Global Tensions Rise as Trump Engages with Putin and Faces Criticism

Australia and Vanuatu have agreed to a 10-year deal worth $328 million to strengthen security and economic ties. The Nakamal agreement, to be officially signed in September, aims to transform Australia's relationship with its Pacific neighbour. The deal includes funding for data centres, climate change mitigation, and security measures. It comes as Australia tries to grow its influence in the region to counter China's increased spending and power. Leaders from both countries described the deal as a 'win-win situation' and emphasized their shared destiny.

A political row has erupted in India over allegations of 'vote theft' during the 2024 general elections, with opposition parties accusing the Election Commission of India (ECI) of irregularities that favoured the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged widespread voter manipulation, citing electoral data and claiming that the ECI failed to enforce the 'one man, one vote' principle. The ECI and BJP have rejected the allegations, with the ECI calling them 'absurd' and demanding that Gandhi submit a signed declaration under oath or apologise. The controversy has led to an uproar, with opposition leaders detained by police while trying to march to the ECI headquarters. The issue has also sparked a controversy over the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar state, where 6.5 million names were deleted, leading to allegations of disenfranchisement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that Gaza ceasefire efforts are now focused on a comprehensive deal to release all the remaining hostages at once. This comes as Israel continues its military offensive in Gaza, with intense strikes and a planned expansion of its campaign. Hamas has long called for a comprehensive deal to exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners and an end to the war. The situation in Gaza is dire, with widespread famine and malnutrition reported.

Over 100 humanitarian organizations, including Oxfam and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), have signed a joint letter calling on Israel to end the 'weaponisation of aid' in Gaza. The groups claim that Israel's stricter regulations on aid delivery are preventing lifesaving supplies from reaching Gaza, with over 60 requests denied in July alone. Israel denies restrictions on aid and says the rules ensure that aid reaches the population directly and not Hamas. The UN reports that 600 trucks of supplies are needed daily in Gaza, but currently, only around 300 trucks are entering daily. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with 62,000 Palestinians killed since Israel's offensive began, and 235 people, including 106 children, dying due to starvation and malnutrition.

First Lady Melania Trump has threatened to sue Hunter Biden for $1 billion over his claim that she was introduced to her husband, Donald Trump, by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Hunter Biden made the statement during an interview earlier this month, criticizing Donald Trump's ties to Epstein. Melania Trump's lawyers described the claim as 'false, disparaging, defamatory, and inflammatory' and demanded that Hunter Biden retract the statement and apologize, or face legal action. The claim was partially attributed to journalist Michael Wolff, who later had his story retracted by the Daily Beast after receiving a letter from Melania Trump's attorney. There is no evidence that Epstein introduced the Trumps, and a 2016 Harper's Bazaar profile reported that Melania met Donald Trump at a party in 1998.

The US National Guard has been deployed to Washington DC amid a dispute between Mayor Muriel Bowser and President Donald Trump over crime rates. Trump claims crime is out of control, while Bowser and crime data suggest otherwise. 800 National Guard troops and 500 federal law enforcement agents are expected to be deployed. 43 arrests have been made so far, with FBI agents involved in around half of them. Bowser has criticized Trump's move as an 'authoritarian push', while Trump has threatened similar deployments to other Democrat-controlled cities.

The Sudanese city of el-Fasher is facing a severe hunger crisis due to the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The city is besieged, and food is scarce, leading to a surge in malnutrition and cholera cases. The BBC has obtained footage of people trapped in the city, showing the dire conditions. International aid organisations have condemned the "calculated use of starvation as a weapon of war". The UN has appealed for a humanitarian pause to allow food convoys into the city. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and medical supplies are scarce. The situation is catastrophic, with people dying of malnutrition and cholera. The international community is urged to take action to alleviate the suffering.

European leaders were cautiously optimistic after a virtual meeting with Donald Trump ahead of his summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Trump reportedly told the Europeans that his goal was to obtain a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv, and agreed that Ukraine's involvement was necessary for any territorial decisions. European leaders restated the need for Kyiv's involvement in any final decision, betraying underlying nervousness that Putin could persuade Trump to concede Ukrainian land. The US-Russia summit has sparked concerns that Trump may give in to Putin's demands to seize Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concerns that Russia would use any seized territory as a springboard for future invasions. The European leaders discussed security guarantees for Ukraine's long-term defense and the possibility of a 'Coalition of the Willing' to deter Russia from further invading Ukraine.

