In other news

A 39-year-old Dutch diver died while working on the recovery of British tech tycoon Mike Lynch's sunken superyacht, Bayesian, off the coast of northern Sicily. The diver was part of a team from specialist salvage companies Hebo and SMIT Salvage, overseen by British marine consultancy TMC Marine. The Bayesian sank in August last year during freak weather, resulting in the deaths of seven people, including Lynch and his daughter Hannah. The recovery operation, involving around 70 personnel from across Europe, is expected to take several weeks and aims to raise the vessel to investigate the cause of the sinking.

The US has ended a trade rule known as 'de minimis' that allowed packages from China worth less than $800 to enter the country free of import taxes and customs procedures. The change has sparked concerns among shoppers and businesses about price hikes and shortages. Some consumers rushed to make purchases before the deadline, while others are bracing for the impact. Businesses, including e-commerce brands and manufacturers, are warning that the changes could lead to failures and job losses. The move is seen as a blow to low-income households and minority groups, who disproportionately benefited from the rule.

Prominent artists including Elton John and Dua Lipa have joined over 400 British creatives in urging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to strengthen copyright laws to protect their work from being exploited by artificial intelligence (AI) developers. The artists are calling for an amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill that would require AI developers to be transparent about using copyrighted material to train their models. The government has expressed a desire to balance the interests of both the creative industries and AI companies, and is consulting on measures to achieve this. However, not everyone agrees with the artists' approach, with some arguing that stricter copyright laws could hinder the UK's economic growth and drive AI development offshore.

The Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, is suing Google for continuing to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the 'Gulf of America' on Google Maps for US users, despite repeated requests to change it. The name change was initially made following an executive order by former US President Donald Trump. Google had stated that it follows official government sources for name changes, but Sheinbaum's government argues that Trump's order only applies to the US portion of the continental shelf, not the entire gulf.

China has loaned the UK its rare Moon dust samples, collected during the Chang'e 5 mission in 2020, to Professor Mahesh Anand at the Open University in Milton Keynes. The samples, considered 'rarer than gold,' will be analyzed to understand the Moon's formation and early Earth history. The team will use specialized equipment to study the 60mg of Moon dust without contaminating it.

The South African government has criticized the US plan to accept white Afrikaners as refugees, calling it 'politically motivated' and designed to undermine the country's 'constitutional democracy'. The plan, which has not been publicly confirmed by the White House, is reportedly a 'priority' for President Donald Trump's government. The US state department is interviewing individuals interested in resettling in the US, prioritizing 'Afrikaners in South Africa who are victims of unjust racial discrimination'. The decision comes as the Trump administration has halted nearly all migrant asylum claims.

The city of Port Sudan is reeling after a week of aerial attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, resulting in a severe shortage of water and fuel, and disrupting the delivery of humanitarian aid. The attacks have left the city's infrastructure crippled, with three fuel depots destroyed and power outages exacerbating the crisis. Residents are struggling to access basic necessities, and aid agencies are warning of a further deterioration in the humanitarian situation.

Ukraine's security service has arrested two individuals accused of being part of a Hungarian spy network aiming to gather intelligence on Ukraine's defenses near their shared border. The alleged spies, former Ukrainian military members, were detained for gathering information on air defense systems, law enforcement, and public sentiment. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto dismissed the allegations as 'propaganda' but later expelled two Ukrainian diplomats from Budapest. The incident strains relations between Hungary and Ukraine, already tense due to Hungary's pro-Russia stance since the invasion began.

The US and UK have agreed on a deal to reduce tariffs on certain British cars, steel, and aluminum imports into the US. The deal, described as 'historic' by UK leaders, reduces the US import tax on cars from 25% to 10% for 100,000 cars per year and establishes a quota for steel and aluminum imports. The agreement also allows for increased imports of US beef into the UK. While hailed as a significant development, analysts say the deal does not meaningfully alter the terms of trade between the two countries. The reaction to the deal has been mixed, with some business groups expressing uncertainty and opposition parties calling for more scrutiny.

