In other news

CNBC highlights 12 U.S. islands you can reach by car—ideal for affordable, crowd-light summer escapes with beaches, nature, and small-town charm. Picks include Jekyll Island and Tybee (GA); South Padre (TX); the Florida Keys and Marco, Amelia (FL); Kiawah and Hilton Head (SC); Mackinac (MI); Long Beach Island (NJ); Chincoteague (VA); and North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Many feature notable draws like car-free exploration (Mackinac), iconic lighthouses (Tybee), long beachfronts (Hilton Head, LBI), wildlife and wild ponies (Chincoteague), and major scenic drives (Overseas Highway to Key West). Experts note these drivable islands offer a slower, budget-friendlier way to “feel far away” without flights.

A cardiologist with 20 years treating heart attacks urges avoiding five “toxic” foods for kids due to links with inflammation, metabolic harm, and cardiovascular risk: microwave popcorn (PFAS-lined bags and flavoring chemicals), flavored yogurts (high added sugar and dyes), processed meats (nitrates, sodium; harm to vascular function), sugary cereals and drinks (blood sugar spikes/crashes), and deep-fried foods (reused industrial oils, acrylamides, AGEs). Healthier swaps include air-popped popcorn with real butter/olive oil; plain Greek yogurt with honey and berries; unprocessed lean and plant proteins; breakfasts with fruit, eggs, smoothies, and water over soda/juice; and air-fried or roasted crunchy veggies. He advises gradual improvements, minimizing seed oils, involving kids in cooking, and leading by example, with pediatric guidance for major changes.

Apple’s blockbuster film “F1” underscored the strength of its services strategy—long-term investment, powerful marketing, and cultural reach—showing Apple TV+ can now deliver box-office hits. But Wall Street’s muted response to WWDC highlighted concerns about Apple’s AI progress. Promised upgrades to Siri, previewed in 2024, were delayed to 2026, and WWDC focused on modest features rather than a capable, conversational assistant, leaving expectations for an AI-driven hardware upgrade cycle in doubt. Competitors like Google are integrating advanced AI assistants faster, and reports that Apple may consider using OpenAI or Anthropic models for Siri would challenge its strategy of owning core technologies, signaling its in-house AI may not be ready. Investors worry Apple needs a clearer, long-term AI plan akin to its services playbook to avoid falling behind.

Analysts say Beijing’s warning about “blind box” toys targeting young children is unlikely to seriously hurt Pop Mart, whose core buyers are Gen Z and millennials with spending power. While local rivals focused on minors may be hit, Pop Mart is increasingly insulated by surging overseas sales—especially in Southeast Asia and North America—with HSBC projecting overseas revenue to more than double in 2025 and exceed half of total sales. The brand’s appeal taps the “dopamine economy,” where the thrill of uncertainty and social sharing fuels repeat purchases. Despite momentum, risks remain: popularity may fade, scalping and counterfeits threaten consumer trust, and recent delivery delays drew criticism. Pop Mart is investing in IP expansion, pop-ups, a film studio, and a theme park to stay relevant, though these initiatives demand heavy investment and new capabilities.

A writer recounts visiting Universal Studios Orlando and noticing many guests constantly on their phones—even in lazy rivers, on buses, and during rides—diminishing their engagement with the park’s immersive experiences. UC Irvine informatics professor Gloria Mark explains that smartphone use, driven by habit and social sharing, pulls people out of the moment, reducing enjoyment and memory formation. Her advice: leave phones at the hotel when possible; if you must bring one, avoid aimless scrolling and ask yourself whether you truly need to use it to stay present and maximize fun.

India’s market regulator SEBI issued an interim order barring Jane Street from accessing the securities market and freezing about $566 million in alleged illegal gains, directing banks to block debits without SEBI’s permission. SEBI alleges Jane Street manipulated the Nifty 50 and Bank Nifty by aggressively buying index constituents early, then reversing positions to push prices lower while profiting from larger options bets—behavior it called manipulative due to its scale, timing, and lack of economic rationale. The regulator said such activity continued even after an NSE advisory in February 2025. Jane Street disputes the findings and says it complies with regulations. The action highlights SEBI’s broader concerns about sophisticated trading practices amid India’s booming derivatives market.

- London IPO fundraising hit a 30-year low in H1 2025, with just five listings raising £160 million, per Dealogic—the weakest first half since records began in 1995. - The slump underscores London’s struggle to attract capital and listings: firms like Shein and Cobalt Holdings bypassed London, Wise shifted its primary listing to New York, and AstraZeneca is reportedly considering a U.S. move. - By contrast, U.S. markets hosted 156 IPOs raising $28.3 billion in the same period. - Despite the gloom, some see potential improvement: regulatory reforms by the FCA and government pledges to revitalize markets may help, and interest in London listings appears to be re-emerging (e.g., reports that Visma plans a London debut). - Analysts note global IPO activity is also slower due to macro uncertainty and tighter financial conditions, suggesting London’s challenges are partly cyclical but still require further reforms to boost competitiveness.

One year after Labour’s landslide win, Keir Starmer’s government faces a tough domestic landscape despite foreign policy wins. Trade deals with the U.S., India, and the EU improved relations but their economic payoff is unclear. At home, growth has cooled after a strong Q1, inflation and high borrowing costs are straining households, and business optimism and job creation remain muted—pressured by higher minimum wage and employer NI costs. Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ commitment to fiscal rules without raising broad taxes or borrowing has led to welfare U-turns, spending cuts, and speculation about her future, with analysts expecting tax rises in the Autumn Budget. Starmer’s personal ratings have fallen sharply, while Reform UK is gaining momentum, reflecting broader disaffection. With four years left, Labour’s challenge is to take difficult fiscal decisions and deliver visible improvements to regain public confidence.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman used a July 4 X post to praise “techno-capitalism,” saying the U.S. should both encourage wealth creation and broadly distribute its benefits. He said he feels “politically homeless,” arguing Democrats once aligned with innovation and entrepreneurship but no longer do. Altman prefers policies that help everyone gain what billionaires have rather than eliminating billionaires, implicitly responding to NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who said billionaires shouldn’t exist due to inequality. Altman emphasized pride in America and capitalism’s “compounding magic” while calling for raising both the floor and the ceiling.

