In other news

Mexican police and federal forces in Chiapas killed four suspected cartel members during a chase near the Guatemalan border, days after five state police officers were ambushed and killed in the same area. Authorities say the suspects attacked a patrol in Frontera Comalapa; officers returned fire, seizing four trucks and multiple weapons, including AK-47s. Local reports suggested the pursuit may have crossed into Guatemala, which Guatemalan officials denied, while Chiapas authorities maintained the operation stayed in Mexico. The suspects were reportedly linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel amid ongoing turf battles with the Sinaloa Cartel. The incident follows an arrest connected to last week’s ambush of the officers.

A Spanish NGO ship, Astral, rescued 54 migrants stranded for three days on an abandoned Mediterranean oil platform after their rubber boat sank following departure from Libya. Among them, a woman gave birth on Friday and another had given birth days earlier; two other young children were also aboard. Later, the Astral encountered another 109 migrants, including four in the water, and provided life jackets before the group was taken by the Banksy-sponsored rescue vessel Louise Michel toward Sicily. The rescues came amid ongoing dangerous crossings to Italy’s Lampedusa, with about 23,000 sea arrivals to Italy reported by UNHCR as of June 1.

Authorities closed at least four beaches in Spain’s Valencian region after mysterious white, rice-sized particles washed ashore near Gandia. The material’s origin and composition are unknown; samples of both water and the substance are being analyzed. Initial indications suggest the highest concentration is near the Serpis River mouth, pointing to a possible inland source. Beaches in Daimús, Guardamar de la Safor, Bellreguard, and Miramar remain closed as a precaution.

Carlos Alcaraz won his second straight French Open men’s title, defeating world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a five-set epic that lasted a record 5 hours, 29 minutes for a Roland Garros final. Sinner took the first two sets (6-4, 7-6), but Alcaraz rallied, saving triple set point at 3-5 in the fourth before winning two tiebreaks and the decider. The victory gives the 22-year-old Alcaraz his fifth Grand Slam title and extends his dominance over Sinner on clay, improving to 21-1 on the surface this year and winning their last four meetings. It was Sinner’s first loss in a major final.

Bulgarian authorities rescued 75 people from two illegal care homes in eastern Bulgaria, describing them as “houses of horrors.” Victims were reportedly beaten, sedated, tied by the feet, and confined in rooms without bedding or window handles. Nineteen people were removed from one site and 56 from another; five suspects were arrested on charges including kidnapping, violence, and negligence. Testimonies included an elderly woman not leaving for four years and another resident beaten unconscious after trying to escape. Officials linked the facilities to property fraud schemes targeting vulnerable people and announced broader inspections amid longstanding concerns about Bulgaria’s elder care system and illegal centers.

A new study using 2009–2024 satellite imagery finds emperor penguin numbers in the Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea, and Bellingshausen Sea have declined by about 22%, potentially outpacing previous worst-case projections. These 16 colonies represent roughly a third of the global population. Researchers link the rapid decline primarily to climate change, which is thinning and destabilizing sea ice, causing repeated breeding failures as chicks are lost when ice breaks up. While the analysis focuses on one region, authors warn the trend may reflect continent-wide declines and suggest population models may need revising. They note mitigation is still possible if greenhouse gas emissions are sharply reduced, though substantial losses are likely without swift action.

A veteran Greek hiker, Christos Stavrianidis, died after a bear encounter in northeastern Greece’s Fraktou forest caused him to fall into a 2,600-foot ravine. He was hiking with fellow experienced hiker Dimitris Kioroglou, who said his dog briefly delayed the bear and he used pepper spray before the bear moved toward Stavrianidis, who had run out of spray, and knocked him into the ravine. A wildlife expert suggested the bear’s behavior was likely defensive. Stavrianidis had been working to create an accessible route to a decades-old warplane crash site he previously discovered. The incident comes amid broader European concerns over growing brown bear populations.

Ukraine and Russia have begun a new multi-stage prisoner exchange, with Kyiv receiving an initial group that includes wounded soldiers and men under 25. Moscow confirmed returning young captives in the first round, one of the few outcomes from direct talks amid stalled broader negotiations. The swap comes as Russia escalates attacks across Ukraine, launching a record 479 drones and striking the western Rivne region, which had seen relatively few attacks. Ukraine reported damage to buildings but no mass casualties, and said Patriot systems downed four Kinzhal missiles over Rivne. Russia framed the strikes as retaliation for a recent Ukrainian drone attack that Kyiv says destroyed 41 Russian bombers deep inside Russia. Ukraine claimed a strike on a Russian electronics factory in Chuvashia that makes drone components, temporarily halting production. Russia reported one death from a Ukrainian strike in its Kursk region. Fighting along the roughly 600-mile front line continues to intensify with no sign of a broader cease-fire.

Indian customs in Mumbai intercepted a passenger arriving from Thailand carrying nearly 100 live and dead animals, including iguanas, sunbirds, tortoises, two tarantulas, a kinkajou, and six sugar gliders. Authorities called it a significant seizure, part of a rising trend of wildlife smuggling linked to the exotic pet trade. TRAFFIC reports over 7,000 animals have been seized on the Thailand-India route in the past 3.5 years, with most interceptions occurring in India. The case follows recent seizures of venomous vipers and other endangered species at Mumbai airport, highlighting growing concerns over frequent trafficking attempts.

