Global Tensions Rise as Trump Meets Putin in Alaska

The US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that the US may impose additional tariffs on India if President Donald Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska does not yield the desired results. The US is trying to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, and Trump's meeting with Putin is aimed at discussing ways to end the war. India's increased imports of Russian crude oil have strained its relations with the US and disrupted trade talks. The US has imposed tariffs on India for buying oil and weapons from Russia, and Bessent's comments suggest that these tariffs could be increased if the talks between Trump and Putin do not go well. The trade negotiations between India and the US have been ongoing for several months, but have been hindered by India's refusal to reduce duties on agriculture and dairy products.

The article discusses the reactions of Alaskans to the upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska. Many Alaskans are protesting the meeting, waving Ukrainian flags and expressing their opposition to Putin's presence. The region has historical ties to Russia, having been purchased from the Russians in 1867, and some residents are concerned about the ongoing tensions between the US and Russia. While some Alaskans hope that the meeting will lead to a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, others are skeptical about Trump's ability to negotiate with Putin. The article highlights the complex emotions and opinions among Alaskans regarding the summit.

Australia and Vanuatu have agreed to a 10-year deal worth $328m 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. Australia is trying to grow its influence in the region to counter China's increased spending and power. Vanuatu's leader described the deal as a 'win-win situation' for both nations, while Australia's deputy prime minister emphasized the 'shared destiny' of the two countries.

The BBC has defended its Africa Eye documentary on Kenya's child-sex trade after the Kenyan government described it as a 'hoax'. The documentary revealed cases of underage girls being trafficked for sex in the transit town of Maai Mahiu. The BBC stated that the documentary was clear that those interviewed were adults recounting experiences of abuse that occurred when they were underage. The Kenyan government has criticized the documentary, with Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen alleging that the BBC had promised 'financial reward' to contributors, which the BBC denied. The documentary has received over one million views on YouTube and has led to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions ordering an investigation.

The FBI has returned a 500-year-old document signed by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés to Mexico. The document, penned in 1527, is one of 15 pages thought to have been stolen from Mexico's national archives between 1985 and 1993. The FBI's art crime team located the document in the US and repatriated it on Wednesday. The document details plans for Cortés' journey across what would become New Spain and describes payments made for supplies for expeditions. The Mexican government had requested the FBI's assistance in finding the missing documents in 2024. The FBI said it was determined to locate and repatriate the other pages still missing from the collection. This is not the first time the FBI has returned a document signed by Cortés to Mexico, having done so in 2023 as well. The repatriation comes at a time of political tension between Mexico and the US, but the FBI emphasized the US responsibility to counter the trafficking of artefacts.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced plans to build over 3,000 homes in the E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank, stating it would 'bury the idea of a Palestinian state'. The project, frozen for decades due to international opposition, would cut off the West Bank from occupied East Jerusalem. The move was condemned by the UN, EU, UK, Germany, and Turkey, who cited breaches of international law and opposition to Israeli settlement expansion. Israeli NGO Peace Now and the Palestinian foreign ministry also criticized the plan, with the latter calling it 'an extension of crimes of genocide, displacement and annexation'. The US State Department responded ambiguously, stating a 'stable West Bank keeps Israel secure'. Smotrich's announcement follows recent declarations by several countries to recognize a Palestinian state, which Israel has denounced.

Charities and humanitarian groups have accused Israel of 'weaponising aid' by introducing new rules that restrict the delivery of critical supplies to Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Over 100 organisations have signed a joint letter calling on Israel to stop the restrictions, citing the dire consequences for the civilian population, including starvation and preventable illnesses. Israel denies the allegations, claiming the rules are necessary to prevent Hamas from stealing aid. The UN reports that 600 trucks of supplies are needed daily, but only 300 are entering Gaza.

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 prices have soared, leading to widespread malnutrition and deaths among children. International aid organizations have condemned the 'calculated use of starvation as a weapon of war.' The situation is compounded by a cholera outbreak, with nearly 100,000 cases and 2,470 deaths reported over the past year. The UN has appealed for a humanitarian pause to allow food convoys into the city, but the RSF has not given clearance. The situation is desperate, with hospitals unable to cope, and people dying of malnutrition and related medical complications.

