In other news

The US has launched a review of the Aukus submarine pact with the UK and Australia to ensure it aligns with its “America First” agenda, amid pressure on allies to boost defense spending toward 3% of GDP. The pact, signed in 2021, would see Australia acquire U.S. Virginia-class submarines and later co-develop a new nuclear-powered sub with the UK and US. While Washington’s submarine capacity constraints and questions about Australia’s potential use—especially regarding Taiwan—are driving scrutiny, Australia and the UK say such reassessments are normal under new administrations and remain confident the deal will proceed. The review, led by Aukus critic Elbridge Colby, could shift emphasis from submarines to other long-range weapons tech. A collapse of the deal would be welcomed by China, which has criticized Aukus as destabilizing.

Exit Festival will leave Serbia after its 25th edition in July, citing “undemocratic pressures” and the withdrawal of government funding and sponsors allegedly forced by the state. Organizers say the backlash stems from their support for student-led anti-corruption protests following a fatal railway station collapse in Novi Sad. Provincial authorities deny political pressure, citing financial constraints. Founded from Serbia’s pro-democracy movement and now one of Europe’s largest festivals, Exit says it may relocate but has not announced a new host country.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has posthumously pardoned Ken Saro-Wiwa and the eight other activists known as the Ogoni Nine, 30 years after their 1995 executions by a military tribunal widely condemned as a sham. The men, who led peaceful protests against oil pollution in Ogoniland, particularly by Shell, were convicted of murdering four Ogoni chiefs. Alongside the pardons, Tinubu awarded them national honours on Democracy Day. While groups like MOSOP welcomed the move, they argue a pardon implies guilt and are calling for declarations of innocence or retrials. Amnesty International said clemency falls short of justice and urged accountability for ongoing environmental damage. Shell denies involvement in the executions and liability for many spills, though it has faced multiple lawsuits and compensation orders over pollution in the Niger Delta.

A New York judge declared a mistrial on the remaining rape charge against Harvey Weinstein after a juror refused to continue deliberations amid reported conflicts in the jury room. The jury had already found Weinstein guilty of sexually assaulting Miriam Haley and not guilty of assaulting Kaja Sokola; the unresolved rape charge concerns actress Jessica Mann. Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg said he will retry the rape charge, marking a potential third New York trial for Weinstein after his 2020 conviction was overturned last year. Mann says she is prepared to testify again. Weinstein, who is already serving a 16-year sentence from a Los Angeles conviction, remains likely to spend the rest of his life in prison. His team alleges juror misconduct and plans to challenge the verdict.

North Korea says it has successfully relaunched its 5,000-ton destroyer, Kang Kon, weeks after it capsized during its first launch. Leader Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his daughter, oversaw the event at Rajin Port, with state media claiming the ship was fully restored. Analysts question the speed and completeness of repairs. The destroyer is one of two new largest vessels in North Korea’s fleet and is believed capable of launching nuclear weapons. Several officials were arrested following the initial failure. Kim vowed continued naval modernization and hinted at building two more destroyers.

Two separate school attacks in France and Austria within hours have shocked both countries and sparked debates on prevention and youth violence. In Graz, a 21-year-old former student legally armed with a Glock and a sawn-off shotgun killed nine students and a teacher before killing himself, prompting calls to tighten Austria’s gun laws and improve mental health oversight, especially after it emerged he’d been deemed psychologically unfit for military service but still obtained firearms legally. In Nogent, France, a 14-year-old fatally stabbed a school assistant during a bag check, allegedly motivated by a grudge after a reprimand; despite coming from a “normal” background and limited social media use, he showed a fascination with death and violent video games. France is debating measures from knife sales restrictions and school metal detectors to social media bans for under-15s, though questions remain about effectiveness. Both cases highlight concerns over isolation, online violent content, and gaps in systems meant to identify and support troubled youths.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez apologized to the public amid a corruption scandal implicating close ally Santos Cerdán, who resigned and will testify before the Supreme Court over alleged kickbacks tied to public contracts. Sánchez denied any knowledge, admitted he was wrong to trust Cerdán, vowed “zero tolerance” for corruption, and ruled out early elections, pledging to restructure PSOE leadership and continue governing until 2027. The opposition Popular Party, buoyed by large protests, demanded Sánchez’s resignation and early elections, calling corruption the government’s “hallmark.” The case also involves former transport minister José Luis Ábalos and ex-adviser Koldo García, with police citing recordings suggesting payments totaling about €620,000. Coalition partner Yolanda Díaz also sought explanations, adding pressure on Sánchez’s minority government.

