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Asia-Pacific markets fell Thursday, tracking a Wall Street sell-off driven by surging U.S. Treasury yields and deficit concerns tied to a new U.S. budget bill. Japan’s Nikkei and Topix, South Korea’s Kospi and Kosdaq, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng, and China’s CSI 300 all declined. U.S. stocks dropped sharply (Dow -1.91%, S&P 500 -1.61%, Nasdaq -1.41%) as the 30-year yield touched its highest since October 2023 and the 10-year rose to 4.59%. Investors await New Zealand’s 2025 budget. Notable moves and commentary included Xpeng’s shares jumping on strong guidance, UBS urging diversified, scenario-based investing and reaffirming Asia commitment, Japan calling recent U.S. tariffs “regrettable,” and renewed enthusiasm for emerging markets amid “sell U.S.” sentiment. Separately, bitcoin hit a record above $109,000, lifting crypto-related stocks.

Bitcoin hit a new all-time high near $112,000, rising over 2% to about $111,046. The slower, steady rally is attributed to growing institutional ownership, corporate adoption, strong Bitcoin ETF inflows, and a pro-crypto U.S. policy environment, including advancing stablecoin legislation and Coinbase’s inclusion in the S&P 500. Easing U.S.-China trade tensions and Moody’s U.S. debt downgrade boosted bitcoin’s appeal as an alternative store of value, helping it diverge from sliding equities despite higher Treasury yields. Public company holdings now represent about 15% of bitcoin’s supply, and the asset is up more than 19% year to date. JPMorgan will allow clients to buy bitcoin, signaling further mainstream acceptance.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show’s gala night has become a premier corporate networking event, marking the start of Britain’s social “season.” Despite its horticultural focus, it’s a hotspot for bankers, business leaders, and politicians to cultivate relationships, with past deals like Refinitiv’s sale reportedly sparked there. Tickets are costly and attendance includes top City figures and policymakers, though some note fewer bankers and CEOs than in earlier years due to hospitality caps and shifting tastes. This year’s conversations centered on U.S. uncertainty from President Trump’s tariffs (potentially benefiting the U.K.), the fallout from Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ abolition of “non-dom” tax status, and a surprising undercurrent of business optimism despite a bleak macro narrative. While headwinds remain—like higher employer national insurance and possibly inflated Q1 GDP—many executives reported better-than-expected performance so far in 2025.

U.S. markets slumped as rising Treasury yields and mounting deficit fears weighed on sentiment, driven by projections that President Trump’s proposed tax bill could add $3–$5 trillion to national debt. The 30-year yield topped 5% and the 10-year hit 4.61%, pressuring stocks and raising borrowing costs. Bitcoin hit a record $109,857. OpenAI agreed to acquire Jony Ive’s AI hardware startup io for about $6.4 billion, expanding into devices. Hinge Health priced its IPO at $32 per share, valuing it around $2.6 billion, down from its 2021 private valuation. Etihad said it can manage Boeing delivery delays. As confidence in U.S. assets erodes, major banks see a potential bull run in emerging markets amid a weaker dollar and attractive valuations.

CNBC’s Inside India argues that U.S. tariffs on China don’t guarantee India will replace China as a manufacturing hub. Despite Apple’s push to assemble more iPhones in India, analysts note supply chains take years to build, India’s productivity lags, and automation reduces labor advantages. Bank of America says shifting final iPhone assembly to the U.S. could add about 25% to labor costs—roughly $160 on a $1,199 phone—if components remain global, making U.S. reshoring conceivable with tariff waivers. Critics add India currently captures only about $30 value per iPhone and risks undermining a deeper local component ecosystem by cutting tariffs for assembly. Broader context: investors still view India as a strong long-term play driven by domestic demand; India seeks exemptions from new U.S. “reciprocal” tariffs; and geopolitical tensions persist in the region. Markets: Indian equities dipped ~1.5% on the week; Nifty 50 up ~3.7% YTD; 10-year yield edged to ~6.22%.

Bank of America and JPMorgan say emerging markets could be the next bull market amid waning confidence in U.S. assets following a Moody’s downgrade, higher long-term Treasury yields, and trade tensions. A weaker dollar, attractive valuations, and low investor positioning are driving interest, with the MSCI EM Index up 8.6% YTD versus 1% for the S&P 500. Analysts highlight a potential rotation toward EMs, citing structural growth stories (notably India), sovereign upgrades (Greece, Brazil), and discounted valuations (~12x forward earnings). Investors currently hold far less EM exposure than global benchmarks, suggesting room for inflows.

Schroders fund manager Simon Adler, a value investor, detailed how his team doubled clients’ money in three months by buying shares of Italian oilfield services firm Saipem at around €0.60 in late 2022 after a botched capital raise left banks holding stock. Despite calling Saipem a “rubbish” business at the time, Adler argued the extreme discount created a compelling value opportunity; shares rebounded more than 100% by early 2023 and have since gained further on improved results, including Q1 revenue and profit beats and the first dividend in a decade. Analysts remain bullish, citing strong backlog, offshore exposure, and potential pricing power, with a consensus 12-month upside of ~39% and a planned merger with Subsea 7. Adler emphasizes that value investing sometimes requires buying low-quality businesses when they’re cheap enough.

European markets were set to open lower Thursday amid global risk-off sentiment tied to U.S. deficit concerns and rising Treasury yields. Futures pointed to declines for the FTSE 100, DAX, CAC 40, and FTSE MIB. Key earnings due include EasyJet, BT, British Land, and Tate & Lyle, alongside preliminary PMI data for France and the U.K. Asia-Pacific markets fell and U.S. stocks sold off sharply Wednesday, with the Dow down over 800 points and the S&P 500 off 1.6%, as investors worried a new U.S. budget bill could further swell the deficit. CNBC also planned interviews from the Barclays leadership conference on energy, geopolitics, and sector challenges.

