs to worry,” said Merz, as he said the measures would prevent the collapse of the creaking pension system and strengthen the social contract between generations. Young people, he argued, would be given a “reason for optimism” by the measures, which would “lift a tremendous burden” from their shoulders.

The commission of experts sat for long daily sessions from January until its 33-point plan was presented on Tuesday.

Among its key recommendations are for the obligatory contributions made by workers and employers to be invested in the stock market in order to increase and safeguard the fund’s value for future generations. It also proposed expanding compulsory pension contributions to include civil servants and self-employed workers. » | Kate Connolly in Berlin | Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Die armen Deutschen! Von nun an müssen sie sich bis zur völligen Erschöpfung abrackern! Wenn sie Glück haben, erhalten sie dann als Gegenleistung eine staatliche Rente, für die sie ihr ganzes Leben lang eingezahlt haben. Doch wie lange werden sie diese Zahlungen wohl beziehen können? Meiner Meinung nach wäre es besser und gerechter, die Milliardäre stärker zu besteuern. Auf diese Weise könnten hart arbeitende Menschen ihren Ruhestand noch einige Jahre lang genießen. – © Mark Alexander