Seoul’s Unification Ministry has confirmed that South Korea has repatriated six North Koreans who were earlier rescued at sea earlier this year after their ships veered across the de facto maritime border.
The North Koreans were taken across the Northern Limit Line on Wednesday morning after they had repeatedly indicated their desire to go home after being picked up by South Korean authorities in separate vessels in March and May, according to the ministry.
Despite Seoul’s numerous unsuccessful attempts to contact Pyongyang about their return, the ministry claims that the repatriation was successfully completed with North Korean authorities’ cooperation.
Lee Jae-myung, the newly elected president of South Korea, is working to strengthen ties between the two countries, which are still technically at war after hostilities in the 1950-1953 Korean War ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty.
Lee said at a press conference last week to mark his first month in office that Seoul should work with its ally, the United States, to improve relations, and that stifling dialogue would be a “foolish act.”
In one of the first steps toward reconciliation, the Lee administration took the first step by turning off loudspeakers broadcasting anti-North Korea propaganda across the inter-Korean border last month.
The move was cited as helping “to restore trust in inter-Korean relations” and “promote peace on the Korean Peninsula” by South Korea’s Ministry of National Defence at the time.
According to the Kenyan human rights commission, at least 31 people have died as a result of anti-government demonstrations, and at least 107 have been injured as a result.
The National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) also reported two forced disappearances following the country’s demonstrations on Monday, which commemorated an uprising against undemocratic rule in the East African nation.
The commission, which initially listed 10 dead and 29 wounded, added that at least 532 arrests had been made.
In the wake of the violence, police and protesters clashed with one another in the capital, Nairobi, and Eldoret, with the KNCHR accusing the police of cooperating with armed gangs, who were armed with machetes and spears.
Additionally, property was extensively destroyed, including supermarkets.
The KNCHR reaffirmed that it “strongly condemns all human rights violations” and calls for accountability from all accountable parties, including police, citizens, and all others.
Saba Saba Day, or Seven Seven, is observed on Monday as a commemoration of Kenyans who rose up to demand a return to multi-party democracy on July 7, 1990, after years of opposition to then-President Daniel arap Moi.
Since Kenyan protests began in June 2024, when proposed tax increases sparked outrage over wider issues, including corruption, police brutality, and the state of the economy. More than a year later, they came as a result of predominantly youth-led protests.
Additionally, protesters have demanded that President William Ruto step down.
The police have severely repressed their actions.
According to the Law Society of Kenya and the Working Group on Police Reforms, “heavily armed police were stationed without permission, driving unmarked vehicles, and using masks to conceal their identities,” according to the Law Society of Kenya.
The Police Reforms Working Group estimates that the protests on Monday occurred in 20 of Kenya’s 47 counties, including Nairobi, Kajiado, Nyeri, Mombasa, Kisii, Embu, Kisumu, Kiambu, Meru, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Vihiga, Narok, Kirinyaga, Uasin Gishu, Tharaka Nithi, Makueni, Laikipia, and Kakamega.
During clashes at Saba Saba Day demonstrations in Nairobi on Monday, Kenyan police officers gather on a main road to disperse the crowd.
More than 100 people have died in the protests since they started taking place on Tuesday, which is more than 100 more than the toll.
At least 16 people were killed on June 25 in Kenya, in protest of police brutality and government corruption, according to the report from less than two weeks ago.
Kipchumba Murkomen, the interior secretary of Kenya, issued a command to “shoot on sight” anyone approaching police stations during protests after several were burned.
The Kenya National Cohesion and Integration Commission, a government body whose commissioners are appointed by the president, criticized police for using excessive force against protesters on Tuesday.
The UN Human Rights Office expressed grave concern about the Monday killings of protesters in Kenya in a statement released before the revised death toll.
As he arrived in the United Kingdom for his first state visit by a European leader since Brexit, French President Emmanuel Macron demanded that the UK support the state of Palestine and aid the country’s defense.
Macron praised the resumption of closer ties between France and the UK in a comparatively rare speech to both chambers of the British parliament on Tuesday, saying that the two nations must work together to end “excessive dependencies” between the US and China.
King Charles III was at the president’s three-day visit. Prior to their arrival at Windsor Castle in horse-drawn carriages, the royal family welcomed her, including Prince William, the heir-to-the-throne, and his wife, Princess Catherine.
Macron then addressed parliament, claiming that in addition to strengthening Europe, the two nations must work together to improve the environment, climate, and defense.
The French president remarked in English that “our alliance can make all the difference.” “The United Kingdom and France must once again demonstrate to the world that our alliance can make a difference. “We will go hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, because that is the only way to deal with the challenges we face, the challenges of our time,” he said.
Macron also vowed to support an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and that the European countries would “never abandon Ukraine” in its fight against ingratiating Russian forces.
He then urged the UK to work with France to recognize a Palestinian state, calling it “the only way to peace.”
