In other news

The Dominican Republic arrested over 130 Haitian women and children—many pregnant or recently postpartum—during a crackdown on undocumented migrants in Santo Domingo hospitals. Authorities say detainees received “dignified treatment,” biometric processing, and medical care, with undocumented mothers to be repatriated. The move is part of a plan to deport up to 10,000 migrants weekly amid rising crossings from Haiti, where violence and poverty have surged. The policy has drawn criticism for endangering vulnerable patients and reflects Dominican frustration with the lack of international action to stabilize Haiti. Over 80,000 people were deported in the first quarter of 2024.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry rejects claims it manipulates war death tolls, saying recent removals of about 3,000 names from its casualty lists were part of verification, not deceit. Officials explain that as hospitals came under attack and conditions worsened, they shifted from hospital-based counts to online family reports, which required later audits by a judicial committee. Names were withdrawn pending checks when deaths were due to natural causes, people were later found in Israeli prisons, or data was incomplete or mistaken; some may be re-added. Independent analyst Prof. Mike Spagat sees the revisions as a cleanup rather than manipulation, noting the changes slightly increased the share of adult males, countering claims of inflated women/children figures. The ministry says thousands of bodies remain under rubble and about 900 are unidentified, meaning totals likely undercount. Israel disputes aspects of the figures but hasn’t officially challenged specific names; it estimates tens of thousands of Palestinian fighters killed. The war began after Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack on Israel.

Georgian-Russian artist Zurab Tsereteli, famed for massive and often controversial public monuments, has died at 91. Rising to prominence in the Soviet era, he led design for the 1980 Moscow Olympics and later became president of the Russian Academy of Arts. His towering works include Moscow’s 98m Peter the Great, New Jersey’s 9/11 “Tear of Grief,” Seville’s Christopher Columbus, Tbilisi’s Chronicle of Georgia, and “Good Defeats Evil” at the UN. Close to Russia’s political elite and a friend of former Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov, he also created a bronze study of Vladimir Putin and met Picasso early in his career. Despite public controversy—especially over secularism and the scale of his pieces—he remained influential across art, sculpture, and architecture, including helping reconstruct Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.

Ghana’s President John Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo—an unprecedented step—pending an investigation into three undisclosed petitions seeking her removal for alleged incompetence or misbehavior. Torkornoo, appointed in 2023 and the country’s third female chief justice, has received the petitions and responded in writing; a five-member committee will review and invite her to respond again before deciding on removal. Former attorney general Godfred Yeboah Dame condemned the move as an assault on judicial independence. Earlier this year, a separate removal attempt was rejected for deficiencies.

A major fire triggered explosions at a Russian military ammunition depot in the Vladimir region, about 130 km northeast of Moscow. Russia’s defense ministry blamed a safety violation while handling explosives and reported no casualties. Nearby villages were evacuated, and a state of emergency was declared. Footage showed large flames and mushroom clouds. The site is part of the 51st Arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate. Local reports said a shell landed on a nearby house without exploding. Authorities announced an investigation and warned against sharing unofficial information.

Qatari and Egyptian mediators have proposed a new Israel-Gaza ceasefire plan, according to a senior Palestinian official: a 5–7 year truce, release of all Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a formal end to the war, and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. A senior Hamas delegation is in Cairo to discuss it; Israel has not commented. Hamas signaled willingness to hand Gaza’s governance to an agreed Palestinian entity (possibly the PA or a new body), though Israel opposes PA control. The proposal follows Israel’s rejected demand that Hamas disarm for a six-week truce, and Netanyahu’s vow to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed and all hostages are freed. Meanwhile, heavy Israeli strikes killed at least 26 people in 24 hours, with the IDF saying it targeted about 40 engineering vehicles used for militant purposes. The conflict, triggered by Hamas’s 7 October attack, has killed about 1,200 people in Israel and over 51,000 in Gaza, according to respective authorities.