Amid a tougher job market for 2025 grads—higher unemployment and underemployment—recruiter Sarah Skelton says employers increasingly prioritize skills, experience, and drive over degrees, especially in business and sales roles. She advises graduates to be proactive: optimize LinkedIn, gain experience via internships, shadowing, volunteering, side projects, and networking; even consider short unpaid stints to get a foot in the door. In interviews, use a sales-style “close” to surface and address concerns: express enthusiasm, then ask the interviewer for feedback or any reservations before ending. Always follow up with a thank-you email. Traits like coachability, work ethic, grit, and potential often matter more than formal credentials.

At EthCC in Cannes, Ethereum’s evolution from experimental project to institutional infrastructure was on full display. Major players like BlackRock, Deutsche Bank, Coinbase, and Kraken are building on Ethereum, while Robinhood became the first U.S. public company to launch tokenized stocks on-chain via Arbitrum, boosting its stock. Despite ether’s price lagging bitcoin and total ETH ETF assets remaining much smaller, institutional inflows and corporate balance-sheet moves into ETH are rising, with momentum focused on real-world utility: tokenization, stablecoins, and faster, programmable settlement. Deutsche Bank is developing a tokenization platform on zkSync; Coinbase and Kraken are pursuing tokenized equities; and BlackRock’s BUIDL fund operates on Ethereum with real-time USDC redemptions. Vitalik Buterin and Ethereum leaders emphasized the network’s reliability, security, and neutrality as key draws for institutions, framing the challenge ahead as scaling without compromising core values.

Federal prosecutors say scammers impersonated the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee using lookalike email addresses to solicit crypto “donations,” stealing over $250,000 in USDT. The scheme used an email domain swapping a lowercase “l” for an “i,” and messages purportedly came from committee co-chair Steve Witkoff. The U.S. government is seeking to seize about 40,400 USDT; roughly half of that was recovered from a Binance account tied to a Nigerian individual. Within a day of receipt, about $215,000 in USDT was dispersed to multiple addresses. Binance provided records and complied with a freeze request.

Six people accused of witchcraft were killed by members of Burundi’s ruling party youth wing, the Imbonerakure, near Bujumbura, according to local officials and witnesses. Two victims were burned alive and others were beaten or stoned to death; three additional people were rescued after police intervened. Authorities arrested 12 suspects and condemned the “mob justice,” saying recent unexplained deaths were wrongly blamed on witchcraft. The Imbonerakure has been accused by rights groups of past abuses, and the incident highlights persistent belief in witchcraft and related violence in parts of Africa.

Chilean authorities detained 19-year-old American pilot Ethan Guo on King George Island in Antarctica, charging him with violating Chile’s aeronautical code by submitting a false flight plan and flying there without authorization. Guo, who had documented a more than 100-day attempt to become the first solo pilot to fly a small Cessna across all seven continents while raising funds for St. Jude, departed from Punta Arenas, Chile, but allegedly flew beyond his declared route. Prosecutors said he also breached multiple national and international rules governing Antarctic access and endangered air traffic safety. CBS News has sought comment from Guo.

The Colombian navy seized its first unmanned “narco sub” in the Caribbean, a semisubmersible reportedly owned by the Gulf Clan and equipped with a Starlink antenna. Though empty—likely a test run—it could carry 1.5 tons of cocaine. Authorities say cartels are shifting to autonomous, hard-to-detect vessels to avoid crew arrests and enhance operational reach, a trend seen globally with recent narco-sub interceptions from Mexico to Portugal. Experts note Mexican cartels have invested in such tech for years, and Starlink-enabled remote operations have appeared in other major drug cases. Colombia criminalizes semisubmersibles with penalties up to 14 years as cocaine production and trafficking hit record highs.

Two elderly tourists—a 68-year-old from the U.K. and a 67-year-old from New Zealand—were killed by a female elephant with a calf during a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. Guides fired shots and wounded the elephant but couldn’t stop the charge; both women died at the scene. The incident follows multiple recent fatal elephant encounters involving tourists in Zambia and elsewhere, highlighting the risks posed by protective female elephants.

An Australian man in his 50s died after being bitten by a bat carrying Australian bat lyssavirus, a rabies-like virus with no effective treatment once symptoms begin. It’s the first confirmed case in New South Wales and the fourth in Australia since the virus was identified in 1996; all have been fatal. Officials noted 118 bat exposure incidents in 2024 and warned the public not to handle bats. If bitten or scratched, wounds should be washed for 15 minutes and treated promptly with rabies immunoglobulin and vaccine. Symptoms can appear days to years later, starting flu-like and rapidly progressing to paralysis, delirium, convulsions, and death.

A new expedition led by the Purdue Research Foundation and Archaeological Legacy Institute will travel in November to Nikumaroro (formerly Gardner Island) to investigate a “visual anomaly” dubbed the Taraia Object in the island’s lagoon, which may be Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed 10-E Electra. Backed by evidence gathered by The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery supporting the Nikumaroro hypothesis—that Earhart landed and died on the island—the team will spend five days on-site, with excavations planned next year if the object proves to be the aircraft. Purdue, which supported Earhart’s 1937 world-flight attempt and intended to receive the Electra afterward, says the mission could finally resolve the decades-old mystery and return the plane.

Pope Leo XIV will revive a 400-year-old tradition by spending July 6–20 in Castel Gandolfo, the first papal summer stay there in over a decade after Pope Francis halted the practice. Though lodging in a Vatican-owned residence rather than the Apostolic Palace (now a museum opened by Francis), Leo’s visit is expected to boost tourism and local business in the lakeside town. He will largely remain private but plans public appearances on July 13 and 20. Locals and officials anticipate renewed interest while maintaining the steady, year-round tourism sparked by the palace’s museum status.