The article assesses whether President Trump’s second-term promise to make the world safer is being met. While he claims progress and has pushed some negotiations—facilitating prisoner swaps in the Ukraine war, briefly helping secure a Gaza ceasefire, and advancing US-Iran nuclear talks—major conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have intensified. Trump’s dealmaker style, favoring quick agreements and personal pressure over detailed diplomacy, has produced limited, fragile outcomes. His disruptive approach to the rules-based order, tariff escalations, threats toward allies and rivals, and aid cuts have strained alliances and risk broader instability, even as they’ve spurred some NATO spending and U.S. influence in select disputes. Critics argue his transactional focus and impatience undermine durable peace; supporters say adversaries heed him. Overall, the world remains highly conflict-ridden, with more talks underway but few lasting solutions attributable to Trump.

Andrew Cuomo’s New York City mayoral campaign hired Larry He as Asian outreach director, paying him $15,000, but he resigned after The New York Times revealed he previously held senior roles, including chairman, at a Chinese state-owned oil company tied to government and Communist Party networks. He, now chief of staff to New York State Assemblyman William Colton and a U.S. citizen since 2024, said he omitted his China employment from a résumé to avoid concern, denied CCP membership and government influence, and called the scrutiny xenophobic. Experts said his background fits profiles targeted for influence by Beijing. His resignation follows broader federal probes into alleged Chinese influence in NYC politics, including cases involving aides linked to Cuomo and Mayor Eric Adams. He’s unconventional career path includes U.S. graduate studies, work in American energy firms, return to China for a high-ranking state enterprise role, then back to the U.S. for private ventures and rapid rise in Brooklyn politics.

Flash flooding in the San Antonio region has killed 11 people, with several still missing as of Friday. Search efforts involving canine units and a FEMA urban search-and-rescue team are ongoing along creek beds, low-water crossings, and debris fields. The Fire Department has conducted over 80 water rescues; nearly 20 roads are closed and multiple crossings show structural damage. Heavy rains—4 to 8 inches in parts of north San Antonio and 6.11 inches at the airport, one of the site’s wettest days on record—resulted from slow-moving thunderstorms along the flood-prone I-35 corridor. Dry conditions are expected into Saturday with a chance of isolated storms. City officials warn flooding remains a concern along two southern rivers. Mayor Ron Nirenberg offered condolences to victims’ families.

Tijuana, once a major gateway for migrants entering the U.S., has seen a sharp drop in visible migration. Shelters that were previously full now report far fewer residents, with some largely housing Mexicans displaced by internal violence. The decline began under Biden amid tighter asylum rules and Mexican enforcement, and accelerated after President Trump shut down the asylum-appointment app. April 2025 apprehensions fell to 8,383 from 129,000 a year prior. Despite the administration framing this as a success while still warning of a “migrant invasion,” locals and shelter operators report near-empty border areas. Many migrants are giving up on U.S. entry for now, settling in Tijuana or returning home.

