In other news

At the New Development Bank’s annual meeting in Rio, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and NDB chief Dilma Rousseff criticized the US-led financial order for “weaponising” tariffs and sanctions, urging alternative development models and greater use of local currencies across the Global South. Lula highlighted the NDB’s governance and currency practices, noting 31% of projects are funded in members’ own currencies, as part of broader efforts to reduce reliance on the US dollar. While Brazil pushed a sharper political critique ahead of the Brics summit, Chinese and Indian officials struck a more pragmatic tone, focusing less on confrontation over tariffs and sanctions.

The article examines how India challenges China’s bid to lead Global South-focused blocs like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and Brics. China uses these platforms to promote a multipolar order and position itself as a Global South champion, but both groups operate by consensus, giving India leverage to block or dilute Beijing’s initiatives. The recent SCO defence ministers’ meeting in Qingdao underscored this dynamic: it marked India’s first senior visit to China since the 2020 Galwan clash and the first India-Pakistan ministerial encounter since renewed tensions, yet ended without a joint statement due to disagreement over terrorism language—an area where India often clashes with China and Pakistan. The episode highlights how India’s assertiveness, strategic rivalry with China, and sensitivities involving Pakistan can constrain Beijing’s leadership ambitions within Global South alliances.

Hong Kong is courting global multinationals to redomicile in the city, leveraging a new May 2025 law that streamlines overseas reincorporations. With global tax changes diminishing the appeal of Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, officials led by Financial Services Secretary Christopher Hui are pitching Hong Kong’s role as a bridge to mainland China. Following Hui’s outreach to insurers in Canada, AXA’s local unit redomiciled on day one of the law, Manulife plans to move in November, and Sun Life is considering it, signaling early traction in Hong Kong’s bid to become a leading corporate domicile.

Amateur sports in China are surging in popularity as locally rooted competitions draw massive engagement. The Jiangsu City Football League (Su Super League), launched this year with 13 amateur teams from across the province, has attracted millions of online viewers and tens of thousands of in-person fans. Players range from teenagers to farmers and middle-aged enthusiasts, emphasizing inclusivity and community identity. The fanfare has grown so strong that a light-aircraft flyover marked a recent match, and supporters have even petitioned for military jets to salute the league’s November final. The trend reflects a broader appetite for fun, shared culture, and hometown pride over elite professionalism, signaling a new path for grassroots sports to reach “big league” appeal in China.

Chinese researchers restored damaged outer ear tissue in mice by reactivating an “evolutionarily disabled” genetic switch that boosts retinoic acid production, a vitamin A derivative crucial for directing cell types during development and repair. The work, published in Science by Wang Wei and Deng Ziqing’s team at the National Institute of Biological Sciences in Beijing, fully regenerated ear structures, including cartilage, from a punched hole. The findings demonstrate a genetic control point for organ regeneration in mammals, suggesting similar switches may exist in other organs, though translation to humans remains a long-term challenge. The team now aims to learn when and why mammals lost such regenerative capacity during evolution.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency said a magnitude 5.4 quake off the Tokara island chain on Saturday is unrelated to a viral manga prediction of a July disaster. The agency emphasized the timing is coincidental and there’s no causal link to Ryo Tatsuki’s “The Future I Saw,” which gained attention after a 2011 prediction coincided with the Tohoku quake and Fukushima accident. The Tokara quake is part of ongoing regional seismic activity.

The US is moving to curb China’s dominance in shipbuilding, creating an opening for South Korea and Japan to regain ground. South Korea’s new president, Lee Jae-myung, has pledged support for a sector he calls in crisis, with government guidelines emphasizing advanced vessel development, production upgrades, and future-focused projects like autonomous and eco-friendly ships through digitalization, automation, and workforce improvements. Japan is also positioned to benefit. However, analysts caution that despite Washington’s pressure on China and Tokyo-Seoul ambitions, significant challenges remain, including limited US domestic capacity, entrenched Chinese scale and cost advantages, and the need for concrete policies, investment, and execution to translate plans into competitive gains.

As Taiwan plans events for the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, President William Lai’s administration faces backlash over how it frames the Republic of China’s wartime legacy. Under the theme “Resist Aggression, Protect the Homeland,” the government has warned retired officers—many linked to the opposition Kuomintang (KMT)—not to attend Beijing’s September 3 parade, inflaming long-standing debates over identity, history, and cross-strait politics. Critics say the Democratic Progressive Party is celebrating the ROC’s WWII victory while minimizing its mainland Chinese roots and the KMT-led fight against Japan under Chiang Kai-shek. The controversy highlights a broader struggle over who “owns” ROC history and how Taiwan balances its distinct identity with a complex past tied to the mainland.

US President Donald Trump said he has signed “take it or leave it” letters to 12 unnamed countries detailing new US tariffs, to be sent Monday. After initially favoring face-to-face talks, he shifted to this approach following setbacks. A previously announced 10% base tariff remains, while higher country-specific rates—originally up to 50% and suspended for 90 days to allow negotiations—could now reach as high as 70%. Most tariffs are slated to take effect August 1, with the suspension period ending July 9. The moves come amid a broader trade war roiling markets and prompting global policy responses.

As a 90-day pause on steep U.S. tariffs nears expiration, Japan faces stalled talks with the Trump administration and growing anxiety over potential duties. With many U.S. officials away for the July 4 holiday, Tokyo is rushing into an eighth round of ministerial negotiations but sees little movement. Japanese officials and business leaders say they’ve already offered as much as they can without risking economic harm, and frustration is rising over what observers call President Trump’s capricious negotiating style. The impasse is straining trust in a key alliance and could push Japan to rethink how it balances its economic and security relationships with the United States.

