https://aseannow.com/rss/42-world-news1.xml/World news reports from around the worldenhttps://aseannow.com/worldnews/refugees-face-%C2%A310000-repayment-under-new-asylum-bill-r1333/People granted asylum in the UK could be required to repay around £10,000 towards the cost of their accommodation and financial support once they begin earning, under proposals contained in the government's new Immigration and Asylum Bill. Get today's headlines by email The measures are intended to recover some of the costs of supporting asylum seekers from adults deemed able to contribute financially. Under the plans, asylum seekers who have the right to work would have to repay the flat-rate amount before becoming eligible to settle permanently in the UK. Failed asylum seekers who leave the country would also be expected to repay outstanding costs before being allowed to return. Refugees Could Repay Support CostsHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the proposals reflected the principle that while asylum support is a right, it also carries responsibilities. She said people should contribute once they are financially able to do so, describing it as a way of repaying the support provided by taxpayers. The government expects the repayment amount to be set at about £10,000, although the Home Office has not yet decided the earnings threshold at which repayments would begin. Ministers would also have powers to adjust both the repayment amount and income thresholds to ensure the scheme remains fair to taxpayers while avoiding hardship for migrants. Concerns Over PracticalityDr Madeleine Sumption, director of the University of Oxford's Migration Observatory, said the proposals marked a further tightening of the UK's immigration system while remaining within international refugee and human rights obligations. She also questioned how much money the scheme would recover, noting that many refugees earn relatively low incomes. According to Migration Observatory analysis, only an estimated 13% of people granted refugee status five years earlier earned at least £20,000 in 2023, with most either unemployed or earning less. The Home Office said 24% of refugees aged 16 to 64 were in employment during their first year after being granted asylum between 2015 and 2023. That figure rose to about 48% after two years. Among those working eight years after receiving refugee status, 37% were employed full time, with median earnings of £23,000 and only 40% earning above the minimum wage. Critics and Wider ReformsThe Refugee Council criticised the plans as "unfair" and "impractical", arguing they would amount to an extra financial burden on refugees trying to rebuild their lives. The charity said asylum seekers are prevented from working while their claims are processed and that support is provided only to those facing destitution. The Home Office said around £4 billion of public money was spent supporting asylum seekers last year. It estimated that accommodation costs average £23.25 per night in private rented housing and £144 per night in hotels, while weekly subsistence payments range from £9.95 to £49.18 per person. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said Labour had adopted a proposal previously put forward by the Conservatives after opposing it during debate on an earlier Immigration Bill. The legislation would also establish a new immigration appeals authority designed to speed up the removal of failed asylum seekers. It includes changes to the application of human rights and modern slavery laws to asylum claims, with ministers saying the aim is to reduce what they describe as vexatious applications. The government says the wider package will create a firm but fair asylum system and reduce incentives for illegal migration, although some of the tougher measures are expected to face opposition from Labour MPs. The bill also includes plans for capped safe and legal refugee routes, allowing organisations such as universities, businesses and community groups to sponsor refugees. Separately, ministers recently announced plans to expand the use of former military barracks to house asylum seekers after closing additional hotels in England. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 1 July 2026Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:29:10 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/spain-draws-one-million-applications-in-migrant-amnesty-r1332/More than one million undocumented migrants and asylum seekers have applied to regularise their status in Spain under a government programme aimed at bringing more people into the formal workforce and supporting the country's long-term economic and demographic needs. Get today's headlines by email Overwhelming response to regularisation schemeThe initiative, announced by Spain's socialist-led government in January, was originally expected to benefit around 500,000 people. However, by the time applications closed on Tuesday, the number of applicants had exceeded one million. The programme offers successful applicants a one-year residence and work permit. To qualify, individuals must prove they have no criminal record and show they had been living in Spain for at least five months before 31 December 2025, or that they had applied for international protection before that date. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the unexpectedly high number of applications demonstrated the need for the scheme. "The fact that more than one million people submitted applications shows just how necessary this recognition of rights and responsibilities was," he said during an event in Madrid. Government argues immigration is vitalSánchez said immigration would be essential for Spain's future economic growth, its ageing population and the sustainability of its welfare system. He warned that without immigration, Spain's gross domestic product would be 19% lower by 2050. He said such a scenario would result in the closure of around 90,000 bars, leave 50,000 primary and secondary school classrooms without pupils, and lead to the loss of approximately 220,000 farms. According to the prime minister, Spain would become "poorer, emptier, weaker and without the resources to fund its welfare state" without continued migration. Spain has previously introduced large-scale regularisation programmes under both socialist and conservative governments, but the latest measure has drawn strong opposition from conservative and far-right parties. Opposition mounts legal and political challengeThe centre-right People's Party (PP) has argued that the scheme risks placing excessive pressure on public services, while the far-right Vox party has accused the government of using immigration to reshape Spain's population, labour market and electoral landscape. Regional PP administrations in Valencia and Aragón have challenged the programme in court. On Tuesday, a court said it was considering asking the European Court of Justice to determine whether parts of the government's decree are compatible with European Union law. PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo has also criticised a separate democratic memory law introduced in 2022, which allows descendants of Spaniards exiled during the Spanish Civil War and Francisco Franco's dictatorship to obtain Spanish citizenship. More than 2.4 million people have applied under that law, with more than 544,000 applications already approved. In a radio interview on Monday, Feijóo accused the government of pursuing "electoral engineering" by expanding the number of potential voters. The government rejected those claims. Migration Minister Elma Saiz described the accusations as "incredibly irresponsible", saying they reflected political frustration rather than a credible policy alternative. Integration plan unveiledSánchez has consistently defended immigration even as many European governments have adopted tougher migration policies. Reiterating comments he made to parliament in October 2024, he said migration has historically driven national development, while hatred and xenophobia have undermined societies. Alongside the regularisation programme, the government announced a €500 million (£431 million) integration and citizenship plan aimed at helping migrants settle successfully in Spain. Sánchez said the initiative would promote equal treatment, combat discrimination and expand opportunities, while also expecting newcomers to respect Spanish law, learn the country's official languages and embrace its democratic values. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 1 July 2026Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:16:46 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/us-supreme-court-upholds-transgender-sports-bans-r1331/The US Supreme Court has ruled that states may ban transgender women from competing in female school and college sports, upholding laws that require athletes to compete according to their sex recorded at birth. Get today's headlines by email The decision came in two cases involving challenges to laws in Idaho and West Virginia, where transgender students argued the restrictions were unlawful. More than two dozen states have introduced similar bans since Idaho became the first to do so in 2020. The court unanimously found that the state laws do not violate Title IX, the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools. States Win Challenge Over School Sports RulesHowever, the justices split 6-3 over whether the bans breached the US Constitution's 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law. The court's six conservative justices concluded the restrictions were constitutional, while its three liberal members disagreed. Writing for the majority, Justice Brett Kavanaugh said the Constitution and Title IX "do not require an overhaul of women's and girls' sports throughout America." Justice Sonia Sotomayor, writing in partial dissent, criticised the ruling, saying the majority had adopted "a diminished view of equal protection" in cases involving school sports. Challenges From Idaho and West VirginiaOne of the cases was brought by Lindsay Hecox, a transgender woman and long-distance runner, shortly after Idaho enacted its law. She had previously secured injunctions from both a federal district court and an appeals court while the legal challenge continued. At the time the legislation was passed, Idaho state lawmaker Barbara Ehardt, who introduced the measure, said it was intended to ensure that "boys and men will not be able to take the place of girls and women in sports because it's not fair". A federal appeals panel had later ruled that Idaho failed to provide sufficient evidence that its law protected equal opportunities for female athletes, concluding that it violated constitutional rights. The Supreme Court's ruling overturns that outcome. Supporters Welcome Decision, Campaigners Condemn ItWest Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey welcomed the ruling, describing it as a victory for common sense that would give states "the clarity and confidence to ensure fairness and safety for female athletes today and for generations to come". LGBT advocacy group the Human Rights Campaign strongly criticised the decision. Its president, Kelley Robinson, said the ruling was "heartbreaking for transgender student athletes who are being forced to sit on the sidelines simply for who they are". President Donald Trump also praised the judgment, calling it a "BIG WIN" in a social media post. The participation of transgender athletes in women's sports was a prominent issue during his 2024 election campaign. After returning to office, Trump signed an executive order aimed at preventing transgender women from competing on female school and college sports teams. The NCAA, which governs US college athletics, subsequently barred transgender women from women's competitions. Broader Debate ContinuesSupporters of the restrictions argue that transgender women retain physical advantages over athletes recorded female at birth, making separate eligibility rules necessary to protect fairness in women's sport. The International Olympic Committee said in March that, following an 18-month review of scientific evidence, it would restrict the women's category at the Olympic Games to biological females. The IOC said its working group found a "clear consensus" that male sex provides a performance advantage in sports that depend on strength, power and endurance. Opponents of the bans argue the policies discriminate against transgender students and dispute claims that there is a scientific consensus showing transgender women and girls possess an inherent competitive advantage in all cases. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 1 July 2026Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:06:45 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/blow-to-trump-as-supreme-court-upholds-birthright-citizenship-r1330/The US Supreme Court has ruled that children born in the United States are entitled to citizenship under the Constitution, rejecting President Donald Trump's attempt to end the long-established policy through executive action. Get today's headlines by email Court rejects executive orderIn a 6-3 decision, Chief Justice John Roberts said that children born in the US to parents who are in the country unlawfully or on a temporary basis are citizens from birth under the 14th Amendment. Trump had sought to narrow the constitutional guarantee by arguing that children of undocumented immigrants and some temporary visitors were not "subject to the jurisdiction" of the United States and therefore should not automatically receive citizenship. The ruling marks a significant defeat for the president's immigration agenda and preserves a constitutional principle that has been in place for more than 150 years. Writing for the majority, Roberts said the framers of the 14th Amendment had extended the promise of citizenship to "every free-born person in this land". "Citizenship, then and now, was the right to have rights – to freely participate in our political community," he wrote, adding: "We keep that promise today." Trump vows to continue fightReacting on Truth Social, Trump described the decision as "too bad" and pledged to continue efforts to end birthright citizenship through Congress rather than by constitutional amendment. "No long and unwieldy constitutional amendment is necessary," he wrote. "Congress should today start work on ending expensive, and unfair to our country, birthright citizenship." The United States has recognised birthright citizenship since 1868, when the 14th Amendment was adopted following the Civil War. Originally intended to secure the rights of formerly enslaved people, the amendment states that all persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to its jurisdiction, are citizens of the country. Sharp division among justicesThree conservative justices – Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch and Samuel Alito – dissented. Justice Thomas argued that the 14th Amendment was being used beyond its original purpose, saying it had been "repurposed for political projects" and that the formerly enslaved people it was designed to protect "were Americans" who owed no allegiance to another country. Justice Alito described the majority's decision as a "serious mistake", arguing it grants citizenship to almost anyone born in the United States, including children whose parents travel to the country specifically to give birth before returning home. The case carried particular importance for Trump, who made a rare appearance at the Supreme Court during oral arguments in April. Political reactionWhite House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller criticised the ruling, calling it "one of the most destructive and outrageous decisions" in the court's history. Writing on X, he said: "American citizenship is not the birthright of the world. No provision of the Constitution can be read to require our national self-obliteration." Democrats and civil rights groups welcomed the outcome. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said the Supreme Court had upheld both the Constitution and longstanding legal precedent by confirming that everyone born in the United States is an American citizen. Dariely Rodriguez, chief counsel at the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said the judgment reaffirmed a principle that has existed for more than a century. "Anyone born on American soil, regardless of the legal status of their parents, is born an American citizen," she said, adding that the decision demonstrated the country had "endured an incredible test of our collective will as a nation and have prevailed." Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 1 July 2026Tue, 30 Jun 2026 19:58:44 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/starmer-vows-army-10-times-more-lethal-r1329/Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled a major defence investment plan, promising to build an army that is "10 times more lethal" through increased military spending and greater use of advanced technology. Get today's headlines by email Launching the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan (Dip) on Tuesday, the prime minister announced an additional £15 billion for defence, £1.5 billion more than had previously been pledged to former defence secretary John Healey. The strategy had originally been due for publication last year but was delayed amid disagreements within government over funding levels, a dispute that ultimately contributed to Healey's resignation last month. Bigger military budget aims to modernise UK forcesStarmer said defence spending would rise from 2.3% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024 to 2.7%, putting the UK "on a trajectory" to reach 3% during the next parliament. Annual defence spending is expected to increase from £54 billion to £80 billion by 2029. Starmer argued that strengthening the armed forces was essential to preventing future conflict, saying that "the best way to avoid war is to prepare for it". Investment focused on technology and deterrenceThe four-year investment programme includes funding across several major defence projects. The largest allocation, £63 billion, will support the UK's nuclear deterrent through the Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS submarine programmes, as well as the purchase of 12 F-35A fighter aircraft. A further £8 billion will be invested in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which is developing a next-generation stealth fighter for the Royal Air Force. Picture courtesy of PA Project Royal Oak, described as the biggest upgrade of Britain's naval bases in more than 45 years, will receive £26 billion. More than £5 billion has been earmarked for transforming the armed forces through drones and autonomous systems, including £650 million for unmanned aerial and ground vehicles. Another £2 billion will fund a Digital Targeting Web using software and artificial intelligence to speed military decision-making and target engagement. The government also plans to spend £11 billion on munitions and weapons stockpiles, including the construction of at least six new energetics factories by 2030. Lessons from Ukraine shape strategyStarmer said the investment would ensure Britain was prepared to confront Russia by 2030 if required, describing the programme as a "generational transformation" built on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine. He highlighted the growing role of autonomous technology in modern warfare, saying future warships and aircraft would increasingly operate alongside autonomous systems as part of an integrated force. The UK has closely monitored the widespread use of drones during the conflict in Ukraine, where around 200,000 are reportedly used each month, as well as their deployment in conflicts involving Iran. The prime minister acknowledged that some infrastructure projects, including spending on roads and energy, might not proceed as originally planned to accommodate the higher defence budget. However, he insisted the increased military investment would not come at the expense of frontline public services such as health and education. He also ruled out reducing day-to-day defence spending, arguing that cutting public services to fund defence would leave Britain "fundamentally weaker as a nation". Political criticism and NATO pressureThe Defence Investment Plan has been viewed as a key part of Starmer's legacy, though Labour leadership contender Andy Burnham has indicated it could be reviewed if he succeeds him. Burnham has suggested future defence contracts should place greater emphasis on supporting British-based defence companies. Opposition parties criticised the plan, with Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge describing it as "too little, too late". He argued the additional funding was only marginally higher than the amount disputed before John Healey's resignation and said the strategy had been delayed for almost a year. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey also called the plan "late and underfunded". The announcement comes as NATO allies face increasing pressure to raise defence spending. At next week's NATO summit in Ankara, members are expected to outline a credible path towards spending 5% of GDP on defence by 2035. The White House said on Monday that US President Donald Trump expects the UK and other alliance members to meet their defence spending commitments. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 June 2026Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:49:13 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/police-rescue-chinese-scam-victim-in-bangkok-r2547/A Chinese man who was duped out of around 2 million yuan by a call centre scam has been rescued by officers from Pathum Wan Police Station after being found at a hotel in Bangkok. The operation took place on 29 June after Pol. Col. Sirichat Chanphromma, superintendent of Pathum Wan Police Station, instructed prevention, suppression and investigation officers to locate Mr Ma Mingze, a 25-year-old Chinese national. Get today's headlines by email He was found safely at the Twin Towers Hotel in Rong Mueang, Pathum Wan district. Police said the investigation began after Chinese officals in Thailand informed officers they had been contacted by police in China seeking help to trace Mr Ma. According to the information received, he had travelled to Thailand and was staying at the hotel. Pathum Wan police worked alongside Tourist Police, Immigration Police, detectives and patrol officers before locating him at around 3am on 29 June. During questioning, Mr Ma told investigators he had been targeted by fraudsters posing as Chinese police officers. The scammers allegedly accused him of involvement in criminal activity and threatened legal action unless he transferred money to have the case dropped. Picture courtesy of Daily News He said he transferred money on four occasions while in Malaysia, paying a total of around 2 million yuan. The suspects then persuaded him to travel to Thailand, claiming they would arrange for his return to China, before instructing him to ask his parents for additional money to secure his release. Police recovered two mobile phones belonging to the victim for forensic examination as part of the investigation. Officers have also contacted the victim’s father, who was due to arrive in Thailand on flight AK890 at 7.10am on 29 June 2026 to take his son home. Daily News reported that Pathum Wan Police Station said it will continue examining digital evidence and coordinate with the relevant authorities as the investigation proceeds in accordance with the law. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 30 June 2026Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:55:41 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/new-mercedes-driver-hits-8-cars-in-bangkok-r2546/A driver of a red-plate Mercedes-Benz crashed into eight vehicles in Bangkok’s Town in Town area after reportedly losing control of his emotions following an argument with his wife, leaving two people injured. Get today's headlines by email The crash happened on the afternoon of 29 June 2026 on Sri Vara Road in Phlapphla subdistrict, Wang Thonglang district. Officers from Wang Thonglang Police Station and traffic police attended the scene after receiving reports of a series of collisions involving multiple vehicles and worked to manage traffic while investigating. The vehicle involved was a Mercedes-Benz with temporary red registration plates, driven by 42-year-old Preechacharn. Police said the Mercedes first struck a parked vehicle before continuing forward and colliding with several more cars without stopping. Eight vehicles were damaged in total. They included two Hondas, three Toyotas, a red-plate BYD, a Isuzu and a Chevrolet. Damage ranged from bumpers and bonnets to front and rear bodywork damage. Two people who were inside vehicles that were struck suffered injuries and were taken to hospital. Debris from the collisions was scattered across the road, causing traffic disruption for a period. Traffic police carried out a breath alcohol test on the driver, which returned a reading of 0 milligrams percent, indicating no alcohol was detected. Police said preliminary enquiries found that Preechacharn had been driving through the area when the chain-reaction crash occurred. Investigators are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collisions. A witness, 36-year-old delivery rider Ridwan Khemthong, said he was waiting for a customer order beside the road when he heard repeated crashing sounds from further along the street. He initially believed it was a normal traffic accident but then saw the Mercedes continue driving and striking more vehicles before eventually coming to a stop. Picture courtesy of ThaiRath Ridwan said he approached the driver to check whether he had been injured and initially assumed he had been drinking. However, he detected no smell of alcohol and instead found the driver shaking, frightened and crying. According to Ridwan, the driver told him he had recently argued with his wife and had received a phone call in which she asked to end their relationship. Ridwan said the driver claimed he was under severe stress, could not regain his composure and lost control of his emotions before the crash. Ridwan said he tried to calm him and told him personal problems should not be taken out through dangerous driving because innocent people could be harmed. ThaiRath reported that police gathered evidence, including statements from victims and witnesses, CCTV footage and forensic examination, and the investigation will determine what legal action will be taken against the driver. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 30 June 2026Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:41:31 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/axel-springer-completes-%C2%A3575m-telegraph-takeover-r1328/Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:39:20 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/police-arrest-van-driver-smuggling-rare-langur-in-saraburi-r2545/Thai highway police have arrested a 29-year-old van driver after he was found transporting a rare Douc langur, a protected primate species, along a major highway in Saraburi province on 28 June 2026. The suspect, identified only as Wacharin was detained at kilometre marker 97 on Phahonyothin Road in Nong Nak, Nong Khae District. He has since been charged under Thailand’s wildlife protection laws. Get today's headlines by email According to the Highway Police Division, officers from Highway Police Sub-Division 2, Division 1, acting under orders from senior commanders including Pol Maj Gen Phonsak Laorujiralai, Pol Col Thatcha Pothisuwan, Pol Lt Col Sorasak Saengchan, and Pol Maj Montri Sriwattanakul, stopped a white passenger van registered in Mukdahan for a routine inspection. During the stop, officers discovered a single Douc langur (Pygathrix spp.) confined in a cage placed beside the second-row passenger seats. Authorities confirmed the animal is classified as a controlled wildlife species and is protected under Thai law and the CITES international wildlife trade convention, which restricts its import and export. The discovery led to the immediate arrest of the driver at the scene. Investigators said Wacharin told police he had been hired by an unidentified individual to collect what he believed was a “monkey” from outside a Robinson department store in Mukdahan province. He was allegedly instructed to deliver the animal to Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok. He claimed he received an advance payment of 4,000 baht for the transport job. Police have charged him with possessing a controlled wildlife species without notifying the relevant authorities, in violation of the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act 2019, including Sections 9 and 19 in conjunction with Section 90, as well as related ministerial regulations covering CITES-listed species. Thaitabloid reported that authorities have transferred the suspect and the seized animal to Nong Khae Police Station for further legal proceedings. Investigators are now working to trace the individual who arranged the transport and to identify any wider trafficking network potentially involved in the illegal wildlife trade. Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 30 June 2026Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:26:40 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/ukrainian-drones-leave-some-russian-troops-minutes-to-live-r1327/Russian soldiers reaching some of the most contested areas of the front line in Ukraine can expect to survive an average of only 20 to 35 minutes, according to estimates shared by Russian military bloggers and cited by Oxford historian Peter Frankopan in a Foreign Policy report. The claim has not been independently verified by CBS News. Get today's headlines by email Similar accounts have become increasingly common on Russian military channels, suggesting growing awareness among some Russians of the war's human cost, despite longstanding efforts by the Kremlin to limit public discussion of battlefield losses. Russian Military Bloggers Highlight Front-Line RisksThe conflict has inflicted heavy casualties on Russian forces. The head of Britain's GCHQ intelligence agency said last month that Russian military deaths have likely approached 500,000. Meanwhile, Ukraine's defence ministry says more than 1.4 million Russian troops have been killed or wounded since the full-scale invasion began. Drones Reshape the Battlefield The widespread use of drones has transformed the front lines into what military analysts describe as a "kill zone," forcing both sides to adapt their tactics. With heavy artillery increasingly vulnerable to inexpensive first-person-view (FPV) drones, Russian forces have relied more heavily on small assault groups travelling on foot or motorcycles to probe Ukrainian defences and exploit weak points. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said drones now account for more than 80% of Russian battlefield losses. Some estimates also suggest that Russian forces are now suffering more fatalities than injuries, a pattern described as unprecedented in modern warfare. Ukraine has also faced significant manpower shortages and has increasingly used similar infiltration tactics during efforts to hold or regain territory. Rob Lee, a military analyst based in Ukraine, said personnel shortages have persisted since the end of Ukraine's 2023 counteroffensive. "Manpower's been a problem since the end of the summer of 2023 offensive," Lee told CBS News. "We've had some cases where infantry have spent more than a year in position with no rotation." Ukraine Expands Drone OperationsUkraine has sought to reduce troop exposure by expanding the use of drones beyond combat missions. Uncrewed systems are increasingly used for logistics, medical evacuation and other battlefield support roles. "We say there is no need to send a human being where the robot can do the job," Oleksandr Kamyshin, the Ukrainian official overseeing the country's defence industry, told CBS News earlier this year. Some estimates indicate Russia is losing roughly eight soldiers killed or seriously wounded for every Ukrainian casualty. Despite those losses, Russia has continued to make gradual territorial gains. Ukraine's top military commander said Ukrainian forces have recaptured more than 230 square miles of territory this year, but Russian troops have advanced in strategically important parts of the Donetsk region. Ukrainian commanders said last week that Russian forces were attempting to infiltrate the outskirts of Kostyantynivka, a key industrial city in Donetsk. War's Impact Felt More Widely in RussiaA nationwide Russian public opinion survey released on Monday by the Institute for Conflict Studies and Analysis of Russia, a Ukrainian think tank, found that 31% of respondents said at least one family member had been mobilised, up from 17% in 2022. Oleksandr Shulga, head of the institute, cautioned against overstating the findings, saying that "even after four years, the majority of Russians do not perceive this war as existential." However, he noted that the conflict has become increasingly personal for many Russians. According to the survey, only 29% of respondents said none of their relatives or acquaintances had been killed in the fighting since the war began. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 June 2026Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:23:27 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/eisenkot-emerges-as-netanyahus-main-election-challenger-r1326/Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is increasingly targeting former military chief Gadi Eisenkot as his main political rival ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for late October, reflecting the growing strength of Eisenkot’s newly formed party. Get today's headlines by email On June 8, Netanyahu’s Likud party posted a message on X declaring, “There is no Gadi without Tibi,” alongside an AI-generated video depicting Eisenkot with Arab lawmaker Ahmad Tibi. The clip ended with a message claiming Eisenkot could not form a government without Arab parties. The post highlighted two key themes of Likud’s campaign: its continued use of anti-Arab messaging and its recognition of Eisenkot as Netanyahu’s principal challenger. Although Eisenkot is less well known internationally, his profile has risen sharply in Israel. An adviser to Netanyahu said the party has prepared hundreds of campaign videos targeting him. Polls Show Rising SupportEisenkot founded the Yashar party less than a year ago. Initially polling in the single digits, it has climbed rapidly and is now running close to Likud in several surveys. He rejected efforts by former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid to unite the anti-Netanyahu opposition, choosing instead to run independently. A recent Channel 12 poll projected Yashar winning 21 seats in the 120-member Knesset, just behind Likud’s 23 seats and ahead of the Bennett-Lapid alliance on 18. The same survey found 38% of respondents preferred Eisenkot as prime minister, compared with 36% for Netanyahu. Other polls have shown a similar trend. Likud has responded by shifting its campaign focus from Bennett to Eisenkot. Recent attacks have mocked Eisenkot’s accented English and contrasted it with Netanyahu’s polished international style, while also questioning whether Eisenkot would have ordered military action against Iran. A Different Leadership StylePolitical analysts say those differences may be contributing to Eisenkot’s appeal. Netanyahu, 76, is known for his commanding public presence, political messaging and decades of campaigning. Eisenkot, 66, projects a quieter and more reserved image shaped by a career in military planning rather than politics. Their backgrounds also differ significantly. Netanyahu, the son of a historian, grew up in Jerusalem and served in the elite Sayeret Matkal unit. Eisenkot, the second of nine children born to Moroccan immigrants, was raised in Tiberias and Eilat before rising through the Golani Brigade to become chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces from 2015 to 2019. At Eisenkot’s retirement ceremony in 2019, Netanyahu praised his military service and leadership. During his tenure, Eisenkot oversaw the prosecution of soldier Elor Azaria, who was convicted of killing a wounded Palestinian attacker in Hebron. Eisenkot supported the military’s legal process despite criticism from many on the political right, including Netanyahu. War Experience Shapes Political CampaignEisenkot entered politics in 2022 under former military chief Benny Gantz. After the October 7 attack, both men joined Netanyahu’s emergency war cabinet before later leaving over disagreements about the government's strategy and the lack of a long-term plan for the war in Gaza. In a February 2024 letter, Eisenkot argued that the conflict was producing tactical successes without achieving broader strategic goals. The war also had a profound personal impact. His youngest son, Gal, was killed while fighting in Gaza two months after the conflict began, and two of his nephews later died in combat. Eisenkot said at his son's funeral that the family would strive to ensure his sacrifice was not in vain. In 2025, Eisenkot split from Gantz to establish his own party, which has since gained momentum. Commentators say his military credentials, personal loss and background as the son of Moroccan immigrants have broadened his appeal, particularly among Mizrahi voters, a demographic that has traditionally supported Likud. Israel has never had a Mizrahi prime minister. Coalition Challenge RemainsDespite his recent rise, Eisenkot still faces significant obstacles. Polls suggest no party is close to winning a parliamentary majority, meaning any government would require coalition partners. A potential anti-Netanyahu coalition would likely span parties from the left, centre, right and Arab political groups, making it difficult both to form and sustain. Netanyahu, meanwhile, remains an experienced campaigner with an established political organisation. His allies have intensified criticism of Eisenkot, while Likud continues to argue that any government led by its rival would depend on Arab parties. Journalist and Netanyahu biographer Anshel Pfeffer said many previous challengers had failed because they tried to emulate Netanyahu's political style. According to Pfeffer, Eisenkot's strongest asset may be that he offers a distinctly different style of leadership, although he noted that the two men may differ more in personality than in policy, given Eisenkot's role in shaping Israel's military strategy over recent years. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 June 2026Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:10:55 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/virginia-approves-recreational-marijuana-retail-stores-r1325/Virginia will allow licensed retail sales of recreational marijuana beginning in 2027, five years after becoming the first Southern state to legalize adult possession of cannabis. Get today's headlines by email The change was approved through state budget legislation enacted on Monday, creating a regulated retail market for adults aged 21 and older. Up to 350 cannabis stores will be permitted to operate across the state from July 1, 2027, marking a major expansion of legal cannabis access despite marijuana remaining illegal under federal law. Retail Market to Open in 2027Virginia already operates a medical marijuana program that allows registered patients to buy cannabis through licensed dispensaries. Under the new law, state regulators will begin accepting applications for recreational retail licenses on Feb. 1, 2027, ahead of sales launching five months later. The legislation also raises the legal possession limit for adults from 1 ounce to 2 ounces (28 grams to 57 grams). Residents will continue to be allowed to grow a limited number of marijuana plants at home. Retail cannabis sales will be subject to an excise tax in addition to the state's existing sales tax. Legislative budget documents estimate the combined taxes will generate about $51 million in state revenue during the program's first year. Years of Political DebateVirginia legalized recreational marijuana possession in 2021, becoming the first Southern state to do so. However, lawmakers did not establish a legal retail system at the time, leaving consumers without licensed stores to purchase cannabis. Democratic lawmakers have argued that creating a regulated market is necessary to replace illegal sales while ensuring products are tested, accurately labeled and sold through licensed businesses. State Sen. Lashrecse Aird, a Democrat who has led legislative efforts on the issue, said the compromise creates a safer and more accessible legal marketplace that can better compete with illicit sales. Democrats have also framed legalization as an equity issue, pointing to state data showing Black Virginians were disproportionately arrested and convicted for marijuana-related offences. Most Republican lawmakers have opposed legalization, citing concerns about public health and public safety. Former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed legislation in 2024 that would have established recreational retail sales after possession had already been legalized. Compromise Under New GovernorGov. Abigail Spanberger, who took office in January 2026 after campaigning in support of a regulated cannabis market, initially vetoed legislation passed earlier this year before reaching a compromise with lawmakers. The agreed provisions were incorporated into the state budget bill, which became law after legislators accepted all of the governor's amendments. Some legalization advocates welcomed the legislation but criticised a provision increasing the civil fine for public marijuana consumption, arguing it could lead to disproportionate enforcement against Black residents. Chelsea Higgs Wise, a grassroots organizer with Marijuana Justice, said the law still represented significant progress after years of uncertainty for adults seeking to use cannabis legally. Virginia Remains a Southern OutlierVirginia continues to stand apart from much of the South with its permissive cannabis laws. While most U.S. states now allow marijuana for medical use or recreational use, roughly half permit recreational sales to adults. At the federal level, marijuana remains illegal, although the Trump administration announced in April that it would reclassify state-licensed medical marijuana as a less dangerous drug and speed up the process for broader federal reclassification. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 June 2026Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:54:53 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-anti-drug-officers-raid-thai-crew-members-flat-r2544/Thai anti-drug authorities have searched the accommodation of a 26-year-old Thai Airways cabin crew member after she was arrested in Australia on allegations of attempting to smuggle 1 kilogram of heroin into the country. Officers also questioned her boyfriend as part of an expanding investigation into the suspected drug trafficking network behind the shipment. Get today's headlines by email The operation was confirmed by Ms Areepak Ngernbamrung, Deputy Secretary-General and spokesperson for Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). She said officers searched the woman’s residence and interviewed her boyfriend to gather evidence and identify the owner of the drugs as well as other people believed to be involved in the network. The investigation follows reports from Australia that authorities charged the Thai airline employee, aged 26, after allegedly attempting to bring 1 kilogram of heroin into the country on 25 June 2026. According to the reports, the drugs were concealed among 12 bags in her luggage carried on an international flight. Ms Areepak said investigators believe the suspect may have been entrusted with transporting the drugs to Australia by members of a trafficking organisation. She added that officers are collecting further evidence and working to identify and locate other suspects linked to the case so they can face legal proceedings. Picture courtesy of Daily News The ONCB also issued a warning to travellers heading overseas, urging them never to carry items or luggage on behalf of other people. The agency said international drug trafficking groups frequently exploit travellers by asking them to transport parcels or baggage containing concealed narcotics. The agency warned that anyone found carrying illegal drugs across international borders could face prosecution for importing or exporting narcotics, even if they claim they were unaware of the contents. The reminder comes as authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged smuggling attempt and any wider criminal connections. Daily News reported hat the case remains under investigation in both Thailand and Australia. Thai authorities said their immediate focus is tracing the source of the heroin, identifying additional members of the suspected network and gathering sufficient evidence for further legal action. Related story Thai-flight-attendant-held-over-heroin-at-Melbourne-airport Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 30 June 2026Tue, 30 Jun 2026 03:46:11 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/pattaya-police-save-british-man-from-sea-r2543/Mon, 29 Jun 2026 22:13:06 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/mother-jailed-for-trafficking-her-12-year-old-daughter-in-japan-reduced-from-15-to-75-years-after-guilty-plea-r2542/A 30-year-old woman from Phetchabun province has been sentenced to seven years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to taking her 12-year-old daughter to Japan for prostitution. The Criminal Court in Bangkok delivered the ruling on 29 June, reducing the original 15-year term by half due to her confession. The defendant was convicted on charges of human trafficking conspiracy and facilitating the prostitution of another person. Get today's headlines by email The court heard that the mother claimed she was taking her daughter on a holiday trip, but instead arranged for the child to work in a massage parlour offering sexual services in Tokyo. The defendant later travelled to Taiwan to engage in prostitution herself, where she was arrested. Meanwhile, the victim, now aged 13, managed to escape and sought assistance from the Tokyo Immigration Police, and is now under the care of the Paweena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women. Picture courtesy of ThaiRath The defendant had no prior criminal record, but a background investigation revealed she had previously worked in massage parlours abroad. These trips typically lasted 14 to 19 days and earned her between 50,000 and 80,000 baht per visit. The court found that her actions violated multiple laws, including the Criminal Code, the Anti-Human Trafficking Act, and the Child Protection Act. Manger Online reported that during the hearing, the defendant was visibly distressed and broke down in tears. Her parents, her seven-year-old daughter, her youngest son, and other relatives attended the courtroom to offer support. Related story Tokyo-child-exploitation-case-mother-arrested Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 30 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 22:01:14 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/us-identifies-wwii-pilot-remains-in-lampang-r2541/The United States has confirmed the identification of the remains of a World War II fighter pilot who went missing after his aircraft was shot down over northern Thailand more than 80 years ago, bringing long-awaited closure to his family. The US Embassy in Thailand said that the Defence POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) identified the remains as those of 1st Lt Franklin McKinney. He disappeared when his P-51 Mustang crashed in Lampang Province on 11 November 1944 during an air battle. The identification ends decades of uncertainty over his fate. Get today's headlines by email According to the embassy, McKinney was one of 16 US fighter pilots who flew from southern China to strike Japanese military targets in northern Thailand during World War II. Their mission encountered five Royal Thai Air Force Ki-27 fighters that had taken off from Lampang Airport, leading to a dogfight later referred to as the “5 versus 16 Air Battle over Lampang”. During the engagement, McKinney’s aircraft was shot down in mountainous terrain and he was listed as missing in action and presumed dead. The crash site was first identified in 2018, followed by several surveys. In March 2026, joint American and Thai teams located the remains after extensive historical research and field investigations. Excavation teams recovered aircraft wreckage and survival equipment believed to belong to the pilot, leading to the official identification. The embassy said American and Thai teams worked closely with the Royal Thai Government, local authorities in Lampang, archaeologists, students from Thammasat University, and a UCLA partnership team. It described months of difficult work in remote terrain. The embassy statement said, “After more than 80 years of uncertainty, 1st Lt McKinney is finally going home to his family,” and thanked Thai authorities and volunteers for their cooperation. Officials said the effort highlighted strong US-Thai collaboration in recovering wartime remains and providing closure to families of missing personnel. Khaosod reported that the remains are expected to be returned to McKinney’s family following formal procedures. The DPAA said it will continue efforts to account for service members still missing from past conflicts, working with international partners in future recovery missions. Picture courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 30 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:42:21 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/government-speeds-up-phuket-tourism-clean-up-r2540/Thailand’s Interior Ministry is stepping up efforts to clean up Phuket’s tourism sector by investigating companies suspected of using illegal Thai nominee shareholders for foreign owners. The campaign has already resulted in legal action against dozens of businesses while speeding up licensing for legitimate hotel operators. Get today's headlines by email Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwanchawee said 159 companies believed to be operating through nominee arrangements have been referred to a review committee. Legal action has been taken against 39 companies, while 34 have been ordered to divest their holdings. The investigation is set to expand further, with around 200 additional companies expected to be submitted to the committee for scrutiny. Polapee said an update on the operation is expected this week, with a joint press conference alongside the Department of Lands planned for July 2 or 3. He and Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit are also expected to return to Phuket in about two weeks. Alongside enforcement, authorities have accelerated the approval process for legitimate hotel businesses. Phuket previously issued around 40 hotel operating certificates each year, but following changes to procedures after the latest inspection visit, officials granted approximately 45 licences within just 10 days. According to Polapee, the faster licensing process is designed to help hotels and other tourism businesses operate legally while removing illegal levies that have