Analysts say Russia appears poised for a summer offensive in Ukraine, but mounting economic and military strains could push Moscow toward real negotiations. Soviet-era weapons stockpiles are expected to run out by mid-fall, future offensives may require politically risky mobilization, and Ukraine’s resistance could erode Russia’s leverage. At home, high interest rates aimed at cooling double-digit inflation coincide with a sharp growth slowdown—GDP decelerated from 4.5% y/y to 1.4%—with activity concentrated in state-driven defense manufacturing as consumer spending and industrial output weaken. Tighter enforcement against Russia’s shadow oil fleet and falling oil prices are cutting revenues, widening the budget deficit, and depleting reserves. If Western pressure persists and Ukraine prevents Russian gains, experts argue the Kremlin may shift from symbolic ceasefires to substantive talks.

U.S. stock futures were flat after a sharp sell-off, with the Dow down 800+ points and the S&P 500 off 1.6%, as surging Treasury yields and deficit concerns weighed on markets. Yields jumped amid worries a House budget bill—facing GOP infighting over SALT deductions—could add trillions to the debt, stoke inflation, and pressure bonds; the 30-year hit 5.09% and the 10-year 4.59%. Investors await weekly jobless claims for labor signals. After hours, Lumen rose 15% on AT&T’s deal to buy most of its Mass Markets fiber business; Snowflake gained 7% on a strong Q1; Urban Outfitters jumped 14% on an earnings beat.

European airlines expect strong summer travel demand but face limited capacity due to ongoing aircraft delivery delays from Boeing and Airbus. EasyJet says bookings for Q3 and Q4 are ahead of last year but capacity growth will be modest (1–3%) because planes are arriving late; it reported a larger half-year loss yet still expects to meet full-year profit guidance. ETC data shows travelers plan longer, higher-budget trips despite slightly lower intent. Boeing deliveries have improved but remain challenged; Airbus deliveries dipped. Ryanair sees early delivery improvements and expects strong demand, stable pricing, and a boost from falling oil prices.

Stocks fell as bond yields jumped after a weak 20-year Treasury auction; 30-year yield topped 5.08% and 10-year hit 4.59%. Apple slid 2.3% and is down 19% YTD after OpenAI agreed to buy Jony Ive’s AI device startup for $6.4 billion, raising competitive worries; Gene Munster called it a “shot across the bow” that could spur Apple innovation. Bitcoin reached a new record above $109,500; crypto equities were mixed. UnitedHealth dropped 5.8% on an HSBC downgrade and is down 29% in a month. On deck: Ralph Lauren earnings (focus on weak consumer discretionary), Toronto-Dominion Bank results, and U.S. existing home sales (with homebuilders mixed over the past month). Other watch items: rising live cattle futures (+11% YTD) and implications for meat processors; Comcast opens Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando; Home Depot holds its annual shareholder meeting. High-yield bond ETFs remain a focus with relatively elevated yields.

Barclays CEO C. S. Venkatakrishnan warned that U.S. protectionist tariffs pose a significant challenge for Europe, forcing the EU to juggle higher defense spending with financial-sector consolidation while navigating trade uncertainty. With a 25% U.S. tariff on EU steel, aluminum, and cars and an additional “reciprocal” levy temporarily reduced to 10% through July, a trade deal remains unsigned, heightening risks to EU growth and U.S. recession concerns. The resulting volatility is leading some companies to withdraw earnings guidance and consider consolidation or business model shifts. Venkatakrishnan said Barclays is seeing resilient U.K. consumers and a strong job market, but inflation worries—exacerbated by tariffs—persist, making sustained growth the key policy priority.

Xpeng’s Hong Kong shares jumped over 10% after the EV maker posted strong Q1 results and guided Q2 revenue above expectations, extending a year-to-date rally of about 78%. Q1 revenue more than doubled as deliveries hit 94,008, narrowing net loss to 664 million yuan and lifting gross margin to 15.6%. Analysts expect profitability by Q4 2025, citing a strong product cycle, new models (including MONA and refreshed G7/P7), and plans for Level 3 autonomous features by year-end. Xpeng forecasts Q2 revenue of 17.5–18.7 billion yuan and up to 108,000 deliveries. Brokerages maintain bullish targets, with UOB Kay Hian seeing 76% upside in Hong Kong shares; U.S.-listed shares rose 13% but remain below 2020 highs. Rival performance is mixed, with BYD up sharply, Li Auto higher, and NIO down year-to-date.

The New York Times offers an interactive quiz based on a week of high-end New York art auctions where more than $1 billion in art was sold, challenging readers to guess which of paired works fetched higher prices. Examples include contrasting results for Basquiat, Warhol, Dumas vs. Baselitz, and two Giacomettis (one unsold), highlighting surprising market preferences and price disparities. The piece also links to coverage of other notable auctions, from Civil War artifacts to memorabilia and TV props.

House Republicans proposed giving every baby born from Jan. 1, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2029, a $1,000 government-funded investment deposited into so-called “Trump accounts,” renamed from “MAGA accounts” in a late change. The funds would be invested and later used for expenses like college or a home, with parents or others allowed to add contributions. Tax experts note the accounts offer no tax advantages: contributions are post-tax and withdrawals are taxed, making them similar to ordinary investment accounts rather than IRAs or HSAs. The article also highlights broader Trump administration developments across policing, justice, food policy, foreign aid, domestic legislation, missile defense, Afghanistan, and a legal misstatement by the homeland security secretary.

G7 finance ministers and central bankers, meeting in Banff, Canada, pledged continued economic support for Ukraine and warned of tougher sanctions on Russia if no progress toward peace is made. They discussed tightening the Russian oil price cap, with a European push to lower it from $60 to $50 per barrel, but reached no decision. Despite significant tensions over President Trump’s broad tariffs and trade policy, the communiqué adopted softer language on Russia than last year and avoided direct criticism of U.S. measures, focusing instead on shared goals like addressing global economic risks and “imbalances.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent kept a low profile as counterparts voiced concern that U.S. tariffs are weighing on growth, particularly in Europe.