- Hong Kong students taking the International Baccalaureate (IB) have risen nearly 20% in five years, outpacing the local Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE). - Drivers include a perception that IB’s broader, more “creative” and flexible curriculum better develops critical thinking and suits diverse strengths, versus the DSE’s exam-heavy focus. - In 2025’s May session, 2,628 Hong Kong candidates sat IB exams (up from 2,193 in 2021), reflecting global growth in IB participation. - More semi-private Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools now offer IB alongside DSE, expanding access and choice for families. - Parents and students see IB as offering stronger pathways to overseas universities and competitive local options, reinforcing the shift.

The excerpt from Cheong Yip Seng’s memoir recounts a 1976 visit to China where Lee Kuan Yew diplomatically rejected Beijing’s attempt to shape Singapore’s alignment by gifting a pro-China book on the Sino-Indian war. By noting there was “another version” of the conflict, Lee signaled Singapore’s refusal to take sides and underscored its independent foreign policy and multiracial identity. This stance was especially significant given Singapore’s majority ethnic Chinese population and regional suspicions that it could be a “Third China,” reinforcing the need to define a distinct national identity separate from China.

US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities are likely to harden North Korea’s belief that nuclear weapons are essential for regime survival, analysts say, undermining prospects for denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula—a goal China shares. Experts warn Pyongyang will further disperse and mobilize its arsenal, emphasize second-strike capabilities, and expand underground and redundant production infrastructure. The episode reinforces North Korean distrust of the US—portraying President Trump as unpredictable—and could spur regional instability and nuclear proliferation risks, complicating Beijing’s security calculations.

Philippine Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla says multiple witnesses now allege rogue police executed dozens of cockfighting participants in 2022 and dumped their bodies in Lake Taal. He has placed 15 national police officers under investigation and requested Japan’s technical help for lakebed mapping to locate remains. The case re-emerged after witness Julie “Dondon” Patidongan publicly claimed up to 100 victims and named livestreamed cockfighting figure Charlie Ang as the mastermind—allegations Ang denies, countersuing Patidongan. The disappearances had already prompted arrests in 2022 and fueled the eventual ban of online cockfighting, a massive gambling industry in the Philippines.

Oasis reunited after 16 years for a sold-out kickoff show in Cardiff, launching their Live ’25 world tour. Brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher kept interaction minimal but delivered a powerful, two-hour set heavy on 1990s hits like Hello, Supersonic, Roll With It, and Rock ’n’ Roll Star, with mass sing-alongs to encores Don’t Look Back in Anger, Wonderwall, and Champagne Supernova. The performance featured simple visuals, little banter, and a tribute during Live Forever. The tour, presented as a one-off with no new music announced, follows a frenzied ticket scramble that drew criticism over dynamic pricing. Fans and critics see the reunion as a chance to celebrate and burnish the band’s legacy.

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele denied claims by Kilmar Abrego Garcia that he was beaten, sleep-deprived, and psychologically tortured during a more than three-week detention at the country’s CECOT supermax prison, posting images to suggest Abrego appeared well. Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran mistakenly deported from the U.S. under the Trump administration and later returned, detailed in new court filings that he suffered severe beatings, was forced to kneel overnight, and was held in overcrowded, brightly lit cells without mattresses or adequate sanitation, alleging staged photos with better conditions. His account aligns with human rights reports of abuses under Bukele’s state of emergency. The allegations were added to a lawsuit his wife filed in Maryland; the Trump administration seeks dismissal, saying the case is moot since he was brought back to the U.S., where he now faces a human smuggling charge in Tennessee.

Two elderly tourists—68-year-old Janet Taylor from the U.K. and 67-year-old Alison Jean Taylor 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 attack; both women died at the scene. The incident follows multiple recent fatal elephant encounters involving tourists in Africa and Asia, highlighting the risks posed by protective female elephants.

An 11-month-old pet lion escaped its enclosure in Lahore, Pakistan, and attacked a woman and her two children on a busy street, injuring them but not critically. CCTV shows the lion leaping a wall and pouncing; the father said the owners appeared amused before fleeing with the animal. Police arrested three suspects within 12 hours, confiscated the lion, and sent it to a wildlife park. The incident highlights ongoing issues with big cat ownership in Pakistan despite new laws requiring licenses and banning such animals in residential areas, enacted after a previous lion escape in Lahore in 2024.

A gas station explosion in Rome’s Prenestino neighborhood injured at least 25 people, including 10 first responders, after two blasts followed reports of a gas leak around 8 a.m. local time. Authorities evacuated nearby facilities, including a sports center, preventing greater casualties; two civilians are in serious condition but most injuries are not life-threatening. The explosions sent a fireball and thick smoke across the city, damaging buildings and vehicles. Prosecutors are investigating, with an initial focus on a possible LPG leak during unloading. Local leaders, including the mayor and prime minister, praised emergency responders, and the pope offered prayers for those affected.

A North Korean male civilian crossed the Military Demarcation Line in the midwestern DMZ and was taken into South Korean custody after a 20-hour operation involving tracking and nighttime guidance through dense, landmine-laden terrain. He cooperated with South Korean troops and will undergo investigation and screening, typically by intelligence authorities. The JCS reported no unusual North Korean military activity. Such direct land-border defections are rare, especially since North Korea tightened border controls during COVID-19. The incident comes amid South Korea’s new President Lee Jae Myung signaling a more dialogue-driven approach to Pyongyang, while the U.S. alleges North Korea funds weapons programs via remote IT work.

Swedish police say a top crime boss—identified by media as 35-year-old Ismail Abdo, leader of the Rumba network and former Foxtrot co-leader—was arrested in Turkey after a joint Swedish-Turkish operation. Abdo, one of Sweden’s most wanted since 2024, is accused of masterminding drug trafficking and instigating violent crimes from abroad, including ordering attacks carried out by minors. His feud with ex-ally Rawa Majid escalated after Abdo’s mother was murdered in 2023, fueling Sweden’s ongoing gang war. The arrest comes amid a surge of shootings and bombings, with recent high-profile attacks and a government push to expand policing powers, including wiretapping suspects under 15. While shootings have fallen since 2022, explosions have risen, and Sweden remains among Europe’s highest in firearm homicide rates.

