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Videos by cave explorers revealed that many karst caves in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the Chinese landscape that inspired “Avatar,” were filled with years of dumped trash and pig manure. Following public outcry, authorities launched a cleanup, removing 51 metric tons from two caves and finding about two-thirds of 200 inspected caves contaminated, though regional drinking water tested safe. Cleanup was paused after toxic and flammable gases were detected. The dumping began around 2010 when open burning was banned and waste services lagged amid intensive pig farming. Officials have suspended four cadres and are investigating 12 livestock farms. The case highlights broader pollution challenges in China, echoing past incidents in Yunnan and Guizhou.

French Green Party lawmaker Pouria Amirshahi says the U.S. denied his visa for a trip to meet progressive lawmakers and thinkers about conditions under President Trump. Amirshahi, founder of a cross-party group aimed at countering “neo-fascism,” had planned meetings with Senator Peter Welch and Representative Maxine Dexter. After his ESTA was refused, he applied for a visa with a French Foreign Ministry referral but was denied nearly two weeks later. He called the decision hostile and is seeking a reversal; the U.S. Embassy declined comment. The case comes amid reports of tougher U.S. entry screenings that critics say target Trump’s critics. Amirshahi, an Iranian-born French citizen who opposes Iran’s regime, said his background was not the issue.

The article argues that Jaws established a durable blockbuster template built on nine core beats: a mysterious “creature” menaces a remote setting, an early anonymous victim raises stakes, a reluctant hero challenges local authority, experts are enlisted, and a major sacrifice precedes a final showdown that kills the creature. While creature features existed before 1975, Jaws’s wide release, budget, and suspense tactics—especially withholding the monster—made its structure hugely influential. The authors catalog 50+ films across genres that follow this blueprint, from direct imitators like Great White to reimaginings like Alien (“Jaws in space”) and Nope, and even disasters or epidemics (Twister, Contagion) treated as predatory forces. Key elements include isolating locations, delayed monster reveals to heighten fear, and concise creature screen time. Jaws’s DNA now permeates modern blockbusters, including Spielberg’s later hits, shaping how Hollywood balances suspense, spectacle, and human stakes.

DHS has issued new guidance restricting congressional access to ICE facilities, requesting at least 72 hours’ notice for visits, while a DHS spokeswoman suggested a week’s notice and said exceptions must be approved by Secretary Kristi Noem. The policy claims authority to deny, reschedule, or terminate tours for “operational” reasons, bars unsanctioned contact with detainees, and asserts that ICE field offices aren’t covered by federal law allowing unannounced oversight visits—despite detainees sometimes being held there for days. Multiple Democratic lawmakers were recently denied entry to ICE field offices and processing centers in New York and Illinois, fueling clashes and accusations that the Trump administration is evading lawful oversight. Democrats, including Rep. Bennie Thompson and Sen. Chuck Schumer, called the rules unconstitutional and a bid to avoid accountability; DHS cites safety, disruptions, and increased operations to justify the restrictions.

The Justice Department plans to cut about two-thirds of the ATF’s inspector workforce—eliminating 541 of roughly 800 positions—to meet a mandated one-third budget reduction, sharply curbing oversight of the nation’s 100,000 licensed gun dealers. The move, part of a broader effort to downsize and potentially merge ATF with the DEA, follows rollbacks of Biden-era gun regulations, including policies on ghost guns and dealer enforcement, and reviews of rules on pistol braces and background checks for private sales. Critics, including Everytown for Gun Safety, warn the cuts will undermine public safety and embolden noncompliant dealers, while ATF, already struggling with staffing shortages and diverted resources, faces further demoralization and diminished regulatory capacity. A Justice Department spokesman declined comment.

Pakistan has quietly expanded domestic drone operations to monitor and strike militants amid rising attacks by the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army, especially near the Afghan border. While officials claim improved precision, reported civilian casualties—including children killed in North Waziristan and injuries at a volleyball match—have sparked protests, eroded trust, and intensified political tensions with Imran Khan’s party. The military has begun selectively releasing footage to shape the narrative, but verification is limited in conflict zones. Militants acknowledge losses and have retaliated against alleged informants. Rights groups demand transparent investigations as Pakistan joins a small group of states using drones against militants at home, raising legal and ethical concerns.

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants announced its 2025 list in Turin, naming Maido in Lima as No. 1, the second Lima restaurant to top the ranking. Asador Etxebarri (Spain) stayed at No. 2, followed by Quintonil (Mexico City), DiverXO (Madrid), and Alchemist (Copenhagen). The lineup reflects growing recognition of non-European fine dining with experimental, hyperlocal approaches. Atomix in New York was the highest-ranked U.S. restaurant at No. 12; other U.S. spots on the extended 51–100 list include Single Thread (80), Le Bernardin (90), Atelier Crenn (96), and César (98), while Cosme and Smyth dropped off. Bangkok’s Potong debuted at No. 13, with chef Pichaya Soontornyanakij receiving the contentious “world’s best female chef” award. The list continues to face criticism over voting transparency and perks but remains influential for gastrotourism; former No. 1s are retired to a “Best of the Best” category. The full top 10: Maido; Asador Etxebarri; Quintonil; DiverXO; Alchemist; Gaggan; Sézanne; Table by Bruno Verjus; Kjolle; Don Julio. Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura of Maido emphasized “human sustainability” in the industry.

Taiwan, heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels and vulnerable to Chinese blockades, is racing to expand domestic power to support its booming chip industry. With AI-driven demand set to raise electricity needs by 13% in five years and TSMC adding more fabs, the government is pushing renewables—wind, solar, and especially geothermal—yet progress lags targets due to political disputes, land constraints, and technical/staffing challenges. Geothermal remains under 1% of supply, though Taiwan aims for 15% in three decades, repurposing oil rigs and developing new drilling techniques amid uncertainty about subsurface yields. As Taiwan shutters its last nuclear reactor, public and political momentum is growing to restart nuclear, with a proposed law extending plant lifespans that could revive the Maanshan facility. Despite assurances against shortages, recent blackouts and surging industrial demand raise doubts that current renewable build-out will be sufficient without nuclear or faster deployment.