President Trump hosted an “exclusive” gala at his Virginia golf club for top purchasers of his $TRUMP memecoin, pledging pro-crypto policies from the White House as protesters and critics decried the event as unprecedented presidential corruption. The dinner, marketed via a public leaderboard that rewarded the largest coin holders with seats and White House access, drew hundreds of attendees—including prominent foreign crypto figures—seeking to influence U.S. regulation. The White House denied any impropriety. Trump framed the Biden administration as hostile to crypto and promised a friendlier approach. The $TRUMP coin, launched just before his inauguration and marked by volatile trading, has already generated at least $320 million in fees shared by the Trump family and partners, amid a broader pattern of lucrative deals with foreign-linked entities during his second term.

Taiwan’s defense minister, Wellington Koo, said the U.S. remains a key deterrent against a Chinese attack despite uncertainties under President Trump, citing American forces, alliances, and the economic costs Beijing would face. While acknowledging rising threats from China, Koo assessed invasion risk as between medium and high but not imminent. Pressured by Washington, Taiwan plans to boost defense spending to over 3% of GDP and accelerate a shift to “asymmetric” capabilities like drones, unmanned vessels, mobile missiles, and HIMARS, though U.S. weapons delivery backlogs and domestic political skepticism pose challenges. Koo emphasized more realistic training and modernization, and urged faster U.S. arms deliveries as Taiwan deepens security ties and retools its military for modern warfare.

The Trump administration mistakenly deported Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident, to El Salvador despite a judge’s order barring his removal there due to danger. Internal emails show DHS, Justice, and State officials scrambled to contain the error: DHS considered portraying him as an MS-13 leader without evidence, sought to undo the protective order, and downplayed risks in El Salvador’s megaprison, where he remains held. Justice Department lawyer Erez Reuveni urged returning Abrego Garcia to the U.S., consistent with past practice, but was fired by Attorney General Pam Bondi for allegedly not zealously defending the government. Courts, including the Supreme Court, ordered steps toward securing his release, but the administration resisted, seeing the case as a threat to broader mass deportation efforts and similar transfers, including nearly 140 Venezuelans sent under the Alien Enemies Act. DHS publicly framed the operation as a national security matter, invoking state secrets, while internal communications acknowledged an “administrative error.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named Maj. Gen. David Zini to lead the Shin Bet, replacing Ronen Bar, whom Netanyahu fired amid tensions over the agency’s handling of the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks and ongoing probes involving Netanyahu’s aides and Qatar. The Israeli Supreme Court criticized Bar’s dismissal as flawed, and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara says Netanyahu cannot proceed with a new appointment until conflict-of-interest and process issues are resolved. The appointment also requires approval by a committee that currently lacks members, delaying any transition. Opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Zini not to accept the post before court review. Zini, a senior military officer who warned in 2023 of potential surprise raids, previously faced public backlash while overseeing contentious ultra-Orthodox conscription efforts.

The article profiles Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old Black transgender man from Minnesota who sought connection and visibility through TikTok and other platforms. After a breakup, he began an online relationship with Precious Arzuaga, a 38-year-old mother in upstate New York, and traveled to meet her in September. Five months later, he was found dead on a nearby farm. Arzuaga and six others have been charged with first-degree murder, with prosecutors alleging weeks of torture that involved Arzuaga’s children. All have pleaded not guilty. Nordquist’s family and an online community are grieving and seeking answers, while his case highlights the dangers of online relationships, the vulnerabilities of marginalized people, and the isolating pull of social media.

House Republicans narrowly passed a sweeping domestic policy and budget bill, but Senate Republicans signaled they will rewrite it substantially. Conservative senators criticized the House plan for insufficient deficit reduction, objected to phasing out energy tax credits and Medicaid cuts, and showed little interest in expanding state and local tax deductions. Some, including Rand Paul, oppose raising the debt limit embedded in the bill. With a slim majority and strict Senate rules, GOP leaders face a difficult path to agreement, risking the fragile House compromise. Democrats are using the bill’s cuts to attack vulnerable Republicans and argue the intraparty GOP fight boosts their 2026 prospects.

An independent review led by former UK justice secretary David Gauke urges Britain to adopt a U.S.-style “earned progression” system, modeled on Texas, allowing most inmates to be released at one-third of their sentences for good behavior and participation in rehabilitative programs. Prompted by severe prison overcrowding and shortfalls in planned capacity, the report argues the current “tough on crime” policies lengthened sentences and strained the system, forcing emergency early releases. Recommendations include expanded electronic monitoring, limiting sub–one-year prison terms to exceptional cases, and supervised release after one-third of a sentence. The proposals aim to cut England and Wales’s prison population by about 9,800 but face political pushback from Conservatives and Reform, who warn it would be lenient on criminals. The government is expected to accept only some recommendations.

President Trump’s shifting tariff strategy has complicated India-U.S. trade talks and threatened India’s gains from Apple’s production shift out of China. After imposing a 26% tariff on Indian imports (now paused until early July), Trump eased his harshest China tariffs and publicly urged Apple to move manufacturing to the U.S., bypassing India. That stance undermines India’s marquee success: iPhone assembly growing to an estimated 25% or more in India by year-end, supported by subsidies, low labor costs, state-backed infrastructure in Tamil Nadu, and a developing local components ecosystem led by Foxconn. Indian negotiators, pursuing a phased trade deal, view Trump’s Apple demand as a bargaining tactic, doubting the U.S. can match India’s manufacturing advantages. The remarks add uncertainty to already fraught talks, which Trump also entangled with regional geopolitics.

Russian authorities said Ukraine launched one of the war’s largest drone barrages, firing about 485 drones over 36 hours starting Tuesday night, with 63 intercepted over the Moscow region and strikes reported across 10 regions, including damage to a building in Tula. Ukraine did not comment. The attack followed an unproductive Trump-Putin call on peace efforts. Russia responded Thursday with 128 drones targeting Ukraine, causing damage in Dnipro and Kharkiv and debris in Kyiv. Reports noted temporary disruptions at Moscow airports and drone interceptions near a Ryazan oil refinery. Despite a March 18 pause on energy-infrastructure strikes, both sides accuse each other of violations.