Russia has become the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan, accepting credentials from the Taliban’s ambassador after removing the group from its list of outlawed organizations. Moscow says recognition will enable productive bilateral cooperation; the Taliban called it a historic step and urged others to follow. China welcomed the move, noting uninterrupted diplomatic ties with Afghanistan. Despite new backing, a former Taliban official acknowledged Russia and China cannot replace past U.S. financial support. The Taliban remain internationally isolated over severe restrictions on women and girls. Critics argue Russia’s recognition legitimizes human rights abuses and serves strategic interests, including access to Afghanistan’s rare earth minerals. The move raises questions about whether it will improve Afghanistan’s dire economic and humanitarian situation.

A male same-sex Humboldt penguin pair, Scampi and Flounder, are successfully raising a chick at Chester Zoo in the U.K., part of a “bumper year” that saw 10 chicks hatch. To boost survival, keepers split two eggs from another pair, Wotsit and Peach, between nests. Humboldt penguins are vulnerable, with populations down ~85% in 40 years; the zoo’s 63-bird colony supports an international breeding program. Eight chicks have celestial-themed names (e.g., Ursa, Orion, Cassiopeia), with Scampi and Flounder’s chick to be named via social media. The fast-growing chicks will soon start swimming lessons. Same-sex penguin parenting has been documented at other zoos and aquariums.

Archaeologists at the Magna Roman Fort near Hadrian’s Wall in northern England have uncovered eight unusually large 2,000-year-old Roman shoes, including one measuring 32.6 cm (about US size 15), a record for the Vindolanda Trust’s collection. While large footwear is rare at nearby Vindolanda, roughly a quarter of Magna’s shoe finds are in this size range, prompting researchers to investigate which regiments were stationed there and why larger sizes are overrepresented. The exceptional preservation is due to low-oxygen soil in the fort’s defensive ditch, used as a rubbish dump. Scholars suggest the finds may reflect the Roman Empire’s diverse populations. A boxwood comb was also unearthed.

Greek authorities ordered mass evacuations on Crete as fast-moving wildfires near Ierapetra, driven by gale-force winds up to 50 mph, burned out of control. Around 5,000 people—mostly tourists—were evacuated from hotels and homes, with shelters set up at a local sports venue and relocations to other parts of the island. Residents of four villages were told to leave, and the fire split into three active fronts (Achlia, Ferma, Skinokapsala). About 230 firefighters and 10 helicopters battled the blaze; hospitals were put on alert. Some residents were treated for breathing issues, but no serious injuries were reported. Authorities warned of very high wildfire risk across Crete and southern Greece amid the hot, dry summer conditions.

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 was charged under Chile’s aeronautical code and allegedly violated the Antarctic Treaty. Guo had flown from Punta Arenas in a Cessna 182 and aims to become the first to solo all seven continents while raising $1 million for St. Jude. He posted that he is safe and will update soon.

The Druze minority in Syria fears growing vulnerability and marginalization in the post-war order after a wave of sectarian attacks in and around Damascus, sparked by a fake audio clip allegedly insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Deadly clashes in April left over 100 dead, including Druze fighters, civilians, and security personnel, and saw Druze students and communities targeted. While the government framed its operations as restoring security, many Druze say the state failed to protect them or hold perpetrators accountable, eroding trust. Volunteers from Druze areas were ambushed, and Israel carried out strikes it said were to shield Druze communities. As violence subsides, Druze residents describe a fragile calm, deep suspicion, and anxiety that an increasingly Sunni-dominated, intolerant landscape leaves little space for minorities, with calls for equal rights and justice replacing reliance on sectarian protections.

Ismail Abdo, a dual Swedish-Turkish national and alleged leader of Sweden’s Rumba gang, was arrested in Turkey during raids that netted over a tonne of drugs and led to 19 arrests. He has been wanted under an Interpol red notice for drug trafficking and inciting violent crimes, and Turkish authorities seized assets worth about 1.5bn lira. Abdo’s rivalry with Foxtrot leader Rawa Majida has fueled escalating gang violence in Sweden, including the 2023 murder of Abdo’s mother, prompting tougher government measures. His Turkish citizenship may complicate extradition to Sweden. Authorities also issued warrants for 21 more suspects, with four still at large.

Australian actor Julian McMahon, known for Charmed and Nip/Tuck, has died at 56 from cancer in Clearwater, Florida. His wife, Kelly Paniagua, praised his love for life, family, work, and fans. McMahon rose to fame on Charmed, earned a Golden Globe nomination for Nip/Tuck, played Doctor Doom in the 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four films, and appeared in FBI: Most Wanted. Tributes came from co-star Dylan Walsh and producer Dick Wolf. The son of a former Australian prime minister, McMahon also recently portrayed an Australian PM in Netflix’s The Residence. He was married three times, including to Dannii Minogue.

Kenyan President William Ruto says he will personally fund the construction of a large church at Nairobi’s State House, defending the project despite public backlash over church-state entanglement, secularism concerns, and reported costs of about $9m for an 8,000-seat facility. Critics, including the Atheists Society of Kenya, threaten legal action, questioning the use of state property and favoritism toward Christianity in a multi-faith nation. Religious leaders, including Nairobi’s Catholic archbishop, call for clarity on the structure’s purpose and inclusivity. Ruto, an openly evangelical leader, argues the current iron-sheet chapel is unfit and insists the project will proceed.

