Germany threatens EU states with loss of funding

A former employee of Sean 'Diddy' Combs testified in court that the music mogul once threatened to kill fellow artist Kid Cudi. The explosive allegation adds fuel to ongoing legal and personal drama surrounding Combs, whose reputation has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just tabloid gossip—it’s a serious accusation that could have legal and reputational consequences for Diddy. Given his high-profile status and past controversies, this testimony might further tarnish his public image and even impact his business dealings. For Kid Cudi fans, it’s another unsettling glimpse into the tensions behind the scenes of the music industry.

Lithuania is taking Belarus to court, demanding €200 million in damages over the 2021 migrant crisis, where Belarus was accused of funneling thousands of migrants to the Lithuanian border as a form of hybrid warfare. The lawsuit, filed at the International Court of Justice, claims Belarus orchestrated the crisis to destabilize its neighbor.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about money—it’s a high-stakes legal move that could set a precedent for how countries respond to hybrid threats like weaponized migration. If Lithuania wins, it might encourage other nations to hold Belarus (or similar regimes) financially accountable for political provocations. But given Belarus’s ties to Russia, this could also escalate tensions in an already volatile region.

Republican lawmakers are pushing harder for tougher sanctions against Russia as its military strikes in Ukraine grow more aggressive. The calls come amid rising frustration over the conflict's toll and accusations that current measures aren't doing enough to curb Moscow's actions. Some in the GOP are even breaking with their usual skepticism of foreign intervention, signaling a rare moment of bipartisan alignment on the issue—though debates over the specifics are still heated.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another political squabble—it's a sign that Russia's escalating violence is forcing even hesitant Republicans to take a harder line. With midterms looming, the pressure to act (or at least look tough) is growing, and how this plays out could shape both U.S. strategy abroad and domestic political alliances. For everyday readers, it’s a reminder that the war’s ripple effects are still very much hitting home.

Former President Trump’s tariffs—taxes on imported goods meant to protect American industries—have unintentionally fueled a surge in trade-related crimes. Businesses and individuals are finding loopholes, like mislabeling products or smuggling, to dodge the extra costs. This isn’t just small-time fraud; it’s grown into a systemic issue, with authorities reporting more cases of evasion and illegal trade tactics.

Editor’s Note: Tariffs were supposed to boost U.S. manufacturing, but they’ve also created a messy side effect: a black market for avoiding them. When costs go up, people get creative—sometimes illegally. This story matters because it shows how well-intentioned policies can backfire, distorting markets and straining law enforcement. If trade crimes keep rising, it could undermine the very industries these tariffs were meant to protect.

British tennis player Jack Draper credits his composure and self-belief for his breakthrough victory at the French Open, where he defeated Mattia Bellucci. Draper admitted he stayed patient, trusting his game would eventually "click into place," and it paid off with the biggest win of his career so far.

Editor’s Note: Draper’s win isn’t just another match—it’s a sign of his growing maturity on the court. For a young player, keeping nerves in check in a high-stakes tournament like Roland Garros is a big deal. This could be the confidence boost he needs to climb the ranks and become a serious contender in men’s tennis.