A 65-year-old British tourist, Douglas Robert Brook, was arrested in Namibia’s Otjozondjupa region for allegedly sexually abusing minors from the San community and taking nude photos of them. He faces 38 charges, including rape, indecent assault, and child exploitation, after reportedly luring 34 children with sweets and money and inappropriately touching some. Police say nude images were found on his camera. He appeared in Grootfontein court, was denied bail, and remains in custody as investigations continue. Namibia’s government condemned the exploitation as disrespectful to the San community, while the UK Foreign Office said it is in contact with local authorities.

US singer Chris Brown was granted bail by a London court after being charged with grievous bodily harm over an alleged unprovoked 2023 nightclub attack involving a tequila bottle at Tape in Mayfair. He must pay a £5m security fee (£4m immediately, £1m within seven days), live at a specified address, avoid the alleged victim and the club, not apply for new travel documents, and surrender his passport when not touring. The decision allows him to proceed with his world tour starting 8 June. His next court appearance is 20 June, alongside co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu (HoodyBaby). Brown has not yet entered a plea.

Italy passed a law tightening eligibility for citizenship by descent. Previously, anyone with an Italian ancestor post-1861 could qualify under jus sanguinis. Now applicants must have at least one parent or grandparent who was an Italian citizen by birth. The government says the change aims to curb abuse and passport “commercialization,” strengthen genuine ties to Italy, and reduce backlogs, with over 60,000 pending cases and a 40% rise in citizens abroad from 2014 to 2024. Officials emphasize descendants can still apply but within clearer limits.

A US federal judge ruled that the deportation of eight men to South Sudan violated his order requiring migrants be given a meaningful chance to contest removal to third countries. Judge Brian Murphy said Homeland Security’s actions “unquestionably” breached his injunction, rejecting claims of confusion by Justice Department lawyers. DHS described the men—citizens of multiple countries with serious criminal convictions—as dangerous and said South Sudan was not their final destination, asserting authority to use “safe third countries” when home nations refuse returns. The judge may later consider contempt. One deportee’s lawyer said clients received conflicting notices in English and were denied due process. The case unfolds amid broader US efforts to expand third-country deportations and pressure nations, including South Sudan, to accept removals.

A gunman killed two senior aides to Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada—private secretary Ximena Guzmán and adviser José Muñoz—during their morning commute. The attacker approached Guzmán’s car, shot both victims at close range, and fled, reportedly on a motorbike with at least one accomplice. Authorities seized vehicles believed used in the attack and are reviewing CCTV showing a professional-style hit; the motive remains unclear. Brugada vowed justice, and President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the killings. While political violence is common in Mexico, such attacks in the capital are rarer, recalling the 2020 ambush on current security minister Omar García Harfuch.

A section of the roof of the historic Ming-era Drum Tower in Fengyang County, Anhui, collapsed on Monday evening, sending hundreds of tiles crashing near visitors but causing no injuries. The tower, originally built in 1375 and extensively rebuilt in 1995, has been closed as authorities investigate the repair project’s design and construction. Local officials have secured the area and brought in experts; a reopening date will be announced later.

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, with allies including the US, Germany, and France, revealed a Russian GRU unit (Unit 26165, aka Fancy Bear) has run a widespread cyber-espionage campaign since 2022 against public and private organizations supporting Ukraine. Targets included defense, logistics, IT services, and critical infrastructure (ports, airports, air traffic management) across 12 European countries and the US. Hackers accessed about 10,000 internet-connected cameras—including border and traffic cams—to track aid shipments and movements near military sites and rail stations. Techniques included password guessing, spearphishing (including adult-themed lures), and exploiting a Microsoft Outlook vulnerability via crafted calendar invites. Officials warn entities moving goods into Ukraine should consider themselves targeted, with potential for both espionage and disruptive follow-on attacks, including positioning within industrial control systems. Organizations are urged to adopt mitigation measures outlined in the joint advisory.

The Pentagon has accepted a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar for potential temporary use in the Air Force One fleet, sparking bipartisan criticism and legal questions. The $400 million aircraft, owned by Qatar’s royal family, will require extensive and costly modifications—potentially up to $1 billion—to meet presidential security standards. The White House argues the transfer is legal because it’s to the Defense Department, not President Trump personally, and says the plane would go to his presidential library after his term. Critics, including Republican senators Rand Paul and Ted Cruz, cite concerns over the Emoluments Clause, national security risks, and the appearance of impropriety. The current Air Force One replacements from Boeing face delays of two to three years.

A natural disaster has been declared in New South Wales amid widespread flooding that has forced nearly 50,000 evacuations. Footage from the Mid North Coast shows displaced cattle washed onto beaches and residents being airlifted to safety. One person has died and three are missing, with authorities expressing grave concerns as heavy rain continues.

Two elephants at Karachi Safari Park in Pakistan are being treated for tuberculosis with a year-long regimen of at least 400 human TB pills daily, hidden in food like fruit and sweet rice-lentil balls. The doses are adjusted for their 8,800-pound weight. Initially resistant, the elephants—Madhubala and Malika—have adapted under the guidance of a Sri Lankan vet experienced in elephant TB. The infection, likely contracted from humans, was detected despite no symptoms, following the TB-related death of another park elephant, Sonia, in 2024. Staff wear protective gear due to TB’s prevalence in Pakistan. The park, previously criticized for animal care, hopes the intensive treatment will save its last two elephants.

Six civilians—five men and an elderly woman—were killed and three injured when caught in crossfire between armed groups near Acapulco, in the town of Kilometro 30. The clash involved multiple vehicles; authorities seized weapons, magazines, an armored truck, tire-puncturing devices, and improvised explosives. Several cars were burned. The incident underscores Acapulco’s ongoing cartel-linked violence, which has included recent killings of officials, journalists, and civilians, contributing to U.S. advisories to avoid Guerrero state.