Princess Kate described her cancer recovery as a “roller coaster” during a visit to a cancer support center in Colchester, noting the post-treatment phase can be especially difficult despite patients’ “brave face” and stoicism. Diagnosed with an unspecified cancer in March 2024, she underwent preventative chemotherapy, announced remission in January 2025, and is gradually resuming light royal duties. She emphasized the value of support networks like creative activities and gardening. King Charles III, also undergoing treatment for an unspecified cancer, has similarly returned to some public duties.

A Virgin Australia flight from Melbourne to Brisbane was delayed about two hours after a 2-foot green tree snake was found in the cargo hold during boarding. Snake catcher Mark Pelley initially feared it was venomous and warned the plane might need evacuation if it escaped deeper into the aircraft, but he captured it on the first attempt. The snake, likely stowed in luggage from Brisbane, cannot be returned to the wild for quarantine reasons and will be rehomed with a licensed keeper via a veterinarian. No injuries occurred. The incident follows past instances of snakes appearing on commercial flights.

French prosecutors seek to put American novelist Eleonor “Gay” Courter, 80, and her husband Philip, 82, on trial for allegedly helping sell gold bars looted from the 1746 French shipwreck Le Prince de Conty. The couple, who deny wrongdoing, allegedly sold at least 18 ingots online for over $192,000 and possessed at least 23, according to investigators. The gold is believed to have been taken by French underwater photographer Yves Gladu, who admitted retrieving 16 bars from the wreck between 1976 and 1999 but denies giving any to the Courters. The bars were flagged in 2018 by French authorities and seized in the U.S., then returned to France in 2022. Prosecutors in Brest have requested trials for the Courters, Gladu, and Annette May Pesty, with a possible court date in autumn 2026. The Courters’ lawyer says they acted in good faith and did not profit.

Greek authorities ordered mass evacuations on Crete as fast-spreading wildfires near Ierapetra, fueled by gale-force winds up to ~50 mph, burned out of control. About 5,000 people—mostly tourists—were moved from hotels and homes, with shelters set up in a sports arena and other hotels. Residents of four villages (Ferma, Katharades, Koutsounari, Kakia Skala) were told to leave. The fire split into three fronts (Achlia, Ferma, Skinokapsala). Around 230 firefighters and 10 water-dropping helicopters battled the blaze; boats were on standby for sea evacuations. Hospitals were put on alert; several people were treated for breathing issues, with no serious injuries reported. Authorities warned of very high wildfire risk across Crete amid Greece’s hot, dry summer.

Icelandic firm s.ap arkitektar presented “Lavaforming” at the Venice Architecture Biennale, a speculative system to harness molten lava as a sustainable alternative to concrete by cooling it in controlled ways to form structural elements like walls and columns. Inspired by Iceland’s frequent eruptions, the project proposes three methods: directing lava into pre-dug trenches or factories for bricks; deploying future 3D-printing robots to “print” with lava; and tapping subterranean magma to cast prefabricated components. The team argues lava could match concrete’s performance with far lower emissions, since volcanic CO2 would be released regardless, and different cooling regimes can yield materials from obsidian to pumice-like insulators. While technically unproven and posing safety and feasibility questions, the architects are collaborating with scientists on simulations and lab lava tests, envisioning potential applications in Iceland, Hawaii, and the Canary Islands. The work reframes a destructive force as a renewable resource and critiques concrete’s high carbon footprint.

As the Dalai Lama turns 90, he has declared that the institution will continue after his death and that his office alone will identify his reincarnation, signaling a direct challenge to Beijing. He says his successor will be born in the “free world,” urging Tibetans to reject any candidate backed by China. The Chinese Communist Party, which deems the Dalai Lama a separatist, insists it holds authority over all Tibetan Buddhist reincarnations and has cultivated loyalist lamas, including its own state-selected Panchen Lama, to shape succession—raising the prospect of rival dalai lamas. The struggle reflects Beijing’s broader effort to control Tibetan religion and identity, while the Dalai Lama’s passing could test the cohesion of the exile movement, potentially boosting more radical calls for independence beyond his “middle way” of seeking autonomy.

Australian police arrested a 63-year-old woman at Sydney Airport and a 63-year-old man at Brisbane Airport over “Chinese blessing scams” that target elderly Asian women by claiming their families are cursed and persuading victims to hand over cash and jewelry for a “blessing.” The pair allegedly defrauded a 77-year-old woman in Sydney of A$130,000. NSW Police’s Strike Force Sentinel, formed in April, is probing about 80 reports totaling A$3 million and believes the crimes are underreported. Police say around 50 people are involved, with 25 identified by name and 11 arrest warrants issued. Authorities warn the community to avoid strangers offering spiritual healing and to never hand valuables over for blessing rituals. Similar scams have been reported globally, including recent arrests in New Zealand.

At least 13 people were killed in flash flooding in Kerr County, Texas, officials said. Acting Gov. Dan Patrick reported that more than 20 girls are missing from Camp Mystic in the same county as search and rescue efforts continue.

George Takei, recalling his childhood in Japanese American internment during World War II, tells CNN’s Audie Cornish that current ICE detentions mirror what his family endured, calling them “the same thing.” He urges Americans to speak out against the treatment of detainees, drawing a direct line between past wartime incarceration and present-day immigration enforcement practices.

Columbia University Fertility Center researchers developed an AI tool that rapidly scans millions of images from a semen sample—within an hour—to detect rare or hidden sperm cells that standard analyses may miss. The technology could improve diagnosis and treatment options for male infertility, potentially expanding opportunities for couples seeking to conceive.

A powerful explosion at a petrol station in eastern Rome sent smoke and debris across nearby streets, injuring more than 40 people, according to CNN. Emergency services responded to the scene; no fatalities were reported in the brief update.