A dangerous, prolonged heat wave is spreading from the Central Plains to the East Coast, affecting over 100 million people through at least midweek. Temperatures will surge into the upper 90s and 100s with high humidity, creating hazardous heat indexes and little nighttime relief. The Midwest, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast will be hardest hit, with New York City potentially reaching 100°F Monday and Tuesday—its first triple digits since 2012. Thunderstorms may briefly temper heat at the edges of the pattern, but widespread records and persistent conditions are likely, increasing health risks for those without adequate cooling. Models agree on the onset but differ on the exact end, though the heat is expected to last into next week.

The State Department will resume processing F, M, and J visas and begin reviewing applicants’ public social media for signs of “hostility” toward the U.S., a vague standard critics say chills free speech and imposes an ideological test. Consular officers are instructed to scrutinize accounts, potentially using advanced technology, amid broader Trump administration efforts—led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio—to reshape university culture, restrict visas (particularly for Chinese students and “critical fields”), and revoke existing visas and even green cards. Recent pauses in visa processing, legal challenges, and targeted actions against students and institutions like Harvard have heightened uncertainty for universities reliant on international students and scholars. Critics warn the policy could politicize admissions and deter foreign academics vital to U.S. research and higher education.

The article chronicles how the transgender rights movement, led legally by the A.C.L.U. and supported by the Biden administration, pursued a high-stakes Supreme Court strategy to block Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors—and lost in a 6–3 decision. The ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti not only upholds Tennessee’s law but effectively shields similar bans across many states and signals the Court’s unwillingness to extend new constitutional protections to transgender people. The defeat marks a sharp reversal from the LGBTQ movement’s prior decade of incremental wins (marriage equality, open military service, employment protections) and reflects a broader political backlash intensified under Trump’s second term, which has moved to restrict trans rights and federal recognition. Internally, many advocates feared the case was a strategic misstep—centering a contentious issue involving children amid shifting public opinion—and worry it could invite further limits on adult transition care and other contested health services. The piece portrays a movement at a crossroads, questioning its legal strategy and political messaging as public support softens and judicial avenues narrow.

The Supreme Court’s ruling in United States v. Skrmetti upheld state bans on gender-affirming care for minors, dealing a major setback to trans rights. Many LGBTQ legal experts anticipated a loss given the Court’s conservative makeup and warned it could jeopardize broader trans protections. The case reflected a broader clash over whether self-identified gender should supersede biological sex in law and policy—an approach embraced by the Biden administration but not widely supported by voters. Strategically, the movement shifted from incremental wins to a high-risk bid to establish a constitutional right to pediatric gender treatments just as European countries tightened access amid evidence questions. Internal documents from WPATH, surfaced in a separate Alabama case, fueled scrutiny of medical standards and the strength of supporting science. Advocates also misread the scope of the Court’s 2020 Bostock decision, overestimating its applicability beyond employment law; the Court found Tennessee’s ban would stand even under Bostock’s logic. Critics within the movement called bringing Skrmetti a major strategic mistake.

Generative AI’s growing use carries a significant climate cost, with U.S. data center electricity demand potentially rising from 4.4% to 12% by 2028, likely increasing fossil fuel use. A new study of 14 open-source language models finds larger and “reasoning” models consume exponentially more energy and emit more CO2, yet deliver only modest accuracy gains beyond a point. Longer outputs, not just subject matter, drive higher emissions; math and logic questions often produce longer, more energy-intensive answers. Emissions also vary widely by data center location and energy mix, so the study’s global-average conversions are estimates. Experts advise choosing the smallest model that fits the task—or skipping generative AI entirely for simple needs like web searches, email sorting, or calculations, which can be done more efficiently with traditional tools.

A devastating Air India crash that killed at least 270 people threatens the carrier's ambitious turnaround under new private ownership by the Tata Group. The airline had shown improvements in operating profit, revenues, and customer complaints before the tragedy. The crash has sparked concerns about passenger confidence and the potential derailment of the turnaround efforts. Experts warn of a short-term impact on bookings and the need for the airline to pause and grapple with the aftermath. The investigation into the crash will continue to hang over the airline, with intense global scrutiny on its operational and maintenance issues. Air India will need to navigate this crisis through consistent communication and recovery actions to rebuild its brand image.

Air India’s chairman N Chandrasekaran said the crashed Boeing 787-8 (AI171) had a new right engine installed in March 2025 and a left engine last serviced in 2023, with its next check due December 2025, and that both had clean histories. He urged against speculation, noting black box data will clarify the cause. Experts highlighted that Genx-1B engine health isn’t determined by age due to continuous digital monitoring, though some parts have fixed lifespans. In response to the crash that killed at least 270 people shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, Air India has cut wide-body international operations by 15% until mid-July and is conducting enhanced safety checks; 26 of 33 Boeing 787s have been cleared so far, with additional inspections ongoing, including for Boeing 777s. The incident could affect Air India’s ongoing turnaround under Tata Sons.

Czech police charged a 22-year-old man and two relatives for running an unlicensed dental clinic from their home in Havlíčkův Brod, where the man performed extractions, root canals, and administered anesthesia using instructions found online. The operation treated dozens of patients and earned about 4 million CZK (£137,827/$185,500). The trio—who acted as a dentist, nurse, and prosthetics maker—were arrested and charged with operating an illegal business, money laundering, attempted assault, drug dealing, and theft; all pleaded guilty and face up to eight years in prison. Authorities did not confirm patient complaints. The head of the Czech dental chamber noted about 10 fake dentist cases are reported annually, with multiple new reports the same day.