Elon Musk said he intends to remain Tesla’s CEO for at least the next five years, addressing speculation during a video appearance at the Qatar Economic Forum. His statement follows a Wall Street Journal report claiming Tesla’s board was exploring CEO replacements, which Chair Robyn Denholm called “absolutely false.” The pressure on Tesla coincides with Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency initiative and broader political attention.

Veterinarians from the Ostok Sanctuary in Culiacán, Mexico, are relocating around 700 animals—including lions, tigers, elephants, and monkeys—to Mazatlán amid escalating cartel warfare between rival Sinaloa factions. The sanctuary, which houses former circus animals and “narco pets,” has faced armed attacks, threats, supply cutoffs, and access blockages that left animals unfed and stressed; at least two died and others showed health decline. Staff report kidnappings, thefts, and death threats as violence spreads across the region following the alleged kidnapping of cartel figure Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and subsequent infighting. With specialists unwilling to enter Culiacán to treat injured animals, the sanctuary decided to move under National Guard escort, though fears remain that violence will follow. The crisis reflects broader cartel-driven insecurity affecting daily life in Sinaloa and beyond.

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada’s personal secretary, Ximena Guzmán, and adviser, José Muñoz, were shot dead by gunmen on a motorcycle in the Moderna neighborhood. Brugada called it a direct attack; authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and vowed no impunity. President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the killings and pledged support, with National Security Minister Omar García Harfuch aiding the investigation. The attack, rare for the capital, comes amid a broader wave of political violence across Mexico, including recent killings of politicians and civilians in multiple states.

The Pentagon says it has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar that will be retrofitted for presidential transport as a temporary Air Force One. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the transfer under federal rules, and the Air Force will award a classified contract to modify the jet to required security and mission standards. Valued at $400 million, the plane is slated to be donated to Trump’s future presidential library before he leaves office, though the White House says it’s a donation to the U.S. government, not Trump personally. The move has prompted bipartisan concerns over ethics, legality under the Emoluments Clause, and security, with lawmakers calling for reviews and emphasizing the extensive modifications needed to meet Air Force One standards.

Israel covertly retrieved about 2,500 items from Syrian intelligence archives related to famed Mossad spy Eli Cohen, 60 years after his 1965 execution in Damascus. The cache includes documents, recordings, photos, personal effects, false IDs, Mossad mission notes, letters to his family, and a handwritten will. Cohen, who infiltrated Syria’s elite under the alias Kamal Amin Taabet, provided intelligence credited with aiding Israel’s 1967 war preparedness before being caught transmitting information. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented some items to Cohen’s widow, Nadia, and said efforts continue to locate and return Cohen’s remains.

The U.S. and Italy signed a pact to strengthen efforts to locate and recover remains of American World War II service members missing in Italy. The agreement between the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and Italy’s culture ministry enhances search operations, ensures protection of archaeological sites, and builds on decades of cooperation. Italy was a major WWII battleground from 1943–1945; about 72,000 U.S. service members remain unaccounted for worldwide. DPAA uses forensic methods like DNA and dental records to identify remains, and has identified nearly 1,000 WWII Americans since the 1970s. Officials framed the pact as honoring the fallen while safeguarding cultural heritage.

Costa Rican prison guards intercepted a black-and-white cat used to smuggle drugs into a prison in Pococí. The feline had about 230 grams of marijuana and 67 grams of crack cocaine taped to its body. Guards captured the cat as it jumped the perimeter fence, removed the packages, and prevented the drugs from reaching inmates. The cat was handed to the National Animal Health Service for evaluation. The incident sparked a mix of humor and outrage on social media.

Kid Cudi (Scott Mescudi) testified in Sean Combs’ federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial that after Combs learned of Mescudi’s brief relationship with Cassie Ventura in 2011, his home was entered and his dog was locked in a bathroom, and weeks later his Porsche was firebombed with a molotov cocktail. He said Ventura told him Combs was physically abusive and that he ended the relationship over safety concerns. No one was charged in the arson, but Mescudi said he believes Combs was involved. He recounted a later meeting where Combs denied knowledge of the car fire and later apologized “for everything.” Defense attorneys emphasized the lack of charges in the arson and suggested Ventura willingly engaged in Combs’ “unconventional” sex life; Combs has pleaded not guilty.

The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 order, temporarily allowed President Trump to fire members of two independent agencies—the NLRB and MSPB—despite statutory protections that permit removal only for cause. The unsigned order, seen as signaling the likely final outcome, carved out an exception for the Federal Reserve to avoid market disruption. The case challenges long-standing precedent from Humphrey’s Executor (1935), which shields members of multi-member independent boards from at-will presidential removal. Conservatives on the Court have been narrowing these protections, and the order suggests further erosion. Justice Kagan, dissenting with the other liberals, criticized bypassing precedent and congressional intent.

The U.S. Supreme Court, split 4-4 with Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused, left in place an Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling blocking the nation’s first religious charter school. The state court had found that taxpayer-funded, overtly religious charter schools violate state and federal constitutions and federal charter school law. The case, brought by two Catholic archdioceses seeking a publicly funded Catholic charter school, argued exclusion was religious discrimination; the state countered that charter schools are public and cannot proselytize. The deadlock preserves the ban for now and delays any nationwide resolution; a similar case could take years to reach the Court. Observers note a future ruling allowing religious charter schools could upend public education and destabilize charter systems.

The U.K. has agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius while securing a 99-year lease to keep the U.S.-U.K. military base on Diego Garcia, reportedly worth over $100 million annually. The deal follows international legal findings that Britain’s separation of Chagos from Mauritius before Mauritian independence was unlawful. U.S. officials welcomed the agreement, citing strategic value; Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the base’s importance for security and intelligence. Mauritius’ PM called it a milestone in decolonization. The arrangement is backed by Five Eyes partners, but it faces criticism in the U.K. for not guaranteeing Chagossians’ right of return and for perceived strategic risks, with opposition figures warning it benefits China.