Netflix’s animated musical KPop Demon Hunters has become a global hit, driving its fictional K-pop bands to top US charts. The Saja Boys’ “Your Idol” reached No. 1 on US Spotify—the highest for any male K‑pop group, surpassing BTS—while Huntr/x’s “Golden” hit No. 2, topping Blackpink’s best mark. The film’s soundtrack entered the Billboard 200 top 10, the year’s highest soundtrack debut, and “Golden” is being released by Republic Records with awards consideration planned. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation and directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film features music from top K-pop producers Teddy Park and Lindgren. The surge coincides with BTS preparing a comeback after military service and Blackpink launching an all-stadium world tour in July.

Russia has become the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan, nearly four years after the group seized power. Kabul’s foreign minister hailed the move as a step toward broader international engagement, while Russia cited prospects for economic cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture, and infrastructure, and pledged support against terrorism and drug trafficking. The decision drew strong criticism from Afghan opposition figures and women’s rights groups, who warned it legitimizes a regime imposing severe restrictions on women and girls, including bans on secondary education and many jobs. Russia maintained its embassy in Kabul after 2021, struck oil, gas, and wheat deals in 2022, removed the Taliban from its terrorist list in April, and has hosted Taliban delegations since 2018. The UN continues to report human rights violations and has warned against deportations to Afghanistan, even as some European politicians push to resume them. Other countries have not formally recognized the Taliban, though several maintain diplomatic representation in Kabul.

- High-profile British sports agent Jonathan Barnett is being sued in a U.S. civil case alleging he trafficked, raped, and tortured an unnamed woman (“Jane Doe”) more than 39 times from 2017 to 2023, keeping her as a “sex slave” and threatening her and her children. - The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, claims Barnett moved the woman from Australia to the UK via his agency CAA Stellar, imposed coercive control, and subjected her to degrading acts; it alleges incidents occurred in multiple locations, including Los Angeles. - Barnett, 75, denies all allegations as baseless and says he will vigorously defend the case. - “Jane Doe” is also suing Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and CAA Stellar, alleging the companies ignored suspicious payments and emails; CAA says she has never had a business relationship with CAA/ICM/Stellar, first learned of the claims in January 2024, urged her to contact UK police, and notes Barnett exited Stellar in February 2024.

President Trump signed a sweeping 870-page tax and spending bill into law after narrow passage in Congress (218–214 in the House; a Senate tie broken by VP JD Vance). The law extends 2017 tax cuts, adds new tax breaks on tips, overtime, and Social Security, boosts defense spending by $150bn, cuts Medicaid and SNAP, reduces clean energy tax credits, and allocates $100bn to ICE. Republicans hail it as pro-growth and tough on immigration; Democrats warn it favors the wealthy and harms low-income Americans. The CBO projects short-term surplus but rising deficits thereafter; analysts say most tax benefits go to higher earners. Public support appears low, and millions could lose Medicaid coverage over the next decade. The signing, marked by military flyovers, capped tense negotiations and a partisan vote.

The article profiles seven surviving members of the Kindertransport, the rescue effort that brought about 10,000 predominantly Jewish children to safety—mostly in Britain—after Kristallnacht in 1938. Now near or over 100, they recount fragmented memories of departure, loss, and rebuilding: a last glimpse of parents at train stations, unfamiliar foods in new lands, strict foster homes, and internment as “enemy aliens” despite escaping Nazi persecution. Their paths diverged—some to Sweden, Britain, Canada, and eventually the United States—resulting in accomplished and ordinary lives alike, marked by enduring grief for murdered relatives and gratitude for rescue. As their numbers dwindle, researchers and families are racing to preserve their testimonies through archives, letters, diaries, and interviews, underscoring both the complexities of refuge and the urgency of memory.

For the 210th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, Belgium hosted its largest reenactment in a decade, featuring 2,200 participants and 100 horses before 17,000 spectators. The role of Napoleon was played by Mark Schneider, a 55-year-old American historian and actor from Long Island, chosen for his battlefield presence and horsemanship despite his much-debated accent. Schneider, now a sought-after Napoleon worldwide, led a multinational cast whose units largely mirrored historical affiliations, with some cross-national exceptions. The 90-minute performance compressed the 10-hour 1815 battle that ended Napoleon’s reign, with heat challenging participants in heavy uniforms. Organizers praised Schneider’s experience rising through reenactment ranks, and he plans to retire from the role to make way for new contenders—perhaps even a French Napoleon again.

China’s dominance in rare earths has come with severe, long-running environmental and health costs, concentrated around Baotou in Inner Mongolia and mining regions in south-central China. Decades of poorly regulated extraction and processing created a vast, unlined four-square-mile tailings lake (Weikuang Dam) contaminated with heavy metals and radioactive thorium, which pollutes air through dust and seeps into groundwater. Studies and official reports have documented serious pollution, children’s health impacts, and radioactive discharges from the nearby Bayan Obo mine. Illegal mining elsewhere poisoned waterways and farmland until crackdowns in 2010–2011. While China has invested billions to clean up—reinforcing containment, relocating residents, improving some waste treatment, and reducing visible smog—significant risks persist, especially thorium handling and dust control. Oversight is complicated by provincial ownership of major producers and increased censorship of pollution reports. Meanwhile, China’s tight control over key rare earths (including export curbs on samarium and heavy rare earths) underscores the global trade leverage it gained at substantial domestic environmental cost.

The article traces how China built dominance in rare earths through strategic, decades-long policy. After Mao prioritized quantity over quality in steel, Deng Xiaoping in 1978 tasked technocrat Fang Yi to modernize industry. Visiting Baotou’s Bayan Obo iron ore mine, Fang pushed extracting co-located light and medium rare earths (like cerium, lanthanum, samarium) for steel, glass, oil refining, and military uses. China then developed cheaper separation methods using plastic and hydrochloric acid instead of costly stainless steel and nitric acid, and lax environmental enforcement lowered costs further, driving Western refineries to close. Discoveries of vast domestic deposits, including heavy rare earths in south-central China, plus 1990s–2000s mastery of separating heavy rare earths, gave China near-monopoly power. Deng underscored their strategic value (“The Middle East has oil; China has rare earths”), and geologist Wen Jiabao, later premier, personally steered rare earth policy. This long-term, top-level focus explains China’s current leverage, highlighted by its recent export curbs.