The article discusses the trial of Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong media tycoon accused of national security crimes under a Beijing-imposed law. Lai, a pro-democracy advocate and critic of the Chinese government, faces life imprisonment if convicted. The trial has drawn international attention, with the UK Prime Minister calling for his release. Lai's son Sebastien has been vocal about his father's case, stating that a prison sentence would be equivalent to a death penalty due to his age and health. The article provides background on Lai's life, from his humble beginnings to becoming a successful entrepreneur and democracy activist. It highlights Lai's defiance against the Chinese government and his role in Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.

A severe wildfire is threatening the major Greek city of Patras as a heatwave grips southern Europe. The fire has forced evacuations, including a children's hospital, and has destroyed homes, businesses, and hundreds of vehicles. The crisis is part of a larger pattern of wildfires across southern Europe, with blazes also burning in Portugal, Spain, Albania, and Italy. The heatwave is expected to last until Monday, and authorities are warning of a high risk of further fires. The situation is being exacerbated by strong winds and high temperatures, with temperatures reaching as high as 45C in Spain. The wildfires have also sparked a political row in Spain, with the transport minister criticizing the region's conservative leader for holidaying during the crisis.

European Union leaders have urged President Trump to defend Europe's security interests at his upcoming summit with Russian President Putin, amid concerns that Putin may secure favorable concessions and set the outlines of a peace deal without Ukraine's input. The EU leaders emphasized that any peace agreement must respect international law and Ukraine's sovereignty. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has rejected the idea of giving up land to secure a ceasefire, and his office stated that Russia is preparing for new offensive operations. The situation on the ground remains dire, with Russia making gains in the Donetsk region and Ukraine's military struggling to fend off Russian advances.

Two Olympic gold medalist ski jumpers, Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang, and three staff members of the Norway men's team have been charged with ethics violations by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) for allegedly tampering with ski suits during the Nordic world championships in March. The investigation, which included 38 witness interviews and 88 pieces of evidence, found that the team had modified the suits to make them more aerodynamic, giving the athletes an unfair advantage. The five charged individuals were provisionally suspended in March and face potential punishments including bans, fines, and disqualification of results. The case is set to be judged by the FIS Ethics Committee, with verdicts expected no later than 30 days after the hearing process is concluded.

Researchers predict that reindeer populations across the Arctic will decline substantially due to climate change, with the North American population facing the highest risk. The global reindeer population, estimated at around 9 million, has already lost nearly two-thirds of its numbers in the last three decades. The North American wild reindeer, also called caribou, could decline by up to 80% by 2100 unless there are major cuts to greenhouse gas emissions and increased investment in wildlife management and conservation. The decline of reindeer populations could have wider ecological implications, including a reduction in tundra plant diversity and increased carbon release into the atmosphere.

The State Department released its 2024 human rights reports, which have been criticized for scaling back criticism of certain countries, including El Salvador, while being harsher on traditional U.S. allies like the U.K. and Germany. The reports omit references to LGBTQ discrimination and pare back discussions on gender-based violence and government corruption. Rights groups and former officials have denounced the changes as politically motivated and undermining the reports' value.

American teenager Ethan Guo, an influencer attempting to fly solo to all seven continents to raise money for childhood cancer research, has been stranded in Antarctica since June after landing his Cessna 182Q on King George Island without permission. Guo was charged with providing false flight plan data and landing without authorization, but the charges were dropped as part of an agreement that requires him to make a $30,000 donation to a children's cancer foundation and leave Chile as soon as conditions allow. Guo has been staying at a military base on the island due to severe winter weather and is awaiting approval for his departure flight.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concerns over a forthcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that talks about Ukraine without its involvement will not be effective. Zelenskyy mentioned that Russia has signaled a willingness to end the war in Ukraine, but emphasized that Ukraine will not withdraw its forces from the Russian-occupied Donbas region. The Trump-Putin summit is set to take place in Alaska, and Zelenskyy has confirmed he will attend a virtual meeting with Trump and European leaders to discuss the war.