Denmark is building the 18 km Fehmarnbelt immersed tunnel to Germany, set to be the world’s longest prefabricated road-rail tunnel. Constructed from 90 massive concrete-steel elements placed on the seabed, it will feature five tubes: two for rail, two for road, and one for maintenance. Costing about €7.4bn (mostly funded by Denmark with €1.3bn from the EU), it will cut car travel between Rødbyhavn and Puttgarten to 10 minutes and halve Copenhagen–Hamburg rail times to 2.5 hours, reducing distance and emissions. Chosen over a bridge due to winds, ship traffic, and geology, the project overcame legal challenges from environmental groups with mitigation measures, including new wetlands. Opening in 2029, it’s expected to carry over 100 trains and 12,000 cars daily, with tolls repaying costs over about 40 years and anticipated economic benefits for Denmark’s Lolland region.

Ivory Coast’s judiciary has removed main opposition leader Tidjane Thiam from the electoral roll, ruling him ineligible for October’s presidential election. The court said Thiam forfeited Ivorian nationality when he took French citizenship in 1987, despite his recent renunciation of French nationality. Thiam, newly nominated as the PDCI’s presidential candidate, called the decision “democratic vandalism.” The ruling follows bans on three other figures, including ex-President Laurent Gbagbo. The governing RHDP has not announced its candidate, though incumbent Alassane Ouattara is expected to seek a fourth term.

The EU fined Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million under the Digital Markets Act, its first major enforcement of the law. Regulators said Meta’s 2023 “consent or pay” model forced users to accept extensive data processing for personalized ads or pay for ad-free services, and they are reviewing Meta’s newer “less data” ad model. Apple was penalized for violating the DMA’s “steering” rule by restricting app developers from directing users to cheaper offers outside the App Store. Both companies criticized the rulings; Apple plans to appeal, and Meta called the penalty a de facto tariff. The fines, due within 60 days, are well below the DMA’s maximums but arrive amid broader US-EU tensions over claims that Europe targets American tech firms.

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck off Istanbul’s coast near Silivri, triggering panic but no reported deaths. Authorities said 151 people were injured, mostly from jumping in fear. No residential buildings were damaged, though one abandoned structure collapsed in Fatih. The quake lasted 13 seconds at a depth of 7 km, followed by 51 aftershocks, the largest at 5.9. Officials urged vigilance for further tremors. The event renews concerns about Istanbul’s seismic risk, given its proximity to the North Anatolian fault and Turkey’s history of devastating quakes.

Nearly half of Americans—about 156 million people—live in areas with failing air quality grades for ozone and fine particulate pollution, up 25 million from last year, per the American Lung Association’s State of the Air report (2021–2023 data). Year-round particle pollution affects 85 million people at failing levels, the second-highest since 2000, while short-term particle spikes reached a 16-year high, impacting 77.2 million. Top hotspots for particle pollution include Bakersfield, Visalia, Fresno, Los Angeles, and Eugene; for ozone, Los Angeles, Visalia, Bakersfield, Phoenix, and Fresno rank worst. Health risks range from asthma and heart attacks to premature death, cancers, stroke, and dementia. Wildfires and record warm days worsened ozone and particle levels, with smoke impacts traveling far from fire zones. People of color are disproportionately affected, more than twice as likely as White people to live in areas with failing grades, and Hispanics three times as likely to live in areas failing on all three measures. Experts warn that deregulation efforts could further undermine clean air protections.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas delivered his harshest public rebuke of Hamas, calling its members “sons of dogs,” demanding they release Israeli hostages, disarm, and cede control of Gaza to the PLO/PA as a civilian authority. Framing hostages as Israel’s justification for ongoing attacks, he prioritized ending the Gaza war, full Israeli withdrawal, Palestinian political unification, and an international peace conference implementing UN resolutions. Abbas accused Hamas of severely harming the Palestinian cause since 2007; Hamas rejected his claims and questioned his competence. The remarks come amid renewed ceasefire efforts and proposals for Hamas’ disarmament, highlighting enduring Fatah-Hamas divisions despite repeated failed reconciliation attempts.

Despite EU sanctions and visa restrictions following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, many Russians continue to travel across Europe by exploiting gaps in the Schengen system and using third-country routes. While several countries (Latvia, Norway, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Czech Republic) have largely banned tourist visas for Russians, once a traveler enters the Schengen area—often via countries like Italy, France, or Spain—they can move internally with minimal checks. Agents and tour companies in Russia facilitate applications through more permissive Schengen states, offering document packages and claiming high approval rates. Schengen visa issuance to Russians rose 25% in 2024 versus 2023 (though still far below 2019), with refusal rates varying widely by country. Travelers report using transit hubs such as Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Serbia, and China, and some pursue EU residence permits (e.g., digital nomad visas) to ease entry. The practice has fueled political backlash in countries with bans, but remains legal within Schengen rules once entry is gained, highlighting uneven enforcement and ongoing tension over Russian tourism during the war.