The perspective of a Palestinian state has never been in danger, Macron said, adding that with Gaza in disrepair and the West Bank being attacked daily. The only way to bring peace and stability to everyone in the entire region is because of the two states’ agreement and their recognition of the State of Palestine.
He cited the geopolitical dangers that France and the UK face, and argued that they should be wary of the “excessive dependencies of both the US and China,” arguing that they needed to “de-risk our economies and our societies from this dual dependency.”
On a carriage as they arrive at Windsor Castle in Windsor, Britain, on July 8, 2025 [Jaimi Joy/Pool via Reuters]
Macron continued, citing the benefits of a closer union, calling for closer integration of students, researchers, and artists, as well as efforts to collaborate on artificial intelligence and online protection for children.
Following the strained relationship between London and its exit from the European Union, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s centre-left Labour Party sought to improve relations with them.
Entente Amicale
With 160 guests including politicians, diplomats, celebrities like Mick Jagger and Elton John, King Charles hosted a banquet for the Macrons at Windsor Castle later that evening.
Charles promoted the “entente cordiale” – an alliance dating from 1904 that ended centuries of military rivalries to an “entente amicale” during his speech at the lavish state banquet.
“Permit me to offer a toast to France and our new entente as we dine in this ancient restaurant, which is rich with our shared history. The king remarked, “An entente, both past and present, as well as for the future, and not just cordiale but now amicale.”
The UK and France announced that EDF, a French company that manages nuclear energy, would invest 1.1 billion pounds ($1.5 billion) in an eastern England nuclear power project as part of their three-day visit.
In exchange for London loaning Paris Anglo-Saxon and Viking treasures, the two also announced that France would lend the UK the Bayeux Tapestry, which would allow the 11th-century masterpiece to return for the first time in more than 900 years.
On Wednesday, Macron will meet with Starmer to discuss migration, defense, and investment.
In the event of a ceasefire with Russia, the UK and France have been working closely together to build a planned military force to support Ukraine despite tensions over post-Brexit ties and how to stop asylum seekers from crossing the English Channel in small boats.
The two leaders will call in to a coalition meeting on Thursday to talk about increasing Ukraine support and putting pressure on Russia, Starmer’s office confirmed on Monday.
According to the French presidency, they will speak with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Foreign Secretary Friedrich Merz, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Starmer hopes that with the UK’s support for Ukraine, which will allow London to try out a new policy regarding preventing people smuggling, it will be easier for Macron to get rid of the problem of people smuggling.
In exchange for another person with a legitimate case of being in the country, the UK would deport one asylum seeker to France. In the first six months of this year, there were a record number of asylum seekers crossing small boats into the UK. Starmer is under pressure to come up with a solution because his party is currently polling close to Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform UK party.
After the release of a law enforcement memo about the case, which incensed sections of his MAGA base, Donald Trump has rebuffed lingering questions about Jeffrey Epstein, the president’s MAGA base.
Following a joint investigation by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI, Trump’s furious dismissal of the case’s ongoing interest on Tuesday led to the conclusion that Epstein committed suicide without having a “client list.”
Do you still have discussions with Jeffrey Epstein? In response to a reporter’s question about US Attorney General Pam Bondi, Trump said, “This guy has been talked about for years.”
“This creep, this guy, are they still in the news?” Before asking Bondi if she wanted to “waste the time” by answering the question, Trump continued, “That is unbelievable.”
With the events that occurred in Texas, Trump said, “I can’t believe you’re asking a question on Epstein at a time like this, when we’re experiencing some of the greatest success and also tragedy.”
It just seems like a desecration, they say.
Members of the administration were accused of participating in a cover-up about the truth about Epstein’s death and his connections to political and financial elites when prominent figures in Trump’s “Make America Great Again” coalition expressed disbelief and outrage.
The memo was described as “over the top sickening” by Alex Jones, the founder of the conspiracy website InfoWars, and suggested that the DOJ might subsequently make up its own claim that Epstein had never existed.
A far-right activist and influencer called on Bondi to step down after suggesting in a radio interview that she appeared more interested in being “another Fox News Barbie” than serving as attorney general.
Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host, claimed Bondi was “covering very serious crimes” in an episode of his podcast.
Since Epstein’s death in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019, conspiracy theories have been widely circulated, especially in right-wing circles, suggesting that he was murdered and, possibly, had sexually compromising material on powerful people.
Senior Trump administration figures, including FBI director Kash Patel and Bondi, were among the most well-known before the release of the memo, giving credence to the existence of a list of Epstein’s clients.
When Bondi was asked if her department planned to release “the list of Jeffrey Epstein’s clients” in a February interview with Fox News, she responded, “It’s sitting on my desk right now to review.”
Bondi said on Tuesday that those comments were merely a list of documents related to the Epstein case, not just those that were.
