In other news

New York prosecutors charged 37-year-old crypto investor John Woeltz with kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and gun possession after a 28-year-old Italian man escaped a NoLIta townhouse and alerted police. Authorities say Woeltz, renting the luxury home, and at least one accomplice held the victim for about three weeks, stealing his devices and passport and torturing him—beatings, electric shocks, threats with a gun—to force disclosure of his Bitcoin password. Police found Polaroid photos, a firearm, and torture implements inside; the victim was hospitalized in stable condition. Woeltz was ordered held without bail and surrendered his passport. Another suspect, Beatrice Folchi, was also charged, and a third man remains at large. The case follows a series of high-profile kidnappings and attacks linked to cryptocurrency targets.

The EPA has drafted a rule to repeal all greenhouse gas limits on U.S. coal- and gas-fired power plants, arguing their emissions are a small, declining share of global totals and don’t “significantly” endanger public health. The move would undo Biden-era requirements for carbon capture at coal plants and cleaner technologies at some new gas plants, challenge the 2009 endangerment finding that underpins federal climate rules, and potentially limit future administrations’ authority to regulate power-sector CO₂. Critics, including environmental groups and scientists, say power plants remain a major U.S. emissions source with significant health impacts, and warn the plan is legally vulnerable and part of a rapid, broader rollback of climate regulations under the Trump administration. The proposal has been sent to the White House for review and is expected to face lawsuits if finalized.

Hong Kong’s bamboo scaffolding—an ancient craft still common across the city’s dense skylines—faces uncertainty after a government memo urged at least half of public projects to use metal scaffolds for safety, durability, and fire resistance. While officials say bamboo won’t be phased out entirely, engineers cite rising skyscraper heights, glass-heavy facades, and accident concerns as reasons to favor standardized metal systems. The story centers on Daisy Pak, a 31-year-old one of the few women in the trade, who turned her life around through scaffolding, fought bias, gained top qualifications, and now works with both bamboo and metal. She and other advocates argue bamboo is lighter, cheaper, and better suited to tight urban spaces, and embodies Hong Kong’s resilient spirit. The article also highlights bamboo’s cultural role through master builder Kenny Lee, who constructs traditional open-air theaters for festivals, a practice recognized as intangible heritage but financially precarious. Pak is promoting training and public engagement to keep the craft alive even as the industry modernizes.

The Pacers seized a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals with a 114-109 win at Madison Square Garden, powered by Pascal Siakam’s playoff career-high 39 points. Indiana pulled away with a 13-4 run to open the fourth quarter while Jalen Brunson rested; Brunson returned to finish with 36 points and 11 assists but missed a potential tying 3 in the final seconds. Tyrese Haliburton added a double-double (14-8-11), and Indiana notched its sixth straight road playoff win. The Knicks’ late-game execution faltered again, and Tom Thibodeau’s choice to ride Mitchell Robinson over Karl-Anthony Towns late highlighted a lineup dilemma. Game 3 in Indianapolis is a must-win for New York, as no team has ever rallied from 0-3 in a best-of-seven series.

Filmmaker Isabelle Grignon-Francke reflects on revisiting the carnival world of her childhood and discovering the unseen lives of its workers. Her short documentary centers on Kim Lalonde, a longtime carnival worker torn between the tight-knit community he considers family—especially his friend Billy—and his desire to pursue other passions. The film explores tensions between freedom and belonging, roots and reinvention, portraying carnival workers as dreamers building joy for others while grappling with their own hopes for a different life.

French authorities say a major power outage in Cannes during the film festival was caused by sabotage, including arson at a substation and damage to a transmission tower. About 160,000 homes lost electricity for hours, disrupting some screenings before the festival switched to backup generators; the closing ceremony proceeded as planned. Investigations are underway, with no confirmation the festival was a specific target. The outage also disrupted city life, from traffic lights to elevators, before power was restored by late afternoon. Authorities drew parallels to unsolved arson on rail lines during the Paris Olympics opening day in 2024.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and Donovan Mitchell made the 2025 All-NBA First Team, with SGA, Jokić, Giannis, and Tatum unanimous picks. The Second Team featured Evan Mobley, LeBron James, Anthony Edwards, Stephen Curry, and Jalen Brunson; the Third Team included Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Haliburton, Karl-Anthony Towns, James Harden, and Jalen Williams. Cunningham was the biggest financial winner: his max extension jumps from $224M to $269M due to making All-NBA. Trae Young and Jaren Jackson Jr. missed out on All-NBA and thus on potential supermax eligibility, limiting them to smaller extensions. Mitchell earned his first First Team nod; LeBron extended his record to 21 All-NBA selections; Curry notched his 11th; Mobley made his first and already secured a $50M bump from winning DPOY. Other awards: MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Rookie Stephon Castle, Sixth Man Payton Pritchard, Defensive Player Evan Mobley, Clutch Jalen Brunson, Most Improved Dyson Daniels, Coach of the Year Kenny Atkinson.

