Latest News
- B.C. premier Eby likens condo conversion plan to liquidation below costs
- Trump calls US commitment to NATO “ridiculous” ahead of summit in Ankara
- Hosepipe ban imposed for one million people in Hampshire and Isle of Wight
- Monaco bombing suspect identified as Ukrainian woman disguised as a man
- Lithuania plans to amend constitution to lift nuclear weapons ban
- EU institutions mount pressure for ambitious budget with new resources.
- US Senate advances key legislation to combat domestic terrorism
- Europe’s extreme summer temperatures may become the new normal, experts warn
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B.C. premier Eby likens condo conversion plan to liquidation below costs
12:00 pm
Get you up to speed: B.C.’s Eby compares condo plan to ‘liquidation’ at below construction costs
The federal and provincial governments announced a plan to convert unsold condos in British Columbia as part of a $5-billion infrastructure spending initiative. This plan was revealed last month but did not include immediate details on implementation.
The plan to convert unsold condos in British Columbia aligns with a $5-billion infrastructure spending initiative announced by federal and provincial governments last month. Specific timelines for the conversion process have yet to be detailed by officials.
Federal and provincial governments are moving forward with a plan to convert unsold condos in British Columbia as part of a broader $5-billion infrastructure spending initiative announced last month. The planned measures aim to address housing supply issues, with authorities indicating that further details will be released in the coming weeks.
What remains unclear — Details on how the conversion of unsold condos will be implemented have not been specified.
B.C. premier Eby likens condo conversion plan to liquidation below costs
The plan on conversion of unsold condos in B.C. was part of $5-billion infrastructure spending announcement the federal and provincial governments announced last month.
Trump calls US commitment to NATO “ridiculous” ahead of summit in Ankara
11:01 am
Get you up to speed: Trump says U.S. maintaining current support levels for NATO would be “ridiculous”
President Trump stated it is “ridiculous” for the United States to maintain a “one-sided” relationship with NATO, citing dissatisfaction with European allies’ responses to the war in Iran. His comments were made ahead of the NATO summit scheduled for July 4-5, 2026, in Ankara, Turkey.
The NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, is scheduled for July 6-7, 2026, and will include representatives from 32 member states. The alliance, established in 1949, has been under pressure to increase defence spending, with NATO leaders committing to a target of five percent of GDP by 2035.
President Trump described the current U.S. relationship with NATO as “ridiculous” and indicated a potential withdrawal, contingent on congressional approval. Ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, he has urged European allies to assume greater responsibility for their defence, with NATO leaders previously agreeing to increase defence spending to five percent of GDP by 2035.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how the United States Congress would respond to President Trump’s potential decision to withdraw from NATO.
Trump calls US commitment to NATO “ridiculous” ahead of summit in Ankara
President Trump said late Thursday it’s “ridiculous” for the United States to continue its “one sided” relationship with NATO. His remarks came less than a week before a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
Mr. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: “They were not there for us!!!” and Washington’s relationship with NATO “is not reciprocal.”
He has repeatedly lashed out at European allies over their response to the war in Iran, as several countries restricted the use of bases for U.S. forces, though he didn’t consult with them in advance or involve them in any planning for its economic and security fallout.
The president has said he may try to pull the U.S. out of the alliance, though he would need Congress to approve such a step.
Mr. Trump insists he wants Europe to take the lead role for its own defense, and Washington has already moved to scale back commitments.
His post on Thursday included a chart displaying NATO spending amounts, with the United States investing vastly more than the other member states depicted.
Under pressure from Mr. Trump, NATO leaders agreed at a gathering last year to boost defense-related spending to five percent of GDP by 2035.
The upcoming NATO summit, which will bring together 32 member states, will be held in the Turkish capital Tuesday and Wednesday.
The alliance, founded in 1949, grew into a U.S.-led defense force credited with maintaining stability in Europe, keeping the Soviet Union at bay and solidifying Washington as a world power for decades to come.
Hosepipe ban imposed for one million people in Hampshire and Isle of Wight
11:00 am
Get you up to speed: 1,000,000 people face hosepipe ban next week ahead of third heatwave of 2026 | News UK
A hosepipe ban has been implemented for one million people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight due to critically low water levels following a record-breaking heatwave. Southern Water has initiated the restriction effective from July 10, urging residents to refrain from using hosepipes to alleviate pressure on the water network.
Southern Water has implemented a hosepipe ban for one million customers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, effective from July 10. The ban is expected to remain in place until autumn unless there is significant rainfall, as the River Test has reached critically low water levels.
Southern Water has implemented a hosepipe ban affecting one million people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, urging residents to cease usage immediately to alleviate pressure on the water network. Tania Flasck, director of water operations, stated that water levels have dropped faster than anticipated, with restrictions expected to last until autumn unless significant rainfall occurs.
What remains unclear — It is not confirmed whether the current hosepipe ban will be extended beyond autumn.
Hosepipe ban imposed for one million people in Hampshire and Isle of Wight
A hosepipe ban is being brought into force for one million people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
It is the second year in a row Southern Water is putting the restriction in place, which will see customers banned from using hosepipes from July 10.