European leaders are 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 for the summit was to obtain a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv, and agreed that Ukraine's involvement was necessary for any territorial decisions. European leaders expressed concerns that Putin could persuade Trump to concede Ukrainian land in exchange for a ceasefire, and emphasized the need for security guarantees for Ukraine. The meeting comes as Russia's summer offensive continues, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged more pressure on Russia.

The article discusses the trial of Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy activist, who is accused of colluding with foreign forces under a Beijing-imposed national security law. Lai's trial has been delayed again, and he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted. The article highlights Lai's background, his rise to becoming a vocal democracy activist, and his criticism of the Chinese government. It also mentions the international attention his case has received, with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump calling for his release. Critics say Lai's case shows how Hong Kong's legal system has been used to silence political opposition.

The United States has deployed two warships to the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea after two Chinese ships collided while chasing a Philippine vessel. The incident has raised concerns about maritime safety and tensions between China, the Philippines, and the US. The US Navy has conducted freedom-of-navigation operations in the area, challenging China's restrictions and demands for entry notifications. The Philippines is a long-standing treaty ally of the US, and Washington has warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines if Filipino forces come under armed attack. The incident has been condemned by the US and other countries, including Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, which have expressed alarm over the dangerous maneuvers that led to the collision.

Air Canada is canceling flights ahead of a potential strike by its 10,000 flight attendants, who issued a 72-hour strike notice on Wednesday. The airline has begun a gradual suspension of operations, with all flights expected to be grounded by Saturday. The strike is related to contract talks between the airline and the union, with the union citing 'poverty wages' and unpaid labor as key issues. Air Canada has offered a 38% pay increase over four years, but the union has rejected a proposal for binding arbitration. The cancellations are expected to impact around 130,000 people per day, with 500 flights to be canceled by Friday. Customers whose flights are canceled will be eligible for a full refund and alternative travel arrangements.

Swiss pilot Raphael Domjan has broken the altitude record for a solar-powered electric plane, reaching 9,521 meters (31,237 feet) on Tuesday. The SolarStratos plane took off from Sion airport in southwest Switzerland and used warm air thermals to surpass the previous record of 9,235 meters (30,298 feet) that has stood for 15 years. The flight lasted five hours and nine minutes, and Domjan crossed paths with a commercial airliner at cruising altitude. The achievement is seen as a significant milestone towards decarbonized aviation and promoting solar energy. Domjan aims to take a solar-powered plane above 10,000 meters and eventually make a manned solar-powered flight into the stratosphere.

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 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 storage loss in Arctic soils.

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 more critical of 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 State Department officials have denounced the changes as a 'politically motivated move' that undermines the reports' value. The reports also noted human rights abuses in countries like Libya and Afghanistan, with which the U.S. has agreements to deport nationals.

Negotiators at the United Nations offices in Geneva failed to reach an agreement on a landmark treaty to address the global plastic pollution crisis. The talks, which extended into an 11th day, were deadlocked over whether the treaty should reduce plastic production and impose global controls on toxic chemicals used in plastic manufacturing. Powerful oil- and gas-producing nations and the plastics industry opposed production limits, while around 100 countries supported capping plastic production. The negotiations did not produce a treaty, with delegates leaving without a consensus on the treaty's scope and provisions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about the upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that 'talks about us, without us, will not work' for Ukraine. Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine will not withdraw its forces from the Russian-occupied Donbas region, and that any meeting involving Ukraine's interests should include European leaders. The summit between Trump and Putin is scheduled to take place in Alaska, and Zelenskyy is set to attend a virtual meeting with Trump and European leaders to discuss the war.