A federal judge in Massachusetts denied an emergency bid to stop the Trump administration from deporting eight migrants held in Djibouti to South Sudan, allowing the flight to proceed after a Supreme Court ruling cleared the removals. The detainees’ lawyers argued the transfer amounts to punitive banishment and risks torture or death amid South Sudan’s instability, but the judge deemed the Supreme Court’s decision binding. A DC judge briefly paused the deportations earlier in the day before transferring the case, noting the safety risks but limiting intervention. The Justice Department argued the migrants’ filings were improperly split and warned delays could strain diplomacy. The migrants, from several countries, would receive immigration status under South Sudanese law upon arrival, according to U.S. representations.

CNN reports that recent letters sent by Donald Trump to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have gone unanswered, signaling a breakdown in once-unusual direct communications. Correspondent Will Ripley attributes the silence to deteriorating U.S.–North Korea relations, Pyongyang’s increasing isolation, and a hardening posture amid its weapons advances. The piece frames the stalled correspondence as emblematic of frozen diplomatic channels and diminishing prospects for renewed engagement.

Britain will retire its royal train by March 2027 after more than 180 years, citing cost and value for money. Usage has dwindled and the 1970s-built, bespoke carriages would be expensive to refurbish or replace amid rising royal travel costs and major spending on Buckingham Palace. Senior royals will rely more on helicopters, scheduled trains, and flights, despite criticism over sustainability and timing ahead of rail’s 200th anniversary. The decision ends a tradition rooted in Queen Victoria’s era, long tied to Wolverton’s rail works and credited with pioneering onboard innovations. Other monarchies have similarly retired royal trains; only Denmark and Norway keep rarely used saloons. The move marks a symbolic end to a historic, ceremonial mode of royal travel once central to nationwide tours.

This year’s Wimbledon has seen an unprecedented wave of early upsets, with a record number of top-10 seeds losing in the first round and dozens of seeds exiting overall. Key drivers cited by players and coaches include the brutal, rapid transition from clay to grass after deep Roland Garros runs, grass-specific movement challenges, and courts playing slower and more slippery—possibly due to heat—requiring constant adjustment. The sport’s growing depth means dangerous opponents lurk in every round, amplifying first-round nerves for seeds. Midseason fatigue further compounds the problem, particularly for higher-ranked players who log more matches. Even adaptable stars have been pushed to the brink, underscoring how narrow the margins are on grass this year.

Severe thunderstorms hit central New Jersey Thursday evening, toppling more than 80 trees and power lines, killing three people and cutting power to about 45,000. Two men in Plainfield and a woman in North Plainfield died when trees fell on their cars. Plainfield canceled July 4 celebrations to focus on cleanup. Winds reached around 60 mph with hail, causing significant home damage; PSE&G aimed to restore most power by Friday night. Gov. Phil Murphy urged residents to avoid downed lines. Clear weather was expected over the weekend, with potential storms early next week. Other regions, including southern New England and parts of Texas, also faced severe holiday storms.

Amid a politically divided backdrop, Americans marked the nation’s 249th birthday with parades, cookouts, protests, naturalization ceremonies, and fireworks from New York to Washington, D.C., and small towns nationwide. Some Los Angeles-area communities canceled events over immigration-raid fears, while others used festivities to protest the Trump administration. Highlights included Macy’s fireworks over the Brooklyn Bridge, the National Mall display, local parades in California, Colorado, Vermont, Oklahoma, and Texas, cultural performances in Santa Monica, and new citizens taking the oath at Mount Vernon. In Brooklyn, Joey Chestnut won his 17th Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, eating 70.5 hot dogs. Despite tensions, patriotic displays and community gatherings were widespread.

A federal judge in Massachusetts rejected a second lawsuit seeking to block the Trump administration from deporting eight criminally convicted migrants to South Sudan, clearing the way for their transfer. Judge Brian E. Murphy said recent Supreme Court rulings in favor of the administration controlled the case, denying a request to halt deportations. The men—mostly from countries other than South Sudan—argued deportation there would be unconstitutionally punitive and risk torture; the government cited South Sudan’s diplomatic assurances of safety. A D.C. judge briefly paused the removals but returned the case to Massachusetts. The decision marks a win for the administration’s hard-line immigration agenda, though critics say the Supreme Court’s procedural posture prevented full consideration of the constitutional claims.

At least 24 people have died and up to 25 remain missing after sudden, severe flooding along the Guadalupe River in Central Texas, which swept through homes and Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old Christian summer camp for girls in Kerr County. Rescue operations continued overnight amid downed power lines, flooded roads and poor cell service; the Texas National Guard reported 237 rescues. Officials said National Weather Service alerts underestimated the rainfall risk, with the most urgent warnings arriving in the early morning as rivers rose rapidly. Gov. Greg Abbott declared an emergency for 15 counties, and federal resources including FEMA and the Coast Guard were activated. Authorities pledged round-the-clock searches to locate the missing.

The New York Times’ “Flashback” offers a weekly interactive quiz challenging readers to place eight historical events in chronological order. The page also promotes related Upshot analyses on current policy and social issues, including critiques of a food stamp policy change, debate over E.P.A. support for start-stop car technology, boys’ educational disadvantages in early grades, and interactive features like a vaccination outbreak simulator and a dialect quiz.

Germany’s Rheinmetall is accelerating its push into aviation and the U.S. defense market, opening a Weeze, Germany factory to assemble F‑35 fuselage sections in partnership with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. Buoyed by Europe’s post-Ukraine defense spending surge and NATO’s new 5% of GDP target by 2030, Rheinmetall has seen its market value soar and is expanding its workforce by up to 9,000, drawing talent from a shrinking auto sector. The company is also deepening U.S. ties via a $950 million acquisition of Michigan-based Loc Performance Products and a new partnership with AI-defense firm Anduril to build drones for Europe. Built to U.S. standards and modeled on Northrop’s Palmdale plant, the Weeze site symbolizes Rheinmetall’s bid to become a major U.S. market player amid strengthening trans-Atlantic defense cooperation.

Joey Chestnut, 41, returned to Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest after resolving a dispute over a rival endorsement and reclaimed the men’s title by eating 70.5 hot dogs in 10 minutes, defeating 2024 champion Patrick Bertoletti (46.5). Though short of his record 76, Chestnut vowed to return next year. In the women’s division, Miki Sudo, 39, won with 33 hot dogs, below her record 51, citing doughy buns and not feeling her best. The sweltering Fourth of July event drew large, enthusiastic crowds celebrating Chestnut’s comeback. Organizers expressed excitement over his return.

