G7 summit to start amid Trump trade tensions and Iran-Israel crisis – US politics live

Venice residents are pushing back against Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's upcoming high-profile wedding, arguing that the billionaire couple's lavish plans are disrupting the historic city. Locals are fed up with the influx of wealthy outsiders and the strain they put on Venice's already fragile infrastructure and culture.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about a wedding—it's a flashpoint in the growing tension between ultra-rich elites and local communities. Venice, already struggling with overtourism and rising living costs, has become a symbol of how extreme wealth can overshadow the needs of everyday residents. The backlash reflects a broader frustration with how billionaires operate in spaces that aren't built to accommodate their excess.

A new report by Casey highlights that authorities have avoided addressing the ethnic backgrounds of grooming gangs, despite clear patterns in past cases. The report emphasizes society's moral obligation to victims, stating, "We as a society owe these women a debt." It suggests that fear of being labeled racist has hindered honest discussions and effective interventions.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about pointing fingers—it’s about acknowledging uncomfortable truths to prevent future harm. If we skirt around facts because they’re politically sensitive, victims pay the price. The report pushes for accountability, not to stoke division but to ensure justice isn’t sidelined by hesitation.

Adam Drake's defense lawyer wrapped up closing arguments in his murder trial, urging the jury to focus strictly on the evidence and ignore external chatter. Drake, 34, is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly stabbing rapper Pat Stay during a 2022 altercation at a Halifax bar. The case has drawn attention due to Stay's prominence in the hip-hop scene, but the defense is pushing for a verdict based solely on courtroom facts.

Editor’s Note: High-profile trials like this often stir public emotion, especially when a well-known figure like Pat Stay is involved. The defense’s plea to disregard "outside noise" highlights how media coverage and social buzz can complicate fair deliberations. It’s a tense moment—not just for Drake and Stay’s loved ones, but for anyone watching how the justice system handles cases under the spotlight.

Former US President Donald Trump has called Russia’s exclusion from the G8 (now G7) a "big mistake," suggesting the country should be reinstated to the group of major Western economies. His comments come amid ongoing tensions between Russia and the West, particularly over Ukraine.

Editor’s Note: Trump’s stance isn’t new—he’s long pushed for closer ties with Russia—but it’s a notable break from current Western policy. With the G7 being a key forum for economic and diplomatic coordination, his remarks could stir debate, especially as the US election looms. It’s a reminder of how much global alliances might shift depending on who’s in power.

The FBI revealed that Vance Boelter, the suspect in the killing of a Minnesota lawmaker, had a list of over 45 elected officials—mostly Democrats—along with their home addresses. Meanwhile, a federal judge is set to decide whether to block Trump’s plan to ban foreign students from studying at Harvard.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights the alarming intersection of political violence and targeted threats against elected officials. The suspect’s list suggests a broader, organized threat, raising concerns about the safety of public figures. The unrelated Harvard case adds another layer, showing how policy battles over immigration and education continue to play out in court. Both threads underscore the tense and polarized climate in the U.S. right now.