The article explores when couples should start discussing money, noting that many still avoid early financial talks despite growing acceptance of doing so before serious commitment. Personal stories show how transparency—or the lack of it—can shape relationships: early disclosures about debt or income can be deal breakers, but honest, timely conversations often strengthen partnerships. Experts suggest bringing up finances by around the third date or once a relationship turns exclusive, focusing on goals, debts, spending habits, and what feels fair. Examples include couples who navigated income imbalances with clear agreements, used joint and separate accounts to manage shared and personal spending, and held regular budget meetings. The takeaway: talk about money sooner than later, prioritize compatibility of financial values and lifestyles, and avoid secrecy to build trust and long-term stability.

The New York Times reviews Oasis’s first concert in 16 years at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, framing it as both triumphant and tentative. After a cautious start, “Cigarettes & Alcohol” unlocked the crowd’s energy, and a hits-heavy set from Definitely Maybe and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? showcased the enduring power of songs like Don’t Look Back in Anger, Wonderwall, Live Forever, and Rock ’n’ Roll Star. The performance mixed euphoric singalongs with uneven stretches, particularly during Noel-led numbers, reflecting the band’s ongoing tension between nostalgia and the volatile spirit that once defined it. The Gallaghers kept interaction minimal, with Bonehead literally between them, but the night culminated in a brief onstage embrace that drew one of the loudest roars. The reunion lineup—Liam and Noel with Bonehead, Gem Archer, Andy Bell, and Joey Waronker—suggests a sturdier, more controlled return, even as flashes of old mayhem (flares in the crowd) surfaced. Ultimately, the show’s improbability and the songs’ durability outweighed its hesitations, closing with a telling image: Noel basking as Liam slipped into a waiting Range Rover and disappeared.

Wimbledon’s Royal Box is an invitation-only, 80-seat section on Centre Court reserved for royals, tennis figures, and distinguished guests, with a strict dress code and elaborate lunch service. This year’s attendees included Cate Blanchett, Olivia Rodrigo with Louis Partridge, Russell Crowe, Rebel Wilson, Dave Grohl with Jordyn Blum, Priyanka Chopra with Nick Jonas, John Cena with Shay Shariatzadeh, and members of the royal family such as Princess Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson, plus British sports figures like David Beckham.

President Trump said the U.S. “pretty much has a deal” for an American company to buy TikTok’s U.S. operations and plans to begin talks with China next week to seek approval. He didn’t name the buyer and suggested Chinese approval may be needed. The sale must satisfy conditions set by a 2024 law requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok over national security concerns, though questions remain about access to the app’s algorithm and investor indemnification. Despite a bipartisan law banning TikTok if not sold—upheld by the Supreme Court—Trump has paused enforcement via executive order, with officials asserting he has authority to do so.

The U.S. transferred eight convicted migrants, previously held for weeks in shackles on a U.S. base in Djibouti, to South Sudan after the Supreme Court twice allowed the Trump administration’s plan to proceed, ending a six-week legal standoff. The men—originally from Vietnam, Mexico, Laos, Cuba, Myanmar, and one from South Sudan—were sent despite warnings about South Sudan’s instability and risks of torture. The government cited diplomatic assurances from Juba; lawyers argued the removals violated due process and could amount to “infamous punishment.” A Massachusetts federal judge ruled the new challenge mirrored earlier claims, while a D.C. judge briefly paused the transfer before deferring. The case, part of a broader class action over deportations to third countries, continues and could affect thousands, even as these eight are now likely beyond U.S. courts’ reach.

China’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, the Shandong, arrived in Hong Kong for a five-day visit from July 3–7, accompanied by three escort vessels. The visit includes the first public tours of the carrier for Hong Kong residents. CNN’s report highlights how the Shandong fits into China’s expanding naval capabilities.

Denmark, historically wary of deeper EU integration, has grown markedly more pro-European as it assumes the EU presidency, driven by a “triple shock” of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Brexit, and above all distrust of US President Donald Trump. A recent Danish survey found 41% now see the US as a threat and 92% believe Denmark should rely more on the EU for security. Tensions over Greenland, tariffs, and US criticism have strained ties despite Denmark’s past military support for the US. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre signal a major shift: Denmark has left the EU’s budget-hawk “Frugal Four” and is prioritizing rearming and strengthening Europe. Trust in the EU has climbed to 74%, with Danes now fearing an EU too weak to face Putin and Trump rather than one too intrusive. Denmark’s EU presidency will focus on security and strategic autonomy, even as key issues still require engagement with Washington.

Julian McMahon, the Australian-American actor known for co-leading FX’s Nip/Tuck and portraying Dr. Doom in the 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four films, has died at 56 after a battle with cancer, his wife confirmed. McMahon’s career spanned from the late 1980s and included roles in Charmed, Profiler, FBI: Most Wanted, Netflix’s The Residence, and the upcoming film The Surfer. Nip/Tuck ran six seasons (2003–2010), earning 18 Emmy nominations and one win.

Paris has opened three designated swimming areas in the River Seine for the first time since 1923, following a €1.4 billion cleanup spurred by the 2024 Olympics. Sites near Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and eastern Paris now allow controlled public bathing, with daily water testing and beach-style green/red flags to indicate safety. Infrastructure upgrades include disinfection units, a large stormwater storage basin, and new sewage connections for houseboats and upstream homes. While city officials report water quality meeting EU standards since June (with occasional rain- or boat-related exceptions), independent testers warn that methods may undercount bacteria and say conditions can vary widely. Despite some public skepticism over murky water and pollution, many residents celebrated the reopening, which will be free and supervised through August, viewing it as a symbolic reclaiming of the river and a lasting legacy of the Games.