The US has confirmed plans to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza through private companies despite UN concerns that the plan 'weaponizes' aid. The new system aims to provide food and supplies to over a million people, with security contractors protecting distribution centers. The UN has refused to cooperate with the plan, citing concerns over its principles. The aid delivery is crucial as Gaza faces a humanitarian crisis due to Israel's three-month blockade, with a third of community kitchens shutting down and prices of basic foodstuffs skyrocketing.

The US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, has urged Congress to address the debt ceiling before its August recess to prevent a default, warning that the cash and extraordinary measures used to pay the nation's bills may be exhausted in August. Bessent recommended that Congress increase or suspend the debt limit by mid-July to protect the full faith and credit of the United States. The debt ceiling has been reached, and the Treasury has been using extraordinary measures since January 21. Republican lawmakers are divided over how to address the debt ceiling, with the House and Senate proposing different increases to the cap.

A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order halting the Trump administration's plans to carry out mass firings and major reorganizations of multiple federal agencies under an executive order signed in February. The order, issued by Senior District Judge Susan Illston, blocks the administration's approval or implementation of plans to conduct mass layoffs and shrink or eliminate entire components of agencies. The judge ruled that the administration was acting outside the bounds of the law and that the Office of Management and Budget, Office of Personnel Management, and Department of Government Efficiency lacked the authority to direct other agencies to engage in large-scale terminations or restructuring.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated as Pakistan accused India of launching missiles at key military bases, including one near Islamabad, prompting Pakistan's military to launch a retaliatory operation against India. The conflict has sparked international concern, with the US offering mediation and China expressing deep concern and urging restraint. The situation is further complicated by a longstanding dispute over Kashmir, which has been the source of three previous wars between the two nations.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, currently being held at The Hague for crimes against humanity, is running for mayor of his hometown Davao City in the upcoming midterm elections. Despite his absence and controversy surrounding his brutal war on drugs, Duterte remains popular among locals who credit him for improving public safety and infrastructure. His daughter Sara Duterte is supporting his campaign, and his family members are also running for various positions. However, the Duterte dynasty is facing challenges, including a feud with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and allegations of corruption against Sara Duterte.

The Trump administration is considering suspending habeas corpus, a fundamental right that allows individuals to challenge their detention in court, according to sources close to the administration. Stephen Miller, a top aide to President Trump, confirmed that the administration is 'actively looking at' suspending habeas corpus, citing the need to combat nationwide injunctions against the administration's actions on deportations. Experts warn that such a move would be unconstitutional and would likely face significant legal challenges.

The article discusses the concerns of Ukrainians who fled to the US under the 'Uniting for Ukraine' (U4U) humanitarian parole program and are now facing uncertainty about their status due to the Trump administration's changes to the immigration system. The program allowed private US citizens to sponsor Ukrainian refugees, and many have settled into communities across the country. However, with the administration's pause on processing parole extensions, temporary protected status, and work authorizations, these individuals fear being uprooted again. The article highlights the impact on both the Ukrainian refugees and the US communities that have welcomed them, with many expressing devastation, betrayal, and concern about the potential consequences.

India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire after weeks of escalating tensions and military strikes. The ceasefire, confirmed by India's foreign secretary, has brought a halt to the fighting between the two nations. CNN correspondents Nic Robertson and Matthew Chance reported on the development from Islamabad and New Delhi.

Pakistan claims that India launched a missile attack on its key military bases, including one near the capital Islamabad. In response, Pakistan's military launched a retaliatory operation against India. The incident has escalated tensions between the two nations.

The article discusses the complex relationship between chefs and burgers, a dish that is both beloved by customers and a source of frustration for kitchen staff. Chef Jeremy Fox of Birdie G's in Santa Monica recently reintroduced burgers to his menu after a decade, citing the challenges of catering to customers' customization demands. Other chefs, such as Angie Mar of Le B. in the West Village and Edward Lee of Nami in Louisville, share similar sentiments about the love-hate relationship with burgers. The article explores the history of upscale burgers, from Daniel Boulud's $27 burger in 2001 to the current trend of chefs developing unique burger recipes that reflect their culinary skills and heritage.