Voltify, a startup founded by Daphna Langer and Alon Kessel, aims to decarbonize the US rail industry by convincing Class 1 railroad companies to switch from diesel to battery-electric power. The company plans to build energy microgrids to power its VoltCar batteries, which can be attached to existing locomotives. According to a study, switching to battery-electric power could save US rail freight companies $94 billion over 20 years. Voltify is in talks with three major railroad companies and is set to run a demonstration project with a smaller company later this year. The technology has the potential to reduce diesel consumption and emissions, but faces challenges such as charging time and battery capacity.

The article discusses the potential impact of tariffs on inflation, with economists from major Wall Street banks such as Goldman Sachs, UBS, and JPMorgan Chase predicting that higher tariffs will lead to increased inflation. US President Donald Trump criticized Goldman Sachs for this prediction, but the bank stands by its research. The article also touches on other news, including Trump's consideration of 11 candidates for Fed chair, new records for US stocks, the departure of xAI's co-founder Igor Babuschkin, and the state of Indian IT stocks after layoffs. Additionally, it highlights the growing number of workers living paycheck to paycheck in Singapore.

European markets opened higher on Thursday, with the Stoxx 600 gaining 0.2%. Carlsberg reported weaker-than-expected second-quarter sales but raised its 2025 guidance. The U.K. economy grew by 0.3% in the second quarter, better than expected. Economists are cautious about a sharp rebound in the U.K. economy due to a softened labor market and capacity constraints. Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the war in Ukraine. Investors are awaiting inflation data to assess the state of the U.S. economy and the direction of interest rates.

The stock market saw a rally on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite reaching new record highs. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq finished the session with gains of 0.32% and 0.14%, respectively, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 463.66 points, or 1.04%. Investors are now gearing up for more economic data releases, including the producer price index and jobless claims data. Meanwhile, Bitcoin hit an all-time high above $123,600, and gold mining stocks are showing signs of rebuilding investor confidence. Cisco's quarterly results beat expectations, but the stock pulled back in extended trading.

Lillian Zhang, a 25-year-old Gen Zer, has built a six-figure side hustle as a social media influencer, earning $245,000 last year. She balances a full-time job at a big technology company with her side hustle, working 60-70 hours a week. Zhang attributes her success to her strong work ethic, discipline, and the concept of compounding, where consistent actions lead to outsized returns. Growing up in Silicon Valley with immigrant parents who had a scarcity mindset about money motivated her to achieve financial stability. She started her entrepreneurial journey early, making plushies and selling them online, and later ran e-commerce businesses. Zhang emphasizes the importance of staying organized, batching tasks, and having a clear vision to achieve success.

The article discusses the potential impact of a ceasefire in Ukraine on European defense stocks. Despite concerns that a peace deal could negatively affect defense companies, market watchers and defense industry leaders believe that the growth in European defense spending will continue, driven by long-term trends and the need for rearmament. The Stoxx Europe Aerospace and Defense index has surged 52% this year, and experts predict that the momentum will continue, with some companies expected to benefit from increased defense spending.

The article discusses Barentsburg, a Russian-run company town in Svalbard, Norway, which is a NATO member. Despite being part of Norway, Barentsburg has a strong Russian presence, with Russian signs, murals, and scientific institutes. The town's coal mine is uneconomic and produces poor-quality coal. Western intelligence officials fear that Russia's presence in Barentsburg could be used to cause trouble, especially given the increased tensions between Russia and Norway since the Ukraine war. The town's population has declined, and relations between Barentsburg and the Norwegian town of Longyearbyen have deteriorated. The article suggests that Russia's presence in Barentsburg has propaganda and potential intelligence value for Putin.

The FBI has been tasked with patrolling the streets of Washington, DC, as part of President Donald Trump's declaration of a crime emergency. FBI agents, who are not trained for community policing, have been reassigned from their usual duties to assist with immigration enforcement and review Jeffrey Epstein's files. This has raised concerns among some agents that their new roles could hinder important national security investigations. The FBI's use-of-force policy and training have also been called into question, with some agents expressing concerns about their ability to de-escalate situations. The move has been touted by FBI Director Kash Patel and his deputy director, Dan Bongino, as a success, but critics argue that it distracts from the FBI's core mission.