US District Judge Paula Xinis sharply criticized the Trump administration for “intentional” noncompliance and bad faith in the expedited discovery process over whether it is obeying her order to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador. In an 8-page order, Xinis said officials have hidden behind vague, boilerplate privilege claims despite being told to provide specific legal and factual justifications, declaring, “That ends now.” She directed DOJ lawyers to submit detailed bases for any privilege assertions and deemed their current objections presumptively invalid. Abrego Garcia’s attorneys say the government’s discovery responses are inadequate and largely non-substantive. The DHS’s top lawyer, Joseph Mazzara, was deposed, and the administration filed its daily status report under seal for in camera review.

The CDC reports about 3.6 million US births in 2024, with a fertility rate of 54.6 per 1,000 women—near the record low and up less than 1% from 2023. Births continue to shift to older ages: rates are highest for women 30–34, while teen and early-20s births hit record lows. The modest increase was driven by Asian and Hispanic women; rates fell for Black, White, and American Indian women. Despite pronatalist rhetoric from the Trump administration—calls for a “baby boom,” an executive order to expand IVF access, and proposals to reward higher birth areas—federal reproductive health programs have been sharply cut, including major reductions at CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health. Experts note ongoing maternal health disparities and evidence that abortion bans are linked to more births and higher infant mortality, especially among vulnerable groups, and caution that year-to-year shifts don’t signal a reversal of the long-term decline.

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Istanbul shook the CNN Turk studio during a live broadcast, with anchor Meltem Bozbeyoğlu on air as the tremor hit. The clip shows the studio visibly shaking, highlighting the quake’s immediate impact.

Guangdong, China’s most populous and economically strongest province, is defying the nation’s declining birth trend, driven largely by traditional pro-natal culture in regions like Chaoshan where large families and male lineage are prized. The province recorded 1.13 million births in 2024—its seventh straight year leading the country and the only province with over one million births for five consecutive years—achieving a birth rate of 8.89 per thousand, among China’s highest. Unlike other higher-fertility regions that are less developed, Guangdong pairs robust demographic performance with the country’s top GDP (14.16 trillion yuan in 2024). However, the cultural and economic factors underpinning Guangdong’s resilience are hard to replicate nationwide amid widespread youth reluctance to have more children.

China will allow certain Shanghai Gold Exchange products to be physically delivered overseas by setting up offshore storage and delivery facilities, aiming to internationalize its gold market, promote yuan-denominated pricing, and reduce reliance on the US dollar and US financial systems. The move is part of an 18-measure action plan by top regulators to strengthen Shanghai’s cross-border financial services, deepen international investor participation, and support Belt and Road projects through expanded yuan use, enhanced FX services, and reinsurance support.

Liu Guoliang resigned as president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association after leading China to dominant Olympic success since 2018; he was re-elected in 2023. He is replaced by vice-president Wang Liqin, a two-time Olympic champion and three-time world singles winner who has served in CTTA leadership since 2018. The change comes two days after China announced its squad for the upcoming ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals in Qatar, led by Wang Chuqin, Lin Shidong, Sun Yingsha, and Wang Manyu.

People’s Daily warns that academic misconduct—such as grant fraud—remains widespread in China due to weak penalties, threatening the country’s innovation goals and international scientific reputation. The commentary urges significantly tougher punishments to deter violations that waste resources and distort fair competition, as China intensifies efforts toward technological self-sufficiency amid growing US–China tech rivalry.

China’s Manned Space Agency says Hong Kong’s first astronaut, selected in June 2024 as part of the fourth batch of preparatory astronauts, could fly as early as 2026. The Hong Kong and Macau recruits, both payload specialists with strong science/engineering backgrounds, have been undergoing training since August 2024—covering spaceflight theory, psychology, and space-environment adaptation—and have integrated well into the team. Their initial missions would focus on managing complex onboard equipment and experiments.