affected honest operators. The changes are intended to allow compliant businesses to trade without fear of unlawful interference. The campaign forms part of an urgent policy directed by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The ministry’s stated priorities are to “alleviate hardship, promote well-being, protect public peace, eradicate drugs and defeat gangsters.” The Nation reported that the crackdown targets nominee arrangements, where Thai nationals hold shares on behalf of foreign owners in breach of Thai law. Authorities have also linked the operation to broader efforts to prevent and combat transnational crime affecting the tourism industry. Picture courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 30 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:34:04 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/lorry-hits-rider-kills-elderly-man-in-kamphaeng-phet-r2539/A 70-year-old man was killed after an 18-wheel lorry collided with his motorised tricycle and ran over him at a three-way junction in front of a BAAC branch in Khlong Khlung, Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand, on 29 June 2026. The victim, identified as Thongsuk, died at the scene after being struck and crushed by the heavy vehicle. Get today's headlines by email Khlong Khlung police said the crash occurred at a busy three-way junction outside the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) Khlong Khlung branch in Village 2, Tambon Khlong Khlung. CCTV footage reviewed by investigators showed the victim riding his modified, unregistered tricycle out of a motorcycle repair shop in the area after it had been serviced. He then attempted to accelerate across traffic lanes. At the same time, a Hino 18-wheel lorry registered in Nakhon Sawan was travelling straight along the main road at normal speed and was unable to brake in time. The lorry struck the tricycle, causing an impact that threw Thongsuk onto the roadway and he rolled under and was run over by the wheels. The lorry driver, identified as 33-year-old Phayom from Village 2, Wang Khaem, Khlong Khlung district, was taken into custody at Khlong Khlung police station for questioning and legal processing. Officers carried out alcohol breath testing and drug screening as part of standard procedure and gathered witness statements and CCTV evidence for the case file. Pictures courtesy of Naewna Naewna reported that police confirmed that formal charges would be considered once all forensic and investigative evidence had been reviewed. Authorities arranged for rescue workers to transport the body to Khlong Khlung Hospital for a full post-mortem examination before releasing it to relatives for religious funeral rites. Caution video shows collision ScreenRecording_06-29-2026 15-26-22_1.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 30 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:24:21 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/burnham-unveils-no-10-north-devolution-plan-r1324/ndy Burnham has pledged to shift power away from Whitehall by creating a new Manchester-based Downing Street unit, dubbed "No 10 North", as he outlined his vision in his first major speech since launching his bid to become Britain's next prime minister. Addressing supporters at Manchester's People's History Museum, Burnham said the new team would oversee what he described as the largest redistribution of power in the country's history. He argued that devolving authority to local communities would help deliver economic growth across every part of the UK. The speech marked Burnham's first major policy address since announcing his leadership campaign after being elected MP for Makerfield. He is currently the only Labour MP to declare a candidacy and could become prime minister as early as 20 July if no challenger emerges. Devolution at the heart of proposalsBurnham said decision-making had been held back by central government and insisted that economic growth could not be directed from Whitehall alone. He proposed giving regions greater control over services including water, energy and transport, while suggesting London should gain more authority over education and housing. He also called for further devolution within Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, arguing that people in cities such as Dundee and Bangor often felt as distant from their devolved governments as they did from Westminster. According to Burnham, the proposed No 10 North unit would coordinate reforms focused on essential utilities, industrial renewal and regional regeneration. Although he did not provide detailed policy plans, he said devolving power would act as a "circuit-breaker" for Britain and help spread economic opportunity more evenly across the country. Housing, welfare and education reformsAlongside his devolution plans, Burnham promised the largest council house building programme since the years following the Second World War. He also pledged a "complete rethink" of education, arguing that schools should no longer be primarily geared towards university education. Instead, he said greater emphasis should be placed on technical and vocational training. On welfare, Burnham said he was prepared to reduce spending but insisted any reforms would be "fair and lasting". He proposed expanding mental health support for young people receiving employment assistance and suggested that employment services should be devolved to regional mayors and delivered more through trusted community organisations. He also repeated his proposal to reform business rates to support pubs and high street businesses, while promising to maintain sound public finances and pursue a 10-year strategy aimed at raising living standards. Burnham declined to discuss potential cabinet appointments, including the position of chancellor, saying decisions would be made only after the Labour leadership contest concludes. He also confirmed that transition discussions with the civil service would begin this week following authorisation from outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Opposition questions proposalsConservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Burnham's emphasis on devolution, arguing it reflected a lack of national solutions rather than a clear governing strategy. She said politicians too often shifted responsibility without providing local authorities with sufficient powers. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey welcomed Burnham's focus on growth but warned that previous promises of regional renewal had failed to deliver lasting change. He urged Burnham to reconsider Labour's stance on relations with Europe and support rejoining the single market. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said devolution could be effective but questioned whether creating separate centres of political power in northern and southern England would lead to conflict rather than cooperation. Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski argued that greater powers for local authorities would have limited value without increased funding, while the SNP's Westminster leader Dave Doogan said the proposals offered little that would significantly benefit Scotland. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:19:03 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/why-only-bangkok-elects-its-governor-r2538/Bangkok remains the only province in Thailand where residents directly elect their governor, highlighting the capital’s unique administrative status and the country’s highly centralised system of government. While Bangkok voters regularly head to the polls to choose their leader, governors in the other 76 provinces are appointed by the Ministry of Interior as senior civil servants responsible for implementing national policy. Get today's headlines by email Thailand’s centralised structure dates back to reforms introduced by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) during the 1890s, when semi-independent local rulers were replaced with centrally appointed officials. That system remains largely unchanged today, with provincial governors routinely transferred between provinces to prevent them from establishing entrenched local power bases. Their role is to represent the central government rather than the people living in the province. Bangkok became the exception in 1972 when the former provinces of Phra Nakhon and Thonburi were merged into the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, creating a special administrative area that combines provincial and municipal responsibilities. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Act introduced direct elections for the city’s governor, with the first vote taking place in 1975. Lawmakers argued that Bangkok’s size, complexity and national importance required a more accountable leadership capable of responding to issues such as urbanisation, transport and flooding. Successive governments have declined to extend the same electoral model to the rest of the country, preferring to retain provincial governors as Interior Ministry appointees. According to academic Thanet Charoenmuang, who campaigned for an elected governor in Chiang Mai during the early 1990s, officials rejected the proposal over concerns that greater local autonomy, particularly in border provinces, could encourage national fragmentation. Although Bangkok is the only province with an elected governor, it is not the only area where residents directly elect a local executive. Pattaya, which has special administrative status within Chonburi province, also elects its mayor. Across Thailand, voters also elect chairpersons and councillors to Provincial Administrative Organisations (PAOs), which manage selected local services and budgets but do not replace the authority of the appointed provincial governor. Bangkok’s own right to elect its governor has not always remained in place. Elections were suspended during periods of military rule from 1977 to 1985 and again from 2014 to 2022, when the post was filled by ministerial appointment. The city’s democratic process resumed with the Bangkok governor election held in May 2022. The Thaiger reported that calls to introduce elected governors nationwide continue to surface, with supporters arguing the change would strengthen local democracy and improve administrative efficiency. However, five decades after Bangkok’s first governor election, no government has introduced nationwide reform, leaving the capital as Thailand’s sole province where the governor is chosen at the ballot box. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now The Thaiger 30 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:14:12 +0000https://aseannow.com/worldnews/supreme-court-hands-trump-big-win-but-three-setbacks-r1323/Donald Trump secured a significant victory at the US Supreme Court on Monday after the justices expanded presidential authority over independent federal regulators. However, the court also handed the president three notable defeats, underscoring that its conservative majority is not always aligned with his agenda. Get today's headlines by email The rulings, issued on the second-to-last day of the court's current term, covered presidential powers, election rules, the Federal Reserve and one of Trump's long-running legal battles. Court Expands Presidential AuthorityIn its most consequential decision, the Supreme Court overturned a nearly century-old precedent that had limited a president's ability to remove officials serving on independent regulatory agencies. Writing for the six-member conservative majority, Chief Justice John Roberts said officials exercising executive authority must remain accountable to the president and, ultimately, to voters through the elected executive. The decision reverses a landmark ruling dating back to the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and gives Trump, as well as future presidents, broader authority to dismiss and replace officials leading agencies that Congress had intended to operate independently. Although the case centred on the Federal Trade Commission, the ruling is expected to affect numerous agencies responsible for elections, communications, labour, finance and environmental regulation. Trump welcomed the decision on his Truth Social platform, saying it had "greatly" increased presidential power. Federal Reserve Ruling Limits Trump's ReachDespite the sweeping ruling on executive authority, the court refused to extend that reasoning to Trump's effort to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. In a 5-4 decision, Roberts and conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined the court's three liberal justices in allowing Cook to challenge her dismissal. Trump has accused Cook of mortgage fraud, although the dispute has also unfolded against the backdrop of his criticism of the Federal Reserve's refusal to lower interest rates. Roberts wrote that Cook should have the opportunity to contest the allegations against her, while warning of the serious consequences that could arise if presidents were able to exert direct control over the central bank. The decision represented a significant setback for Trump, whose administration has repeatedly criticised the Federal Reserve's monetary policy. Court Rejects Trump on Mail-In BallotsTrump also lost a separate case involving mail-in voting. In another 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court upheld the authority of states to count mail-in ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive afterwards, rejecting Trump's challenge. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, joined by Roberts and the court's three liberal justices, wrote that the US Constitution gives states broad authority to determine the "time, place and manner" of congressional elections. The majority also dismissed Trump's arguments that mail-in voting is particularly vulnerable to fraud, indicating that such policy questions should be addressed through the political process rather than the courts. Following the ruling, Trump renewed his call for Congress to pass legislation restricting mail-in voting. Although the Republican-controlled House has approved the measure, it has not advanced in the Senate. Appeal in Carroll Defamation Case RejectedThe Supreme Court also quietly declined to hear Trump's appeal of the $5 million civil judgment awarded to writer E. Jean Carroll after a jury found he had defamed her. The justices provided no explanation for declining the case, leaving intact the 2023 verdict. Trump criticised the decision on social media and vowed to continue challenging what he described as "lawfare" against him. The ruling effectively ends Trump's effort to overturn the $5 million judgment, although he is continuing to appeal a separate case in which a jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million in damages. Monday's decisions highlighted the complex relationship between Trump and a Supreme Court with a conservative majority. While the court significantly strengthened presidential authority over independent agencies, it also blocked the president on key priorities involving the Federal Reserve, mail-in voting and one of his most prominent legal appeals. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 30 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:13:01 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/malaysian-tourists-injured-in-narathiwat-bomb-blast-r2537/Two Malaysian tourists were injured when a bomb hidden inside a road culvert exploded in Tak Bai district, Narathiwat, on Monday 29 June 2026, at 11:40, authorities said. Get today's headlines by email The two injured tourists received emergency assistance at the scene and were taken to hospital. Authorities did not immediately disclose the extent of their injuries. The blast took place in Tak Bai district, where the device detonated on a public road. The explosion occurred near the Sapom three-way intersection on the inbound road to Tak Bai district in Ban Phrai Wan, Phrai Wan subdistrict. According to the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Forward Command, unidentified attackers planted the bomb inside a road culvert before it detonated. Security forces secured the area, managed traffic, and deployed explosive ordnance disposal and forensic officers to examine the blast site and gather evidence. Emergency responders quickly moved injured tourists to hospital for treatment. Authorities are investigating the attack and working to identify those responsible. The investigation remains ongoing across multiple agencies. The bombing affected public safety and property, while also dealing a blow to confidence in tourism and the local economy in the area. ISOC Region 4 Forward Command urged residents to report suspicious activity or unfamiliar individuals through its 1341 hotline or local security units as the investigation continues. Authorities have not released any information on the perpetrators’ identities. Khaosod reported that security forces continue to maintain heightened vigilance in the area during the investigation. Further updates are expected as inquiries progress. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 30 June 2026Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:06:39 +0000