The article argues that while a viable third party remains unlikely, conditions are emerging that could make one plausible. A growing, politically homeless constituency—dubbed “new neoliberals” or “globalists”—favors deficit reduction, deregulation, free trade, high-skilled immigration, and supply-side housing and energy reforms. Both major parties have shifted populist, making it hard to accommodate this agenda: Democrats align with antimonopoly, environmental, labor, and progressive priorities; Republicans under Trump emphasize tariffs, immigration restrictions, and policies that may raise costs and debt. Historically, third parties arise when a major constituency’s demands can’t be met by either party, and today’s economic pressures (high housing costs, inflation, high interest rates, rising debt) are reviving market-oriented solutions. Despite structural barriers and the possibility that major parties co-opt parts of this agenda (e.g., YIMBY/abundance), sustained economic strain and disillusionment with both parties could ripen the opening for a serious centrist, neoliberal-leaning third-party effort. Elon Musk’s critiques illustrate the constituency’s drift from both parties, though the article stops short of predicting a new party will form.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel (ACIP) and appointed new members, three of whom previously aided lawsuits questioning vaccine safety or efficacy. The appointees include nurse Vicky Pebsworth, Dr. Robert Malone, and biostatistician Martin Kulldorff, each involved as expert witnesses or advocates in cases against Merck or critiques of vaccines such as MMR, Gardasil, and mRNA Covid shots. While their past legal roles may not violate ACIP rules, ethics experts and critics say the picks create the appearance of bias, mirroring the conflict-of-interest concerns Kennedy cited to oust the prior panel. Lawmakers are seeking answers on the dismissals, and experts say the new members should recuse themselves on products they’ve publicly criticized. Kennedy defended the choices as integrity-driven and said HHS will add bias policies for recusals.

Kaiserslautern, Germany—the hub of America’s largest overseas military community—illustrates deep, decades-old German-American ties grounded in shared daily life, mixed families, and economic interdependence. Local traditions like maintaining the Kindergraves memorial and community gatherings reflect enduring goodwill. Yet President Trump’s tariffs, NATO doubts, and talk of troop withdrawals are straining trust in the U.S., even as locals note the strategic importance of nearby Ramstein Air Base and ongoing military investments. Many residents remain confident the Americans will stay, though some fear a shift from trusted ally to transactional occupier, making symbolic acts of friendship feel more vital than ever.

Trump’s 2024 financial disclosure shows cryptocurrency became a major income source for him and his family. His stake in World Liberty Financial earned about $57 million, NFT licensing brought $1.2 million, and Melania Trump received $217,000 from a digital token. Although the filing covers only through 2024, subsequent sales of World Liberty’s coin and the launch of Trump’s $TRUMP memecoin in early 2025 have driven his potential crypto wealth into the billions, raising unprecedented conflict-of-interest concerns as he simultaneously promotes deregulation of the industry as president. Beyond crypto, Trump reported at least $1.4 billion in employment-related assets and $622 million in revenue, with major contributions from Trump Media (worth about $2 billion), Mar-a-Lago (~$50 million revenue), real estate licensing deals in the Middle East, and product royalties. The disclosure lists wide ranges and revenues, not profits, limiting transparency but underscoring crypto’s rapid emergence as one of Trump’s most lucrative ventures.

Analysts say the Pentagon’s review of the Aukus pact reflects a recalibration, not a retreat, from US efforts to counter China in the Indo-Pacific. While Washington is reassessing its role to ensure alignment with an “America first” agenda—emphasizing military readiness, greater allied burden-sharing, and defense industrial capacity—it is unlikely to abandon Aukus given its centrality to regional strategy. The review may signal a new approach under a potential Trump administration, but the core objective of balancing China’s influence is expected to remain.

Chinese researchers reported the first compelling evidence that large language models (LLMs) and multimodal LLMs can spontaneously form humanlike conceptual representations of natural objects, a core aspect of human cognition. Published in Nature Machine Intelligence, the study found that AI models’ internal object categories share fundamental similarities with how humans conceptualize and categorize the world, suggesting AI can develop key aspects of human-like thinking from linguistic and multimodal data. This advances the debate over AI’s cognitive capacities and indicates artificial systems may mirror essential structures of human conceptual knowledge.

Newly sworn-in South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will make his first overseas trip to attend the G7 summit in Canada, signaling Seoul’s renewed push for greater global influence and potential inclusion in an expanded G7. Analysts say his participation underscores that “South Korea is back in the game” following the impeachment and removal of former president Yoon Suk-yeol. While not a G7 member, South Korea has joined expanded sessions in 2021 and 2023, and Lee’s debut on the global stage aims to advance long-term ambitions and reassert Seoul’s role among major powers.