A synagogue in East Melbourne was set on fire and an Israeli restaurant was stormed in coordinated antisemitic incidents Friday night. About 20 people were inside the synagogue for Shabbat when a man ignited its front door; no injuries were reported, and the suspect fled. Nearby, around 20 protesters entered the Miznon restaurant chanting anti-IDF slogans; one arrest was made for hindering police. A third incident early Saturday saw three cars torched and graffiti near a business previously targeted by pro-Palestine protesters. Victoria Police’s counterterrorism unit is investigating potential ideological motives but has not labeled the incidents terrorism. Officials, including Victoria’s premier and Melbourne’s lord mayor, condemned the attacks amid a broader rise in antisemitic incidents across Australia.

At a rally shortly after Congress passed his major domestic policy bill, President Donald Trump used the term “Shylock,” a word widely considered antisemitic. The remark drew criticism as it overshadowed his celebration of the newly approved legislation.

CNN’s Rahm Emanuel tells David Chalian that President Trump’s sweeping “big, beautiful” megabill will have broad, tangible effects on Americans and is likely to define the political debate heading into the 2026 midterms. He frames Democrats’ response around contesting the bill’s priorities and consequences, suggesting it will become a central campaign issue as both parties battle over its impact and implementation.

China has eased visa rules and expanded visa-free entry to attract more foreign tourists and reshape its global image. The policy shift has fueled a surge in visitors to major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chongqing, with many travelers sharing positive, often surprised reactions online about safety, modernity, and cultural richness. The campaign aims to revive tourism after pandemic-era isolation and counter negative perceptions abroad, using social media buzz and smoother entry as soft-power tools.

The Dalai Lama celebrated his 90th birthday in Dharamshala, India, surrounded by thousands of followers, monks, and dignitaries, emphasizing a life devoted to serving others. The weeklong festivities included his reaffirmation that he will reincarnate according to Buddhist tradition, likely outside China, amid concerns Beijing will attempt to control the succession. Global leaders such as India’s Narendra Modi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent tributes, and actor Richard Gere attended. Exiled since 1959, the Nobel laureate remains a global symbol of Tibetan culture, nonviolence, and resistance to Chinese rule, vowing to continue promoting human values and interfaith harmony. Celebrations also took place among Tibetan communities in Nepal.

Poland will impose border controls on Germany in retaliation for Berlin’s tighter checks and refusal of some asylum seekers, escalating a dispute that underscores mounting strain on Europe’s Schengen free-movement system. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Warsaw still backs free movement but wants coordinated, reciprocal measures to curb irregular migration. The clash highlights how domestic political pressures and migration concerns are prompting EU states to reintroduce controls, threatening a core European principle.

Local and federal authorities in Mexican border cities like Tijuana prepared extensively for a promised surge of U.S. deportations under President Trump, declaring emergencies and building large shelters. But the anticipated mass removals have not materialized. Mexico’s “Mexico Embraces You” program stands ready to receive deportees, yet arrivals remain far below the “largest deportation operation” Trump vowed. The gap between U.S. rhetoric and actual deportation levels has left Mexican preparations largely unused while debate over the motives and impact of U.S. immigration enforcement continues.

After Syria’s dictatorship fell last year, the country’s devastated health system relied heavily on NGOs funded by the United States and Europe. Now sharp cuts in Western aid are stripping away that support, threatening critical services such as malnutrition treatment and basic care. Communities that had begun to stabilize face renewed humanitarian risks, with NGOs warning of clinic closures and service reductions. Debates flare over who should fill the gap—some point to wealthy Gulf states—while aid workers stress that without rapid replacement funding, millions of Syrians could lose access to essential healthcare.

Turkey sent two firefighting aircraft, 11 fire trucks, and water support vehicles to northwest Syria’s Latakia region to help battle wildfires, while also fighting blazes on its own territory. The Syrian emergency minister Raed Al Saleh said their arrival was delayed by sudden fires in Turkey. In western Turkey, one person was reported dead as fires raged on both sides of the border.

Doctors say the viral “cortisol cocktail” (coconut water, orange juice, lemon, magnesium, salt, sparkling water) is unlikely to lower cortisol and lacks supporting studies. Cortisol is essential, varies naturally, and physicians rarely aim to lower it except in disorders like Cushing’s. The drink may make people feel better mainly through hydration and possibly magnesium, but evidence for stress reduction or sleep benefits is weak. It’s generally safe, but those with chronic kidney disease (magnesium/potassium) or diabetes (sugar) should be cautious. Proven stress-reduction strategies include good sleep, regular movement, therapy, social connection, time outdoors, and self-compassion.

Charlize Theron told the “Call Her Daddy” podcast she’s intentionally single and chose to become a single mother after recognizing patterns from her tumultuous childhood and her tendency to “lose herself” in relationships, often with narcissistic partners. She said she lacked the ability to be healthy in a romantic partnership and didn’t want to recreate harmful dynamics. Relationship experts praised her decision as an empowered, aligned choice made possible by her resources and self-awareness, noting many women similarly opt for singlehood to protect their children, preserve well-being, or because their lives feel full—despite societal pushback.

Elon Musk announced on X that he’s launching a new U.S. political organization called the “America Party.” He says it will target 2–3 Senate seats and 8–10 House districts to act as a swing bloc on close legislation, caucusing independently and engaging both parties. The party does not appear registered with the FEC yet. Musk, the top donor of the 2024 cycle and a former ally of Donald Trump, has recently feuded with Trump over his expansive domestic bill and has framed the new party as a response to excessive spending and a “one-party” status quo. Musk suggests his involvement could be decisive in tight 2026 races.