President Trump’s new travel ban took effect, barring entry to citizens of 12 countries—Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen—and imposing heightened restrictions on citizens of seven others (Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela) who lack valid visas. Previously issued visas remain valid, and narrow exemptions apply, including for Afghans with Special Immigrant Visas. The administration cites national security, deficient foreign screening, and visa overstay rates; critics argue the policy is discriminatory and harms diplomatic and humanitarian efforts. Unlike Trump’s earlier ban, this version is more targeted to the visa process and designed to withstand legal challenges, with no immediate airport disruptions reported.

The U.S. imposed sanctions and offered up to $10 million rewards each for two fugitive sons of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán—Archivaldo Iván and Jesús Alfredo Guzmán Salazar—leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel’s “Chapitos” faction, accused of extreme violence and major fentanyl trafficking. Their brothers Joaquín and Ovidio Guzmán López are already in U.S. custody. Sanctions target the Chapitos network and associated businesses in Mazatlán. Officials cited the faction’s brutality and central role in fentanyl distribution; the move aligns with broader U.S. efforts labeling the Sinaloa Cartel a terrorist organization and leveraging rewards to spur insider cooperation. Separately, a Mexican national linked to the cartel was sentenced to over 19 years for directing an international cocaine conspiracy.

At least seven people, including two police officers, were killed and dozens injured in a coordinated wave of 19 attacks across south-western Colombia, targeting Cali and nearby towns. The assaults used car and motorcycle bombs, rifle fire, and possibly a drone, hitting police stations, municipal buildings, and civilian areas. Authorities attribute the violence to illegal armed groups reacting to intensified military and police operations; local media link some attacks to a FARC dissident faction, though this is unverified. The violence follows an assassination attempt on presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay in Bogotá, for which a 15-year-old suspect has been detained.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro denied in court any role in an alleged plot to overturn President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s 2022 election victory, calling a coup “abominable” and claiming there was “never even the possibility” of one under his government. Bolsonaro, facing multiple charges alongside seven others related to events culminating in the 8 January 2023 storming of government buildings, could face decades in prison if convicted. Prosecutors argue he seeded voter-fraud claims from 2021 as a pretext to challenge a potential defeat; Bolsonaro insists his actions were constitutional and that distrust of electronic voting is widespread. He has already been barred from office until 2030 for spreading false claims about the voting system but plans to contest the ban. Most co-defendants have also denied the charges.

BTS members RM and V have completed their mandatory military service, greeting fans with salutes and a saxophone performance and urging them to “wait a little longer” for the group’s reunion. All seven members are expected to finish service by the end of the month, with agency Hybe hinting at a comeback. Hundreds of fans, including many from overseas, gathered at Hybe’s Seoul headquarters as banners proclaimed “We are back.” RM said he’s ready to return as BTS’s leader, while V called his service a time to reset. BTS went on hiatus in 2022 at the peak of their global success and are anticipated to participate in upcoming anniversary celebrations.

Israeli navy ships struck targets in Yemen’s Houthi-controlled port city of Hudaydah, which Israel says is used for military purposes after repeated Houthi missile launches at Israel, including one intercepted over Jerusalem and another hitting near the main airport. The IDF issued evacuation warnings for Hudaydah, Ras Isa, and Salif ports before the early Tuesday strikes. Houthi officials said the attack had little impact on their operations or morale. Hudaydah, a key hub for humanitarian aid, has been hit multiple times over the past year. The Iran-backed Houthis, who control much of north-west Yemen, have targeted Red Sea shipping since late 2023 in solidarity with Gaza, disrupting global trade and prompting prior US-led strikes until a ceasefire in May.

A Singapore-flagged cargo ship, MV Wan Hai 503, caught fire in the Arabian Sea off Kerala after an internal container explosion while en route from Colombo to Mumbai. Eighteen of 22 crew were rescued; four remain missing (two Taiwanese, one Myanmar, one Indonesian). The Indian Navy and Coast Guard continue firefighting and search efforts, with Singapore sending a team to assist. About 50 containers fell overboard, and the ship carries 100 tonnes of bunker oil, prompting alerts for potential oil spill and drifting debris that could reach Kerala’s coast within three days. This follows a recent nearby incident involving a hazardous cargo spill, heightening environmental and fishing community concerns.

Russia launched one of its largest overnight strikes on Kyiv, injuring four and damaging infrastructure across seven of ten districts, while two people were killed and 13 injured in Odesa after drones hit residential buildings and medical facilities, including a maternity ward. President Zelensky said 315 drones were launched nationwide and that two of seven missiles were North Korean-made. Air raid alerts covered large parts of Ukraine, with additional strikes reported in Dnipro and Chernihiv. Ukraine conducted its own drone attacks in Russia, briefly closing several airports. The escalation follows recent cross-border attacks and coincides with the start of a multi-stage prisoner swap involving sick, injured, young POWs, and the return of soldiers’ bodies.