Singapore’s ruling PAP made last-minute candidate reshuffles on Nomination Day for the May 3, 2025 election, moving Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong to lead its team in the new Punggol GRC against the Workers’ Party’s star candidate, senior counsel Harpreet Singh. Marine Parade-Braddell Heights saw Singapore’s first walkover since 2011, while Tampines GRC will feature a rare four-cornered fight. Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean announced their retirement from politics. The election is viewed as a key test of public confidence in Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his 4G team amid concerns over the cost of living, jobs, and housing.

BP shares swung sharply after activist hedge fund Elliott Management disclosed a 5.006% stake. The stock closed down 0.3% after rising as much as 5% intraday and is down ~8% year-to-date. Elliott’s involvement, first reported in February, has fueled expectations of pressure to prioritize oil and gas over green initiatives. BP has since accelerated fossil fuel investments to $10 billion through 2027 and scaled back its 2030 emissions-cut target to 20–30% (from up to 40%), despite previously pledging net zero by 2050. Leadership remained in place but faced reduced shareholder support. Analysts broadly back the strategic reset, though BP remains seen as a potential takeover target by majors like Shell, Exxon, and Chevron. BP reports Q1 earnings Tuesday and expects lower upstream production and higher net debt versus Q4 2024.

The EU fined Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million for violating the Digital Markets Act. Regulators said Apple blocked developers from steering users to alternative offers outside the App Store, ordering Apple to remove related technical and commercial restrictions; Apple will appeal. Meta was penalized for forcing users to consent to data sharing or pay for an ad-free tier on Facebook and Instagram. The Commission is reviewing Meta’s revised, less data-intensive ads model and issued a cease-and-desist order to adjust it within 60 days. The actions may strain U.S.-EU relations amid recent U.S. tariff threats tied to perceived European targeting of American tech firms.

Singapore’s inflation stayed at four-year lows in March, with headline CPI up 0.9% year over year (below the 1.1% expected) and down 0.1% month over month; core inflation eased to 0.5% from 0.6%. Food and private transport drove headline prices, while broad-based easing (except food) pulled core lower. The reading comes ahead of the May 3 general election, as PM Lawrence Wong highlights cost-of-living concerns tied to global conflicts, supply disruptions, and trade tensions. With growth slowing—Q1 GDP up 3.8% y/y vs. 5% in Q4 2024 and below 4.3% expected—Singapore has eased monetary policy twice and cut its 2025 GDP forecast to 0%-2%, citing weakness in manufacturing and parts of services.

SAP shares jumped about 10% after Q1 results beat expectations, with operating profit up 58% in constant currency to €2.5 billion (vs. ~€2.2 billion expected). Revenue rose 11% to €9 billion, EPS increased 79% to €1.44, and cloud backlog grew 29%. The company reaffirmed 2025 full-year cloud revenue guidance of €21.6–€21.9 billion (constant currency). CEO Christian Klein said SAP’s software is “more relevant than ever” amid tariff uncertainty, highlighting 86% recurring revenue for predictability. Analysts praised resilience and cost discipline, with some raising price targets. SAP recently became Europe’s most valuable public company.

More travelers are using buy now, pay later (BNPL) to finance trips, with strong growth reported by Klarna, Affirm, and China’s Fliggy. Nearly 20% of Americans plan to use BNPL for summer travel in 2025, with Gen Z and millennials leading adoption—especially for live events. Experts say BNPL can be useful when used responsibly, noting travel-related defaults tend to be lower as many users could pay upfront. However, risks include stacking multiple loans, customer service challenges, and hardship after life events, with missed payments potentially triggering fees or credit score impacts (policies vary; Affirm says no late fees and is expanding credit reporting). Travel advisors recommend BNPL for snagging deals or spreading costs only if funds exist to cover the trip, cautioning borrowers to look beyond monthly payments and avoid post-trip repayment slumps. Critics warn that if you can’t pay outright, you may want to skip the vacation.

Army Cpl. Albert J. Estrada, a 17-year-old who went missing during the 1950 Battle of Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War, has been accounted for 75 years later, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced. Estrada was reported missing on Dec. 6, 1950, and presumed dead in 1953. His remains were among those recovered and repatriated over decades through efforts including Operation Glory and later returns from North Korea, though the DPAA did not specify which transfer led to his identification. Estrada earned multiple honors, including the Purple Heart. A full announcement is forthcoming; his siblings had long advocated for his identification.