Rescuers and medics in Gaza say 11 Palestinians seeking aid were killed by Israeli fire on Wednesday, among at least 33 people killed across the territory that day. Hamas-run civil defense reported Israeli forces fired on crowds queuing for food on Salah al-Din Road; the Israeli military said troops fired warning shots at a perceived threat and was unaware of injuries. Additional Israeli airstrikes in north and south Gaza reportedly killed 19 more people, with Israel saying it was targeting Hamas. The incidents follow earlier deadly episodes at aid sites, including in Khan Younis, amid severe hunger and disputes over the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s distribution system, which UN agencies criticize as unsafe and contrary to humanitarian principles. The World Food Programme warned current aid deliveries are far below need, while Israel reported dozens of aid trucks entering Gaza, many awaiting UN collection. The war began after Hamas’s 7 October attack on Israel; Gaza’s health ministry reports over 55,000 killed since.

Controversial Kenyan televangelist Gilbert Deya, known for claiming to produce “miracle” pregnancies, died in a road crash near Kisumu, Kenya. The collision involved his vehicle, a university bus, and another car, leaving at least 30 injured, including his wife and bus students. Deya, who founded Gilbert Deya Ministries in London, gained notoriety in the early 2000s and was linked to an alleged child-trafficking ring; he was extradited from the UK and acquitted in 2023 for lack of evidence. His ministry had faced UK investigations for alleged mismanagement and false healing claims. He reportedly continued religious work after acquittal and died at around 72.

The UK Home Office has banned South African politician Julius Malema from entering the country, deeming his presence “non-conducive to the public good.” Citing his vocal support for Hamas and past threats involving violence against white people, the UK said he has no right of appeal and may be refused future applications. Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters party condemned the move as stifling debate. This is his second UK denial in two months, with the latest decision described as substantive.

New Zealand has paused NZ$18.2m in development funding to the Cook Islands after being blindsided by broad cooperation deals the Cooks signed with China in February, covering infrastructure, tourism, technology, and deep-sea mineral exploration. Wellington says funding depends on trust and will resume only after concrete steps to repair the relationship. The Cook Islands say they value New Zealand’s support and are working urgently to address concerns. The move reflects wider regional unease among US allies about China’s growing influence in the Pacific. The China deals sparked protests in Rarotonga and a no-confidence vote that Prime Minister Mark Brown survived. New Zealand and the Cook Islands maintain a close “free association” relationship, with Wellington providing defense, foreign affairs support, and significant funding in recent years.

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have initialled a US- and Qatar-mediated draft peace deal aiming to end decades of conflict in eastern DR Congo. The agreement calls for disengagement, disarmament, and conditional integration of armed groups, plus a joint security mechanism to prevent renewed fighting. A formal signing, expected next week and witnessed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, could unlock major Western investment in the mineral-rich region. The conflict escalated after M23 rebels—allegedly backed by Rwanda, which denies it—seized key cities like Goma and Bukavu, displacing hundreds of thousands. Despite past failed accords, this draft builds on an April pledge to respect sovereignty, though analysts warn significant questions remain about implementation.

A SpaceX Starship prototype exploded into a massive fireball during pre-flight testing late Wednesday at the Massey’s Testing Center in Texas. The incident, captured on a live stream, caused no injuries, and SpaceX said there were no hazards to nearby communities while urging people to avoid the area.

A 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel temporarily allowed President Trump to retain control of California National Guard troops deployed in Los Angeles amid protests over ICE tactics, blocking a lower court order that said the deployment was illegal and violated the Tenth Amendment. The appeals court said presidents can deploy the Guard to prevent interference with federal law and urged judicial deference to such decisions, citing incidents of violence and damage to federal property. It rejected California’s argument that the Guard’s presence would escalate tensions as speculative, while leaving the status of deployed Marines unaddressed. A lower court hearing is set for Friday to revisit short-term control as the broader legal challenge continues. Gov. Gavin Newsom vowed to keep fighting; Trump celebrated the ruling.

NPR reports that Juneteenth organizers nationwide are pressing ahead despite heightened safety concerns, funding cutbacks, and political pushback. In Bend, Oregon, safety worries led to the cancellation of a public park event, later revived indoors on a smaller scale. West Virginia’s governor ended Juneteenth as a paid state holiday, prompting Charleston organizers to shift festivities to Friday to maintain participation. Denver’s long-running Juneteenth Music Festival scaled back to one day due to reduced corporate sponsorships, relying more on individual donors. Conversely, Nashville’s Juneteenth615 marked its largest year yet, with organizers insisting the celebration’s historical roots make cancellation untenable. NPR also features a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Some ready-to-eat chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold at Kroger (Home Chef) and Walmart (Marketside) are being voluntarily recalled after a nationwide Listeria outbreak tied to FreshRealm, Inc., with 17 illnesses, 16 hospitalizations, three deaths, and one fetal loss reported across 13 states. The USDA’s FSIS and FDA advise consumers not to eat the products and to discard or return them. Affected items include Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine (32.8 oz; best-by 06/27/25 or earlier), Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine and Broccoli (12.3 oz; best-by 06/26/25 or earlier), and Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (12.5 oz; best-by 06/19/25 or earlier). Listeria infection can be severe, especially for pregnant people, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. FSIS is still investigating the contamination source.

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from conditioning transportation grants on states’ cooperation with immigration enforcement or changes to DEI policies. Chief U.S. District Judge John McConnell ruled that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy lacked authority to impose the “Immigration Enforcement Condition” and that the requirements were unrelated to Congress’s purposes for transportation funding. The decision, prompted by a lawsuit from 20 Democratic-led states, prevents potential disruption to ongoing and planned transportation projects ahead of a June 20 grant deadline.

As extreme heat becomes more common, experts urge precautions even without official advisories. Check the heat index (humidity, wind, time of day) and schedule activities for earlier hours; 3–5 p.m. is riskiest. Wear loose, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen, moisture-wicking), sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat. Seek shade and natural areas to reduce felt temperature by 10°F or more. Know heat exhaustion signs—excessive sweating, weakness, dizziness, fainting, pale skin, nausea, vomiting, fatigue—and be especially vigilant for seniors, children, and those with certain conditions or medications. Hydrate consistently; avoid alcohol. Cool down by submerging in water or dunking feet and arms, and apply ice packs or wet/cooling towels to the neck, armpits, and groin to lower core temperature. Take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning; if symptoms persist after cooling, seek medical care.