Chinese travel to South Korea is rebounding as Seoul’s recent political turmoil fades and bilateral relations warm. Bookings from China for April–June are up about 24% compared with the prior three months, reversing a dip seen during December’s martial law period and the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk-yeol, which had dampened Lunar New Year travel. The inauguration of President Lee Jae-myung and a positive call with China’s Xi Jinping, alongside upcoming visa exemptions, are expected to further boost tourism and improve ties.

Hong Kong raised the No 3 typhoon signal at 12:20pm Saturday as Severe Tropical Storm Wutip approached within 800km, bringing intensifying winds and squally showers. Wutip, the first typhoon to affect Hong Kong this year, is expected to make landfall over the Leizhou Peninsula on Saturday and pass about 300km northwest of the city on Sunday morning. The No 3 signal will remain in force at least until noon Sunday, and the chance of a higher No 8 signal is considered low. The storm will then move toward the Guangdong–Guangxi boundary.

The article profiles He Jiankui, the Chinese biophysicist behind the first gene-edited babies, who remains in limbo years after his 2018 scandal. Now 41, He says he plans to move to Austin, Texas to resume controversial embryo gene-editing research aimed at preventing diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer. However, his relocation is stalled: he is barred from leaving China while his wife is barred from entering, leaving him without a home base or institutional backing. Despite public backlash and regulatory obstacles, He remains determined to continue his work, framing himself as a pioneer amid ongoing ethical and scientific debate over CRISPR’s risks and promises.

The article examines the potential consequences of the Trump administration’s plan to “aggressively revoke” and tighten visas for Chinese students, especially those linked to the Communist Party or studying sensitive fields. Critics warn the policy could damage US research, talent pipelines, and innovation by deterring international students and fueling perceptions of hostility. Experts argue the move may push Chinese and other global talent to alternative destinations, enabling China to strengthen its own universities, research capacity, and investment ecosystem. Beijing has condemned the measures as unjustified, while students report shock and uncertainty; the broader concern is that national security-driven restrictions could backfire by eroding America’s academic openness and competitiveness.

Greek authorities detained an unidentified American man on the island of Skiathos on a European arrest warrant from Italy, suspected in the death of an infant found in Rome’s Villa Pamphili park and possibly involved in the death of a woman believed to be the child’s mother. Both victims, reportedly American, were discovered naked and without ID; the mother’s body was under a black bag and appeared to have died days before the baby, found hundreds of meters away. Investigators cite video, witness accounts, fingerprints on the bag, and cellphone data linking the suspect—seen with the woman and child and previously identified after a street altercation—to the case. Authorities consider it likely a double murder; extradition proceedings in Greece are expected next week.

The 33-mile Chilkoot Trail between Alaska and British Columbia is open on both sides but hikers cannot complete the full route because crossing the U.S.-Canada border on the trail is currently illegal. The Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. authorities require travelers to present at a designated port of entry, and the remote trail lacks one; the nearest is in Skagway, 11 miles from the U.S. trailhead. The trail had been closed for years due to COVID-19 and flood damage, and while sections have reopened, both countries cite monitoring and security concerns for maintaining the ban. Similar restrictions now affect the Pacific Crest Trail’s Canada crossing. The article also notes broader U.S.-Canada tensions, including Trump’s rhetoric on annexation and drug trafficking, though data shows far more fentanyl seizures at the southern border than the northern one.

Dominican authorities arrested nightclub owner Antonio Espaillat and his sister Maribel after the April roof collapse at Santo Domingo’s Jet Set club that killed 236 and injured over 180. Prosecutors allege negligence and attempts to intimidate potential employee witnesses; charges must be filed within 48 hours. A government-appointed panel with international experts continues to investigate the cause. Espaillat previously said the building, operated by his family for about 30 years, had never undergone a structural review, though it had basic safety inspections. The victims included prominent figures such as singer Rubby Pérez, provincial governor Nelsy Cruz, former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, and others. The club was a long-running venue known for its Monday merengue nights.