Carlsberg's CEO, Jacob Aarup-Andersen, notes that beer drinking habits are changing amid cost pressures, with consumers increasingly opting for premium or economy alternatives over core beer brands. The company's organic volumes dipped 1.7% in the second quarter, despite growing demand for premium and alcohol-free products. The trend is attributed to consumers holding back on spending due to macroeconomic headwinds, with at-home consumption gaining ground as bars and restaurants continue to raise prices. The outlook for brewers remains clouded, with declining sales volumes and pressure on the drinks sector.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has delivered a landmark advisory opinion on climate change, stating that fossil fuel production and subsidies may constitute an internationally wrongful act. The ruling is expected to have far-reaching legal and political consequences and could impact investors and financial markets. Experts are divided on the immediate impact, with some seeing it as a significant development that could lead to a revaluation of assets, while others view it as a non-binding opinion with limited short-term effects.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is redefining Germany's voice in Europe and building a relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, despite their differences with many European colleagues. Merz has been increasingly critical of the European Union, citing its sluggishness, complex bureaucracy, and excessive regulation. Experts say Merz's tone is a notable shift from his predecessor Olaf Scholz, but it doesn't necessarily mean a change in his overall pro-European stance. Merz is trying to establish a new German tone and leadership role within the EU while maintaining a constructive transatlantic relationship with the U.S. His criticism of the EU is also seen as a way to appease Trump, who has been critical of the bloc. Merz's relationship with Trump is seen as a positive development, with Merz being one of the key instigators of U.S.-European talks ahead of Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Italy's space agency, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI), has signed a deal with SpaceX to send scientific experiments on the company's first commercial flights to Mars. The payloads will include a plant growth experiment, a weather surveillance station, and a radiation sensor. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell announced that the company is now offering Starship services to Mars, but no timeline was given for the launch dates. The development comes as SpaceX continues to work towards its Mars ambitions, despite facing challenges with its Starship rocket, which has had a string of test flight failures this year.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet at the Elmendorf Richardson military base in Anchorage, Alaska, for a summit that will be closely watched by Ukraine and the world. The meeting will focus on the war in Ukraine, with Trump aiming to exhaust all options for a peaceful end. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was not invited to the event and is nervous about the potential outcome, fearing that Trump may capitulate to Putin's demands. The summit will include a one-on-one meeting between the two leaders, followed by a working lunch and a joint press conference. The talks will cover Ukraine's territorial integrity, Europe's security, Russia's economy, and geopolitical alliances.

The article analyzes the upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning that Trump may be repeating past mistakes by trusting Putin's words without sufficient action to back them up. Trump has previously been criticized for being too soft on Putin, and his recent about-face on Russia has been seen as an admission that he was initially fooled by Putin's flattery. The article suggests that Trump's tendency to promise grand deals and his lack of understanding of Putin's true intentions may lead to another failure. A recent Pew Research Center poll showed that 59% of Americans have little or no confidence in Trump's ability to make wise decisions about the war in Ukraine.

The US may allow a French-authored UN resolution to pass, renewing the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for another year. Critics argue that this would help Hezbollah, the Iran-backed terror organization, despite UNIFIL's failure to achieve its stated purpose of blocking Hezbollah's activity in southern Lebanon. The resolution also takes aim at Israel for its moves against Hezbollah terrorists and urges Israel to withdraw from its positions inside Lebanon. Experts and former US ambassadors have voiced concerns about renewing UNIFIL's mandate, citing its failure to prevent Hezbollah's buildup of arsenal and its inability to achieve stability in Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered to help Iran with its water crisis 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 help Iran recycle and desalinate water once the country is free from its current tyrannical rule. Iran is facing severe water shortages due to mismanagement and overconsumption, with warnings of potentially catastrophic shortages as early as next month. Netanyahu's message was seen as a clear policy signal wrapped in humanitarian aid by Iran expert Lisa Daftari, who noted that it tied the idea of resistance to tangible improvements in daily life. The statement comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, following a 12-day war in June over Iran's nuclear program.

The upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska has drawn comparisons to the 1985 summit between President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. While some experts see potential for a breakthrough, others warn of significant differences between Putin and Gorbachev, with Putin showing no signs of ending his war ambitions in Ukraine. Trump's approach is likened to Reagan's 'peace through strength' strategy, but experts caution that the outcome depends on how Trump handles Putin.