The FAA faces a shortfall of over 3,000 air traffic controllers, leading to mandatory overtime and strains at key facilities. To speed hiring, it’s partnering with universities like Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which now run accelerated programs mirroring the FAA Academy. These programs let students begin background and medical checks early and, if they pass required exams, skip the academy entirely—cutting timelines from years to weeks or months. Early graduates are eager for the work despite the job’s stress, drawn by problem-solving challenges and strong pay (often exceeding $100,000, with significant overtime potential). The FAA is also offering incentives, expanding veteran pathways, and streamlining applications, though about a third of candidates still wash out during training. Despite reforms, full certification remains a multi-year process, and staffing gaps—especially in areas like New York—continue to pressure the system.

A SpaceX Starship prototype exploded on the test stand at Starbase in South Texas around 11 p.m. during preparations for its tenth flight test. The company described it as a “major anomaly,” reported no injuries, maintained a safety perimeter, and said there were no hazards to nearby communities. SpaceX is working with local officials and urged the public to avoid the area.

The Department of Veterans Affairs abruptly ended its VASP program, which had refinanced delinquent VA loans into affordable 2.5% mortgages and helped over 33,000 veterans avoid foreclosure in the past year. With about 80,000 vets behind on payments, the shutdown leaves veterans with fewer, worse options than other homeowners, since Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA still offer relief that doesn’t raise payments. VA Secretary Doug Collins defended ending VASP over cost and taxpayer risk, pushing instead for a congressional “partial claim” fix—but that replacement isn’t in place yet. Both Republicans and Democrats criticized the abrupt move for stranding veterans at immediate risk of foreclosure, with lawmakers pressing the VA on what it will do in the interim. Veterans interviewed by NPR described fear and frustration as foreclosure risks rise without a safety net.

The U.S. State Department has resumed processing student visas after a temporary suspension but now requires all applicants to make their social media accounts public for government review. Consular officers will screen for content deemed hostile to the U.S., and refusals may lead to denial. The policy prioritizes applicants to schools where international students comprise less than 15% of enrollment, potentially disadvantaging institutions with higher foreign student populations, including Ivy League schools. Critics, including the Knight First Amendment Institute, warn the policy resembles Cold War–style ideological vetting and could chill free speech. The move is part of broader Trump administration efforts to tighten scrutiny of international students and expand travel vetting.

A father’s post about a nearly $1,000 Disneyland breakfast for five went viral after he shared a $937.65 receipt from the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at the Grand Californian Hotel. The prix fixe experience costs $142 per person for both adults and children, with his total including a $150 tip. Despite expecting about half the final bill, he praised the food, attentive service, and extensive princess interactions. The post sparked widespread debate over Disney pricing as the park marks its 70th anniversary. Disney did not comment.

Internal FBI emails from 2023, obtained by Sen. Chuck Grassley and reported by the New York Post, show DOJ prosecutors and FBI agents exploring ways to bring additional charges against Donald Trump tied to a Jan. 6 prisoners’ choir project, based largely on a Forbes article. Deputy special counsel JP Cooney asked colleagues to “nail down Trump’s role” and look into an LLC linked to media figure Ed Henry. FBI agent Walter Giardina, previously involved in high-profile Trump-related investigations, pursued the lead. Grassley and whistleblowers cite the emails as evidence of politicized “lawfare” against Trump, alleging the DOJ and FBI hunted for pretexts to charge him rather than focusing on core duties. The piece also references Grassley’s broader probes with FBI Director Kash Patel into past anti-Trump actions and an FBI memo on alleged Chinese-forged IDs in 2020. The article concludes that efforts to pursue Jan. 6-related charges ultimately failed, noting Trump’s 2024 victory and subsequent dismissal of federal cases against him.

Karen Read, 45, was acquitted of murdering her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, after two high-profile trials, though she received one year of probation for drunk driving. Her multimillion-dollar defense, led by LA attorney Alan Jackson and local lawyer David Yannetti, aggressively attacked the prosecution’s case, highlighting a flawed investigation by former state trooper Michael Proctor—whose crude, biased texts and suspension/firing undermined credibility—and raising alternate-suspect theories involving attendees at a party O’Keefe allegedly entered. The defense pointed to inconsistencies in witness testimony, a disputed Google search timeline, possible dog-bite injuries, and a potential fight inside the home. Read financed her defense through selling her house, draining retirement funds, and over $1 million in donations, while cultivating a strong public support base.

Vice President JD Vance was briefly suspended from the social platform Bluesky just 12 minutes after his first post, in which he praised Justice Clarence Thomas’s concurrence upholding Tennessee’s restrictions on transgender medical treatments for minors and criticized “experts” and pharmaceutical influence. The suspension sparked user backlash and reports against his post, but Bluesky said the action was triggered by automated impersonation-detection systems, not content. His account was quickly restored and verified. Bluesky has grown rapidly since Trump’s 2024 win, attracting many liberal-leaning users.

Billionaire Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners and TWG Global, has agreed to buy the Los Angeles Lakers from the Buss family for about $10 billion, the largest sale of a U.S. sports franchise. With an estimated net worth of $12.5 billion, Walter is already the primary owner and chairman of the Dodgers, co-leads ownership of the WNBA’s Sparks, and is a co-leader of Chelsea FC’s BlueCo consortium. He also invests in the Cadillac F1 team, the Billie Jean King Cup, and the PWHL—whose championship “Walter Cup” is named after him and his wife. Under his stewardship, the Dodgers won World Series titles in 2020 and 2024. An Iowa native, Walter is active in philanthropy and holds degrees from Creighton and Northwestern.

SpaceX’s Starship Ship 36 exploded in a massive fireball during a late-night test at the Starbase facility near Boca Chica, Texas, as crews prepared for its tenth flight. The blast, captured on livestream, originated near the top of the vehicle, destroyed the test setup, and scattered debris, with fires burning for hours. SpaceX reported no injuries, said a safety zone was in place, and noted no hazards to nearby communities, though residents felt the blast. The incident follows several recent Starship setbacks, including vehicles breaking up during reentry and an earlier ascent failure, even as SpaceX continues to demonstrate successful recovery of Super Heavy boosters. Elon Musk has not commented.