The article analyzes the upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, and what Putin hopes to achieve from the meeting. The Kremlin sees the summit as an opportunity to reset relations with Washington and separate their ties with the US from the fate of Ukraine. Putin is unlikely to make significant concessions on the war in Ukraine, and may instead use the summit to portray Ukraine and its European partners as the real obstacle to peace. The article also notes that Trump's support for the Ukrainian war effort is shaky, and that Putin may use the summit to further undermine it. The summit is seen as a critical moment in the conflict, with the potential to shape the course of the war and the future of US-Russia relations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered to help Iran address its severe water crisis, but only if the current regime is removed. Netanyahu made the statement in a video message to the Iranian people, saying that Israel's top water experts would provide cutting-edge technology and know-how to help Iran recycle and desalinate water once the country is free. The water crisis in Iran has been exacerbated by mismanagement and overconsumption, with severe shortages expected as early as next month. Netanyahu's message was seen as a clear policy signal wrapped in humanitarian aid, tying the idea of resistance to tangible improvements in daily life. The Iranian regime has intensified its crackdown on civilians since a 12-day war with Israel in June, with reports of up to 21,000 arrests.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with US President Donald Trump in Alaska on Friday, marking his first visit to the US in a decade. The meeting comes after Trump's announcement that he would be meeting with Putin in-person, despite Putin's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The location of the meeting was initially speculated to be in a third-party nation such as Hungary or Switzerland, but Trump surprised the nation by announcing that Putin would be traveling to Alaska instead. The meeting is expected to focus on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Trump stating that he hopes to see a ceasefire and a fair deal for both parties. However, the details of the meeting remain unclear, and it is uncertain what the outcome will be.

At least 26 migrants died and around a dozen are missing after a boat carrying nearly 100 people capsized off the coast of Lampedusa, Italy. The Italian coastguard and UN agencies reported that 60 survivors were taken to a center on the island, with four requiring hospital treatment. The boat, which departed from Libya, was overcrowded, leading to the tragic incident. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni expressed her dismay and pledged to continue fighting against unscrupulous traffickers. The incident highlights the dangers of irregular migration and the need to address its root causes.

Wildfires are raging across southern Europe, killing at least three people in Spain, Turkey, and Albania. Emergency teams are battling large fires in Greece, with a British bar worker on Zakynthos island joining local efforts to combat a 'shocking' fire. Thousands have been evacuated, and the European Union is sending aid to affected countries, including non-members. The fires have resulted in significant damage and loss of life, with 18 deaths reported in Turkey since late June.

Over 100 people have been killed in Gaza within 24 hours, marking the deadliest day in a week, according to officials. The Gaza health ministry reported 123 fatalities, bringing the total number of deaths since the war began to tens of thousands. Israeli forces have been bombing eastern areas of Gaza City, destroying homes in the Zeitoun and Shejaia neighbourhoods. The number of Palestinians who have died from starvation and malnutrition has risen to 235, including 106 children. Hamas has held talks with Egyptian mediators to discuss a ceasefire, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that Palestinians should leave Gaza. World leaders have rejected this idea, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been described as being at 'unimaginable levels'.

US President Donald Trump is set to host Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. The remote military base is significant for both the US and Russia, given its proximity to the Bering Strait and the fact that Alaska was purchased from the Russian Empire 158 years ago. The meeting is seen as a 'listening exercise' to seek a 'better understanding' of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Critics have raised concerns that the location may be used by Putin to argue that territories can change hands, referencing the historical sale of Alaska to the US.

The upcoming Trump-Putin summit is being reframed as a 'listening exercise' by the White House, reflecting concerns from European leaders about Vladimir Putin's demands. The summit will take place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, a strategic location given its proximity to Russia. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected Putin's proposal, which includes ceding territory in eastern Ukraine. European leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, are holding online talks with Zelenskyy and Trump to address their concerns. The summit's outcome is uncertain, with some critics arguing that holding talks in Alaska could be seen as legitimizing Putin's territorial demands.

The article discusses the upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where they will discuss a possible deal to end the Ukraine war. The meeting is being held at a remote US army base in Anchorage, Alaska. The article analyzes the potential outcomes of the summit, with three Sky News correspondents providing their insights. Putin's legacy is at stake, and he is likely to push for a deal that secures Moscow's goals, including territory and permanent neutrality for Ukraine. Ukraine is wary of the summit, fearing that Trump may be swayed by Putin's offers of lucrative business deals. Trump's pride is also on the line, as he has campaigned on ending the war and wants to bolster his reputation as a master negotiator.