At the University at Buffalo’s commencement, graduate Jean Paul Al Arab carried his 6-month-old son across the stage despite staff objections, prompting a brief chase by campus police. Al Arab, a full-time student and worker who is his son’s daytime caregiver, said he’d been told earlier it was allowed and wanted to mark the achievement with his child. The viral moment drew cheers, but the university said it violated safety rules permitting only graduates on stage. UB confirmed he will still receive his diploma. Al Arab launched a GoFundMe to support student parents. The university joked the infant hasn’t yet earned enough credits and hopes to see him graduate in about 20 years.

NPR reports that privacy and advocacy groups, along with SNAP recipients, sued the USDA to stop a new directive requiring states and their third-party processors to hand over five-plus years of sensitive data on all SNAP applicants and recipients—including names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, and addresses. Plaintiffs say the agency is violating federal privacy laws by bypassing required notices, public comment, and a privacy impact assessment. USDA cites a Trump executive order to “eliminate information silos” and says it will follow privacy laws, while determining if a new Systems of Record Notice is needed. Some Republican-led states (e.g., Iowa, Ohio, Alaska) are moving to comply despite warnings from privacy experts and advocates that the unprecedented, centralized dataset could enable immigration enforcement and broader surveillance. A former USDA official notes the agency historically avoided collecting such personally identifiable data. The lawsuit seeks to halt the data collection as the House advances a bill cutting SNAP.

A federal judge ruled the administration violated an injunction by attempting to deport eight migrants to a third country without proper notice or a chance to object. In response, the White House said the migrants—whom it described as violent criminals—will remain in Djibouti for at least two weeks while they receive “reasonable fear” interviews and an opportunity to challenge deportation. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blasted the ruling as harmful to U.S. diplomacy and security. The judge left open possible contempt proceedings and required notice in migrants’ native languages. The case highlights disputes over U.S. authority to remove migrants to third countries amid broader administration efforts to secure such agreements.

Wall Street is seeing a “Sell America” trend as investors dump U.S. Treasuries amid concerns over rising deficits, tariff-driven uncertainty, and a perceived erosion of U.S. economic exceptionalism. A weak $20 billion Treasury auction pushed 30-year yields above 5%, raising borrowing costs across mortgages and loans. Moody’s downgraded U.S. credit, citing a deficit nearing $2 trillion and extended tax cuts limiting revenue, while the European Central Bank warned Trump’s sweeping tariffs risk destabilizing the global financial system. The result: higher financing costs, shaken confidence in U.S. creditworthiness, and a view that the U.S. is riskier than just months ago.

China and the 10-member Asean bloc have concluded negotiations to upgrade their 15-year-old free-trade agreement, positioning Beijing as a stabilizing economic partner amid escalating US tariff threats. The third version of the deal, pending ratification and possibly signed this year, aims to reinforce supply chain stability, shared development, and “international fairness,” according to China’s commerce minister. The talks’ completion follows the US unveiling of broad “reciprocal tariffs” and a temporary pause allowing deals before a July 9 deadline, with Washington warning tariffs will return for countries without agreements. The timing suggests Asean and China seek leverage and certainty ahead of potential US trade actions.

Shouguang, China’s “vegetable capital,” will co-build a 100,000-square-metre smart agriculture centre in the UAE’s desert with agritech firm Silal, investing 120 million dirhams (US$32.7 million). Part of the Belt and Road Initiative, the project will apply AI and robotics for precision seeding, climate control, irrigation, and harvesting, aiming to grow over 10 crops (including tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and strawberries). Leaders say Abu Dhabi offers a real-world test bed for extreme-climate farming, and the initiative could become a scalable model for agricultural innovation across the Gulf.

China’s state media reported that PLA helicopters had 11 close encounters with a foreign navy over 10 consecutive days in the East China Sea, with aircraft coming within 10 meters. The report, featuring pilot Wang Ling from the Eastern Theatre Command’s Ground Force aviation corps, did not specify the timing, exact location, or the foreign force involved. It framed the events as responses to approaches near China’s coastline amid ongoing regional tensions and frequent close interactions between Chinese and foreign militaries.

Experts say the CK Asset scandal at Hong Kong’s Anderson Road project reflects collective and wilful oversight on site rather than an isolated lapse, despite such bribery cases being rare. ICAC alleges site supervisors accepted gifts from a subcontractor to overlook substandard work, leading to widespread deviations from approved plans across all six residential towers. Investigators found steel reinforcement bars were often thinner, missing, misplaced, or loosely arranged, averaging a 10% shortfall versus specifications, with displacements up to 530mm in some areas. Engineers urge stronger government inspections to prevent similar incidents.

China launched a constellation of 12 satellites on May 14 to create the world’s first orbital computing network, aiming to process data in space using AI rather than relying on ground infrastructure. Led by firms like Guoxing Aerospace and Zhejiang Lab, the system targets faster, more efficient applications such as real-time disaster imaging, while leveraging abundant solar power and reduced cooling needs. Experts say this gives China an early lead in space-based AI computing, though significant technical and operational challenges remain. STAR.VISION emphasized that AI-integrated space computing could become foundational infrastructure in the long term.

A mainland Chinese man, identified as Li, illegally entered Taiwan by sea in September 2023 via a smuggling network, boarding a Tanzanian-flagged cargo ship near Fuzhou that docked in Kaohsiung on October 7. He disembarked undetected, traveled freely around Taiwan for over a month, and surrendered to immigration authorities on November 13. Prosecutors charged him under Taiwan’s Immigration Act, and a district court gave a lenient penalty—30 days’ detention or a NT$30,000 fine—due to his self-surrender. The incident, with Li’s activities during his stay still unclear, has raised concerns about gaps in Taiwan’s maritime security amid ongoing “grey-zone” pressures from Beijing.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged Asean to show “assertiveness and independence” at its upcoming summit, prioritizing a response to US President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the Myanmar crisis. He warned the tariffs threaten the region’s export-driven economies and called for swift diversification of trade toward China, India, Pakistan, and the EU to mitigate losses. The two-day meeting in Kuala Lumpur will also push for a lasting ceasefire in Myanmar amid civil war and earthquake recovery, as Asean seeks to prove its economic relevance to the US while broadening markets.