But the provider has urged houses to put down their hosepipes now, to avoid putting the network under further pressure’.
It is expected restrictions will remain until autumn unless the UK experiences significant and sustained rainfall.
A ban for South East Water customers is already in force in Kent.
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It comes after a record breaking heatwave saw UK temperatures soar to 37C, drying up water supplies.
The River Test, which supplies water to most people in Hampshrie and Isle of Wight, has reached a critically low level.
Tania Flasck, director of water operations, told the BBC: ‘In June, we’ve actually seen a third of the flow and so the models have just not necessarily predicted that.
‘When we’ve actually measured the levels we’ve seen it’s dropped down a lot, a lot further and faster than we’ve anticipated.’
Temperature records were smashed on three consecutive days last week, while people endured travel disruption on the railways and at Heathrow and Gatwick as the sweltering spell gripped western Europe.
The 37C conditions bit especially deep in cities like London and Paris, amplified by concrete, narrow streets and badly insulated homes turning into heat traps.
Over 1,300 excess deaths were linked to the latest hot spell on the continent, and at least seven people drowned in the UK’s open waters.
If you were hoping for the summer heatwaves to be done with, brace for more – another warm weather front could be hitting the UK over the weekend and into next week.
At the moment, the UK can take a breath of fresh air as temperatures remain below 25C even in London and the South East, the area in the eye of the heatwave where a rare extreme heat warning was in place.
There will be patches of rain in northern England and Scotland over the next couple of days.
However, the areas most desperate for rainfall in the south will remain dry, risking drought and another hosepipe ban or the Kent ban being extended, MJim Dale, the founder of the British Weather Services, told WTX.
Monaco bombing suspect identified as Ukrainian woman disguised as a man
10:00 am
Get you up to speed: Monaco bombing suspect identified as woman ‘disguised as man’ | News World
A Ukrainian woman, suspected of setting off a bomb, injured billionaire Vadim Ermolaev, his mistress Anna Nasobina, and their son in Monaco. Authorities have launched a criminal inquiry, and the woman is currently at large, believed to be in her thirties and “armed and dangerous.”
Interpol is in the process of drafting a Most Wanted red notice for the unnamed suspect, who was last seen fleeing towards France after the incident. Judicial authorities in France and Monaco have launched a criminal investigation into charges including attempted murder and the use of an explosive device.
Interpol is in the process of issuing a Most Wanted red notice for the Ukrainian woman believed to be behind the bombing at the Monaco apartment block, following a criminal enquiry opened by judicial authorities in both France and Monaco for attempted murder and other charges. The injured 13-year-old boy is providing evidence to police, revealing his experience of the incident despite having a “very blurred” memory.
What remains unclear — It is not known how the suspect managed to evade immediate capture after the bombing.
Monaco bombing suspect identified as Ukrainian woman disguised as a man
The woman disguised herself as a man (Pictures: Police)
An ‘armed and dangerous’ Ukrainian woman is suspected of setting off a bomb which injured a Ukrainian billionaire in the centre of Monaco.
Interpol is working to create a Most Wanted red notice for the alleged attacker, believed to be in her 30s, after an arrest warrant was issued.
She is said to have targeted Vadim Ermolaev, 58, his mistress, Anna Nasobina, 46, and their 13-year-old son on Monday night.
The woman, who has not been named publicly, was caught on CCTV outside the ‘Sun’s Palace’ – a lavish apartment block owned by Mr Ermolaev.
In the foyer just before 9pm, a rucksack, which had been left there, exploded after it was allegedly triggered using a mobile phone.
Ms Nasobina had her legs amputated following the blast, while both she and Mr Ermolaev suffered severe shrapnel wounds and burns.
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Vadim was targeted alongside his son and mistress (Picture: X)
‘The prime suspect was identified by a witness,’ said a source. ‘She is a Ukrainian woman in her thirties.’
Footage from nearby surveillance cameras showed the suspect wearing a black bucket hat fleeing on foot across the border to France, where there are no checkpoints.
Investigators believe she first went to the town of Beausoleil before making her way to Italy.
The source added: ‘She is armed and dangerous, and thought to be in the company of accomplices. She should be approached with extreme caution.’
Judicial authorities in both France and Monaco have opened a criminal enquiry for ‘attempted murder’, ‘the planting of an explosive device on a public road with criminal intent’ and ‘criminal conspiracy.’
Cameras first picked up the suspect in the area on Monday morning, before she returned to place the bomb, according to the same security sources.
The wounded boy has made a rapid recovery and is currently providing evidence to police and prosecutors.
‘He is telling them exactly what he saw, although clearly his memory is very blurred,’ said a security source. ‘It appears that his mother took the full force of the blast, while he suffered relatively minor burns and shrapnel injuries.’
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Lithuania plans to amend constitution to lift nuclear weapons ban
9:00 am
Lithuania plans to amend constitution to lift nuclear weapons ban
Nuclear Policy Change
Lithuanian political leaders have agreed to amend the constitution to potentially remove the ban on the domestic deployment of nuclear weapons, deemed “outdated” by President Gitanas Nauseda.