Bondi added that she was unaware of whether Epstein had connections to US or international intelligence agencies and that thousands of videos that had been looked into by the case had been released because they contained information about child sex exploitation.
On Wednesday, July 9, 2018, this is how things are going.
Fighting
According to acting regional governor Alexander Khinshtein, three people were killed and seven were hurt in a Ukrainian attack on a beach in Kursk, including a 5-year-old boy. A Rosgvardia (Russian National Guard) officer was among the dead, according to Russia’s TASS news agency.
Two people were hurt when a Ukrainian drone attacked Rylsk, which is also in the Kursk region, hitting the Central District Hospital, an ambulance building, and an administrative building, according to TASS.
Sergey Kotlyarov, the acting mayor of Kursk, claimed that several homes in the Zheleznodorozhny district were harmed by debris from a downed Ukrainian drone.
Vadym Filashkin, the governor of Donetsk, Ukraine, claimed that 10 more people were hurt and killed by Russia’s attacks in the area.
According to the regional administration, Russian attacks on Ukraine’s Sumy region resulted in four fatalities and four injuries.
According to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin, one person was killed and four others were hurt in the Kherson region of Ukraine.
According to the Zaporizhia region governor of Ukraine, at least 64 homes were harmed by Russian attrition, injuring 20 people and causing at least 64 property damage.
After Ukraine’s Air Force issued a missile alert for the entire nation, explosions were reportedly audible in Kyiv on Wednesday around midnight.
Overnight, Russia reported that the Ukrainian Air Force had launched 54 drones and four guided missiles. 34 of the drones were shot down by Ukraine, and five more were hit by other countries.
Regional security
In an attack on a warehouse in east London where equipment was being stored for the Ukraine, a British jury found three men guilty of arson. According to the prosecution, Wagner mercenary group agents from Russia’s military intelligence organized the attack.
According to TASS, Russia detained media activist Pavel Andreev, who was allegedly in contact with Russian agents and organizations that the FSB security service uses to cover up their intelligence and subversive activities in Russia.
Following a report from Dutch and German intelligence agencies, Ukraine requested that the organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague investigate Russian forces’ alleged use of banned toxic munitions.
diplomacy and politics
Donald Trump, the president of the US, expressed his frustration with Vladimir Putin’s meaningless “b*******” during negotiations.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, stated that the talks with the US on air defense will “intensify.”
In a speech to the UK parliament, French President Emmanuel Macron declared that Europe would never leave Ukraine, noting that “we will fight until the very last minute to achieve the ceasefire… because this is our security and our principles that are in conflict with each other in Ukraine.”
Following a private battle with cancer, Julian McMahon, who was in Charmed and Nip/Tuck, passed away last week at the age of 56. His family has now posted information online about him.
Julian McMahon, pictured last year, was a talented actor with a Golden Globe nomination(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
Julian McMahon’s family have this morning thanked those who have shown their love and support following the star’s death.
The actor, who was in Home and Away, Charmed and Nip/Tuck, died last week following a private battle with cancer. The 56-year-old star leaves behind wife Kelly Paniagua and daughter Madison McMahon, who he shares with ex-partner Brooke Burns, as well as his siblings, Melinda and Debbie.
And today a post has been shared on Julian’s Instagram page, thanking the actor’s fans for their love in the past few days. The caption read: “Julian loved @vanmorrisonofficial… For all of those who loved Julian, thank you.”
A black and white photo of the actor posing for the camera was included in the poignant post, which was liked by more than 35, 000 people.
READ MORE: Julian McMahon remembered as ‘magic’ by Charmed star Alyssa Milano in heartbreaking tribute
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Speaking on Friday, Julian’s widow Kelly told how he had been fighting cancer. His last public appearance was back in March when he and Nicolas Cage promoted their new psychological thriller The Surfer. It was Julian’s final film role filmed and released before the father of one’s death.
In her statement on Julian’s death, his widow Kelly, whom he married in 2014, wrote: “With an open heart, I wish to share with the world that my beloved husband, Julian McMahon, died peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome cancer.
“Julian loved life.” He cherished his family. He cherished his pals. He adored both his fans and his work. His top priority was to make as many lives as possible.
We ask for assistance as our family grieves in private at this time. And we wish that Julian’s joy continues to be felt in all of those who receive it. We appreciate the memories, Kelly continued in a statement obtained by Deadline.
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Julian died in Clearwater, Florida, and, having lived in the US since the 1990s, had become a citizen of the country. However, he said his soul was always in Australia – where he was born in 1968 – and expressed his joy for “Australianisms”.
The former Nip/Tuck actor said in an interview in 2021, “I feel like I’m Australian on the inside and American on the outside, or something.” I’d never want to forget about it either. I adore Australians and Australianism, and I adore my own Australian identity. I adore where and how I grew up, and I adore how they grew up, knowing that I wouldn’t change it.
