QtrendsCongress delivers a rare rebuke to President Trump by voting to limit his war powers on Iran. The Supreme Court rules Exxon can sue Cuba over properties seized in 1960, as the US tightens sanctions on Cuba's mining sector. A brutal European heatwave pushes France to its hottest recorded day, with dozens of drowning deaths reported. In New York, competitive primaries shape the gubernatorial and congressional races with notable fundraising dynamics.
New York's primary season highlights a mix of competitive and quiet races. Brad Lander has run his campaign like an incumbent despite not holding the office, drawing attention to his fundraising and strategy. Representative Ritchie Torres faces a challenger who has struggled to gain traction. Meanwhile, neither gubernatorial candidate faces a primary challenge, leaving the general election as the main battleground.
The US Supreme Court ruled that ExxonMobil can sue Cuba over properties confiscated during the 1960 nationalization wave. Separately, the US has imposed new sanctions on Cuba's mining sector to disrupt supply chains linked to China. Additional sanctions target Cuban state companies that are vital to the island's economy, escalating economic pressure on Havana.
In a rare bipartisan rebuke, both chambers of the US Congress have voted to limit President Trump's authority to initiate military action against Iran. The Iran war powers resolution passed the Senate with bipartisan support, signaling deep unease over the administration's confrontational stance. The vote represents a significant check on executive war-making power.
A powerful heat dome has settled over Europe, pushing temperatures to historic highs. France recorded its hottest day ever as the heatwave swept across the continent. Experts point to the heat dome phenomenon as the primary driver, trapping hot air and intensifying surface temperatures across multiple countries.
As the European heatwave intensifies, France has imposed restrictions on outdoor sports and public alcohol consumption. The extreme heat has led to a tragic surge in drowning incidents, with 40 deaths reported across the country. The UK Met Office has warned that temperatures could reach 39°C, raising further concerns about public safety.