Mo Gawdat, former Google X executive and happiness researcher, promotes a “90-second rule” for handling upsetting events: allow yourself 90 seconds to feel the emotion, then deliberately shift focus. Citing neuroscientist Jill Bolte Taylor, he says stress hormones clear in about 90 seconds unless you keep replaying the thought, which “renews” the cycle. To recover faster, he uses three questions: Is it true? Can I do something about it? If not, can I accept it and act despite it? He argues most distress stems from untrue assumptions, and when action isn’t possible, “committed acceptance” helps. While forming habits takes time, mindful responses can boost happiness by choosing realistic expectations and constructive reactions.

President Trump said he has signed “take it or leave it” letters to 12 countries detailing the tariff rates they would face on exports to the U.S., set to be sent Monday. After earlier pausing tariffs above a 10% base rate for 90 days to allow talks, Trump signaled higher rates—potentially up to 70%—could take effect August 1 as the July 9 pause expires. Frustrated with slow negotiations, the White House is shifting from talks to unilateral offers via letters. Deals so far include the U.K. (maintaining a 10% rate with sector perks) and Vietnam (tariffs cut to 20% from a threatened 46%, with some U.S. goods entering Vietnam duty-free). Expected agreements with India and the EU have stalled. Trump did not name the 12 countries; details are to be disclosed Monday.

At least 29 people were injured after a truck reportedly struck a gas pipe, triggering two explosions and a fire at a petrol station on Via dei Gordiani in Rome’s Prenestino area around 8:18am. Nearby buildings were damaged and evacuated, one person is in serious condition after being rescued from a burning car, and multiple police officers and a firefighter were among the injured. The Teano subway station was closed, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offered assistance, and Pope Leo expressed concern. Firefighting efforts continued amid reports the blasts were heard across the city.

Liverpool players and staff are expected to attend the Saturday funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, for Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, who died early Thursday in a car crash in Zamora, Spain. Authorities say a tyre blowout while overtaking, and possible speeding, caused their Lamborghini to leave the road. The deaths came 11 days after Jota’s wedding. A wake on Friday drew family, Liverpool executives, Portugal’s president and prime minister, Porto president Andre Villas-Boas, and numerous football figures, with large public turnout. Tributes have poured in from Liverpool, where fans created a shrine at Anfield; pre-season activities were partially postponed. Teammates including Jordan Henderson and Mohamed Salah expressed grief, with the club calling Jota’s passing devastating.

Two women—a 68-year-old Briton, Easton Janet Taylor, and a 67-year-old New Zealander, Alison Jean Taylor—were killed by an elephant during a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. The elephant, accompanied by its calf, charged from behind; guides fired shots but could not stop it, and both women died at the scene. The UK Foreign Office is assisting the British victim’s family. The incident follows two fatal elephant attacks on elderly American tourists in Zambia last year, underscoring the risks posed by protective female elephants with young.

Sky News reports on the rapid spread of “kush,” a highly addictive, cheap synthetic drug devastating communities across Sierra Leone and neighboring West African countries. Seizures at Freetown’s port suggest ingredients, including acetone and materials shipped in Amazon UK bags, are imported from the UK and other high-risk regions. Independent testing found nitazenes—opioids up to 25 times stronger than fentanyl—in about half of sampled kush, linked to severe health impacts: teens with leg-eating sores, immobility, and mothers with sick infants after using during pregnancy. Poverty, unemployment, and lack of services fuel addiction, with entire communities living under bridges ensnared in the trade. The drug market spans borders into The Gambia, where aggressive police crackdowns have pushed it underground amid rising xenophobia toward Sierra Leoneans. Experts call for coordinated international action across the supply chain, especially targeting nitazenes, with Sierra Leone urging support from regional partners and the UK.

Colombian police arrested Elder José “Chipi/Costeño” Arteaga Hernández, alleged mastermind of the 7 June shooting of conservative senator and 2026 presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay, who was shot in the head during a speech in a Bogotá park and remains in intensive care after multiple surgeries. Authorities say a minor allegedly carried out the shooting and three others have been detained for logistical roles; the motive is under investigation. Arteaga, described by police as a longtime contract killer, faces charges including attempted aggravated homicide, illegal firearms offenses, and using a minor to commit a crime; Interpol issued a red notice before his arrest, and a court appearance is expected soon. The attack, condemned across Colombia, comes amid heightened concerns over political violence.

- President Trump said he will begin talks with China on Monday or Tuesday about a TikTok deal and claims a sale is “pretty much” reached. - The U.S. extended ByteDance’s deadline to divest TikTok’s U.S. assets to 17 September, marking Trump’s third extension after earlier bans and deadlines. - A spring plan to spin off TikTok’s U.S. operations into a U.S.-majority-owned firm stalled when China signaled it wouldn’t approve following new U.S. tariffs. - Trump said any deal would likely need China’s approval; he’s not “confident” but believes it benefits both countries and may meet Xi Jinping. - TikTok thanked Trump and Vice-President JD Vance’s office for engagement, while Senator Mark Warner criticized Trump for sidestepping the law with executive orders.

A U.S. federal judge in Massachusetts denied an emergency bid by eight immigrants to stop their deportation to South Sudan, clearing the way for their immediate removal. The men—nationals of Vietnam, South Korea, Mexico, Laos, Cuba, Myanmar, and one from South Sudan—have serious criminal convictions and existing removal orders. After a brief pause by a D.C. judge, the case was returned to Boston, where the judge said a Supreme Court order required denial, noting the claims were substantially similar to prior rejected arguments. The ruling follows weeks of legal back-and-forth, including flights to a U.S. base in Djibouti, and is part of the Trump administration’s high-profile deportation efforts despite defense lawyers’ warnings the men could face grave danger amid South Sudan’s civil war.