The article reports on the increasing attacks by Russian forces on Ukrainian emergency services, including ambulances and fire engines, ahead of peace talks between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Sky News analysis found 82 incidents of emergency vehicles being targeted by Russia since January 2024, with a significant increase in July 2025. Experts say these attacks are intentional and violate the Geneva Convention, aiming to destroy the will of Ukrainians to fight and create a sense of insecurity among civilians. The Russian Embassy disputes these claims, stating that their strikes are directed exclusively at military or military-industrial assets.

A federal judge is deciding who is in charge of an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, known as 'Alligator Alcatraz.' The facility, which can hold up to 5,000 detainees, has been challenged by environmental groups and the Miccosukee tribe, who argue that its construction and operation violate federal law. The plaintiffs claim that the facility is a federal immigration detention center, while lawyers for Florida and the Trump administration argue that it is a state detention center operating under ICE authority. The judge has issued a temporary restraining order on new construction and will rule on a preliminary injunction to wind down operations.

A homeowner in Greers Ferry, Arkansas, complained to the city council about a license-plate camera installed across the street from his house, which he believed was violating his Fourth Amendment rights. The camera was taking pictures of his driveway and front yard, and the data was being stored in a massive database. After the Institute for Justice intervened, the city council agreed to remove the camera. This incident highlights the privacy concerns raised by the widespread use of automated license-plate readers (ALPRs) in the US. The use of ALPRs enables routine surveillance and tracking of individuals, and the data is often shared between law enforcement agencies without a warrant. The article argues that this threatens people's privacy, security, and freedom of movement. The removal of the camera in Greers Ferry and the termination of an ALPR contract in Scarsdale, NY, are seen as small victories for privacy advocates.

A 46-year-old man, David Leroy Carter, was arrested on a Breeze Airways flight from Norfolk, Virginia to Los Angeles after becoming agitated and unruly, spewing racial slurs, waving a skateboard, and breaking free from restraints twice. The flight was diverted to Grand Junction Airport in Colorado, where Carter was taken into custody by police. Footage of the incident shows a flight attendant trying to restrain Carter, who pushes past her, and another passenger intervening to physically restrain him. Carter was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility, and the FBI is investigating the incident.

The article argues against banning horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, New York City. The author claims that the efforts to ban the carriages are driven by 'elite interests' and 'animal-welfare extremists' who are out of touch with the working-class people employed in the carriage industry. The article disputes the safety concerns cited by Central Park Conservancy President Betsy Smith, pointing out that there are more significant safety issues in the park, such as bike-involved collisions and e-bikes. The author also argues that the horses are bred for their work and are not mistreated. The article concludes that the City Council should not ban the carriages, which are a traditional tourist activity and a draw for visitors to the park.

The 'New Heights' podcast featuring Taylor Swift resumed after a glitch interrupted its live premiere on YouTube. Over 1 million viewers were watching when the livestream went dark. The show returned later that night after the 'New Heights' X account shared the link to the show. Taylor Swift discussed her new album 'The Life of a Showgirl', revealing the cover art and track list. The album is described as 'upbeat' and differs from her previous album 'The Tortured Poets Department'.

Dacre Montgomery, the Australian-born actor known for his role as Billy Hargrove in Netflix's 'Stranger Things,' has shared why he stepped back from Hollywood after gaining stardom. He cited the impact of social media on traditional Hollywood stardom and his desire to navigate Tinseltown on his own terms. Montgomery has taken time off to reflect on his career and is now focused on picking projects that could leave a lasting impact on viewers. He is set to make his directorial debut with the film 'The Engagement Party' and has an indie thriller titled 'Went Up the Hill' in the works.

Taylor Swift recalled Jason Kelce's panicked reaction to meeting the British royal family with a beer in hand during her 'Eras' tour in London. Swift shared the anecdote on the 'New Heights' podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce, describing how Jason was unsure what to do with his beer when meeting Prince William and his children. The story was met with amusement as Swift mimicked Jason's dilemma, highlighting his concern about being authentic or following royal protocol.