The op-ed argues that New York’s rising subway crime and MTA budget shortfalls stem largely from widespread fare evasion, and blames Democratic leaders for weakening enforcement. Citing data that many farebeaters have warrants or weapons, the author contends that strict turnstile enforcement reduces overall crime and boosts revenue, potentially negating the need for congestion pricing. The piece criticizes DAs for declining to prosecute fare evasion, Hochul for easing penalties, and Democratic mayoral candidates for opposing tougher measures. It endorses candidates like Eric Adams and Curtis Sliwa who favor aggressive enforcement, framing farebeating prosecutions as a litmus test for restoring safety and order.

Supporters of Karen Read used the American Sign Language gesture for “I love you” outside court to show solidarity while avoiding disruptive chants, at the request of her legal team. Read, who had been accused of murdering her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, was acquitted of second-degree murder and left court with only a drunk driving conviction. Her pink-clad backers and family framed their movement as a stand against perceived corruption, celebrating the verdict with the silent hand sign.

Chinese researchers have developed a compact, portable neutron generator that uses an electromagnetic method to fuse hydrogen protons with lithium, producing a focused beam of about 10 billion fast neutrons per second, each at roughly 3 MeV. This “atomic flashlight” achieves unprecedented efficiency without massive accelerators and could transform applications in science, industry, and defense, including non-destructive testing (e.g., aircraft wing crack detection), medical treatments for deep tumors, and explosive detection.

At a US-China Business Council event, Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng urged Washington to view the full trade picture, arguing the bilateral trade is “generally balanced” and that high US tariffs, export controls, and visa barriers distort the deficit. He said the US restricts its most competitive exports (like semiconductors) while limiting Chinese firms, students, and tourists, undermining deficit reduction. The remarks came as both sides weigh a tentative framework reached in London to implement a Geneva consensus that cut Trump-era tariffs on Chinese goods from 125% to 55%. Meanwhile, the US ambassador to China said the Trump administration seeks a relationship based on fairness and respect, even as tech and security controls have tightened since 2022, with a recent deal reportedly easing some restrictions and restoring Chinese students’ access to US universities in exchange for more Chinese critical mineral exports.

China’s urban youth unemployment (ages 16–24, excluding students) fell to 14.9% in May from 15.8% in April, marking a third monthly decline but remaining above last May’s 14.2%. The rate is expected to rise as a record 12.2 million graduates enter the labor market this summer. Authorities cite external headwinds, recruitment difficulties in some sectors, and skills mismatches as persistent challenges. Beijing has rolled out measures including subsidies for firms hiring unemployed youth and new graduates to bolster employment.

China’s Comac aims for its first home-grown widebody jet, the C929, to enter commercial service by 2035, with domestic type certification targeted for 2032, according to remarks shared with partners at the Paris Air Show. Now in detailed design, the twin-aisle aircraft is expected to resemble the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, seat up to 440 passengers, and offer a range of about 12,000 km. The extended timeline signals a cautious, safety-focused approach, following the C919’s entry into service in 2023.

Hong Kong’s Legislative Council passed the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2025, granting part-time workers statutory benefits if they work at least 68 hours over four weeks starting January 18, 2026. While aimed at closing loopholes used by employers in sectors like retail, catering, and security, lawmakers warned it remains vulnerable to manipulation due to the rolling calculation method (current week plus three preceding weeks). Labour representative Lam Chun-sing suggested including future weeks in the calculation to prevent evasion. Transport lawmaker Frankie Yick cautioned minibus operators may cut hours to comply, reducing drivers’ income and complicating operations.

A man accused of robbing a Tsim Sha Tsui luxury resale shop—stealing 11 pre-owned Hermès bags and a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace worth nearly HK$3 million—has been arrested in Thailand and will be extradited to Hong Kong. Police say he rendered a 42-year-old staff member unconscious by covering her face with a towel after posing as a customer who initially bought a bag, then tied her up and fled with the goods.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces a political crisis after a leaked nine-minute phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen sparked backlash. In the recording, she referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and called parts of Thailand’s army “opponents,” inflaming nationalist sentiment amid a tense Thailand-Cambodia border dispute. The fallout prompted the royalist Bhumjaithai Party to quit the governing coalition, withdrawing 69 MPs and eight ministers, leaving Paetongtarn’s government on the brink and intensifying calls for her resignation. The controversy unfolds as both countries harden positions along the frontier and Cambodia seeks World Court intervention, further angering Thailand.

Former People’s Bank of China governor Zhou Xiaochuan warned that US dollar-backed stablecoins could accelerate global “dollarisation,” potentially amplifying US monetary dominance and creating risks for countries adopting them. Speaking at the Lujiazui Forum, he noted that while other nations may issue local-currency stablecoins, their global impact is uncertain compared with USD-pegged versions. His comments follow the US Senate’s passage of landmark legislation establishing federal oversight for US dollar stablecoins, giving private firms a regulated path to issue digital dollars. China, despite banning crypto trading, remains focused on the technology’s cross-border finance implications. Zhou cautioned that dollarisation can bring adverse side effects unless countries face extreme conditions like high inflation or heavy debt.

The article charts Greenland’s geopolitical importance through six maps, showing how its location, resources, and changing climate have repeatedly drawn great-power interest. It notes Donald Trump’s unprecedented modern call to acquire Greenland—framed as necessary for U.S. national security and mineral access—and explains how melting ice is opening Arctic sea routes, elevating the island’s strategic value. Historically sparsely populated yet contested, Greenland has been subject to occupation attempts and remains pivotal for military positioning, resource competition, and Arctic governance as geography and geopolitics evolve.