Severe winter weather has battered South Africa, with heavy snow, flooding, and gale-force winds causing deaths, power cuts, and major disruptions, especially in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. A minibus carrying schoolchildren was swept away by floods in Eastern Cape; three children were found alive, with rescue efforts to resume. Seven bodies were recovered in the province’s OR Tambo district, and five people died in a separate minibus crash near East London. Nearly 500,000 homes lost power across both provinces. Roads were closed, lorries stranded in snow up to 30cm, and strong winds and high seas complicated conditions. Authorities urged caution, noting recurring winter snow and increasing flood risks linked to climate change.

A 31-year-old teaching assistant was fatally stabbed by a 14-year-old student outside Françoise Dolto middle school in Nogent, north-east France, during police bag checks. The suspect, not previously known to police, was detained; the motive remains unclear. President Emmanuel Macron called the victim a “victim of a senseless wave of violence,” and leaders across the political spectrum condemned the attack, with renewed calls to tackle knife crime. Education Minister Élisabeth Borne and Prime Minister François Bayrou vowed stronger measures, citing recent school stabbings and data showing 94 bladed weapons seized in nearly 1,000 random school bag checks since March. Critics, including far-right figures Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, accused the government of downplaying rising violence.

Uber will begin trialling fully driverless robotaxis in London next spring in partnership with UK AI firm Wayve, which has been testing autonomous cars with safety drivers. The move follows a UK government decision to accelerate frameworks for small autonomous bus- and taxi-like services ahead of broader 2027 legislation. It’s unclear if the trial will be open to customers initially, though Uber plans to integrate robotaxis into its UK app once permitted. The government estimates the sector could add £42bn and 38,000 jobs by 2035, while unions warn of social impacts like job losses. Uber already operates robotaxis in Austin, Texas, and similar services run in countries including China, the UAE, and Singapore, though safety and reliability continue to be scrutinized after incidents and service suspensions elsewhere. A BBC test ride with Wayve’s system in London completed a complex route without human intervention, albeit with cautious driving.

The UN Population Fund warns of an unprecedented global decline in fertility, driven largely by people having fewer children than they want due to financial pressures, lack of time, and difficulties finding suitable partners. In a 14-country survey covering a third of the world’s population, one in five respondents said they haven’t had or don’t expect to have their desired number of children; 39% cited financial constraints, and only 12% cited infertility. The report urges caution against “panic” pronatalist or anti-migrant policies, noting past swings in population fears. The findings highlight that unmet family size goals affect both younger and older adults, with time pressures and costs—such as childcare, education, and work-life balance—emerging as key barriers.

U.S. stocks extended gains, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq up for a third day and the S&P nearing its record, but optimism may be overdone. A preliminary U.S.-China trade framework was reached, yet tariffs remain high and Trump’s “reciprocal” tariff pause is expiring with few finalized deals. Corporate caution persists as layoffs and buyouts spread, including at Google. Bond markets pose a risk: this week’s CPI/PPI reports and long-duration Treasury auctions could push yields higher and pressure equities and the economy. Tesla rebounded on robotaxi testing news, though Wells Fargo projects a sharp decline on weak sales. Fund managers are warning Congress that a proposed tax provision (Section 899) could trigger foreign capital outflows from U.S. markets.

CNBC’s UK Exchange highlights the high-stakes context of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ three-year spending review. While not a fiscal event, markets are watching for signals on autumn tax and borrowing plans amid tight fiscal rules and shrinking headroom. Reeves previously set modest real-terms rises for day-to-day (1.2%) and capital (1.3%) spending, but higher gilt yields and a weaker outlook raise risks of rule breaches. A recent U-turn restoring most winter fuel payments adds £1.5 billion annually without identified funding. Leaks suggest the NHS could get a 2.8% real-terms day-to-day increase (about £30 billion by 2028), with uncertainty over how much improves services versus pay settlements. Defense is poised to absorb most capital increases as the government targets 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% in the early 2030s, with pressure from NATO to go further. These priorities imply real-terms cuts elsewhere, straining justice, local government, and schools, and fueling cabinet tensions over energy, housing, and policing budgets. The core challenge is boosting public-sector productivity to sustain tight envelopes amid higher interest costs and weaker productivity growth; absent gains or stronger growth, future demands will require more borrowing or taxes.

DeepL is deploying Nvidia’s DGX SuperPOD systems with B200 Grace Blackwell Superchips, cutting the time to translate the entire internet from 194 days to 18. The move showcases Nvidia’s push beyond hyperscalers like Microsoft and Amazon and highlights startups using high-end AI hardware for advanced applications. DeepL, valued at $2 billion and competing with Google Translate, says the added compute will power more advanced models and improve products like Clarify, which incorporates user context into translations.

Elon Musk said Tesla will “tentatively” start robotaxi rides in Austin on June 22, with the first driverless trip from the factory to a customer’s home slated for June 28, his birthday. The pilot will be very small—about 10 to 20 Model Y vehicles running a new unsupervised version of Full Self-Driving, geofenced to limited areas and remotely monitored by employees. Musk emphasized safety and warned dates could shift. Tesla has begun testing driverless Model Ys in Austin without safety drivers, and the separate CyberCab is planned for next year. Activist groups plan protests over safety concerns as the pilot launches.