A feature on Beijing’s growing “fortune‑telling bar” trend amid economic anxiety and a revival of mysticism. At Qie Le bar, patrons buy drinks to ask one question via qiuqian (lottery sticks), interpreted by fortune-teller Wan Mo. The reporter’s first question—whether AI will take her job—yields a prediction that AI will increasingly affect her work, with limited impact in 1–3 years but becoming significant after three. A second question about a pay rise brings a cautious outlook: no immediate change, some hope with personal adjustments, and suggestions of symbolic aids (like a wealth-attracting bracelet) alongside practical steps such as communicating with superiors. The piece captures how young Chinese seek guidance on money, health, and love through blended Daoist-Buddhist folk practices, finding affordable solace in bars as the economy struggles and AI anxieties rise.

FICO will start incorporating buy now, pay later (BNPL) data into two of its credit scores this fall, reflecting the growing use of installment payment services like Affirm and Klarna, especially among younger, lower- and middle-income, and minority consumers. On-time BNPL payments could modestly boost scores, while missed payments could lower them; FICO’s study found changes within about 10 points for over 85% of users. Including BNPL may help score people new to credit and give lenders a fuller view of borrowers’ obligations, reducing overextension risk. However, BNPL usage is often sporadic, so effects may be limited. Consumer protections for BNPL remain weaker than for credit cards, and a CFPB effort to extend card-like protections to BNPL has been paused, heightening dispute and refund risks for users.

NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! marks the Fourth of July with a best-of episode revisiting standout “Not My Job” interviews from the past year. The show features highlights with Lauren Graham, Roy Wood Jr., Amanda Seyfried, mxmtoon, and Jim Gaffigan, offering a 46-minute compilation of comedic interviews and quiz moments.

NPR reports that Democrats see President Trump’s newly signed tax-and-spending “megabill” as a political opening for the 2026 midterms, centering their attacks on nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts used to offset extended tax cuts. Hakeem Jeffries and others frame the law as the largest health care cut in U.S. history, betting that Medicaid’s broad popularity and tangible coverage losses—CBO projects about 12 million losing insurance—will galvanize voters, as health care did for Democrats in 2018. Trump is promoting the bill as pro-growth and plans to campaign on it, highlighting popular elements like Medicaid work requirements. Polls show the bill is more unpopular than popular, though perceptions on Medicaid contain widespread misconceptions. Despite GOP vulnerabilities—low approval for Trump on the economy and weak ratings for congressional Republicans—congressional Democrats are even less popular, with strikingly low approval among Democrats themselves. The article concludes that while the bill gives Democrats a potent message, retaking the House will also require unifying and improving their own standing.

The opinion piece argues that President Trump has unexpectedly occupied the political center by combining hardline stances with broadly popular goals and results. It credits him with major domestic and foreign-policy wins: passing a tax reform with “no taxes” on tips and overtime; restoring deterrence via a strike that neutralized Iran’s nuclear threat; brokering peace deals in East Africa and between India and Pakistan; pushing NATO allies to 5% defense spending; tightening the southern border; winning multiple Supreme Court rulings; pressuring universities on gender policies and antisemitism; and securing trade concessions from China, Canada, and the EU. The author claims the economy is strong despite tariffs, with high markets, easing inflation, and low unemployment, and cites Trump’s solid approval ratings. By contrast, Democrats are portrayed as moralizing, obstructionist, and internally contradictory—alienating voters through cultural extremism and anti-Western rhetoric. The piece concludes that Trump’s platform—moderate abortion limits, border security, fiscal restraint, campus anti-bigotry, “peace through strength,” and education reform—now defines the political center as Democrats move left.

Retired NFL star Jason Kelce drew backlash and support after posting a patriotic Fourth of July message on Instagram urging Americans to “set aside our differences” and celebrate being American, alongside a fireworks video. The post came hours after President Trump signed the $3.3 trillion “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which some commenters tied to Kelce’s remarks, calling them “out of touch” amid political tensions. Others defended his call for unity and free expression. By Saturday afternoon, the post had over 132,000 likes and nearly 4,000 comments. Kelce and his brother Travis typically avoid politics, though Travis’s girlfriend Taylor Swift backed Kamala Harris in the previous election.

Canadian national Gareth West, alleged ringleader of a $30 million “grandparent scam” targeting seniors in 46 U.S. states, was arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at the request of U.S. authorities. The scheme involved callers posing as grandchildren in distress, then linking victims to fake lawyers or bail agents to extract money via couriers or ride-shares, using Montreal-based call centers with spoofed U.S. numbers. West allegedly funded a luxurious lifestyle with the proceeds and employed dozens of accomplices; 23 have already been arrested. He faces U.S. charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, carrying up to 40 years in prison.

UN officials warn that violent gangs now control about 90% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and are expanding into previously calmer regions, including southern areas and key eastern border crossings. The UN says the situation, worsened by political turmoil since President Jovenel Moïse’s 2021 assassination and a fragmented security response, risks a total collapse of state presence in the capital without stronger international action. A recent UN report alleges gangs are exploiting the transition and that some actors may be backing violence for political gains. The U.S. maintains a do-not-travel advisory and in May designated major Haitian gangs Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as terrorist organizations.

At the Rio de Janeiro summit, BRICS leaders condemned “indiscriminate” tariff hikes—seen as targeting U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade measures—as inconsistent with WTO rules and harmful to global trade and supply chains. Their final statement also denounced recent military strikes on Iran as violations of international law, criticized Israel’s actions, and briefly referenced Ukraine by reaffirming members’ existing UN positions. The meeting, marked by Xi Jinping’s absence and Putin’s remote appearance, underscored BRICS’ internal challenges after rapid expansion, with Brazil steering the agenda toward less divisive issues like health, trade, AI governance, climate, peace-making, and institutional reform. Brazil sought to avoid provoking new U.S. tariffs as Trump threatened 100% duties against moves undermining the dollar. Despite notable absences and cohesion concerns, participants framed the summit as a venue for emerging economies to diversify partnerships amid tariff-driven global instability.