AI’s role in schools is double-edged. While students and teachers increasingly use large language models (LLMs)—sometimes to shortcut work—this can create dependency and degrade learning when tools are removed, as seen in coding and math trials in Turkey and the Netherlands. Some teachers also use bots for generic feedback, frustrating students. Yet AI can deliver striking gains when well designed: a Nigerian pilot reportedly helped students achieve roughly two years of learning in six weeks. The takeaway: AI can boost outcomes, but only with careful implementation that avoids overreliance and maintains meaningful human guidance and assessment.

The article highlights how ICE has intensified interior immigration enforcement under President Trump, sparking widespread protests beyond Los Angeles. Using six charts, it shows increased raids and deportations, broader targeting beyond serious criminals to include those with minor or no criminal records, and expanded cooperation with local authorities. It also notes legal, logistical, and political obstacles—such as court backlogs, sanctuary policies, and public opposition—that could limit the crackdown’s scope and effectiveness.

The Economist’s 2025 liveability ranking reports a shake-up at the top: Vienna has lost its long-held first place. The analysis links the reshuffle to rising global instability, which is eroding living standards across many cities. Broader geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and local disruptions are cited as pressures affecting safety, infrastructure, and public services, leading to more volatile scores and a narrower gap among leading cities.

A Harvard index ranks 25 countries’ technological strength across AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, space and quantum. The United States leads overall, but rivals are narrowing the gap, leaving the West in a fragile position as competition intensifies.

The article highlights that despite girls’ broad academic gains, they still lag behind boys in mathematics, with a French study finding a gender gap emerging within the first months of schooling. This early divergence steers girls away from math-intensive fields and depresses future earnings. The piece underscores that the gap appears rapidly, suggesting influences like teacher expectations, societal stereotypes, confidence differences, and classroom dynamics, and implies that interventions must start very early to be effective.

Cambodia has escalated a border dispute with Thailand by banning imports of Thai fruit and vegetables and pulling Thai films and soap operas from TV and cinemas, following brief border clashes in May that killed a Cambodian soldier. Both countries have tightened visa rules and imposed other retaliatory measures, with Cambodia also closing a checkpoint and cutting Thai internet bandwidth. Mass pro-government rallies in Phnom Penh underscored rising nationalist sentiment. Cambodia has asked the International Court of Justice to rule on four disputed areas, including the tri-border region at Mom Bei/Chong Bok and sites around ancient temples; Thailand rejects ICJ jurisdiction and prefers bilateral talks. Leaders on both sides say they aim to protect sovereignty while maintaining peace, amid reminders of past violence linked to the long-running, colonial-era border dispute.

A first-of-its-kind underwater expedition will search for pirate-era shipwrecks and artifacts off Nassau, New Providence, long a 17th–18th century pirate haven. Led by British marine archaeologist Dr Sean Kingsley and Bahamian co-director Dr Michael Pateman, and sanctioned by the Bahamas’ antiquities authority, the survey begins in September. Targets include the Fancy, Henry Avery’s scuttled flagship tied to a major 1695 Mughal treasure heist. Researchers hope mixed artifacts—multinational ceramics, diverse coins, and pirate weapons—will identify pirate wrecks and illuminate daily life in Nassau’s “golden age of piracy.” The project partners with Wreckwatch TV to produce a documentary showcasing the sites linked to figures like Blackbeard, Calico Jack Rackham, and Anne Bonny.

Rio de Janeiro enacted a law requiring municipal public hospitals and clinics to display anti-abortion signs, including claims that fetuses are discarded as hospital waste and warnings of health risks from abortion. Critics say the messages are misleading and part of a broader national push to restrict abortion access in Brazil, where the procedure is only legal in cases of rape, risk to the pregnant person’s life, or anencephaly. The measure, proposed by far-right councilors and signed by Mayor Eduardo Paes, is seen as politically motivated amid his expected gubernatorial run. Activists note increasing local and institutional efforts—by politicians, doctors, and judges—to impede even legal abortions, citing recent examples and influence from Bolsonaro-aligned groups. A public prosecutor has filed a lawsuit claiming the new law is unconstitutional; a judge has yet to rule.

New Zealand has paused NZ$18.2m in funding to the Cook Islands and will withhold significant new aid after Avarua signed a series of agreements with China without sufficient consultation. Wellington says the “breadth and content” of the China deals—and the lack of advance notice—breached expectations under their special relationship and must be addressed to restore trust. The freeze affects core sector support for health, education, and tourism and comes amid PM Christopher Luxon’s visit to China. Cook Islands PM Mark Brown downplayed the impact, saying payments are “paused,” and pledged to rebuild the high-trust relationship with New Zealand. The China agreements, which include infrastructure funding and scholarships but not explicit security cooperation, have raised regional concerns about Beijing’s growing influence in the Pacific.

Two letters respond to a Guardian editorial on US aid cuts to Zambia and multinational profit shifting. Emmanuel Mwamba argues the $50m US aid cut was justified by large-scale theft of US-donated medicines within Zambia’s state structures, citing repeated but ignored US warnings; he says corruption is entrenched and harms ordinary people. Fiona Mulaisho counters that, beyond local corruption, the larger problem is “legalised theft” by multinationals extracting billions (e.g., $5bn in 2021) through tax avoidance and complex financial structures, leaving Zambia impoverished despite rich minerals. She calls for new resource governance models, transparency, progressive taxation, and regional cooperation, and labels Western moralising hypocritical while systemic extraction persists.

Researchers have confirmed that Captain James Cook’s ship HMS Endeavour lies at the bottom of Newport Harbor, Rhode Island, resolving a decadeslong mystery. Identified through a 26-year archival and archaeological effort led by the Australian National Maritime Museum and Rhode Island partners, the wreck had been suspected since 1998 and debated after a 2022 announcement. Originally used for Cook’s Pacific voyages (1768–1771) and later renamed Lord Sandwich, the ship was deliberately scuttled in 1778 during the American Revolutionary War. Authorities are now moving to secure strong legal and physical protections for the culturally significant site.