Dr. Joseph Giordano, the lead trauma surgeon who helped save President Ronald Reagan after the 1981 assassination attempt, died on June 24 at 84 from complications of an infection. A pioneer in trauma care, he built George Washington University Hospital’s Level One trauma unit in the late 1970s, enabling the swift, coordinated response that stabilized Reagan—who had lost six pints of blood—and allowed surgeons to remove a bullet lodged in his lung near his heart. The son of an Italian immigrant, Giordano trained at Georgetown and Jefferson, served at Walter Reed, and specialized in vascular surgery before leading GW’s surgery department. Despite being a Democrat, he and Reagan remained friendly, and Giordano emphasized that quick decisions by Secret Service agent Jerry Parr were crucial to Reagan’s survival. After retiring in 2010, he continued teaching and supported global surgical access through Partner for Surgery. He is survived by his wife, Orfa Munoz, three sons, and eight grandchildren.

A New York Times piece highlights an escalating “gourmet market wars” in the Hamptons, where ultra-luxe grocery items and soaring prices have become status symbols. At Southampton’s Farm & Forage Market, private chefs routinely ring up four-figure tabs and can even buy $400 Japanese musk melons, prized for meticulous cultivation. Social media buzz, including posts by Bethenny Frankel, is fueling demand as long-loved spots like Round Swamp Farm and Loaves & Fishes expand pricey prepared foods—some without visible price tags, including the area’s infamous $100-a-pound lobster salad. The newly revamped Sagaponack General Store, funded by billionaire resources, blends heritage aesthetics with high-end merch and upscale basics, drawing crowds and critiques. For many affluent residents, these markets—despite “insane” prices—are seen as a convenient, even cheaper alternative to dining out, underscoring the region’s stark contrast with broader debates on affordability in New York City.

Fireworks’ loud, erratic blasts and flashes trigger stress and dangerous flight responses in pets, zoo animals, and wildlife, especially birds during breeding and migration; disturbances can cause nest abandonment, collisions, and energy depletion, with documented mass bird deaths. Fireworks also spike short-term air pollution with particulate matter, metals, and gases, introduce toxins like perchlorate into water, and leave plastic debris and microplastics. To reduce harm, experts recommend restricting or banning fireworks in sensitive areas, limiting personal use, shortening shows, staging centralized high-altitude displays, using cleaner formulations, and adopting alternatives like drone light shows, which are quieter and less polluting and can be more inclusive for noise-sensitive people and animals.

A prolonged heat wave is moving from Western to Central and Eastern Europe, bringing record or near-record temperatures, widespread health alerts, and heightened wildfire risks. Spain reported four deaths and multiple major fires, including a “mega-fire” in Catalonia; temperatures there peaked at 46°C (116.6°F) and remain high despite some easing. Italy placed 18 cities under its highest heat alert; southeastern France still faces extreme heat after earlier peaks above 40°C. Parts of Austria, Germany, Serbia, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia issued top-tier warnings, with highs around 38–40°C (100–104°F). Wildfires are burning in Greece (Crete and Khíos), Portugal, Spain, and Turkey, where evacuations affected over 50,000 people. The heat is well above seasonal norms and aligns with expectations of more frequent, intense heat waves due to climate change. Authorities advise hydration, skin cooling with water, limiting sun and indoor heat, using fans and night ventilation, avoiding strenuous outdoor activity, and watching for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke; protect pets and children with cooling and hydration.

American teen pilot Ethan Guo, 19, was detained on Antarctica’s King George Island after Chilean authorities said he filed a false flight plan and deviated from it, triggering alert protocols. He flew a Cessna 182 from Punta Arenas to the island and was taken into custody at Teniente R. Marsh airport. Guo faces charges under Chile’s aeronautical code and is accused of violating the Antarctic Treaty, with potential short-term imprisonment. Guo, who has already flown to six continents in over 140 days, aims to become the first to solo all seven in a Cessna and raise $1 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He posted on X that he is safe and will provide an update.

Angélique Kidjo, the five-time Grammy-winning singer from Benin, will become the first Black African performer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as part of the 2026 class. Celebrated for blending West African styles with funk, jazz, and R&B across 16 albums and a four-decade career, she joins honorees like Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, and Shaquille O’Neal. Kidjo, also a UNICEF and Oxfam goodwill ambassador and founder of the Batonga Foundation for girls’ education, follows Charlize Theron as another African star on the Walk. The ceremony date is yet to be set.

Braunau am Inn, Adolf Hitler’s Austrian birthplace, will rename two streets honoring Nazi Party members composer Josef Reiter and entertainer Franz Resl after a report deemed the names unconstitutional. About 200 households will get new addresses. The Mauthausen Committee welcomed the move and proposed renaming the streets after anti-Nazi figures Lea Olczak and Maria Stromberger. Austria has renamed many Nazi-linked streets, but some remain decades after World War Two, in which around 65,000 Austrian Jews were killed as part of the Holocaust.

A motorcyclist was killed by a bear on Romania’s Transfagarasan road after stopping in a popular tourist area; the bear dragged him down an 80m ravine despite his protective gear. Authorities warned against stopping or feeding bears and are investigating; the bear has not been euthanized. The incident highlights Romania’s growing human-bear conflicts amid what studies estimate as 10,400–12,800 brown bears, far above the roughly 4,000 some officials deem sustainable. Proposals include simplifying euthanasia rules for dangerous bears and mapping risk zones, while conservationists blame mismanagement, tourism behavior, and habitat pressures rather than overpopulation, calling for better coexistence measures.

US immigration agents arrested Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez Jr., 39, in Los Angeles and plan to deport him to Mexico, citing an active Mexican arrest warrant for alleged involvement in organized crime and weapons trafficking. DHS says he may be linked to the Sinaloa Cartel and alleges he overstayed a visa, made fraudulent immigration statements, and has prior US arrests, including a 2024 conviction for illegal possession of an assault weapon. His lawyer denies the cartel allegations and calls the arrest politically motivated. The detention came days after Chávez Jr. lost to Jake Paul in California.