Chinese companies are rapidly relocating their manufacturing operations to Vietnam to evade President Trump's high tariffs on Chinese goods. Vietnam has become an attractive alternative due to its geographical proximity, young workforce, and paused tariffs on Vietnamese goods by the US until July. Chinese e-commerce platforms like Alibaba and Shein are facilitating this shift by helping companies find manufacturing alternatives in Vietnam. However, Vietnam faces challenges in navigating trade deals with the US, which aims to prevent China from using Vietnam as a backdoor for exports.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's plans for mass layoffs and program closures, citing the need for congressional authorization. The ruling affects two dozen agencies and is seen as a significant setback for the administration's efforts to downsize the federal government. The lawsuit, filed by a coalition of labor unions, nonprofits, and local governments, argues that the president does not have the authority to make such decisions without legislative approval.

The article discusses the newly elected Pope Leo XIV's Creole roots in New Orleans, tracing his ancestry to the city's historic Creole community. The discovery was made by local genealogists and historians who uncovered census records, marriage certificates, and baptismal records that revealed the pope's family history. The article highlights the complex racial dynamics of New Orleans during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the fluidity of racial identity and the impact of Jim Crow laws. The discovery has sparked a sense of pride and connection among the Creole community in New Orleans, who feel a kinship with the new pope.

The New York Times article reveals that Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has Creole roots in New Orleans. Genealogist Jari Honora uncovered historical documents showing the pope's maternal family had a diverse background rooted in New Orleans's Afro-Caribbean culture before moving to Chicago. The documents also suggest a possible switch in racial categorization from Black to white.

The article discusses China's response to the trade war with the US, led by Xi Jinping, who has been preparing for this moment for years. Xi has chosen an aggressive course of action, ramping up exports and deepening China's position as the world's leading manufacturing base. China has imposed export restrictions on critical minerals and magnets, putting pressure on the US. The trade war may cleave the world into competing spheres of influence, with the US pushing other countries to restrict trade with China. Xi views the trade fight as a test of his authority and is determined to flex China's muscles.

The Trump administration has ordered federal agencies to stop considering the economic damage caused by climate change when writing regulations, effectively shelving the 'social cost of carbon' metric that estimates the damage from global warming. This move is seen as a denial of the scientific consensus on climate change and is expected to make it easier for the administration to roll back climate regulations.

The US and UK have reached a trade deal that lifts the 25% tariffs on steel imports, bringing relief to Britain's struggling steel industry, particularly Marcegaglia Stainless Sheffield, which exports over $133 million worth of steel to the US annually. The tariffs had added substantial costs and complexities to the industry, which is already facing weak demand, outside competition, and high energy costs. While the deal is seen as a positive development, there is still uncertainty about its implications for products shipped from Britain to EU countries for further processing before being sent to the US.

Two men, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, have been convicted of cutting down the iconic Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland, England, and toppling it onto Hadrian's Wall. The act was deemed senseless vandalism, causing widespread outrage. The tree was a beloved landmark and tourist attraction, known for its picturesque setting and featured in the 1991 film 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.' The defendants claimed innocence but were linked to the crime through video evidence and metadata. They will be sentenced on July 15 and face up to 10 years in prison.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen criticized the U.S. for reportedly increasing intelligence gathering on Greenland, stating 'you cannot spy against an ally.' The reports emerged amid tensions between Denmark, Greenland, and the U.S. over U.S. President Donald Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland, which Denmark and Greenland have insisted is not for sale.

Guatemala has extradited Aler Baldomero Samayoa-Recinos, a suspected drug trafficker known as 'Chicharra', to the United States. Samayoa-Recinos is accused of leading a group called Los Huistas, which allegedly trafficked cocaine from South America to Mexican cartels. The extradition is considered the most significant in decades by the U.S. embassy in Guatemala City.

A recent report by Der Spiegel reveals that Klaus Barbie, a notorious Nazi war criminal known as the 'Butcher of Lyon', played a significant role in setting up a major South American drug cartel and collaborated with Pablo Escobar. After fleeing to South America post-WWII, Barbie became a security adviser to drug baron Roberto Suarez and helped organize militias that supported the 1980 Bolivian coup.

The Mexican government has filed a lawsuit against Google for labeling the Gulf of Mexico as the 'Gulf of America' for U.S. users, following an executive order by former President Donald Trump to change the name. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the lawsuit, arguing that the name change should only apply to the part of the Gulf over the U.S. continental shelf. Google had previously stated that it would not change its policy, citing its 'longstanding maps policies.'

