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The French National Assembly voted unanimously to repeal the Code Noir, a 1685 law that treated enslaved people as property in French colonies. Although slavery was abolished in 1848, this law remained on the books, and its formal removal is seen as a step toward acknowledging France’s colonial past.
Key Facts
The Code Noir was a law from 1685 that classified enslaved people as movable property in French colonies.
It allowed slave owners to control and punish enslaved people harshly, including beatings, sales, and even death.
France abolished slavery in 1848, but the Code Noir was never formally repealed until this vote in 2024.
The National Assembly unanimously voted 254-0 to remove the law from French legislation.
French overseas departments like Guadeloupe and Martinique still have residents mostly descended from enslaved people.
These regions face higher poverty and unemployment than mainland France despite being part of the country.
Lawmakers from these regions see the repeal as a way to honor their ancestors and challenge ongoing racial inequalities.
President Emmanuel Macron called the continued existence of the Code Noir a form of offense but did not issue a formal apology.
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The European Union has fully started using a new system called the Entry/Exit System (EES) that replaces passport stamps with digital records like fingerprints and facial images. Travelers from the U.S. and other non-EU countries are facing longer wait times and confusion at airports because some places use automated kiosks while others do more manual checks.
Key Facts
The EES began operating on October 12, 2025, and is now fully in use across 29 Schengen Area countries since April 10, 2026.
EES collects biometric data such as fingerprints and facial photos instead of stamping passports.
Since October 2025, the system recorded nearly 80 million border crossings and refused entry to over 35,000 people, including around 900 considered security threats.
Travelers report uneven experiences: some airports have many automated kiosks working, others rely on manual processing causing long lines and delays.
No clear signs or detailed instructions about EES are available at some airports, leading to confusion among travelers.
Brussels and Madrid airports have experienced longer wait times during the EES rollout, with some kiosks still being installed or out of service.
Airport and border officials say they are working on expanding the use of automated gates to reduce delays and manage large passenger flows better.
Border control is handled by national police, but airports support the process by coordinating with authorities.
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Nearly 500 people were seriously hurt in electric scooter crashes in Great Britain in 2026, with 10 riders killed. The government reported a slight increase in e-scooter injuries and deaths, while overall road deaths in Great Britain fell by 3% compared to 2024.
Key Facts
About 1,484 people were injured in e-scooter accidents in 2026, including 485 serious injuries.
Ten e-scooter riders died in crashes, up from six in 2024.
Overall road deaths in Great Britain declined by 3% in 2025, with an estimated 1,556 fatalities.
Serious injuries and deaths on roads increased by 4% in 2025, with almost 30,000 people affected.
Men accounted for 77% of road fatalities and 61% of all casualties in 2025.
Private e-scooter use on public roads and pavements is currently illegal, but rental e-scooters are allowed in government trials.
The UK government plans to update e-scooter laws and aims to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035.
New road safety measures being considered include lowering drink-drive limits and requiring a learning period for drivers.
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Maxi-Cosi is recalling all FamilyFix Slide Pro car seat bases because the safety indicator can wrongly show that the seat is securely attached when it is not. The recall warns parents to stop using the product immediately to avoid potential injuries to children.
Key Facts
Maxi-Cosi is recalling FamilyFix Slide Pro bases due to a faulty safety indicator.
The indicator may show green even if the seat is not properly connected.
If the seat detaches while in use, it could cause injury to the child.
The affected bases were made in China from September 6, 2025, to March 24, 2026.
The product fails to meet the UK’s General Product Safety Regulations 2005.
Users should check their product model and manufacturing date on the Maxi-Cosi website.
The manufacturing date is on a white label under the base.
Maxi-Cosi describes this as a voluntary recall to ensure child safety and quality.
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The United Nations has added Israel to a list of countries accused of sexual violence during armed conflict. Israel strongly rejects this claim and has cut contact with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in response to the report.