Five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team—Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton—pleaded not guilty to sexual assault charges in a London, Ontario court. McLeod faces an additional charge of being a party to the offense. A jury of 14 plus two alternates was selected, with the trial set to begin Wednesday and expected to last about eight weeks. The case stems from allegations that a woman was sexually assaulted by eight players in June 2018 after a Hockey Canada gala. Hockey Canada previously settled a related lawsuit, and scrutiny intensified after revelations of secret funds used for settlements. London police reopened the case in 2022, leading to charges; the NHL’s investigation is pending the trial’s outcome. None of the accused currently has an active NHL contract.

The Vatican has postponed the canonization of Carlo Acutis—set to be the first millennial saint—by at least a week following the death of Pope Francis at age 88. Originally scheduled for April 27, the ceremony is now planned for next Sunday in St. Peter’s Square during the Jubilee celebration of adolescents. Acutis, a London-born Italian who died at 15 in 2006, was known for using his tech skills to catalog Eucharistic miracles. He was declared venerable in 2018 and beatified in 2020 after a recognized miracle; a second miracle was approved in 2024, leading to the July 2024 approval for his canonization. Devotees have been flocking to Assisi ahead of the ceremony.

Israeli police closed a beach near Hadera and are searching for a missing swimmer feared attacked by a shark, amid years of close encounters between people and endangered dusky and sandbar sharks drawn by warm power-plant outflow. Despite warnings and a swimming ban, crowds have entered the water, touching and feeding sharks. Conservation groups say authorities failed to regulate the area and urge measures such as designated viewing zones. If confirmed, this would be Israel’s third recorded shark attack; one fatality occurred in the 1940s.

Under President Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran has executed 1,051 people since July 8, 2024—a more than 20% rise from 2023—targeting drug offenders, dissidents, protesters, women, and individuals accused of crimes committed as minors. Rights groups say executions of juveniles persist despite international prohibitions. As the U.S. pursues renewed nuclear talks with Tehran, the NCRI and Amnesty International urge conditioning engagement on halting executions and addressing human rights abuses, with calls to refer Iran’s record to the U.N. Security Council and prosecute top leaders. Meanwhile, authorities are tightening repression of student activism and dissent.

A Russian court reduced American Robert Woodland’s prison term from 12.5 to 9.5 years following his 2023 conviction for attempting to sell drugs, after being found with 50 grams of mephedrone. The reason for the sentence reduction was not disclosed. Woodland, born in Russia and adopted by Americans, returned at 26 to find his birth mother and was arrested in January 2024. His lawyer says he partially admitted guilt. The U.S. State Department says it is closely monitoring the case. Woodland remains detained as other recent U.S.-Russia prisoner releases have occurred.

The U.S. and Iran will hold a third round of nuclear talks in Muscat after a four-hour meeting in Rome produced “very good progress,” according to a U.S. official. Reports indicate limited direct contact between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with Oman mediating. Araghchi called the atmosphere “relatively positive” but urged caution, saying technical-level talks will begin soon to hammer out details and signaling skepticism about returning to the 2015 JCPOA. Experts warn any deal must address Iran’s advanced enrichment capability and missile delivery systems, noting Iran could reach weapons-grade enrichment in weeks and has enough near-weapons-grade material for multiple bombs if further enriched.

Former Australia Test cricketer Michael Slater, 55, was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple domestic violence offences, including unlawful stalking, intimidation, nighttime break-in, common assault, assault occasioning bodily harm, and choking/suffocation, committed between December 2023 and April 2024. He is expected to be released based on time served, with the remainder suspended for five years. Slater had prior DV charges dismissed in 2022 on mental health grounds and was placed on a 12‑month treatment plan. He played 73 Tests and 42 ODIs before retiring in 2004 to work in TV commentary.

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse was stolen at a Washington DC burger restaurant on Sunday night while she dined with family. The bag reportedly contained $3,000 in cash, a DHS building access ID, credit cards, blank checks, her passport, driver’s license, and keys. Surveillance footage shows a masked man sitting near her, sliding the purse toward himself with his foot, then leaving with it. At least two Secret Service agents were present. It’s unclear if Noem was specifically targeted; the investigation is ongoing. Noem said she couldn’t comment as the matter isn’t resolved.