Taylor Swift revealed on the 'New Heights' podcast that she asked Travis Kelce an 'insane question' on their first date, not knowing that he and his brother Jason Kelce wouldn't be on the field at the same time during a Super Bowl. Swift and Kelce began dating in 2023 after meeting when Kelce attended one of Swift's Eras Tour shows. Swift discussed how she became interested in football through Kelce and now attends games and supports him.

Taylor Swift recently appeared on Travis Kelce's 'New Heights' podcast, where she discussed missing the Eras Tour and connecting with fans. The couple has been dating since 2023 and has been spotted together at various events. Kelce has been working hard in the offseason, losing weight and preparing for his 13th NFL season. Swift attended Tight End University in Nashville and performed a surprise concert with Kane Brown. Kelce has been exploring entertainment opportunities, including acting roles and signing with Creative Artists Agency.

The Clark County School District in Las Vegas has rehired former Rancho High School principal Darlin Delgado as a school associate superintendent, less than two years after a 17-year-old special needs student, Jonathan Lewis Jr., was beaten to death by a group of classmates. Delgado had retired from her position as principal in January 2024, two months after the incident, but was rehired in July 2025. The decision has been met with controversy, with Lewis' father suing the school district, alleging that they ignored warning signs and failed to protect his son. The district's superintendent, Jhone Ebert, nominated Delgado for the new role, despite questions from board members about her abrupt retirement.

The article criticizes Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's public safety proposals, arguing that his plans to defund the police and create a new Department of Community Safety are unworkable and based on failed 'violence interruption' and 'restorative justice' schemes. The article claims that Mamdani's proposals are dressed up in 'leftist jargon' and cites examples of similar programs that have failed in other cities. The author argues that Mamdani's plans will not effectively address public safety concerns and that his campaign is trying to distract from these issues by focusing on other topics.

President Donald Trump visited the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to unveil his personal choices for the next class of Kennedy Center honorees. The event showcased Trump's pop culture obsession and his desire to relive his glory days as a reality TV star and tabloid figure. Trump announced plans to host the award ceremony himself and criticized the Academy Awards for being 'woke' and having low ratings. The honorees included Kiss, Gloria Gaynor, and Sylvester Stallone, all of whom Trump praised. The event highlighted Trump's continued fascination with celebrity culture and his desire to be part of it.

A Texas couple, Leonardo Baez and Nora Alicia Avila, who own a bakery on the Texas-Mexico border, have been found guilty of harboring undocumented workers and conspiring to transport undocumented immigrants. The couple, both immigrants from Mexico and green card holders, face up to 10 years in prison and potential loss of their legal status. The case is one of the first brought against business owners as part of President Trump's aggressive immigration crackdown. The verdict has sparked concerns about selective prosecution and the impact on the local Latino-majority community.

The article discusses how a call from President Trump to President Zelensky of Ukraine ignited a week of frantic diplomacy as Ukraine scrambled to avoid being sidelined in peace negotiations with Russia. Trump revealed that Russia was willing to agree to a ceasefire under a deal involving a territorial exchange, which raised concerns in Ukraine about ceding land to Russia. Ukraine rallied its European allies to form a united front and relay its message to the Trump administration, ultimately culminating in a joint call with European leaders and Trump to reiterate key principles for any peace deal.

Two law firms, Kirkland & Ellis and Skadden Arps, that reached deals with President Trump to avoid punitive executive orders have been connected to the Commerce Department to work on trade deals. The firms were connected by Trump's personal lawyer, Boris Epshteyn, who played a role in brokering the initial deals. Kirkland & Ellis worked on trade deals with Japan and South Korea, while it is unclear if Skadden Arps has done work for the administration. The deals have been criticized as unconstitutional and undemocratic, and have led to splits inside some firms.

The booming zoo and safari park industry in China is fueling the illegal elephant trade, with many parks obtaining elephants from Laos through smuggling. Chinese safari parks, often operated by local governments, are generating significant revenue from ticket sales, but the demand for elephants is met through illegal means, including smuggling from Laos. European zoos, in contrast, follow stricter standards and exchange elephants through controlled breeding programs. The illegal trade is facilitated by corruption and bribery, with a single elephant costing around $1 million. Experts warn that if the demand continues, the forests will soon be empty.