Taiwan’s President William Lai softened his rhetoric toward Beijing in a speech marking his first year in office, notably omitting any mention of mainland China or cross-strait relations—a departure from his previously assertive stance. He also offered national security briefings to opposition leaders in the KMT and TPP, signaling a conciliatory approach domestically. Observers see the shift as a calculated move to ease tensions and broaden political support, though Lai referenced Beijing only when prompted by reporters.

Experts from the Lancet Commission warn adolescent health is at a tipping point, projecting 464 million teens will be overweight or obese by 2030—143 million more than in 2015. While teen smoking, alcohol use, and substance abuse have declined and education participation has risen, weight gain and mental health problems are now the leading drivers of ill health. The report cautions that progress in teen health lags behind early childhood gains and could be undermined by climate change, conflict, and rapid digitalization. It also notes debate over using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs in teens, with UK health authorities citing insufficient evidence on impacts despite their growing adult use and known side effects.

Australia has declared a natural disaster in New South Wales after more than four months’ worth of rain fell in two days, causing unprecedented flooding. At least one person has died, three are missing, and about 50,000 residents have been told to prepare to isolate as conditions may worsen through Friday. Entire towns are cut off, over 100 schools are closed, and around 5,300 homes and businesses are without power, with outages potentially lasting days. Rescue efforts are hampered by fast-flowing waters and limited access, leaving 100–150 incidents pending. Further life-threatening flash floods are forecast, with up to 300mm of additional rain possible, and some rivers yet to peak. The crisis highlights ongoing insurance challenges in flood-prone areas, where coverage is often unaffordable or unavailable.

Vladimir Putin visited Russia’s Kursk region for the first time since Russian forces expelled Ukrainian troops from the area, meeting volunteer groups and touring a nuclear power plant. Ukraine’s incursion, launched in August last year, briefly controlled about 540 sq km before being pushed back. Russia said it shot down over 159 Ukrainian drones, including several near Moscow. The visit coincided with a Russian missile strike on a Ukrainian National Guard training site in Sumy, which Ukraine says killed six soldiers and injured 10; Russia claimed up to 70 were killed. The trip followed calls by U.S. President Donald Trump to both Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy urging ceasefire talks, which Germany’s defense minister said showed Trump overestimated his influence. The EU and UK announced new sanctions on Russia, with uncertainty over U.S. participation.

Chinese astronauts discovered a new strain of radiation- and stress-resistant bacteria, closely related to Niallia circulans, on the Tiangong Space Station. Identified on hardware in May 2023 and detailed in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, the microbe shows enhanced resistance to radiation and oxidative stress and has a unique ability to break down gelatin—traits that could help sustain life and maintain spacecraft systems during long-term missions. The finding informs astronaut health, contamination control, and resource use in microgravity.

Sky News reports from Fontaine Hospital in gang-controlled Cité Soleil, Port-au-Prince—the only medical facility still operating in the area—where staff risk crossing gang lines to treat surging cases of cholera and severe child malnutrition. Founder Jose Ulysse says displacement, poverty, and insecurity are driving outbreaks and hunger, with parents unable to work and rising sexual violence in camps. The hospital, run solely on donations, is strained and impacted by cuts to US aid-linked donors, yet continues critical services including a respected neonatal ICU. Across the capital, over 70% of medical facilities are shut amid threats and attacks on health workers; even Médecins Sans Frontières has suspended operations at sites. The city’s only major public hospital still open, Le Paix, faces overwhelming demand from cholera, gunshot wounds, and sexual violence as gang violence devastates access to care.

Two migrants died after falling unconscious on an overcrowded boat attempting an overnight English Channel crossing from Gravelines, near Calais, the French coastguard said. Rescuers provided first aid but a medical team confirmed both deaths; their bodies and rescued passengers were taken to Calais. About 80 people were onboard, with 10 others needing assistance, while the remaining migrants continued toward UK waters under French Navy surveillance. The incident follows another recent death after a small boat sank, amid a record 12,500 Channel arrivals to the UK so far in 2025.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected U.S. demands for Iran to halt uranium enrichment as “utter nonsense,” asserting Tehran will pursue its own policies. He cast doubt on the prospects of ongoing indirect nuclear talks, saying past efforts yielded no results and signaling Iran has not agreed to a proposed new round in Rome due to what Tehran calls illogical U.S. positions. The comments come amid international concern over Iran’s near-weapons-grade enrichment and missile advances, despite Iran’s limited civilian nuclear energy use. The White House did not immediately confirm whether it demanded a full halt to enrichment.

Michael A. Ledeen, a historian and Reagan-era terrorism adviser, died at 83 after a series of small strokes. A key Cold War strategist, he advised Secretary of State Alexander Haig and the National Security Council, and played a behind-the-scenes role in securing European deployment of Pershing missiles, aiding U.S. pressure on the Soviet Union. After the Cold War, Ledeen focused on confronting Iran’s regime, North Korea, and other authoritarian threats, advocating nonviolent support for dissidents rather than military intervention. Known for the mantra “Faster, please!” he championed U.S. leadership in promoting freedom. Ledeen authored numerous books, mentored young scholars, and was praised by figures including Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and three children.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Russia’s Kursk region for the first time since Moscow claimed to have expelled Ukrainian forces from the area last month. He met with volunteers, local officials, and toured the Kursk-II nuclear power plant, accompanied by senior Kremlin officials. The visit follows Ukraine’s August incursion into Kursk—the largest on Russian territory since World War II—during which Kyiv said it seized about 540 square miles. Despite recent talks in Turkey, Russia and Ukraine failed to reach a ceasefire agreement. Reuters contributed to the report.

