Politics & World Affairs — July 8, 2026

Le Pen launches fourth presidential bid. Marine Le Pen announced a fourth bid for the French presidency hours after an appeals court upheld her embezzlement conviction. She is campaigning under a court-ordered electronic monitor. (<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgdlprp1r3o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss">More</a>)

BBC World · Read more →

China tests missile in South Pacific. China conducted a long-range missile test in the South Pacific hours after Australia and Fiji signed a defense agreement, drawing condemnation from Canberra and Pacific leaders. (<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/06/china-missile-test-south-pacific">More</a>)

The Guardian World · Read more →

McConnell hospitalized nearly four weeks. Sen. Mitch McConnell, 84, has remained hospitalized for nearly four weeks. Aides have released few details -- fueling speculation about the Kentucky Republican's health and Senate seat. (<a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/mitch-mcconnell-hospital-weeks-whats-going-on-1235590542/">More</a>)

Rolling Stone · Read more →

Michigan Senate rivals clash. Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens clashed in a Michigan Senate primary debate that exposed the divide between progressives and moderates in a state Democrats consider must-win. (<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dem-civil-war-hits-primary-debate-stage-el-sayed-stevens-clash">More</a>)

Fox News Politics · Read more →

Democrats press Platner to exit. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders withdrew endorsements of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after a second sexual assault allegation surfaced. Platner denied the earlier allegation as "categorically false." (<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2004nx8v9o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss">More</a>)

BBC World · Read more →