The article argues that Arab states must put more pressure on Hamas to end the war in the Gaza Strip. While they have shown solidarity with Palestinians through aid and statements, they have been ineffective in influencing Hamas. The author suggests that Arab states have the means to pressure Hamas, such as disarming them, stopping aid, and preventing smuggling. The article also notes that Israel's right-wing government is unlikely to make concessions, and that Arab states should direct their pressure on Hamas to end the war quickly.

The US-China dispute over AI chips reflects broader tensions between the two nations. Nvidia and AMD have agreed to pay a 15% export tax to continue selling their chips in China. Despite China's need for cutting-edge AI chips, the government has raised concerns about American-made microchips, citing reports of hidden 'backdoors' that could be used for manipulation or espionage. The chip dilemma highlights the ongoing mutual economic dependence and security tensions between the US and China. The US has restricted exports of high-tech chips to China, but Nvidia developed the H20 chip specifically for the Chinese market. The export ban on H20 chips was temporarily lifted, and the US government is now profiting from the 15% export tax.

Despite the ongoing conflict and devastation in Gaza City, young musicians continue to practice and perform music, thanks to the efforts of the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music. The conservatory has been a cultural lifeline for Gaza, teaching classical and popular music for 13 years until Israel's war on the Mediterranean enclave forced them to abandon their main building. Teachers and students have continued classes in displacement camps and shattered buildings, using preserved instruments and even making their own percussion instruments from empty cans and containers. Music has become a source of hope and comfort for the students, helping them cope with the trauma and stress of living in a conflict zone.

The article discusses the persistence of scam hubs in South-east Asia, particularly in Myanmar, despite recent crackdowns. The Shwe Kokko town on the Myanmar-Thailand border, once a notorious scamming hub, appears to have returned to normalcy after a targeted crackdown in February. However, observations and reports suggest that scamming operations continue, with crime syndicates adapting to the loss of electricity and internet access by using alternative power sources like solar panels and generators. The region has become a breeding ground for transnational criminal networks, with hundreds of thousands of people involved in scamming operations. Experts estimate that these networks generate between $50 billion and $75 billion annually.

The article discusses Chongqing, a municipality in southwest China, and its unique urban planning challenges due to its mountainous terrain. The city's landscape is characterized by complex, multi-layered buildings and infrastructure that have been adapted to the natural obstacles. Chongqing has become a megacity with a population of 31.9 million people and is now an industrial powerhouse and a social media sensation. The city's development is rooted in its history as China's wartime capital during World War II and its designation as one of the four municipalities. The article highlights the city's innovative urban planning, including its extensive public transport network and polycentric approach to development. However, it also notes the risks associated with heavy infrastructure investment and rising local government debt.

Former Bolivian President Evo Morales, barred from the upcoming election, is campaigning for 'Nulo' (null or void votes) as a way to maintain his political relevance and potentially embarrass his successor and former ally, President Luis Arce, as well as right-wing candidates. Morales' campaign involves encouraging supporters to spoil their ballots, which could boost his influence without affecting the election outcome. The move is seen as a power play by Morales to remain significant in Bolivian politics despite being disqualified from the race.

The article discusses the deteriorating relationship between the United States and India under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders, known for their populist and nationalist agendas, have been engaged in a public standoff over trade policies and the recent military confrontation between India and Pakistan. Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports, citing India's purchase of Russian oil, while India has resisted U.S. demands for trade concessions. The article suggests that the personal relationship between Trump and Modi has broken down, and their egos and missteps have fueled mutual resentment. Analysts warn that the standoff could damage India's economy and undo years of work on building the U.S.-India partnership.

The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Kim Yo Jong, has denied that the North is removing loudspeakers along the inter-Korean border, contradicting South Korean claims. South Korea's military had reported detecting the removal of some North Korean speakers, but Kim Yo Jong dismissed this as a misinterpretation, stating that the North has no intention of removing the speakers. The dispute comes amid tensions between the two Koreas, with the North reiterating its lack of interest in reviving stalled negotiations with Washington and Seoul. The situation is further complicated by an upcoming joint military exercise between the US and South Korea, which the North views as hostile. South Korea's new liberal President, Lee Jae Myung, has expressed hope for renewed dialogue, but experts believe the North is focused on its alignment with Russia and shows no urgency to resume diplomacy.