Researchers have discovered the likely location of the Dutch ship Koning William de Tweede, which sank off the coast of Australia in 1857, killing 16 crew members. The ship was found in Guichen Bay, near Robe, South Australia, after a four-year search effort involving several organizations, including the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Silentworld Foundation.

The Trump administration plans to receive and aid White South Africans, known as Afrikaners, who have been granted refugee status due to alleged racial discrimination in post-Apartheid South Africa. The first group is expected to arrive as early as next week, with resettlement officials using Department of Health and Human Services funds to aid them. This move contrasts with the administration's efforts to ban most other refugees from entering the U.S.

China is rapidly expanding its nuclear power capacity with over 100 reactors planned or under construction, mostly along its coast. A new PLA study warns that these reactors could be targeted in a conflict, citing the Russia-Ukraine war as evidence that civilian nuclear plants are no longer immune to military strikes. The study's authors, led by Wang Fengshan of the PLA Army Engineering University, propose enhanced defenses and emergency response strategies to mitigate the risks.

China's consumer price index (CPI) dropped by 0.1% in April 2025, fueling concerns of deflation due to the ongoing trade war with the United States. The decline was in line with economists' predictions and followed a similar drop in the first quarter of 2025. While some prices, such as clothing and services, rose, food prices fell by 0.2%, contributing to the overall decline.

A new study, the Global Flourishing Study (GFS), has ranked Indonesia as the world's 'most-flourishing' country, based on factors such as life satisfaction, social relations, and mental and physical health. The study, conducted by researchers from Harvard, Baylor University, and Gallup, surveyed over 200,000 people in 23 countries and territories. The GFS aims to expand on the annual World Happiness Report, which focuses primarily on wealth and happiness. The study's findings challenge the conventional assumption that wealth is a key determinant of happiness and flourishing.

Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te faced criticism for his speech on the 80th anniversary of VE Day, as he allegedly downplayed Japan's invasion of China and the role of the Republic of China in the Allied victory. Lai's comments were denounced by opposition lawmakers, historians, and Beijing, who accused him of distorting history. Lai used the occasion to warn of a 'new authoritarian bloc' threatening global stability and urged democratic countries to unite against modern authoritarian threats.

The article discusses how Hainan, a tropical island in southern China, is poised to benefit from the US-China trade war due to its special customs policies and plans to launch its own separate customs regime. This will allow duty-free stores on the island to maintain low prices and attract Chinese shoppers, potentially driving a surge in visitors and turning Hainan into the world's largest free-trade port.

US President Donald Trump described the first day of high-stakes trade talks with China in Geneva as 'a very good meeting', claiming significant progress was made towards resolving the escalating trade war between the two superpowers.

The owners of Ocean Empire Food Shop, a Hong Kong congee restaurant chain, have broken their silence after abruptly closing down, leaving 100 workers unpaid. They claim to have spent HK$30 million of their personal funds to save the company, but ultimately had to make the difficult decision to close due to a sluggish economy and worsening financial environment.

A diver has died during preliminary operations to recover the Bayesian superyacht that sank off the coast of Sicily in August, killing seven people, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah. The recovery operation, involving around 70 specialist personnel from across Europe, aims to lift the 56-metre-long vessel off the sea bed later this month.

A half-tonne piece of a Soviet rocket, Cosmos 482, is expected to crash back down to Earth in the coming days, potentially causing damage or harm if it hits a populated area. The capsule was originally intended to land on Venus but failed to escape Earth's orbit due to a malfunctioning upper stage. Astronomers are tracking its descent but cannot predict exactly where it will land, with the potential impact zone spanning between 51 degrees north and 51 degrees south latitude.

Former US national security adviser John Bolton discusses his experience as the alleged target of an attempted assassination plot by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and shares his views on China posing an 'existential threat' to the West in an interview on 'The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim' podcast.