The article discusses Andriy Yermak, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and a top aide to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Yermak is facing growing criticism for his influence and decision-making, with some praising his effectiveness in getting things done. Critics accuse him of being tone-deaf on Washington politics and making personnel moves without Zelenskyy's full awareness. Yermak's role in advising Zelenskyy on key decisions, including a contentious meeting with former US President Donald Trump and a law targeting Ukraine's anti-corruption institutions, has drawn scrutiny. Despite this, Yermak remains a trusted advisor to Zelenskyy and a key figure in Ukraine's negotiations with the US and European allies.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet in Alaska for a high-stakes summit on Ukraine. The meeting comes as Moscow has made fresh battlefield gains and Kyiv has warned of a "personal victory" for Putin. The summit is expected to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, with both leaders seeking to achieve their respective goals. Putin is likely to try to persuade Trump to pressure Ukraine into a ceasefire, while Trump is seeking to prove himself as a master dealmaker and global peacemaker. The meeting is also seen as an opportunity for Putin to cement Russia's gains and block Ukraine's bid to join NATO.

The article discusses the upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which has raised several questions and concerns among the locals and Ukrainians. The summit is taking place on a military base on the outskirts of Anchorage, Alaska's biggest city, and has sparked debate about Putin's intentions and Trump's diplomacy. Some Alaskans, like Governor Mike Dunleavy, see the summit as an opportunity for Trump to sit down face-to-face with Putin and discuss peace, while others, like 'never Trumper' Meg Leonard, are appalled that Putin is being invited and that Ukraine's President Vlodymyr Zelenskyy is not present. Ukrainians are nervous that their land may be carved up without their input, and some are concerned that Trump is being naive in his diplomacy with Putin.

At least 56 people have been killed and dozens are missing after flash flooding hit a remote village in Indian-controlled Kashmir. The floods were triggered by torrential rains and affected the village of Chasoti, used as a stopover by Hindu pilgrims visiting a mountainous shrine. Rescue teams have brought 300 people to safety, but many are still injured or unaccounted for. The Hindu pilgrimage has been suspended, and more rescue teams are on their way to the area. The floods are believed to have been caused by cloudbursts, which are becoming increasingly common in India's Himalayan regions due to climate change.

The article discusses the potential outcomes of the upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, specifically in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. A 'land for peace' deal has been speculated, where Ukraine could be asked to give up territory in exchange for an end to the fighting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected such a proposal, stating that it would deprive them of defensive lines and open the way for Moscow to conduct further offensives. Experts believe that a ceasefire along the frontline is possible, but unlikely. The article also explores the possibility of Russia having to return some territory to Ukraine, including the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

US President Donald Trump is set to host Russian President Vladimir Putin at the remote Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, for talks on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The base is significant for both America and Russia, given its location and historical context. The meeting is described as a 'listening exercise' to seek a 'better understanding' of the situation, with the Trump administration managing expectations of a peace deal. Critics have raised concerns that the location may be used by Putin to make territorial arguments.

The article discusses the upcoming meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska, and how Ukrainians are appalled by Trump's naive and cack-handed diplomacy. Ukrainians feel let down by Trump's handling of the conflict, having either sided with Russia or given them the benefit of the doubt at every stage. Putin is sending a team of experienced foreign affairs heavyweights to Alaska, while Trump is relying on Steve Witkoff, a real estate lawyer and foreign policy novice. Ukrainians want a ceasefire, security guarantees, and reparations from the talks, but it is unclear if they will get any of these. The article criticizes Trump's administration for having no Russia specialists left and for viewing the conflict in terms of real estate rather than understanding its true nature as a threat to Ukraine's sovereignty.

The security firm Vectus Global, founded by Erik Prince, the former head of Blackwater, is set to deploy nearly 200 personnel to Haiti to help quell gang violence. The deployment is part of a one-year deal with the Haitian government, which has seen vast swaths of territory seized by heavily armed gangs in the past year. The private contractors will advise and support Haiti's National Police and a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police officers. The move comes amid concerns about the use of private military companies and the potential for escalating the conflict. The U.N.-backed mission is currently under-resourced, with only 991 personnel and $112 million in its trust fund, far short of the estimated $800 million needed annually.

A 28-year-old DC native, Cortez Dargin, witnessed and filmed an incident where Sean Charles Dunn, a 37-year-old ex-DOJ employee, threw a Subway sandwich at a federal agent. Dunn, who was drunk and causing a ruckus, was charged with felony assault and lost his job. Dargin described the incident, stating that Dunn was gesturing wildly with his sandwich and seemed ready to vandalize a government car before throwing the sandwich. The witness expressed empathy for the agents, saying it was like their 'first day of training' and they got 'a sandwich thrown at them.' Dunn was quickly caught by police and faced charges.

