Monday, July 6, 2026

World

Iran's Khamenei Funeral Draws Millions as Power Struggle Intensifies

Millions have gathered in Tehran for the funeral procession of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, killed during the Iran-Israel war, as the country moves toward a potentially destabilising transition of power. Behind the mourning, a fierce internal battle has broken out between President Masoud Pezeshkian, who wants sanctions relief through diplomacy, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is demanding control of the Strait of Hormuz.

MarketIran leadership change by June 30, 2027?26%

Politics

FIFA Drops Balogun Red Card After Trump Intervention

FIFA has reversed the red card shown to US striker Folarin Balogun following a call from Donald Trump, clearing him to play in the USA's next World Cup match against Belgium. The decision has left Belgium's football federation furious and in open crisis, with officials investigating legal challenges and critics warning that political pressure has now visibly compromised the sport's disciplinary process.

Politics

UK Cracks Down on Political Donations Amid Farage Scandal

The UK government has announced sweeping reforms to political funding rules, including a cap on donations from people who have recently moved to the UK and new restrictions on foreign-based donors. The timing is awkward for Nigel Farage, who simultaneously faces a potential second investigation into undeclared gifts he received from a convicted fraudster before entering Parliament.

World

Venezuela Death Toll Set to Soar After June Earthquakes

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez has defended her government's earthquake response as the death toll from the June 24 disaster — already above 3,000 — is expected to climb significantly higher. Public anger at the slow official response has mounted, with international rescue teams only arriving days after the twin quakes struck.

MarketWill Nicolás Maduro be the leader of Venezuela end of 2026?79%

Health

Wegovy Weight-Loss Pill Goes on Sale in UK Pharmacies

Novo Nordisk's oral semaglutide pill — a once-daily tablet version of the blockbuster Wegovy injection — is now available to buy privately at UK pharmacies, marking a significant expansion of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs beyond the clinic. The pill form removes the need for self-injection, likely widening the pool of people willing to use the medication, though it remains privately funded rather than NHS-prescribed for now.