Honda successfully conducted a test flight of an experimental reusable rocket in Hokkaido, Japan, marking its first landing after reaching nearly 300 meters in altitude. The six-meter prototype completed a one-minute flight and landed just 37 centimeters from its target. Aiming for suborbital launches by 2029, Honda plans to leverage its automotive and autonomous tech to develop reusable rockets for satellite deployment and environmental monitoring. The effort positions Honda within a growing global market led by companies like SpaceX, as Japan’s broader space sector, including JAXA and startups, intensifies its launch ambitions.

Kate, Princess of Wales, canceled her planned appearance at Royal Ascot as she continues her recovery from cancer, balancing a gradual return to public duties with health needs. While Prince William attended and presented prizes, Kate—who announced in September that she completed chemotherapy—has recently reappeared at key events, including Trooping the Colour and the Order of the Garter service. The royal family has not disclosed the type of cancer affecting Kate or King Charles III, who has also resumed public duties.

The U.K. House of Commons voted 379-137 to amend a crime bill to decriminalize abortion for women in England and Wales, aiming to stop prosecutions under the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act. The change, driven by recent prosecutions and investigations including cases involving late-term abortions and miscarriages, would remove women from criminal liability but does not decriminalize actions by medical providers. Current law permits abortions up to 24 weeks (later in special cases), with telemedicine allowed up to 10 weeks. Anti-abortion groups warn it weakens protections for fetuses, while supporters hail it as a major step for reproductive rights. The broader bill must still pass the Commons and then go to the House of Lords, which can delay but not block it. A stricter amendment requiring in-person visits for abortion pills was defeated, and a broader decriminalization covering providers did not reach a vote.

The article chronicles over four decades of Iranian-directed or backed attacks against U.S. forces and citizens. It highlights the 1979 U.S. Embassy hostage crisis; Iran’s admitted role in the 1983 Beirut embassy and Marine barracks bombings; the 1996 Khobar Towers attack; and extensive support for proxy groups in Iraq and Afghanistan, linked by U.S. sources and courts to hundreds of American deaths and injuries. It also covers post-2019 incidents, including Iran’s 2020 missile strikes after Qassem Soleimani’s killing and the 2024 drone attack in Jordan that killed three Americans. Analysts argue Iran’s proxy strategy aims to pressure the U.S. while avoiding direct war, even as Iranian-backed militias continue sporadic attacks on U.S. positions. Courts have awarded damages against Iran under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act for its support of terrorism.

Irish authorities have begun excavating the site of the former Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, where a mass grave in an underground sewage structure is believed to contain remains of around 800 infants and young children who died between the 1920s and 1961. The investigation follows historian Catherine Corless’s 2014 research uncovering nearly 800 death certificates but only one burial record. Forensic experts will analyze and preserve remains; identified remains will be returned to families, and unidentified remains will be reburied. The two-year excavation allows families and survivors to observe. The Catholic order previously issued a “profound apology,” and Ireland’s government apologized in 2021 after a report found 9,000 children died in 18 such homes. Prime Minister Micheál Martin called the situation harrowing and urged patience as the process unfolds.

Sen. Jim Risch, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, warns that China, Russia, and Iran pose growing national security challenges to U.S. interests in Africa through military involvement, exploitative practices, and, in Iran’s case, potential uranium extraction. He urges stronger U.S. trade and investment engagement alongside partnerships with African states to counter malign influence, address terrorism, instability, migration, and trafficking. Risch supports a more decentralized counterterrorism approach in Somalia and praises the Trump administration’s “outside the box” airstrike strategy. He calls for ending Sudan’s war—now a major humanitarian crisis influenced by external actors—and backs U.S. efforts to broker peace between the DRC and Rwanda to offset China’s minerals leverage. He also questions South Africa’s eligibility for AGOA benefits given its ties with Russia, China, and Hamas, noting that Trump’s tariff regime already diminishes AGOA’s advantages.

A UN Commission of Inquiry released a report accusing Israel of the crime against humanity of extermination and restricting religious freedoms, particularly at Jerusalem holy sites, while documenting damage to educational and cultural facilities during the Gaza war. The report offers 13 recommendations to Israel and fewer to Hamas (“de facto authorities in Gaza”) and the Palestinian Authority, prompting criticism that it is biased against Israel. U.S. officials reiterated opposition to the commission’s mandate and approach, while acknowledging Palestinian suffering and Israel’s obligation to protect civilians. Legal experts quoted by Fox News called the report antisemitic and misleading, arguing Israel protects religious freedom. The report notes UNRWA recorded dozens of interferences with its schools but largely attributes damage to Israeli actions; it urges both sides to stop using civilian sites for military purposes. Critics say the report downplays Hamas’ role and omits remedies for October 7 victims.

An Air India crash in Ahmedabad that killed nearly all 242 aboard and at least 28 on the ground has sharpened scrutiny of India’s rapid infrastructure expansion and weak enforcement of aviation safety rules. Experts say dense, often illegal construction near airports—buildings, poles, billboards—has long encroached on flight paths as urban growth outpaced regulation. Courts in cities like Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Surat, Delhi, and Nagpur have flagged hundreds of obstructions, yet removal orders stall amid appeals and relaxed height limits. Efforts to improve safety, such as runway extensions in Kozhikode, have been delayed by land disputes and bureaucracy. While India has doubled its airports under Prime Minister Modi and plans dozens more, critics urge proactive safety measures—even at the cost of development—warning that broader transport projects (roads, rail) also face oversight gaps and deadly failures. Authorities did not comment; the crash’s cause remains under investigation.

Archaeologists in London have reconstructed thousands of fragments of Roman frescoes from a demolished building in ancient Londinium, revealing one of the city’s largest painted plaster finds. The collection, dating A.D. 43–150 and dumped before A.D. 200, includes luxury motifs—flowers, fruit, lyres, birds—and rare bright yellow wall panels, as well as two firsts for Britain: a Greek alphabet inscription and a fragment reading “FECIT,” indicating an artist’s signature within a tabula ansata. The artworks show influences from across the Roman world (Lyon, Cologne) and imitations of high-status stones. The exceptional preservation and scale are prompting new research into the site’s function, the painters (possibly linked to Fishbourne Roman villa), and wider artistic networks in Roman Europe.