Inditex, owner of Zara, reported Q1 FY2025 revenue of €8.27 billion, slightly below the €8.39 billion expected, and net income of €1.3 billion versus €1.32 billion forecast. Shares fell 4.4%. The company flagged a softer start to summer, with sales up 6% at constant currency from May 1–June 9, compared to 12% a year earlier. Management cited economic uncertainty and unclear impacts from U.S. tariffs, though emphasized diversified supply chains and global growth opportunities. Results reignited debate over Inditex’s growth trajectory amid pressure from rivals like Shein and Temu and broader retail headwinds.

Jim Cramer urged Wall Street to pay more attention to stocks favored by younger investors, especially in crypto, nuclear energy, and quantum computing. He highlighted lesser-covered crypto miners and firms like Hut 8, Riot Platforms, CleanSpark, Cipher Mining, and Galaxy Digital; nuclear names such as Oklo, Cameco, BWX Technologies, Centrus Energy, Talen Energy, and NexGen; and quantum companies including IONQ, D-Wave, Rigetti, and Quantum Computing. While he cautioned that nuclear reactors and mature quantum tech are years away and some picks may not be “investible” yet, he argued these actively traded names deserve coverage and research rather than dismissal as hype.

German startup Proxima Fusion raised €130 million ($148 million) in a record Series A co-led by Cherry Ventures and Balderton Capital, the largest private fusion round in Europe. The Munich-based spinout from the Max Planck Institute aims to build the first commercial stellarator-based fusion power plant in the 2030s. CEO Francesco Sciortino highlighted the rapid progress and said fusion is an inevitable clean energy source, though broader skepticism remains about commercialization timelines. The round brings Proxima’s total funding to over €185 million. Investors tout stellarators as a viable path to scalable, clean European energy.

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spending Review boosts protected areas while squeezing some unprotected departments. Key allocations: defense to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027 (submarines, drones, munitions, cyber); NHS day-to-day funding up 3% in real terms annually, adding £29 billion per year; £86 billion over four years for R&D in science and tech; £39 billion for social and affordable housing; expanded free school meals to 500,000+ additional children on Universal Credit; justice and policing get £7 billion for 14,000 prison places, up to £700 million annually for probation reform, and a 2.3% real-terms annual police funding rise, adding 13,000 officers/PCSOs/special constables; £15.6 billion for transport outside London plus a four-year settlement for Transport for London and a fourfold increase in local transport capital grants by 2029; over £14 billion for Sizewell C and £2.5 billion for small modular reactors. Overall day-to-day spending grows 1.2% annually for three years and capital spending 1.3% for four years, implying tight trade-offs. No new tax or borrowing measures were announced; Reeves aims to keep to fiscal rules with about £9.9 billion headroom, suggesting potential future tax rises amid higher spending pressures.

UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel said Commerzbank’s share price is now too high to justify a takeover bid, despite UniCredit quietly building a 28% stake (authorized up to 29.9%). He claims the stock has run beyond fundamentals amid efforts to keep it elevated and noted UniCredit is “far away” from a merger, seeking first to address German government opposition. Commerzbank shares are up 76% this year; Berlin favors an independent Commerzbank and has criticized UniCredit’s approach. UniCredit is also pursuing Italy’s Banco BPM but may pause or withdraw due to regulatory uncertainty, including Italy’s “golden powers” and unclear expectations over UniCredit’s Russia exit, which Orcel says could expose the bank to up to €20 billion in penalties if misinterpreted.

Meta is finalizing a ~$14 billion investment for a 49% stake in Scale AI to bring its CEO, Alexandr Wang, into Meta to co-lead a new AI research lab and accelerate its AI efforts. Frustrated by Meta’s lag behind OpenAI and others and the lukewarm Llama 4 launch, Mark Zuckerberg is shifting focus from pure research (FAIR) to product-oriented AI and bringing in outside leadership. The deal mirrors Big Tech’s strategy of taking large stakes in AI startups to avoid antitrust issues while gaining talent and expertise. Scale AI, a major data-labeling firm with deep ties to top AI companies and growing defense work (including a Defense Llama collaboration with Meta), is expected to give Meta technical know-how and competitive intelligence to build stronger models and consumer AI products.

The article pays tribute to Brian Wilson, highlighting how his genius transformed the Beach Boys from surf-pop hitmakers into groundbreaking studio innovators. It traces his evolution from early harmonized anthems like Surfin’ U.S.A. and In My Room to the sophisticated ambition of Pet Sounds (Wouldn’t It Be Nice, God Only Knows) and the lavish studio epic Good Vibrations. It covers the aborted Smile project (Heroes and Villains), his idiosyncratic late-’70s synth period (Johnny Carson), and his vulnerable solo renaissance (Love and Mercy), culminating in the eventual completion of Smile (Vega-Tables) and a poignant farewell with the Beach Boys on Summer’s Gone. Across 12 key tracks, the piece portrays Wilson’s lifelong pursuit of beauty amid personal struggles, cementing his legacy as a visionary writer, arranger, and producer whose harmonies and studio innovations reshaped pop music.