Key Facts
The UN included Israel in its annual report on conflict-related sexual violence.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, called the decision outrageous and said Israel will stop communication with Guterres’s office.
The report cited credible information that Israeli security forces committed sexual violence against Palestinian detainees.
UN inspectors were reportedly denied access to Israeli detention centers to investigate these claims.
Human rights groups say sexual violence and abuse by Israeli soldiers and settlers contribute to Palestinians leaving the West Bank.
The report also included accusations of sexual assault against Palestinians held by Israeli authorities from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
Israel has denied the allegations and said it plans to sue the New York Times over a related article alleging rape by Israeli forces.
Relations between Israel and the UN have worsened since the Hamas attack in October 2023 and the ensuing conflict in Gaza.
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Keir Starmer disagrees with former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s criticism of his government’s policies, saying they fit today’s challenges, not those of 1997. Andy Burnham also criticized Blair’s view, arguing it ignores the impact of falling living standards and past regulatory failures.
Key Facts
Tony Blair wrote an essay criticizing Keir Starmer’s government for abandoning the political middle ground and risking Labour’s future.
Blair suggested Starmer should have dropped promises on workers’ rights and net zero climate goals and supported President Trump’s stance on Iran.
Starmer responded that Blair misunderstood current challenges and defended his government’s policies on the economy, wealth distribution, and public services.
Starmer noted improvements such as shorter NHS waiting lists due to investment and new technology.
Andy Burnham agreed with Blair on the need for higher economic growth but disagreed about deregulation and falling living standards.
Burnham said deregulation caused the 2008 financial crisis and warned against ignoring social media and AI regulation.
Burnham highlighted his actions reversing bus service deregulation in Greater Manchester as an example of market intervention needed for growth.
Both Starmer and Burnham emphasized the need for policies suited to today’s economic and social realities.
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Portugal reached a new record high temperature of 40.3°C in May, the hottest May day ever recorded in the country. Several Western European countries, including France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland, are experiencing a heatwave with unusually high temperatures and related challenges.
Key Facts
Portugal set a new May temperature record of 40.3°C in the town of Mora.
France is preparing for heatwaves with government meetings and measures to manage forest fires and water supplies.
Some French schools have closed due to high indoor temperatures, with temperatures inside one school reaching 53°C.
French exams continue despite the heat, with exam centers adjusting rooms to cooler locations.
France’s capital Paris expects temperatures up to 34°C in the weekend, with traffic and transport measures in place to reduce pollution and ease congestion.
Italy issued red heatwave alerts in cities including Rome, Florence, Bologna, Brescia, and Turin, warning of health risks even for healthy adults.
The heatwave is caused by a "heat dome," a weather pattern that traps warm air.
Scientists link the increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves to climate change.
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The US and Iran have reached a tentative deal to extend a ceasefire by 60 days, but it still needs approval from leaders of both countries. The agreement includes talks about Iran’s nuclear program and aims to ease tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil and natural gas.
Key Facts
The ceasefire extension deal between the US and Iran is temporary and awaits final approval.
The deal would allow unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, important for global fuel trade.
Iran would remove mines from the Strait within 30 days as part of the deal.
The US would lift its naval blockade and issue sanction waivers to let Iran sell oil again.
Talks about Iran’s nuclear program are planned under this tentative agreement.
Both countries have recently accused each other of breaking the ceasefire.
President Donald Trump has been briefed but has not yet approved the deal and is taking time to decide.
Iranian state media reported an unofficial draft with demands including US military withdrawal and control of shipping routes by Iran and Oman, but the US called this report false.
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The United Nations plans to list Israeli authorities as suspected parties responsible for sexual violence in conflict zones, based on credible reports of abuse against Palestinian detainees. Israel strongly rejects this decision and has stopped communication with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres over the issue.
Key Facts
The UN will include Israeli authorities in its report on sexual violence related to armed conflicts.
The report is based on credible information of sexual violence by Israeli security forces in prisons holding Palestinian detainees.
Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, condemned the decision and ended contact with UN Secretary-General Guterres.
The list also includes the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Palestinians have long reported sexual and physical abuse in Israeli detention centers.
A recent New York Times investigation interviewed Palestinians alleging sexual assault by Israeli settlers or security forces.
The UN report is issued annually and shared with involved parties before publication.
Relations between Israel and the UN have worsened following Israel’s military actions in Gaza and criticism from UN officials.
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Latvia’s parliament chose a new prime minister, Andris Kulbergs, after the previous government fell due to disagreements over how it handled stray drones from the Ukraine conflict. The new coalition government plans to focus on strengthening Latvia’s security and maintaining strong ties with the European Union, NATO, and Ukraine.
Key Facts
Latvia’s previous government ended after a dispute about stray drones thought to be from Ukraine.
Andris Kulbergs, age 47, was approved as the new prime minister by 66 out of 100 deputies.
The former prime minister Evika Silina resigned after losing support following criticism of Defence Minister Andris Spruds.
Spruds resigned because of questions about the slow response to two drones crossing Latvian airspace.
Latvia is a member of both the European Union and NATO.
Several Russian and Ukrainian drones have crashed in Latvia and nearby countries since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
The new coalition includes four parties and supports stronger military and border security.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy offered to send experts to help Latvia improve its air defenses.
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The Trump administration tried to help end the war between Russia and Ukraine but was not successful. Problems included poor negotiation handling and President Trump's reluctance to pressure Russia.
Key Facts
The Trump administration attempted to mediate the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The mediation effort did not make progress.
Negotiations were not managed well.
President Trump chose not to apply pressure on Russia.
Due to these issues, the mediation effort failed.
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The United States and Iran have reached a tentative agreement to extend a ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This deal lasts for 60 days but still needs approval from President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran agreed on a tentative deal to extend a ceasefire.
The agreement includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, an important waterway.
The deal is for 60 days as a memorandum of understanding (MOU).
The ceasefire is described as fragile and unstable.
The agreement is not final until President Trump gives his approval.
The sources providing this information are from the United States.
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The Rolling Stones will release a new album called "Foreign Tongues" on July 10. The album’s producer, Andrew Watt, described it as very special and said he recorded the band playing live to capture their energy.
Key Facts
The album "Foreign Tongues" is set for release on July 10.
Andrew Watt produced the album and also worked on their 2023 album "Hackney Diamonds."
Watt said the band never repeats themselves and always changes their music style.
To capture live energy, the band played together in the studio during recording.
Watt believes "Foreign Tongues" is even better than "Hackney Diamonds."
The longtime band members Keith Richards and Mick Jagger sometimes surprise each other, creating unique moments in their music.
The Rolling Stones continue to create new music and perform actively even in their 80s.
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Nicola Sturgeon spoke publicly for the first time after her husband, Peter Murrell, admitted stealing over £400,000 from the Scottish National Party (SNP). She said she did not know about his actions and is trying to cope with the situation.
Key Facts
Peter Murrell, former SNP chief executive and Nicola Sturgeon’s estranged husband, pleaded guilty to embezzling £400,310.65 from the SNP between 2010 and 2022.
Murrell used the stolen money to buy luxury goods, jewelry, cosmetics, two cars, a motorhome, kitchenware, and coffee machines.
Murrell was arrested, pleaded guilty in court, and remains in custody awaiting sentencing on June 23.
Nicola Sturgeon denied any knowledge of the embezzlement and was questioned by police but never charged.
Sturgeon described feeling deceived and betrayed by Murrell and said this has been the worst week of her life.
The police investigation into SNP finances, called Operation Branchform, began in 2021 and lasted about five years.
First Minister John Swinney opposed calls for a further inquiry, citing the thorough police investigation.
Sturgeon appeared at a book festival in Ireland to discuss her memoir and her experience during the scandal.