Lithuanian political leaders have agreed to amend the constitution to potentially remove the ban on the domestic deployment of nuclear weapons, deemed “outdated” by President Gitanas Nauseda.
Nuclear Policy Shift
Amending Lithuania’s constitutional ban on nuclear weapons marks a strategic pivot in response to escalating geopolitical threats, aligning with NATO commitments and regional security dynamics.
Amending Lithuania’s constitutional ban on nuclear weapons marks a strategic pivot in response to escalating geopolitical threats, aligning with NATO commitments and regional security dynamics.
Official Statement
“The geopolitical situation is getting worse; our constitution was written when geopolitical circumstances were totally different,” said President Gitanas Nauseda on Lithuania’s nuclear policy shift.
“The geopolitical situation is getting worse; our constitution was written when geopolitical circumstances were totally different,” said President Gitanas Nauseda on Lithuania’s nuclear policy shift.
Lithuania moves to lift nuclear weapons ban, following Finland’s lead
Published on
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said the Baltic country’s top political leaders had agreed that a constitutional ban on the domestic deployment of nuclear weapons should be removed.
Nauseda said Article 137 of Lithuania’s constitution, which explicitly prohibits the deployment of weapons of mass destruction and the establishment of foreign military bases on Lithuanian territory had become “outdated” and “obsolete,” according to a report by a state broadcaster LRT.
“The geopolitical situation is getting worse. Our constitution was written when geopolitical circumstances were totally different,” Nauseda said.
The Baltic country hosts a NATO multinational battlegroup with a permanent presence of up to 5,000 German soldiers.
But Lithuania is also surrounded by a nuclear-capable arsenal deployed in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and Belarus, Moscow’s strongest ally.
Now that the leaders of Lithuania’s political parties have agreed in principle to amend the country’s constitution, the question is whether to make the change via a parliamentary vote — as Finland did — or hold a referendum.
Finland lifted its nuclear ban
Finland recently voted to lift its long-time ban on nuclear weapons, allowing the country to receive, transport, and facilitate the movement of nuclear arms on its territory as part of allied defence.
The new measure took effect on Wednesday.
Finland announced plans to partner with the US defence firm Lockheed Martin to build Europe’s first maintenance centre for multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) in Tampere.
The news caused anger and threats in Russia, with first deputy chair of the Russian State Duma Defence Committee Aleksey Zhuravlyov accusing Finland of becoming “a second Ukraine” and openly threatening that Moscow has the military might to destroy half the country.
EU institutions mount pressure for ambitious budget with new resources.
8:01 am
EU institutions mount pressure for ambitious budget with new resources.
The European Parliament is set to vote today on a landmark agreement aimed at strengthening air passenger rights, following extensive negotiations between member states and EU institutions. This legislation seeks to enhance consumer protections amidst increasing travel disruptions, particularly as the sector rebounds post-pandemic. The proposal includes provisions for improved compensation for flight cancellations and delays, as well as clearer guidelines for airlines regarding passenger communication and assistance.
In related news, EU trade with the United States has reached record levels despite lingering tariff tensions, as highlighted by recent studies showing a 15% increase year-on-year. Business leaders expect this trend to continue, anticipating further growth driven by enhanced collaboration across sectors. Stakeholders will be watching closely for upcoming announcements at the planned EU-US summit, which could address trade barriers and reinforce the partnership.
Key developments across Europe
Israel, despite Gaza genocide
EU TRADE — The EU continues its financial ties with Israel amid ongoing conflict.
Recent reports highlight that despite the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, significant funds are transferring from EU institutions to Israel. This ongoing financial relationship raises ethical questions about the EU’s stance on human rights within its trade agreements.
EU ECONOMY — The EU faces challenges in reducing reliance on Chinese imports while promoting diversification strategies.
Despite intentions to rebalance trade relations with China, European markets remain heavily dependent on Chinese products, notably in consumer electronics like air conditioners. Efforts are underway to identify alternative suppliers, yet immediate solutions remain scarce, indicating a complex economic terrain ahead.
EU ENERGY — Infineon’s new facility marks a pivotal step towards achieving semiconductor independence in Europe.
The opening of Infineon’s advanced chip plant is a significant move to bolster Europe’s semiconductor production capacity. This initiative aims to mitigate reliance on foreign suppliers, enhancing technology autonomy and fulfilling the European Commission’s objectives for a robust regional supply chain.
EU LAW — The EU’s ruling reinforces its commitment to regulatory authority over major tech companies.
The court’s decision against Google reinforces the EU’s stance on enforcing competition laws and ensuring fair market practices. This ruling, involving a significant financial penalty, will likely serve as a precedent for future regulatory actions against tech giants in the bloc.
What to watch — The next significant development is the EU’s response to ongoing trade issues with China, focusing on diversification efforts.
Further reading from across European news sources
Financial Times
Reuters
Politico Europe
Euronews
The Guardian
Local insights
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