Brian Wilson, the visionary leader and chief songwriter of the Beach Boys, has died at 82. Celebrated for transforming surf-pop into sophisticated art, he crafted chart-topping hits like I Get Around, Help Me, Rhonda and Good Vibrations, and created the landmark 1966 album Pet Sounds, later hailed as one of the greatest albums ever and a key influence on the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper. Despite profound musical achievements, Wilson struggled with mental illness, drug use, and exploitative control, notably by therapist Eugene Landy; he was diagnosed with dementia and placed under conservatorship in 2024. His long-delayed Smile project became legend, and later tours reframed his catalog as American classics. Wilson, who aimed to write “joyful music,” became both a symbol of pop genius and of its personal costs.

After Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine exposed Germany’s dependence on Russian pipeline gas, the country rapidly built LNG capacity and now has four terminals, including a new floating facility at Wilhelmshaven that began operating in May 2025. Europe has expanded LNG import capacity by about 30% annually since 2022, with Germany a major contributor; LNG supplied roughly 40% of Europe’s gas in 2024, nearly half from the U.S. Wilhelmshaven is emerging as a key energy hub, with plans by TES to replace the floating unit with a large, permanent complex capable of greater, cheaper throughput and eventual handling of cleaner fuels like hydrogen. Germany’s new government is prioritizing energy security and reliability, with incoming energy minister Katherina Reiche advocating at least 20 GW of gas-fired power to back up renewables. The shift strengthens Europe’s diversification away from Russia, deepens U.S.-EU energy trade, and boosts Wilhelmshaven’s economic role, even as longer-term green fuels remain limited.

A federal judge barred the Trump administration from continuing to detain Mahmoud Khalil under a rarely used law invoked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, finding the statute likely unconstitutional and that Khalil faced irreparable harm. The order is paused until Friday morning to allow for an appeal, and the government could still try to detain or deport him on other grounds, such as disputed allegations of nondisclosure on his residency application. Khalil, a Columbia graduate and legal permanent resident held for three months without criminal charges, could be released as early as Friday. His case has raised free speech and due process concerns amid crackdowns on pro-Palestinian campus protests. His lawyers expect release; his wife hopes he will be home for Father’s Day.

Elon Musk called President Trump late Monday after behind-the-scenes talks with Vice President JD Vance and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, paving the way for Musk’s Wednesday post expressing regret for his recent attacks on Trump. The outreach followed a sharp public clash over Trump’s domestic policy bill, Musk’s attempts to link Trump to Jeffrey Epstein, and Trump’s withdrawal of Musk ally Jared Isaacman’s NASA nomination. While Trump publicly downplayed the reconciliation, both sides have incentives to mend ties: Trump has threatened SpaceX federal contracts, and Musk is a major GOP donor pledging $100 million to Trump’s outside groups. Musk deleted some posts and began signaling support for Trump, but it remains unclear whether their relationship will be fully repaired.

Israel’s opposition narrowly failed in a preliminary bid to dissolve the Knesset, but the vote exposed deep rifts in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, especially over drafting ultra-Orthodox men. Two coalition members backed dissolution, and ultra-Orthodox parties threatened to defect amid public anger and a Supreme Court ruling ending mass draft exemptions. Netanyahu reached a last-minute compromise to avert a larger crisis, likely buying time rather than resolving the issue. Though the government survives for now, the episode underscores Netanyahu’s weakened grip, with polls unfavorable and his coalition strained; early elections remain possible if fractures widen.

Senate Republicans plan to significantly revise the House-passed domestic policy bill backing President Trump’s agenda, seeking to curb its $2.4 trillion cost by trimming or tightening several of Trump’s popular tax proposals. Priorities include making business investment tax breaks permanent while narrowing “no tax on overtime” (e.g., lower income caps, stricter definitions) and limiting the new car loan interest deduction to new vehicles only. Some senators also target the House’s expanded state and local tax (SALT) cap and are weighing politically risky Medicare changes. Fiscal hawks, led by Sen. Ron Johnson, want far deeper spending cuts and to split the package, focusing first on extending 2017 tax cuts and deficit reduction. The White House insists that tax relief for tips, overtime, and seniors remain, setting up a clash that could delay the bill past July 4 and produce a markedly different Senate version.

Tariff revenues have surged under President Trump, hitting a record $22 billion in May, but they remain a small share of federal income and are unlikely to cover the costs of the House GOP’s tax-and-spending bill. Analyses from the Wharton School, Yale Budget Lab, and the Tax Foundation find that, even accounting for tariffs, federal revenues would fall through 2028; only after many tax cuts expire in 2029 would tariffs begin to offset the bill’s cost—assuming tariffs persist and cuts are allowed to lapse. Key risks include political extensions of tax cuts, potential legal limits on tariff authority, and trade deals that could reduce tariff income. The near-term deficits could worsen inflation and fiscal stability. Both the bill and tariffs disproportionately burden lower-income Americans: temporary tax relief for them would expire, some benefits would be cut, while business- and wealth-oriented tax changes would be permanent; tariffs also raise prices on essentials.