A suicide car bomber targeted a school bus near Khuzdar, Balochistan, Pakistan, killing at least five people—including at least three children—and injuring 38. The bus was transporting children to a military-run school. No group claimed responsibility, but officials suspect Baloch separatists such as the BLA, which Pakistan alleges is backed by India—an accusation India denies. Pakistan’s prime minister and interior minister condemned the attack; several victims remain in critical condition, and the death toll may rise. The incident comes amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions over Kashmir.

A Spanish court convicted five Real Valladolid fans for racially insulting Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior during a 2022 match, marking Spain’s first hate-crime ruling for racist abuse in a soccer stadium. Each received a one-year suspended prison sentence, fines up to €1,620, and a three-year ban from stadiums hosting official national competitions. LaLiga, which initiated the complaint alongside Vinícius, Real Madrid, and prosecutors, called the decision a milestone in combating racism in sport. A prior 2024 case against Valencia fans resulted in convictions for offenses against moral integrity, not hate crimes.

A Mexican mayoral candidate, Yesenia Gutiérrez, was shot dead in front of supporters during a campaign event, along with three others, highlighting a growing wave of political violence in Mexico. The attack reflects an uptick in assaults on candidates and political gatherings ahead of elections, underscoring security challenges and the influence of organized crime on local politics. Authorities are investigating as concerns rise over safeguarding democratic processes.

A Tokyo startup led by Shotaro Kawamura is upcycling discarded kimonos into contemporary fashion items—primarily handmade sneakers—as a way to reduce waste and sustain traditional crafts. Partnering with Asakusa shoemakers, Tokyo Kimono Shoes turns one kimono into up to 20 unique $325 pairs, selling thousands globally and providing steady work for artisans. After crowdfunding success, the company expanded to Kimono Reborn Tokyo, offering t-shirts, tote bags, and bucket hats, and opening stores in Asakusa and Narita Airport. Tapping into the booming vintage and sustainable fashion market, the brands repurpose kimonos that can’t be resold, preserving cultural textiles while modernizing their use. Future plans include tabi-inspired footwear.

Brazil’s senate passed a sweeping “devastation bill” that relaxes environmental licensing for mining, energy, infrastructure and agriculture, prompting outrage from activists and experts who warn it dismantles decades of safeguards and threatens Brazil’s climate goals. The bill enables self-declared permit renewals, weakens requirements for high-impact projects, and could end conditions for prevention and mitigation measures. NGOs estimate it endangers over 3,000 protected areas and 18 million hectares of forest, including Indigenous and quilombola lands. Critics say it undermines Brazil’s pledges to end deforestation by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050, and sends a damaging signal ahead of the Amazon-hosted Cop30. Environment minister Marina Silva called it a “death blow,” while some in Lula’s government argue it will attract investment. An amendment could also fast-track permits for priority projects, potentially aiding oil exploration near the Amazon river mouth. The bill now returns to the lower house, where passage is expected.

An international human rights court is hearing the case of Celia Ramos, a 34-year-old Peruvian mother who died in 1997 after being coerced into a tubal ligation under former president Alberto Fujimori’s 1990s family planning program. The program forcibly sterilized hundreds of thousands of largely poor, rural, and Indigenous women, widely condemned as a grave human rights violation. Despite long-standing impunity for Fujimori and health officials, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights case—advanced by Demus, Cejil, and the Center for Reproductive Rights after Peru failed to implement prior reparations recommendations—could compel state accountability, reparations, and potentially classify the policy as a crime against humanity, removing statutes of limitations. Ramos’s daughter called the hearing a crucial step toward justice.

Hong Kong’s Inland Revenue Department has launched what it says are “random” tax audits targeting at least eight independent media outlets, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA), and at least 20 journalists and their families. HKJA head Selina Cheng cited errors and irregularities in audit demands—such as taxing nonexistent companies, auditing periods before companies existed, and inflating income—arguing the probes impose financial and psychological strain and disrupt reporting. Targets include InMedia HK and Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP), which faced a seven-year audit and resource-draining “hold sums.” Critics, including Reporters Without Borders, say the audits are part of broader efforts under Hong Kong’s national security regime to pressure and silence independent media after multiple outlets closed and journalists were jailed. The IRD said it does not comment on cases and that taxpayers’ industries do not affect reviews. Hong Kong’s press freedom ranking has fallen to 140/180.

Interpol’s Operation Pandora seized nearly 38,000 looted cultural artifacts across Europe, including ancient coins, weapons and paintings, and led to 80 arrests, with further investigations ongoing. One case involved a woman stopped in Spain carrying 55 coins and a ring she said belonged to her late archaeologist husband and planned to sell in Germany. Authorities say the multinational crackdown targets illicit trafficking of cultural heritage items moving through borders and online markets.

Italy’s Constitutional Court ruled that both partners in same-sex female couples who undergo IVF abroad can be legally recognized as parents. The decision, hailed by LGBTQ+ advocates as a limited but important step, comes amid efforts by the country’s conservative government to restrict parenting rights for same-sex couples. The ruling applies specifically to children conceived via IVF outside Italy and allows both mothers to be registered as legal parents.

Hundreds of roof tiles fell from the 650-year-old Fengyang Drum Tower in Anhui, China, on May 19, triggering panic as crowds, including children, fled; no injuries were reported. Witnesses described a loud thundering sound and a collapse lasting one to two minutes. Local tourism officials confirmed the incident, which was captured in widely shared videos.

The article traces the deep historical roots of US-Canada differences to counter Donald Trump’s recent suggestion that Canada become the 51st U.S. state and his claim that the border is artificial. It explains how Canada’s French heritage and long British influence fostered a political culture valuing compromise and social welfare, distinct from U.S. individualism. Key moments—French settlement, British control after the Seven Years’ War, and Canada’s refusal to join the American Revolution (aided by the 1774 Quebec Act and British military presence)—cemented separate paths. While post–World War II cooperation has been close, the piece warns that geopolitical and maritime developments around Canada could revive tensions despite the longstanding partnership.