A 1999 manga by Ryo Tatsuki that appeared to foretell Japan’s 2011 disaster has resurfaced with an updated claim that a “real catastrophe” will occur in July 2025, fueling viral rumors across East Asia and deterring some tourists from visiting Japan this summer. Despite officials stressing that precise earthquake predictions are impossible, and that a government assessment only estimates long-term risk near the Nankai Trough, flight bookings from markets like Hong Kong have dropped, with airlines cutting routes and some regions reporting sharp occupancy declines. Travel agencies are offering earthquake-related refund guarantees, but demand remains soft for June–August as travelers shift to other destinations. Even so, Japan’s overall tourism remains strong amid a weak yen, with record arrivals projected for 2025 and May 2025 visitors up year over year, though Hong Kong bucked the trend. Authorities urge preparedness and reliance on trusted information, warning against acting on date-specific disaster rumors.

The article examines the United States’ role in orchestrating Iran’s 1953 coup, describing how the CIA and Britain’s MI6 helped depose Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh after he nationalized Iran’s oil industry. It outlines covert operations—propaganda, political manipulation, payments to influencers and street mobs, and coordination with the shah—to restore Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s power. The piece highlights how the coup entrenched authoritarian rule, fueled long-term Iranian distrust of the U.S., and shaped the 1979 revolution and enduring U.S.-Iran tensions. It also notes present-day relevance as contemporary debates about pressure on Iran revive scrutiny of past American regime-change policies.

An advisor to the EU’s top court recommended dismissing Google’s appeal against a €4.125 billion ($4.7 billion) antitrust fine tied to its Android practices, signaling the company is likely to lose. The fine, originally imposed in 2018 for abusing Android’s dominance via pre-installation deals favoring Google apps, was slightly reduced in 2022. While the advocate general’s opinion is non-binding, EU judges follow such advice in most cases. Google said it was disappointed and argued the decision would harm investment and users. A final ruling from the European Court of Justice is expected in the coming months.

SpaceX’s Starship exploded during a routine test at its Starbase facility in Texas, with no injuries reported and an investigation underway. The incident follows three Starship launch failures earlier this year. Despite successful takeoffs in the past, Starship’s size and need for orbital refueling have raised reliability concerns. The vehicle remains central to NASA’s Artemis missions planned for 2027–2028, the Starlab station launch after ISS retirement, and Elon Musk’s Mars ambitions, including potential robotic missions by 2026 and human landings as early as 2029–2031. Another Starship launch had been expected later this month.

Switzerland’s central bank cut its policy rate by 25 bps to 0%, citing weaker inflation pressures and signaling it will adjust policy as needed to keep inflation within its medium-term target. Switzerland is currently in mild deflation (-0.1% y/y in May), driven largely by a strong Swiss franc that lowers import prices in the small, open economy. The SNB trimmed its inflation forecasts to 0.2% for 2025 and 0.5% for 2026 and highlighted global risks. While markets see a chance of a return to negative rates, SNB Chair Martin Schlegel said going below zero would carry higher hurdles due to side effects on savers, banks, and financial stability. Analysts note the SNB may keep rates below peers to temper franc strength, though the currency firmed after the decision.

Air India confirmed that the sole survivor of last week’s Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, has been discharged from hospital and attended his brother Ajay’s funeral as a pallbearer. The crash of the Boeing 787-8 shortly after take-off killed 241 onboard and at least 30 on the ground; among passengers were 53 Britons. Air India says it is repatriating victims and cooperating with investigators, while UK and US experts assist. Families of three British victims from Gloucester criticized the UK government’s response as disorganized and lacking support, which the Foreign Office disputed, citing ongoing assistance in Ahmedabad. Investigators are examining engine thrust, flaps, and extended landing gear; black boxes have been recovered, pilot and dispatcher training records requested, and Air India’s 787 fleet inspected with no major issues found, though officials urged stricter adherence to maintenance regulations.

Over 100 additional public figures—including Judi Dench, Malala Yousafzai, Stanley Tucci, Florence Pugh, and Ncuti Gatwa—have joined a Choose Love-organized letter urging UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to halt all arms sales and licences to Israel, ensure full humanitarian access to Gaza, and push for an immediate, permanent ceasefire. The signatories accuse the UK of complicity in Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, citing child malnutrition and deaths, and criticize inaction despite prior appeals. The UK has suspended some export licences and sanctioned two far-right Israeli ministers, while condemning Israel’s operations and aid blockade, but continues to face pressure to do more.

Over 60 leading scientists warn that key climate indicators—greenhouse gas emissions, global temperatures, sea-level rise, and Earth’s energy imbalance—are accelerating into uncharted territory. Emissions hit a record in 2024, averaging 53.6 billion tonnes CO2e per year over the past decade, while Earth’s surface temperature exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time last year. At current rates, the remaining 1.5°C carbon budget could be exhausted within two years. Sea levels have risen 4.3 mm annually since 2019, with significant economic and safety risks for coastal cities. Despite clean energy investment outpacing fossil fuels, fossil fuels still provide over 80% of global energy and renewable growth lags demand. The authors stress that severe impacts are locked in for the next couple of decades, but future outcomes hinge on rapid policy and investment shifts ahead of COP30.

The ECB warns that the surging gold price—driven by geopolitical risks and strong demand from central banks and investors—could threaten financial stability. Structural weaknesses in gold markets, including concentration among few players, heavy leverage, opaque over-the-counter derivatives, and rising preference for physically delivered contracts, increase the risk of shortages and margin stress during extreme events. Banks, which are counterparties to about half of gold derivatives and face significant exposure (around €1 trillion in gross value), could incur steep losses if physical delivery spikes or supply bottlenecks emerge. Recent shifts of physical gold from London to New York amid tariff fears illustrated these vulnerabilities, prompting the ECB to caution that gold market stress could spill over into broader financial markets.