President Trump announced he will restore the former names of Army bases that had honored Confederate figures, using a workaround to avoid a law banning Confederate commemorations. The Army said the bases will revert to their old names but be rededicated to different American service members with similar names or initials—for example, Fort Eisenhower to “Fort Gordon” honoring Medal of Honor recipient Master Sgt. Gary Gordon, not Confederate Gen. John Gordon. Trump, however, suggested some bases would return to explicitly Confederate names, contradicting the Army’s statements. The move follows earlier changes restoring Fort Bragg and Fort Benning names while attributing them to non-Confederate soldiers. Critics say the effort undermines post-2020 reforms that replaced Confederate base names with figures reflecting Army values and diverse service.

A federal appeals court temporarily allowed President Trump’s tariffs on China and other trading partners to remain in place while it considers the administration’s appeal, granting an extension of a prior stay after a lower trade court ruled the tariffs illegal. The case centers on Trump’s unprecedented use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose broad import taxes without Congress. Small businesses and states challenging the tariffs argue the law doesn’t authorize such duties. The decision preserves leverage for ongoing trade talks, including with China, but the administration must still convince the courts—potentially the Supreme Court—that its use of emergency powers is lawful.

Amid new restrictions under Donald Trump’s second administration, many Asian students are rethinking US study plans due to visa interview suspensions, threats to limit access to elite universities, and increased scrutiny of applicants’ digital footprints. The uncertainty is eroding the US’s appeal as the premier destination for higher education, leaving about 1.12 million international students anxious about their status and future prospects. Personal stories, like that of a Myanmar student on scholarship, reflect growing doubts about whether the “American dream” still offers the freedom, stability, and career opportunities it once promised.

Shandong University credits Professor Xu Xiangang’s team with silicon-carbide (SiC) semiconductor breakthroughs that reportedly tripled the radar detection range of China’s J-20 “Mighty Dragon” stealth fighter. The SiC-based advances enhance phased array radar performance, improve missile accuracy, and increase laser weapon power, positioning the domestically developed “Chinese chip” as critical to national defense systems. Xu, dean of the Institute of Novel Semiconductors, underscores aligning research with national needs. The J-20 entered service in 2017 and is China’s counterpart to the US F-22.

The EU said it is too early to determine whether a sharp rise in Chinese exports to Europe—coinciding with a steep drop in shipments to the US amid high US tariffs—reflects trade diversion that could harm EU industries. While Chinese exports to France and Germany jumped in May as exports to the US fell, the European Commission’s new customs surveillance system requires more data to establish a sustained trend and assess potential harm before considering emergency measures.

A rift in Malaysia’s ruling People’s Justice Party (PKR) has deepened after former deputy president Rafizi Ramli lost his post to Nurul Izzah, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter, prompting accusations of nepotism. Rafizi resigned as economy minister days later and has seen a surge in public support, with fans adopting his Simpsons-style profile image on X. In response, at least 20 pro-Rafizi social media users are being investigated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, highlighting growing tensions and the potential for broader intra-party fallout.

The SCMP roundup highlights seven recent EV developments: Beijing is warning Chinese carmakers against intensifying “gunpowder-like” price wars amid persistent deflationary pressures; Xiaomi expects its EV unit to turn profitable this year as demand exceeds forecasts; and Geely will halt building new plants globally due to excess capacity, signaling broader profitability challenges. It also notes how aggressive pricing and expansion by Chinese brands—especially BYD—are reshaping Europe’s EV market dynamics, fueling competition and regulatory scrutiny.

A war-themed mobile game, “Reversed Front: Bonfire,” developed by Taiwan-based ESC Taiwan and promoting Hong Kong and Taiwan independence, has been removed from Apple’s App Store after earlier being pulled from Google Play. Hong Kong police warned that downloading the game could violate the city’s national security law as a seditious publication and used implementation rules to order platforms to block access. The game, launched in April, disappeared from Apple’s store on Wednesday following the warning issued Tuesday.

Taiwanese YouTuber Holger “Gym Boss” Chen, formerly a vocal Beijing critic and DPP supporter, is live-streaming a self-funded six-day visit to Shanghai to challenge what he sees as entrenched anti-mainland narratives in Taiwan. Impressed by the city’s development and quality of life, he urges Taiwanese to see Shanghai firsthand, saying social media observations had already shifted his views and revealed a gap between Taiwan’s political messaging and realities on the mainland.

A US federal appeals court has allowed President Donald Trump to continue enforcing his global tariffs while the administration appeals a lower court ruling that found he misused an emergency law to impose them. The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit granted a stay and expedited the case, with arguments set for July 31, citing issues of exceptional importance. The decision preserves the tariffs as Trump’s 90-day pause is due to expire on July 9, when rates are set to rise sharply for many countries, including a 50% levy on EU goods. Small businesses challenging the tariffs warned of severe economic harm, while the administration argued that blocking them would disrupt diplomacy and presidential foreign-affairs authority.