A drive-by shooting outside a Chicago nightclub killed four people and injured 14 others late Wednesday. Police say a dark-colored car opened fire into a crowd leaving an album release party for rapper Mello Buckzz, then fled; no arrests have been made. The victims, two men (24, 25) and two women (26, 27), were pronounced dead, and several others are in critical to serious condition. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, and Mello Buckzz posted prayers for those affected. Authorities have not released victim identities.

Kilmar Ábrego García, a Maryland resident mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March 2025 despite prior protection from removal, alleges he was tortured and abused in the country’s CECOT mega-prison, according to new court filings in his wife’s lawsuit against the Trump administration. The filings claim guards beat him upon arrival, forced detainees to kneel overnight under constant bright lights, denied basic sanitation, and threatened to place him with gang members; he reportedly lost 30 pounds in two weeks. El Salvador’s president denies abuses in prisons. After initial refusal by the White House to return him, the U.S. extradited Ábrego García to Tennessee in June to face human trafficking charges, which he denies. A judge found him eligible for release, but he remains jailed over fears of immediate re-deportation. The administration seeks to dismiss the lawsuit as moot following his return.

Michael Madsen, the American actor known for his roles in Quentin Tarantino films including Reservoir Dogs (as Mr Blonde), Kill Bill: Vol. 2, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, died at his Malibu home at age 67. He was found unresponsive and pronounced dead Thursday morning; cardiac arrest is believed to be the cause. Over a four-decade career, Madsen appeared in numerous films and TV shows, often playing law enforcers and criminals, and voiced characters in video games like Grand Theft Auto III and Dishonored. Born in Chicago in 1957, he was the brother of actress Virginia Madsen. He is survived by four children; his long marriage to DeAnna Madsen ended in 2024 following the death of their son Hudson. Virginia Madsen paid tribute, calling him “thunder and velvet” and “a poet disguised as an outlaw.”

Russia has become the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan. Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov conveyed the decision in Kabul, with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi calling it a “courageous” move that could encourage others to follow. Moscow says recognition will boost bilateral cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture, and infrastructure, and aid joint efforts against terrorism and drug trafficking. Russia kept its embassy open after the Taliban’s 2021 takeover, signed a 2022 deal to supply oil, gas, and wheat, and removed the Taliban from its terrorist list in April 2024. While China, the UAE, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan have appointed ambassadors to Kabul, none have granted formal recognition. Western governments and the UN continue to condemn the Taliban’s severe restrictions on women and human rights, with sanctions and frozen assets still in place.

A two-day French air traffic control strike has forced widespread flight cancellations across Europe. Ryanair scrapped over 170 flights, disrupting travel for more than 30,000 passengers, with impacts on routes to and from France and overflights to the UK, Ireland, Spain, and Greece. The strike by UNSA-ICNA over staffing, management, and a new clock-in system led to major schedule cuts ordered by France’s aviation authority, with up to 40% fewer flights expected from Paris airports on Friday. Ryanair’s CEO condemned the action and urged EU intervention to protect minimum service levels. EasyJet also reported significant disruption. Despite recent cancellations, Ryanair said fewer than 1% of its June flights were affected.

China’s government has renewed vows to curb “disorderly low-price competition” and oversupply in its solar PV sector. Industry Minister Li Lecheng told leading firms and associations that authorities will enforce regulations, improve product quality, and phase out outdated capacity to support sustainable growth. The push follows President Xi Jinping’s directive to address excess capacity across key industries. PV companies highlighted challenges in production, innovation, and competition, and sought policy support. Beijing aims to stabilize the sector while maintaining China’s global advantages, but it remains uncertain whether this effort will differ from past attempts to rein in overcapacity.

Beijing has appointed Xu Qifang, 60, a veteran party personnel official and former deputy chief of the Communist Party’s Organisation Department, as executive deputy director of the Central Committee’s Hong Kong and Macau Work Office. Xu, a CPPCC Standing Committee member since 2023, is promoted to full ministerial rank and will report to office director Xia Baolong. He replaces Zhou Ji, who moved to head Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong after Zheng Yanxiong was removed in May and later reassigned as a deputy director of an NPC committee.

China’s Shandong, the country’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, made a five-day port call in Hong Kong, drawing hundreds of invited visitors—many of them students from Hong Kong, mainland China, and Macau—for rare onboard tours. The carrier arrived with two missile destroyers, a missile frigate, and a dozen J-15 fighters and helicopters. Schools, including Macau’s Ilha Verde Secondary School, highlighted the visit as a chance to see the carrier up close and strengthen students’ sense of national belonging. Visitors boarded via shuttles to warships moored at Stonecutters Island and the western anchorage of Victoria Harbour.

Societe Generale says a global shift away from the US dollar is benefiting Asian assets despite a record US stock rally. Citing diminished US exceptionalism, potential slowing US growth, falling oil prices, and tariff-driven erosion of dollar reserve status, the bank expects continued rotation into Asian markets. The dollar index fell 11% in H1, its worst start since 1973, while Asian currencies like the Taiwan dollar, yen, and won strengthened. The MSCI Asia-Pacific Index is up 12% year-to-date, nearly double the S&P 500’s gain, with risks to US Treasury yields seen skewed lower.

A 1999 manga by Ryo Tatsuki has gone viral for allegedly predicting a “megaquake” in Japan on July 5, 2025, with tsunamis far larger than those of 2011. The hype stems from the book’s cover line, “The real disaster will come in July 2025,” and dialogue describing a seabed rupture between Japan and the Philippines. Social media amplification—across multiple languages—has fueled anxiety and reportedly dampened tourism. While fans note Tatsuki appeared to foresee the 2011 Tohoku disaster, the manga’s claims have no scientific basis. Authorities and experts emphasize preparedness for major quakes remains vital in Japan, but there is no evidence supporting a specific prophesied event on the cited date.