The article reflects on Celia Cruz’s enduring legacy 22 years after her death, highlighting her role as the “Queen of Salsa,” her 70-plus albums, and her influence in shaping salsa by blending Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Dominican rhythms after moving to New York in 1961. Her joyful message and cultural impact continue to resonate, especially in Miami’s Cuban diaspora. Recent tributes include a Miami Marlins bobblehead giveaway and mural by Disem305, her appearance on a 2024 U.S. quarter as the first Afro-Latina featured in the American Women Quarters program, a posthumous Legend Award at Billboard Latin Women in Music with performances by Ivy Queen, La India, and Olga Tañón, and museum exhibits showcasing her life and style. Her digital presence remains strong, with millions of monthly listeners and substantial YouTube subscribers, underscoring her lasting influence across generations and borders.

Jafar Panahi’s clandestinely shot Iranian film “Un Simple Accident” won the Palme d’Or at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, drawing an emotional standing ovation. Inspired by stories from Evin Prison, the film follows a group confronting a suspected torturer. A jury led by Juliette Binoche also gave a special award to Bi Gan’s “Resurrection.” Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value” took the Grand Prix; the Jury Prize was split between Oliver Laxe’s “Sirât” and Mascha Schilinski’s “Sound of Falling.” Wagner Moura won best actor for “The Secret Agent,” whose director Kleber Mendonça Filho also won best director. Nadia Melliti won best actress for “The Little Sister.” The Dardenne brothers took best screenplay for “Young Mothers,” and the Camera d’Or went to Hasan Hadi’s “The President’s Cake,” with a special mention to Akinola Davies Jr.’s “My Father’s Shadow.” The strong lineup buoyed spirits despite industry headwinds and political tensions.

New modeling by University of Manchester scientists suggests Aspergillus fungi—common in soil and air and capable of causing deadly lung infections—will expand into new regions as climate change warms the planet. Species such as A. flavus (tropical) could widen their range by 16%, moving into parts of North America, China, and Russia, while A. fumigatus (temperate) may shift northward by up to 77.5% by 2100, potentially exposing millions more in Europe. Warmer temperatures may also increase fungi’s heat tolerance and extreme weather can aid spore dispersal. Aspergillosis, which has 20%–40% mortality and is hard to diagnose, poses heightened risks for people with lung disease or weakened immunity; antifungal resistance and a limited arsenal of treatments worsen the threat. Despite rising case counts and WHO warnings, experts say data gaps and underinvestment leave the world unprepared for expanding fungal disease burdens and ecosystem impacts.

Bruges, Belgium, is urging tourists to stop stealing cobblestones from its UNESCO-recognized medieval streets, with officials estimating 50–70 stones go missing monthly, more during peak season. Replacements and repairs cost about €200 per square meter and missing stones create safety hazards. A local politician cited incidents like a thief replacing a stone with a flower as emblematic of disrespect for heritage. The appeal comes amid broader overtourism pressures; Bruges has already curbed cruise ships and halted some promotional campaigns. Visitors are encouraged to choose lawful souvenirs, like Belgian chocolates, instead. The article also highlights alternative, less crowded destinations and notes travel-related social media trends.

House Republicans passed a sweeping tax-and-spending bill backed by President Trump that pairs permanent extensions of most 2017 individual tax cuts with major reductions to Medicaid and SNAP. Early estimates say the tax provisions would add about $3.8 trillion to the deficit over 10 years, while spending cuts—about $700 billion from Medicaid and $267 billion from SNAP—would offset less than a third, leaving roughly $3.1 trillion added to the debt including interest, per an outside analysis. Benefits skew heavily to higher earners: the top 20% would receive about 60% of tax cuts next year, averaging $12,660, while middle earners would get about $1,840 and the lowest earners about $160. Many tax perks (e.g., eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, a senior deduction boost, a car-loan interest deduction) are temporary to lower the bill’s official cost, as are several business breaks. New Medicaid work requirements, expected to push millions off coverage, begin after 2026 (states may start earlier). The Senate will craft its own version amid scrutiny over what critics call a reverse transfer of wealth from low-income Americans to the wealthy.

House Republicans passed a sweeping bill combining permanent extensions of most 2017 individual tax cuts with major reductions to safety-net programs, shifting benefits toward higher earners while increasing deficits. Early estimates suggest tax measures add about $3.8 trillion to the deficit over 10 years, partially offset by nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid (about $700 billion) and SNAP ($267 billion). An independent analysis projects a net $3.1 trillion increase in the national debt over a decade, with more detail pending from the CBO. Most Americans would avoid tax hikes slated for 2025 under current law; over 80% would see a tax cut next year. But benefits skew upward: the top 20% would receive 60% of the cuts (averaging $12,660), while middle earners average $1,840 and the lowest earners about $160. Temporary breaks—like eliminating taxes on tips and overtime through 2028, a senior deduction boost, and a car loan interest deduction—help contain the bill’s scored cost, mirroring 2017 tactics. New Medicaid work requirements, expected to push millions off coverage, start after the 2026 midterms (states may adopt earlier). Making all temporary provisions permanent would add roughly $5.1 trillion more to debt. The Senate will craft its own version amid scrutiny over what critics call a reverse wealth transfer funded by deficits.

