NASA and Boeing have indefinitely delayed the return of the Starliner spacecraft from the International Space Station, where two astronauts are awaiting their journey home, due to significant technical concerns. Extensive evaluations are underway to address multiple helium leaks and propulsion system issues, ensuring crew safety remains the top priority before a new return date can be set.
French President Emmanuel Macron dissolved parliament and called a snap legislative election after his centrist party suffered a crushing defeat to the far-right National Rally in the European Parliament elections. This bold move has plunged France into immediate political uncertainty, potentially leading to a far-right government and a "cohabitation" scenario that could severely hinder Macron's agenda and reshape both domestic and European policies.
G7 leaders have reached a landmark agreement to provide Ukraine with a $50 billion loan, which will be repaid using profits generated from frozen Russian sovereign assets. This crucial financial package, officially termed the "Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loan," aims to deliver sustained support for Ukraine's war efforts, economic stability, and future reconstruction.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has formally announced plans to abolish tax exemptions for private schools, a move projected to raise £1.6 billion annually for state education funding. This contentious proposal, unveiled amidst the UK general election campaign, faces strong opposition from private school groups but enjoys significant support among Labour voters and education unions.
A massive heat dome is rapidly expanding across the United States, threatening millions with dangerously high, triple-digit temperatures and posing substantial risks to public health. Forecasters are issuing urgent warnings for record-breaking heat from the Midwest to the Northeast, with cities like Chicago and New York preparing for temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set for their first head-to-head debate on June 27th, 2024, hosted by CNN, marking a pivotal early moment in the intensely contested presidential campaign. This highly anticipated event in Atlanta will feature unique rules like muted microphones and no live audience, aiming to foster structured discussions and prevent interruptions between the candidates.