South Korea’s new President Lee Jae-myung signaled a policy shift toward easing inter-Korean tensions by urging civic groups to halt anti-North Korea leaflet launches, which his Unification Ministry said endanger border residents and heighten tensions. This contrasts with the previous Yoon Suk-yeol administration’s free-speech defense of such activities. Analysts view the move as Lee’s first step to rebuild mutual trust with Pyongyang, though whether Kim Jong-un will reciprocate remains uncertain.

The podcast examines the desperate campaign by Laila Soueif, a 69-year-old British-Egyptian academic on a 250+ day hunger strike in London, to free her son, jailed Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah. Through interviews with Alaa’s sister Mona Seif and Guardian diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour, it explores the family’s long history of activism, the personal toll of imprisonment and protest, and how a past confrontation involving Alaa’s late father and President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi may be shaping Alaa’s prolonged detention. It also details the UK’s diplomatic efforts, the Foreign Office’s strategic calculations, and potential avenues for securing Alaa’s release as Soueif’s health reaches a critical point.

Taiwanese prosecutors charged four former Democratic Progressive party staffers—including ex-aides to President Lai Ching-te and former foreign minister (now national security chief) Joseph Wu—with spying for China. They allegedly shared sensitive diplomatic and state secrets over an extended period, transmitted via a messaging app, and laundered money, receiving hundreds of thousands of New Taiwan dollars. Two confessed; the two senior aides deny the charges. Prosecutors seek 5–18+ year sentences and seizure of illicit gains. The case comes amid a broader crackdown on Chinese espionage in Taiwan, which has seen a surge in prosecutions, including military personnel, as Beijing intensifies pressure through espionage, cyber operations, and grey-zone tactics.

Hong Kong police warned residents not to download the Taiwan-made mobile game Reversed Front: Bonfire, calling it “secessionist” and saying players could be charged with possessing seditious material. Authorities claim the game advocates armed revolution and promotes Taiwanese and Hong Kong independence; in-app purchases could be treated as funding secession or subversion, and recommending the game could be incitement. The game’s premise pits various groups against a fictionalized communist mega-state and includes strong anti-CCP messaging, though players can also choose the communist side. After the warning, downloads surged and the game briefly topped Hong Kong’s App Store before being removed; developers urged users to change their Apple ID region. The move reflects Hong Kong’s broader crackdown under the 2020 national security law.

A new study links otters in Japanese “animal cafes” to illegal wildlife trade, finding DNA from 81 captive Asian small-clawed otters in Japan matches wild populations from poaching hotspots in southern Thailand. Although commercial trade of this vulnerable species was banned in 2019, researchers suggest some cafe otters were smuggled or bred from illegally sourced animals. Conservationists warn the pet and cafe craze fuels demand, harms wild populations critical to Asian wetland ecosystems, and often results in stressed, unhealthy animals. Experts urge the public to avoid otter cafes and caution against captive breeding schemes that risk laundering wild-caught otters.

Canadian cancer survivor David Serkin from Lethbridge, Alberta, has won four lottery jackpots, including three in nine months between August 2024 and May 2025, totaling about $2.5m. He won $500,000 on 20 August, $1m on 16 November, and $1m on 3 May, with a previous $250,000 win over a decade earlier. Despite acknowledging the “astronomical” odds (one jackpot had roughly 1 in 33.3 million odds), Serkin says he plays for enjoyment and plans to celebrate with travel, taking his wife to Newfoundland after a previous celebratory trip to Hawaii.

A new study maps 195 million hectares of “low-risk” reforestation opportunities worldwide—primarily in the eastern US, western Canada, Brazil, Colombia, and across Europe—that could remove up to 2.2 billion tonnes of CO2 annually (about the EU’s yearly emissions). Using a conservative approach, researchers focused on dense, closed-canopy forests, excluded recently burned areas, and accounted for social, biodiversity, and political factors. Filtering to avoid potential social conflicts (nearly 100 million people live in candidate areas) reduces potential CO2 removal to 1.5 billion tonnes per year. Experts say the maps curb prior overestimates, emphasize reforestation’s importance but limits (about 5% of annual human emissions), and caution against excluding poorer regions entirely due to governance concerns. The interactive maps aim to guide policymakers and investors toward “win-win” reforestation with high climate, nature, and community benefits.

Israel’s navy conducted an unprecedented long-range precision strike from a Sa’ar 6 corvette on Yemen’s Hodeidah port to disrupt Houthi military use, the IDF said. The operation, prepared over time, followed Israel’s earlier attacks on the port and Sana’a airport and came after President Trump said the U.S. would halt its strikes on the Iran-backed group. The Houthis recently launched a missile intercepted over Jerusalem. A U.S. general told Congress the Houthis depend on Iran. A Houthi official downplayed the impact and vowed further escalation. Israel warned it may enforce a naval and air blockade if attacks continue.

Authorities in Portugal and Germany conducted a renewed search in Praia da Luz for evidence in the 2007 disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann, likely prompted by a trusted inside tip, according to rescue expert Bryan Stern. The operation, requested by German federal police, focused on derelict houses, wells, and reservoirs and likely used ground-penetrating technology and DNA tools. Christian Brueckner, a longtime resident of the area and the prime suspect named by German authorities in 2020, denies involvement; he is serving a seven-year sentence for a separate 2005 rape and is slated for release in September. Officials have not disclosed whether new evidence was found. Madeleine, declared dead by German authorities in 2020, would be 22 this year.