Sky News analysis reveals that supporters of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group posted videos on TikTok from the Markaz Taiba Mosque in Muridke, Pakistan, which was targeted in Indian airstrikes. The videos contain expressions of support for LeT and the 313 Brigade, a proscribed terror organisation linked to al Qaeda. Pakistan denies allegations of terror camps operating in the country, while India claims the mosque was used as a terrorist training site.

The article reports on the aftermath of an Indian missile strike on Muridke, Pakistan, which locals claim was a civilian complex, not a terrorist base as alleged by India. The strike killed three men and caused significant damage. The incident has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with both sides engaging in a blame game and diplomats from other countries attempting to intervene to prevent further escalation.

The Women's World Cup is set to expand from 32 to 48 teams starting from the 2031 tournament in the US, with the 2035 tournament scheduled to take place in the UK. The decision, confirmed by FIFA, aims to increase access to elite competition and accelerate investment in women's football. The expansion will result in 104 matches, up from 64, and is expected to boost the popularity of the women's game in the UK.

Colby Grey, a 24-year-old American, moved to Belgium in 2023 and lives on $1,132 a month. He graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and was dissatisfied with the quality of education and cost. Grey decided to pursue a master's degree in Belgium, where he found a more affordable and fulfilling lifestyle. He pays $567 a month in rent and has a total monthly expense of $1,132. Grey loves the work-life balance and community in Belgium and has traveled to 20 different countries since relocating. He plans to stay in Europe for as long as possible and is considering further education or a traineeship in Brussels or Portugal.

Google has agreed to pay $1.375 billion to Texas to settle allegations of violating the state's residents' data privacy rights. The settlement, announced by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, resolves two separate lawsuits against Google related to tracking and collecting user data. Google denies any wrongdoing or liability, stating that the settlement involves 'old claims' and 'product policies we have long since changed'.

The article discusses the challenges faced by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell in making monetary policy decisions amidst uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trump's tariffs and their potential impact on the economy. Economists are divided on whether Powell is doing the right thing by maintaining a wait-and-see approach or if he will be criticized for being 'too late' in his response. Historical precedents suggest that the Fed has often been slow to react to changing economic conditions, and some experts warn that this time may be no different.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested for allegedly trespassing at a federal immigration detention center. The Trump administration suggested that other New Jersey Democratic lawmakers involved in the incident could face criminal charges, which the lawmakers deny. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed that the lawmakers assaulted ICE enforcement officers, while the lawmakers said they were shoved by ICE agents after exercising their right to conduct oversight.

Virtual chronic care company Omada Health has filed for an initial public offering (IPO), despite a turbulent economy and a largely dormant IPO market in the tech sector. Omada offers virtual care programs for patients with chronic conditions and reported $169.8 million in revenue for 2024, a 38% increase from the previous year. The company's net loss narrowed to $9.4 million in the first quarter, and it has contracts with over 2,000 customers, supporting 679,000 members.

At least 119 Amtrak employees and doctors were involved in a $12 million health insurance fraud scheme between 2019 and 2022. The employees, based in several states including Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York, accepted cash kickbacks from healthcare providers in exchange for their insurance information. The healthcare providers then filed fraudulent medical claims, billing Amtrak's health plan over $16 million and resulting in a loss of $12 million. Amtrak's Office of Inspector General launched an investigation, resulting in 28 employees retiring or resigning, 12 being criminally charged, and 7 pleading guilty. Sixty-one employees implicated in the scheme are still on the job.

Two men, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, have been found guilty of cutting down the famous 'Sycamore Gap' tree in northern England, a nearly 200-year-old landmark that was featured in the 1991 film 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'. The tree's felling in September 2023 sparked widespread grief and anger. The prosecution described the act as 'mindless vandalism' and presented a video filmed on Graham's mobile phone showing the tree being cut down. The men will be sentenced on July 15.

The article discusses the possibility of another world war, citing the decline of the rules-based world order and the rise of violence globally. Experts such as Fiona Hill and David Miliband argue that the world is in a state of geopolitical flux, with the US's influence waning and other nations rethinking their relationships. The article highlights various conflicts, including the Gaza Strip, Kashmir, and Sudan, where violence and humanitarian crises are unfolding. The international community's response is criticized for being ineffective, with the US's withdrawal from global leadership and the EU's inability to take decisive action.