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Two Iranian brothers who took part in anti-government protests fled to northern Iraq to escape arrest and possible execution. Despite a ceasefire announced by President Trump, human rights groups report the Iranian regime has increased crackdowns, including arrests and executions.
Key Facts
The war between the U.S. and Iran has lasted 90 days with unstable hopes for a peace deal.
Karvan (22) and his brother Kavian (20) participated in protests against the Iranian government in 2022 and early 2026.
Iranian protests were sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish woman, while in police custody.
President Trump stated about 32,000 people were killed in the government’s crackdown, though this number is not verified.
Tens of thousands have been arrested, and dozens executed since the protests began.
The brothers fled Iran on May 13 to the Kurdistan region in northern Iraq for safety.
Rights group Hengaw reports about 40,000 people detained during recent protests, 31 sentenced to death, and 15 executed.
Despite a ceasefire starting April 8, the government increased arrests targeting protesters and anyone documenting the conflict.
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President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman if the country does not "behave" in the Strait of Hormuz, an important waterway. Oman is considered a key ally of the United States in that region.
Key Facts
President Trump made a threat to bomb Oman.
The reason given was for Oman not to "behave" in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic passage for global shipping and oil transport.
Oman is recognized as an important ally of the United States.
The threat was reported by CBS News correspondent Charlie D'Agata.
The statement raises concerns about U.S. relations with Oman and regional stability.
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Smoke was seen rising over south Beirut after Israel launched air strikes on the Lebanese capital. An apartment building was hit, according to a Lebanese military official, and Israel confirmed the attacks.
Key Facts
Israeli forces carried out air strikes in south Beirut.
Smoke was visible over the area after the attack.
An apartment building was damaged in the strikes.
A Lebanese military official reported the impact on the building.
Israel’s military acknowledged they had carried out the strikes.
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Hundreds of undocumented Bangladeshi migrants and Rohingya refugees are leaving India’s West Bengal state. This happens after the state set up detention centers for foreigners, leading to worries about the safety of these groups.
Key Facts
West Bengal, a state in India, started detention centers for foreigners.
Many undocumented migrants from Bangladesh began to leave West Bengal.
Rohingya refugees, who fled from Myanmar, are also fleeing this area.
The migrants and refugees fear arrest or detention due to new rules.
Rights groups say these communities are at greater risk because of government actions.
The ruling party in India, BJP, is behind these measures.
Bangladesh is the main destination for these migrants who are leaving India.
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Hezbollah is using fibre-optic drones to attack Israeli soldiers and civilians near the Lebanon-Israel border. These drones are small, fly low, and are controlled by a wire that sends live video back to the operator, making them hard to detect and stop. Since a ceasefire began in April, these drones have caused most of the casualties and created fear in border communities.
Key Facts
Hezbollah uses fibre-optic drones, also called FPVs (First-Person View), to attack targets in Israel.
These drones are loaded with explosives and controlled through a thin optical wire, making jamming signals difficult.
Since the April ceasefire, eight out of twelve Israeli deaths have been caused by these drones.
More than 100 drone attacks have targeted Israeli border communities since the ceasefire.
The drones fly low and quietly, often arriving without warning, which makes them hard to detect.
Israeli soldiers sometimes shoot down the drones but lose track of many due to their small size and low flight.
The drones are cheap to make, costing about $300-$400 each, and Hezbollah reportedly has many trained operators.
This drone tactic is inspired by similar military drone use observed in the Ukraine conflict.
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Two Iranian brothers who took part in protests in January said that after the war and ceasefire, the Iranian government became harsher toward its people. They described the situation inside Iran as chaotic and worsening, and they left the country on May 13.
Key Facts
Two Iranian brothers joined protests in Iran in January.
They reported the situation inside Iran became chaotic after the war began.
After a ceasefire, the government’s actions against the people became more extreme.
The brothers decided to leave Iran on May 13.
Their statements were shared in an interview with CBS News.
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