An underwater military drone surveying the seabed near Saint-Tropez accidentally discovered a remarkably intact 16th-century merchant ship at a depth of 8,422 feet—the deepest shipwreck found in French waters. Believed to have sailed from northern Italy, the vessel carried ceramics and metal bars; archaeologists documented around 200 Ligurian jugs marked “HIS,” yellow plates, cauldrons, an anchor, and six cannons. Despite some modern debris, the site is largely preserved due to its depth. Over the next two years, researchers will create a 3D model and study recovered samples before returning them. This find surpasses France’s previous deepest wreck discovery, the submarine La Minerve, located in 2019.

The article explains “functional freeze,” a stress-induced state where people appear productive by day but crash afterward, feeling numb, exhausted, and stuck. Signs include emotional numbness, inability to cry, social withdrawal, dissociation, excessive phone/TV use, substance use to numb, sleep problems, persistent fatigue, unexplained gut issues, and non-specific physical pain. Somatic movement is the primary way to “thaw” out: gentle, slow, mindful exercises (e.g., ear pulling to stimulate the vagus nerve, slow head turns, side-to-side rocking), yoga, breathwork, dance, and short walks. Avoid meditation during freeze, as stillness can worsen it; gentle movement is recommended to restore regulation.

Less than two weeks before Elon Musk’s planned June 22 robotaxi pilot in Austin, protesters rallied downtown over safety and political concerns. Public safety advocates and groups like the Dawn Project, Tesla Takedown, and Resist Austin criticized Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems, citing NHTSA data linking them to hundreds of crashes and dozens of fatalities. Demonstrators showed a Tesla Model Y running FSD v13.2.9 failing to stop for a school bus and striking a child-sized mannequin. Critics objected to Musk’s political ties and a perceived lack of transparency about the robotaxi program, which will use an unreleased “unsupervised” FSD version. Tesla did not comment.

Israel’s Iron Dome, operational since 2011, is a mobile, all-weather missile defense system designed to protect populated and strategic areas by using radar to identify threatening rockets and launching Tamir interceptors to destroy them mid-air. Developed by Israel’s Rafael with significant U.S. funding and support, it comprises multiple batteries—each defending about 60 square miles with several launchers and up to 20 interceptors per launcher. While credited with preventing countless rocket strikes, it is expensive (over $100 million per battery) and can be challenged by high-volume “saturation” attacks that attempt to overwhelm the system.

Voice of America has recalled several dozen sidelined staff, notably Farsi speakers, to ramp up programming into Iran amid escalating Israel-Iran tensions. The move reverses some of the Trump administration’s March shutdown that cut hundreds of VOA employees. VOA Farsi has posted new videos since Israel’s strike inside Iran, indicating renewed output, though the current volume remains unclear. Critics argue the cuts hurt U.S. communication with Iranians; sidelined journalists urge full reinstatement to restore audience and credibility. A spokesperson for Kari Lake, overseeing VOA cuts, did not comment.

The Vatican will canonize Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, on September 7. Acutis, who died at 15 from leukemia in 2006, was known for his devotion to the Eucharist and for creating a website cataloging eucharistic miracles. His canonization follows recognition of two miracles attributed to his intercession, including the recovery of a Costa Rican woman from a severe brain injury after prayers at his tomb in Assisi. He will be canonized alongside Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.

FIFA’s expanded 32-team Club World Cup, championed by president Gianni Infantino, debuts in the U.S. as a showcase of FIFA’s growing influence over club football and its political ties—most notably with Donald Trump—and commercial alignment with Saudi Arabia. Originally slated for China in 2021, the tournament shifted post-COVID, with Saudi-linked financing proving pivotal: DAZN’s $1bn rights deal, its subsequent Saudi investment, and the Public Investment Fund’s late sponsorship, alongside PIF-owned Al-Hilal’s participation. The format, blending Champions League winners with coefficient-based qualifiers and exceptions like Inter Miami, has stoked “Super League” fears and UEFA tensions. Despite uncertain ticketing and viewership, club payouts are huge (up to $125m for winners). Player unions warn of excessive workload—Premier League clubs could play over 60 matches—fueling a legal challenge over player welfare. With FIFA expanding multiple competitions and a delayed women’s Club World Cup planned for 2028, the new CWC looks set to stay, amid controversy over politics, scheduling, and competitive integrity.