Chinese researchers led by Lai Liangxue at the Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health created a beating human heart-like structure inside a pig embryo that functioned for 21 days. They achieved this by reprogramming human stem cells to resist cell death and integrating them into pig embryos at the blastocyst stage, which were then implanted into surrogate sows. The work, presented at the ISSCR meeting in Hong Kong and reported by Nature, follows the team’s earlier success growing human kidney structures in pigs for up to 28 days and could advance organ transplant research amid donor shortages.

Philippine lawmakers have refiled bills to legalise absolute divorce at the start of the 20th Congress after a previous House-approved measure stalled in the Senate amid strong opposition from conservative legislators and the Catholic Church. The Philippines—along with the Vatican—is one of the only places without a divorce law; annulment remains costly and arduous, with Muslims the sole group allowed legal divorce under a separate code. The new House Bills 210 and 108, filed by Representatives Antonio Tinio, Renee Louise Co, and Jonathan Clement Abalos, outline grounds such as physical violence, drug addiction, and homosexuality, aligning with Family Code annulment criteria. Advocates argue the issue has been sidelined by other legislative priorities, but hope momentum will build despite persistent resistance in the Catholic-majority country.

Rio de Janeiro is deploying about 20,000 military personnel and enforcing strict airspace controls for the Brics summit at the Museum of Modern Art, guarding leaders from 28 countries and seven international organizations. Armed fighter jets will patrol and can intercept or, in extreme cases, shoot down noncompliant aircraft. Santos Dumont Airport will close during meetings, with flights rerouted to Galeão International Airport; only government and security flights can use Santos Dumont. The operation, reminiscent of measures taken during the 2016 Olympics and stricter than those for the World Cup or last year’s G20, includes F-5EM jets on standby with Piranha and Sidewinder missiles.

Yokohama Chinatown, Japan’s largest, looks traditionally Chinese—lanterns, steamed buns, souvenir shops—but functions less as an immigrant enclave and more as a domestic tourist destination. Beneath its commercial veneer lies a 166-year history shaped by Japan’s opening to the world after Commodore Perry’s 1853 arrival and the 1859 opening of Yokohama as a foreign trade port. The district reflects both upheaval and resilience, distinguishing it from Western Chinatowns often stigmatized by xenophobic narratives; instead, it has evolved into a culturally themed hub serving mainly Japanese visitors while preserving threads of Chinese heritage.

A wind-driven wildfire near Achlia in southern Crete forced the evacuation of over 1,500 people from homes and hotels, with some residents taken by boat as coast guard vessels stood by. Around 230 firefighters and 10 aircraft battled the fast-moving blaze, which damaged several homes and sent ash clouds over resorts including Ferma and Achlia. Authorities called the situation very difficult and urged residents via mobile alerts to evacuate and not defend properties. Several people were treated for breathing issues, but no serious injuries were reported. With high fire risk persisting amid Greece’s hot, dry summer, the incident recalls the deadly 2018 Mati wildfire near Athens.

A strike by French air traffic controllers is prompting widespread disruption across Europe. Ryanair has cancelled 170 flights and easyJet 274, after French authorities asked airlines to cut Paris airport traffic by 40% on Friday. The walkout, over staffing and aging equipment, affects flights to, from, and over France, causing broader European delays and cancellations. IAG, owner of British Airways, plans to use larger aircraft to reduce impact. Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary criticized the “recreational” strike and urged EU reforms to ensure full staffing for early departures and to protect overflights during national strikes, arguing these steps would eliminate most ATC-related delays.

At least nine people have died across Europe amid an early-season heatwave, with Italy hardest hit as temperatures near 39–40C trigger red alerts in 17 cities, bans on afternoon outdoor work, power outages, and hospital admissions up 10–20% in some areas. Reported victims include a construction worker near Bologna and several people in Sardinia and Palermo; Spain and France also reported heat-linked deaths and hundreds of hospitalizations, while Germany faces forest fires and water restrictions. Scientists warn heatwaves—intensified and made more frequent by climate change—are “silent killers,” stressing the heart and kidneys and exacerbating existing conditions. Farmers report crop damage and lower milk yields, Paris has closed the Eiffel Tower top and schools, and authorities highlight the unusual timing, with severe heat arriving in June rather than later in summer.

Four people were stabbed near the Ratina shopping centre in Tampere, Finland. Police arrested a suspect, reported by local media as a Finnish man in his twenties. There were no fatalities, and authorities say there are no indications of a terrorist or racist motive. The area was briefly cordoned off, but the situation is now under control and no longer poses a danger. Traffic was disrupted, and cleanup operations took place outside the centre.

Sky News reports on the rapid spread of “kush,” a cheap, highly addictive synthetic drug devastating communities across Sierra Leone and neighboring West African countries. Authorities in Freetown seized a shipping container with suspected kush ingredients, including items shipped from the UK, highlighting a transnational supply chain involving Europe, Asia, and South America. Testing found nitazenes—some 25 times stronger than fentanyl—in about half of samples, linking the drug to severe health effects: debilitating leg sores, immobility in teens, and sick infants from mothers who used while pregnant. In Freetown, entire communities live in addiction under bridges, with poverty and unemployment driving use. The trade spans borders into The Gambia, where harsh crackdowns have pushed the market underground amid rising xenophobia toward Sierra Leoneans. Experts call for coordinated international action, especially targeting nitazenes, with Sierra Leone’s government urging help from regional partners and the UK.

A ferry carrying 65 people sank in rough seas late Wednesday shortly after departing Ketapang port in East Java en route to Bali’s Gilimanuk. As of Thursday, 43 people were missing, 20 were rescued (many found unconscious after hours in the water), and two bodies were recovered. The vessel, KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, had 53 passengers, 12 crew, and 22 vehicles aboard, including 14 trucks. Nine boats are conducting search operations amid waves up to 6.5 feet. Ferry accidents are common in Indonesia due to widespread reliance on sea transport and lapses in safety standards.