NATO is conducting its annual BALTOPS naval exercises in the Baltic Sea, involving 50 ships and thousands of personnel from 17 countries, led by the U.S. 6th Fleet. The drills showcase alliance cohesion and deterrence amid rising tensions with Russia, which is suspected of using a “ghost fleet” of foreign-flagged tankers for sanctions evasion, intelligence gathering, and potential sabotage of undersea infrastructure. Recent incidents include damaged cables and a Finnish case against a suspected ghost ship. As NATO navies increase inspections, Russia has begun escorting these vessels, heightening risks of miscalculation in the region’s crowded, narrow waters. Experts note Russia’s Baltic Fleet has limited capacity but specialized local knowledge. The presence of U.S. warships aims to reassure allies and counter Russian pressure, while NATO explores legal and enforcement measures to curb shadow fleet activities.

Nigerian Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, who testified before the U.S. House Africa Subcommittee in March about escalating attacks on Christians in Nigeria, says he received threats and his diocese suffered four major attacks within 10 days afterward. He reports Islamist militants—cited by NGOs as Fulani militants, Boko Haram, and ISWAP—killed over 20 people in his home village of Aondona, injured many, displaced thousands, and shot a priest, with further deadly assaults in nearby towns. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria condemned threats allegedly tied to his testimony, and Rep. Chris Smith decried reported retaliation. Nigeria accounts for 69% of Christian killings globally in the latest Open Doors report. Anagbe warns of a looming genocide if the international community fails to act; Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry reportedly pledged to investigate any threats.

Ukraine reported Russia launched its largest aerial barrage of the war, firing nearly 500 drones and 20 missiles overnight, mostly at central and western regions. Ukraine’s air force said it downed 277 drones and 19 missiles, with only about 10 projectiles hitting targets and one reported injury. Russia has used Shahed drones throughout the conflict, which the UN says has killed over 12,000 Ukrainian civilians; Moscow claims it targets military sites. Despite the strikes, the Kremlin said it remains ready to proceed with a prisoner exchange and repatriation of soldiers’ bodies agreed in Istanbul on June 2, though it accused Kyiv of not fulfilling its part.

Scientists identified Khankhuuluu mongoliensis, an 86-million-year-old “dragon prince” tyrannosauroid from Mongolia, based on 1970s fossils. Smaller and more lightly built than T. rex, it sits near the base of the tyrannosaur lineage and helps fill a major fossil gap, prompting a revision of the tyrannosaur family tree. The study proposes three migrations across the Bering land bridge between Asia and North America that drove tyrannosaur diversification: an early Asian-to-North America move (~85 million years ago) that seeded North American evolution toward giants; a later North America-to-Asia return (~78 million years ago) producing two distinct Asian lineages (deep-snouted giants and the smaller, “miniaturized” Alioramins/“Pinocchio rexes”); and a final giant migration back to North America (~68 million years ago) culminating in T. rex. The findings highlight Asia’s key role, show Alioramins as close T. rex cousins rather than primitive forms, and clarify how tyrannosaurs evolved from mid-sized predators into apex giants.

Brian Wilson, cofounder and creative architect of The Beach Boys, died at 82, his family announced. A pioneering songwriter and producer, Wilson shaped the band’s signature surf sound and lush harmonies, culminating in the landmark album Pet Sounds. His career was marked by extraordinary musical innovation alongside struggles with mental illness and substance abuse, including a long battle with schizoaffective disorder. Despite personal turmoil and periods of withdrawal from public life, he achieved multiple comebacks, won two Grammys, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His family requested privacy as they mourned, noting the global impact of his legacy.

Jamie Foxx grew emotional while accepting the Ultimate Icon Award at the BET Awards, reflecting on his 2023 health scare during his acceptance speech.

Israel’s military and Shin Bet recovered the bodies of two hostages from southern Gaza, including 59-year-old Yair Yaakov, killed on October 7, 2023, at Kibbutz Nir Oz and taken into Gaza. The second victim’s name was withheld at the family’s request. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed sorrow and urged a comprehensive deal to return all remaining captives. The recoveries follow recent retrievals of the bodies of Judy Weinstein-Haggai, Gadi Haggai, and Thai hostage Nattapong Pinta. Israel says 53 hostages remain in Gaza; at least 20 are believed alive and 31 dead, with grave concerns for two.

A UNFPA survey of 14,000 people across 14 countries finds falling birth rates stem from lack of choice, not declining desire for children. Two in five over-50s had fewer children than they wanted. Key barriers include financial pressures (affordable housing, childcare, job security), health issues, and concerns about global instability (climate change, war, pandemics). Obstacles vary by country: financial limits are widespread in places like South Korea, while generous leave in Sweden doesn’t fully offset time/energy and climate concerns. Notably, unintended pregnancies remain common—about half of all pregnancies globally—while many still face barriers to having desired children, even in both high- and low-fertility countries. The report urges long-term, rights-based policies—paid family leave, affordable fertility care, supportive partners—rather than coercive or short-term measures that try to “toggle” fertility rates.