The Royal Navy’s flagship HMS Prince of Wales has begun an eight-month deployment, Operation Highmast, leading Carrier Strike Group 25 through the Mediterranean, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan, and Australia. The mission will involve joint exercises with 40 countries and participation from 12 allied nations, including Norway, Canada, and Spain. Up to 4,500 personnel will be involved at peak, supported by Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless, RAF F-35B jets, Merlin and Wildcat helicopters, and drones. The deployment starts with a NATO air-defense exercise off France, then moves to work with an Italian-led carrier force before heading east via the Red Sea. UK officials say the operation demonstrates credible deterrence, supports key trade routes, and underscores commitment to NATO and the rules-based international order.

Former Colombian foreign minister Álvaro Leyva publicly accused President Gustavo Petro of drug abuse and disappearing for two days during a 2023 official visit to France. In a letter posted on X, Leyva cited Petro’s alleged poor punctuality, incoherent statements, and unnecessary trips, claiming he confirmed a “drug addiction problem” in Paris. Petro pushed back on social media without directly denying the allegation, suggesting he spent time in Paris with family and at cultural sites. The accusations triggered a political storm in Colombia, with commentators noting the unprecedented nature of a senior ex-official questioning a sitting president’s faculties. Petro has previously dismissed similar claims, and has made controversial remarks about cocaine. The controversy unfolded as Petro reignited a dispute with Donald Trump and claimed the U.S. had revoked his visa.

Families of Venezuelans detained in El Salvador and relatives of political prisoners in Venezuela condemned Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele’s proposal to swap 252 Venezuelan detainees—deported from the U.S. and held in El Salvador’s harsh Cecot prison—for an equal number of prisoners held by Nicolás Maduro’s regime. Critics, including detainees’ families and a Venezuelan advocacy group, called the plan a cynical political stunt that treats people like bargaining chips and obscures abusive detention conditions in both countries. Venezuela’s government rejected the offer, labeling Bukele “tyrannical,” while U.S. claims that the deported Venezuelans are criminals remain largely unsubstantiated. Families urge the release of both Venezuela’s political prisoners and the reportedly innocent migrants jailed in El Salvador.

Indonesia’s ambassador to Australia, Dr Siswo Pramono, met DFAT deputy secretary Michelle Chan on Tuesday amid election debate over a reported Russian request to base aircraft in eastern Indonesia. The meeting was part of regular engagements and not convened specifically about Russia, though sources said the topic may have been discussed. Australia had sought clarification after a Janes report claimed Moscow requested access to Manuhua air base; Indonesian officials have said no foreign bases are permitted, and Australia’s defence minister reported Indonesia denied any prospect of Russian aircraft operating there. The issue became political after Peter Dutton incorrectly claimed Indonesia’s president announced the proposal, later admitting the mistake. Anthony Albanese accused Dutton of damaging the bilateral relationship, while Dutton cited his ties with President Prabowo. DFAT declined to comment on the meeting’s contents.

Six years after ISIS’s territorial defeat, thousands of women and children linked to the group remain in Kurdish-run camps in northeast Syria, including dozens of French nationals. The Kurdish administration, lacking state authority, cannot prosecute or extradite them, leaving families in prolonged legal limbo with limited humanitarian protections. A potential shift looms as a new government in Damascus may assume control of the camps, creating uncertainty and anxiety among detainees and Kurdish officials about future legal processes, repatriations, or transfers.

The New York Times profiles comedian and podcaster Theo Von as a singular force reshaping interview media with his show “This Past Weekend.” Eschewing traditional formats, Von’s long, unhurried conversations blend curiosity, humility, and mischievous humor, creating space for vulnerability across the political and cultural spectrum—from Donald Trump to Bernie Sanders, Gabor Maté, and celebrities. Though loosely grouped with the “manosphere,” Von defies easy categorization: he’s compassionate and crude, skeptical yet open, and comfortable admitting what he doesn’t know. His down-home style, strategic naïveté, and willingness to sit in silence draw out revealing moments and make his podcast a top destination that rivals network late-night shows. Rooted in his personal history and recovery journey, Von positions himself as an everyman navigator of America’s chaotic information streams, offering a glass-free, unpredictable alternative to polished media.