The article criticizes Democrats, including Hunter Biden and James Carville, for spreading false claims that Melania Trump met her husband Donald through Jeffrey Epstein, a notorious sex trafficker. The author argues that this smear campaign is sexist, cruel, and intended to damage Melania's reputation. The First Lady has responded by sending lawyers to stop the spread of these lies, but the Democrats continue to perpetuate them.

The former owner of Edward Teach Brewing in North Carolina, David Gary Sholar, was arrested and charged with assault for throwing a plate at a LongHorn Steakhouse employee's head after being told not to feed his dog from the table. The incident occurred on July 23, and Sholar was booked into jail on August 7. The employee suffered a fractured skull and continues to experience lingering complications. The brewery, now under new ownership, distanced itself from Sholar following the incident. Local restaurant owners have shown support for the victim by selling Edward Teach Brewing beer and donating the profits to him.

The 'Sex and the City' saga concluded with the Season 3 finale of 'And Just Like That', which ended with Carrie Bradshaw alone and content. The finale featured Carrie finishing her novel with a heroine who is alone but not lonely, and the episode ended with Carrie dancing and singing along to a song. The article discusses the finale and the direction the show took, criticizing the inclusion of a plotline involving a clogged toilet and feces.

The Little Sisters of the Poor, a Catholic organization, continue to face legal challenges from states such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania over the ObamaCare mandate requiring employers to provide contraception, including abortifacient drugs, in their health insurance plans. Despite winning protections against the federal government, the organization is still being sued by states. A recent ruling by Judge Wendy Beetlestone in Pennsylvania found that the Trump administration's expansion of religious exemptions was 'arbitrary and capricious.' The author argues that the ObamaCare mandate is authoritarian and unconstitutional, and that the Supreme Court should uphold the First Amendment and religious liberty. The article highlights the ongoing struggle of religious organizations to maintain their beliefs in the face of government pressure.

"The View" co-host Ana Navarro is urging Gloria Gaynor to reject her upcoming Kennedy Center Honor award due to it being presented by President Donald Trump. Navarro expressed her disapproval on Instagram, stating that Trump has attacked the rights of women, people of color, and the LGBTQ community. Gaynor's team responded to the initial award announcement, stating she is 'beyond blessed and honored' to receive the award and hopes to continue inspiring others through her music. The Kennedy Center Honors ceremony will be hosted by Trump in December, following his overhaul of the performing arts center earlier in the year, which included firing several board members and replacing them with pro-Trump figures.

The article argues that the Jeffrey Epstein saga is an elite obsession that distracts from real issues affecting working-class Americans. The author contends that Donald Trump was correct in dismissing the Epstein story as a 'hoax' and that the media frenzy surrounding it was not reflective of the concerns of ordinary Americans. The article highlights Trump's policy achievements, such as closing the southern border and implementing tariffs, which have benefited working-class Americans by increasing their wages and promoting US manufacturing. The author suggests that the Epstein scandal is a 'luxury belief' held by elites, including podcasters and Democrats, who are out of touch with the concerns of working-class Americans.

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's effort to defund schools with diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) programs, ruling that the administration's plan was unconstitutional and failed to follow proper administrative procedure. The administration had threatened to cut off federal funding to schools and colleges that did not comply with its demands to certify that they did not practice 'illegal D.E.I.' The judge's ruling was in response to a lawsuit brought by the American Federation of Teachers, the American Sociological Association, and a school district in Oregon. The administration's efforts to restrict D.E.I. programs were seen as a grave attack on students, educators, and honest history by the teachers union president. The Education Department expressed disappointment in the ruling but noted that it would continue to pursue a similar agenda through other avenues.

PBS has cut its budget by 21% in response to Congress's decision to eliminate $500 million in federal funding for public TV and radio. The cut was approved by PBS's board, which also voted to reduce dues paid by local stations by $35 million. The loss of federal funding has affected not only PBS but also NPR and hundreds of local public TV and radio stations. While PBS and NPR will likely survive the funding cuts, many smaller stations are at risk of going dark. The impact of the budget cuts on PBS's day-to-day operations is unclear, but staff reductions are likely. The cuts may also affect funding for popular public TV shows.