The Pentagon says recent U.S. airstrikes using “bunker buster” bombs severely damaged Iran’s key nuclear sites at Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz, setting back Tehran’s program by one to two years. Defense officials assert facilities were “completely obliterated” and Iran’s nuclear capability “severely degraded,” though Iran’s foreign minister admitted heavy damage while claiming expertise remains. The IAEA’s Rafael Grossi warned Iran might resume enrichment within months, and reports suggested pre-strike truck activity at Fordow, which the U.S. denies indicates any successful removal of material or equipment. Israel is monitoring the situation, and experts caution Iran’s nuclear ambitions are likely unchanged.

The Dalai Lama announced a formal plan for his succession, affirming the centuries-old institution will continue after his death and rejecting any Chinese government role in selecting his successor. In a statement ahead of his 90th birthday, he said the Gaden Phodrang Trust—consulting Tibetan Buddhist leaders and traditional spiritual guardians—has sole authority to identify the next Dalai Lama in accordance with tradition, likely outside China. Beijing reiterated its claim that the process must occur within China under state approval, drawing condemnation from Tibetan leaders and Amnesty International as an infringement on religious freedom. The announcement underscores a looming political and religious showdown over the next Dalai Lama, with Tibetans vowing to reject any Beijing-appointed figure.

UN officials warn that violent gangs now control about 90% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and are expanding into previously calmer regions, threatening a total collapse of state authority. A UN report says gangs have exploited political instability since President Jovenel Moïse’s 2021 assassination, benefiting from a disorganized security response and corruption within transitional bodies. Violence has spread to southern areas and key eastern border crossings, with rising attacks on police and customs officials. The U.S. has warned against travel to Haiti and designated two major gang networks as terrorist organizations.

Quebec’s language watchdog, the Office Québécois de la Langue Française, has partly legitimized the English cheer “go” at sports events, though it still prefers “allez.” The move follows controversy when Montreal’s transit agency was told to remove “Go! Canadiens Go!” from bus signs during NHL playoffs, replacing it with French before the province’s French-language minister defended “Go Habs Go” as part of Quebec culture. The decision reflects ongoing tensions over protecting French, highlighted by past enforcement controversies like “Bonjour-hi” and “pasta-gate.” While “go” is acknowledged as widely used, public bodies are urged to model exemplary French; Montreal’s transit agency is considering whether to restore “go” on its buses.

El Salvador’s president Nayib Bukele denied that Kilmar Ábrego García was tortured or deprived in custody at the Cecot prison, posting images to argue he looked healthy. Ábrego García’s lawyers allege severe beatings, sleep deprivation, malnutrition, unsanitary and constantly lit conditions, and say he lost 31 pounds; they claim some photos of improved conditions were staged. Bukele did not clarify where his images were taken. The dispute unfolds as the U.S. funds El Salvador to hold alleged gang members and as a Tennessee judge imposed a gag order after Ábrego García’s lawyers accused U.S. officials—including Vice-President JD Vance, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Deputy AG Todd Blanche, and AG Pam Bondi—of prejudicial public statements. Court filings say Salvadoran prison officials acknowledged Ábrego García was not a gang member. U.S. prosecutors and defense agreed to delay his jail release amid fears of a second deportation, while the Justice Department pursues human-smuggling charges.

Suriname is set to elect its first female president, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, 71, who will run unopposed after forming a 34-seat coalition in the 51-member National Assembly. She succeeds President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, whose party couldn’t field a candidate under the indirect voting system. The transition comes as the poor but resource-rich nation prepares to exploit major offshore oil reserves led by TotalEnergies, with production expected from 2028 and a $10.5bn investment announced. Santokhi’s term was marked by IMF-backed austerity, corruption scandals, and protests, despite proposing a universal “royalties for everyone” plan. Geerlings-Simons, a longtime legislator linked to the National Democratic party founded by ex-dictator Dési Bouterse, has previously supported environmental regulations amid concerns over illegal mining and logging in the rainforest-covered country.

UNAIDS chief Winnie Byanyima warned that abrupt US cuts—especially the halt to PEPFAR, which made up 60% of UNAIDS’s budget—will drive a surge in HIV infections and AIDS deaths, projecting 6 million additional infections and 4 million more deaths by 2029 if funding isn’t restored. She described the cuts as “seismic,” triggering immediate losses in prevention services, clinic support, jobs, and research, particularly harming vulnerable groups such as adolescent girls and men who have sex with men. Byanyima, who considered resigning, vowed to continue fighting, criticizing wealthy nations for prioritizing military spending over global health and calling for debt and tax justice to reduce reliance on volatile aid. She said the world is now off track to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, with eastern and southern Africa most affected.

NPR reports growing allegations that immigration agents in Los Angeles are racially profiling Latinos during intensified raids at day-labor sites, vendor corners, car washes, and similar hubs. Advocates and the ACLU have filed a federal class action claiming agents are detaining people based on appearance and location, often handcuffing individuals before asking about status and even sweeping up U.S. citizens. DHS denies profiling, saying operations are targeted and follow protocol. Legal experts argue the tactics likely violate Fourth Amendment standards requiring reasonable, articulable suspicion for warrantless public arrests. Examples include a food vendor and day laborers detained without questions, and a U.S. citizen handcuffed and taken despite proclaiming his status. Critics say aggressive arrest quotas are driving indiscriminate sweeps; small protests and prior court rulings against similar practices add pressure on the government.

An unarmed North Korean man crossed the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone into South Korea and was taken into custody after South Korean troops guided him out of the mine-strewn area. Authorities, who notified the U.S.-led U.N. Command, are investigating whether it was a defection and report no unusual Northern military activity. The incident comes amid renewed border tensions—trash balloons from the North and past loudspeaker broadcasts from the South—while South Korea’s new President Lee Jae Myung has paused propaganda broadcasts and moved to curb leaflet launches in a bid to ease tensions. Recent years have seen occasional accidental crossings amid fortified border work, with broader inter-Korean diplomacy stalled since the 2019 collapse of U.S.-North Korea talks.