A coalition of Harvard University groups, including alumni, students, and faculty, have urged the university not to settle with the Trump administration, which would require relinquishing its autonomy. The university is negotiating with the administration to restore billions of dollars in frozen research funds. Several other universities have already struck deals with the administration, which the Harvard coalition believes sets a 'dangerous precedent' that could erode the foundation of American higher education. Harvard is the only university that has directly sued the administration, but is now considering a settlement, prompting concerns among professors that it could have a cascading effect on higher education.

The article discusses Tibor Shalev Schlosser, Israel's new ambassador to Switzerland, who faces a challenging task in representing Israel amid growing international criticism of its actions in Gaza. Schlosser, a kibbutznik and career diplomat, aims to strengthen economic and cultural ties between Israel and Switzerland while navigating the complexities of Israel's tarnished reputation. The article provides insight into Schlosser's background, his views on Zionism, and his approach to his new role.

Residents of Washington, D.C. have expressed outrage and disappointment over President Donald Trump's decision to deploy 800 National Guard troops to the city's streets, citing concerns over the cost, effectiveness, and impact on homeless people. The move was justified by Trump as a response to rising crime and homelessness, but locals reject this portrayal, calling it 'fake news' and 'ridiculous'. The troops have been seen standing around, with little meaningful interaction with the public, and have been criticized for wearing heavy combat gear in high temperatures. Some residents also raised concerns about the potential consequences for homeless people, who may be forced to move or face confinement.

British teenagers are turning to online study influencers on platforms like TikTok and YouTube for help with exam preparation, with some influencers claiming to predict exam questions. Educators are concerned that students are relying too heavily on these online resources, while some influencers defend their content as helpful and not misleading. The practice has sparked debate about the role of online influencers in education.

The article discusses Chongqing, a municipality in 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 environment. Chongqing has become a megacity with a population of 31.9 million people and is now a major industrial and economic hub. The city's development is rooted in its history as China's wartime capital during World War II and its subsequent designation as one of the four municipalities. The article highlights the city's innovative urban planning strategies, including its polycentric approach and extensive public transportation network. However, it also notes the risks associated with heavy infrastructure investment and rising local government debt.

The article discusses the impact of climate change on the historic town of Tiébélé in Burkina Faso, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique painted houses. Residents are struggling to maintain the traditional architecture due to unpredictable weather patterns and lack of resources. The site is also affected by jihadist violence, which has deterred tourists. The article highlights the cultural significance of the houses and the challenges faced by the local community in preserving their heritage.

Over 360 people in Sragen, Indonesia fell ill after consuming school lunches provided under President Prabowo Subianto's free meals program, the largest food poisoning case to hit the program to date. The incident is the latest in a series of mass food poisoning cases affecting over 1,000 people since the program's launch in January. The government has temporarily stopped food distribution from the central kitchen and sent a food sample for testing. The free meals program, a centerpiece of Prabowo's election campaign, aims to improve participants' quality of life and boost economic growth, with plans to reach 83 million people by year-end.

The article reports on the killing of Suleiman al-Obeid, a beloved Palestinian soccer player, by shrapnel from an Israeli tank shell while seeking aid in Khan Younis, Gaza. The incident gained international attention after Liverpool's Mohamed Salah tweeted about it, questioning UEFA's initial response that didn't mention the circumstances of Obeid's death. The article highlights the broader context of the war in Gaza, where at least 662 people involved in sports have been killed, and discusses the reactions of various organizations and individuals to Obeid's death.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has announced plans to restore a 2018 military agreement with North Korea to ease border tensions. The agreement, suspended by the previous conservative government in 2024, aimed to prevent clashes by creating buffer zones and no-fly zones. Lee's move comes amid heightened tensions due to North Korea's nuclear ambitions and deepening ties with Russia. Lee also took a conciliatory tone toward Japan, calling for improved ties despite historical grievances. However, North Korea's response remains uncertain, with Kim Yo Jong dismissing Lee's efforts as misguided.