Families of Israelis held in Gaza condemned Prime Minister Netanyahu’s nominee to lead the Shin Bet, Maj. Gen. David Zini, after reports he repeatedly opposed hostage deals, calling the stance “shocking” and incompatible with the duty to return captives. Zini, currently head of the IDF Training Command with limited intelligence background, would gain influence over negotiations if confirmed. His nomination follows a Supreme Court ruling blocking Netanyahu’s dismissal of current Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar due to conflict-of-interest concerns; the Attorney General also criticized the new appointment process. Despite legal warnings, Netanyahu defended the pick as a security necessity. The IDF said Zini will retire from active duty before assuming the civilian role, and the Chief of Staff cautioned that any political contacts by IDF officers require approval.

The article traces how Washington, DC’s Lafayette Square became a national focal point after George Floyd’s murder in May 2020, capturing the surge of multiracial protests, the emotional and spiritual resonance for participants like pastor Starlette Thomas, and the nighttime clashes that followed. It recounts the Trump administration’s hardline response—tweets invoking “law and order,” the deployment of police and National Guard, tear gas and flash-bangs used to clear peaceful demonstrators on June 1, and Trump’s subsequent photo op with a Bible at St. John’s Church—which crystallized tensions over police brutality and protest rights. The piece situates the creation and symbolic power of Black Lives Matter Plaza—born from that moment in a historic protest space—alongside its rapid fading from public prominence, reflecting the broader arc from mass mobilization and visible solidarity to political backlash, physical erasure, and the unresolved struggle over racial justice in America.

Kaitlan Collins recaps a packed week at the White House as President Trump pushes a sweeping tax and spending cuts package through Congress. He hosts South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office, while the administration faces scrutiny over proposed Medicaid, HHS, and cultural program cuts. Collins also highlights her sit-down with RFK Jr., GOP infighting and skepticism about the bill’s prospects, and broader debates over tariffs, tech policy, and political controversies involving key figures like Speaker Johnson, James Comey, and Elon Musk.

China has approved plans for a 767km Jiangxi–Zhejiang canal, a Class III waterway designed for 1,000-tonne vessels and an annual capacity of about 25 million tonnes. Part of a larger Guangdong–Jiangxi–Zhejiang linkage, the project aims to cut logistics costs and better integrate inland economies with coastal hubs. Estimated at 320 billion yuan (US$44.4 billion), it would be China’s most expensive artificial canal, connecting Jiangxi’s EV manufacturing and rare earth/copper base to Zhejiang’s seaports. Zhejiang targets major inland water transport leadership by 2035.

Analysts say the US is progressing with next-generation fighters paired with “loyal wingman” drones under the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, potentially offsetting China’s numerical advantage and extending operational reach in a Pacific conflict. The YFQ-42A (General Atomics) and YFQ-44A (Anduril) UCAVs are in ground testing for propulsion, avionics, autonomy, and control interfaces, with flight tests planned this year and production targeted for 2026. The drones are expected to be cost-effective force multipliers for strike and air-to-air missile carriage. However, experts warn China is narrowing the technology gap, advancing its own uncrewed systems and diminishing the US lead.

Indonesia’s slowing economy has spurred calls to boost support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which make up over 60% of GDP and employ 97% of the workforce, mostly in the informal sector. Former officials and economists argue that empowering rural and informal businesses is essential to meet President Prabowo’s 8% growth target, amid signs of weakening demand such as falling vehicle sales and the “lipstick effect.” With Q1 2025 growth slowing to 4.87% year-on-year, experts urge more consistent national policies, microfinance access, and targeted support to strengthen grassroots resilience and drive recovery.

UK Independent School Council’s latest census shows a 6% drop in Hong Kong students at British independent schools—the sharpest recent decline—coinciding with the UK Labour government’s introduction of a 20% VAT on school fees in January. Consultants say the tax has deterred some parents, though many schools limited fee hikes to around 12% by absorbing part of the cost. Despite the fall, mainland China and Hong Kong remain the top two sources of international students. The survey covered 1,423 schools, up 12 from last year.

South Africa has downgraded Taiwan’s presence by renaming its Pretoria-based mission the “Taipei Commercial Office” on a government site and listing it in Johannesburg, signaling closer alignment with Beijing. Taiwan’s foreign minister says the office remains in Pretoria. Separately, Somalia banned entry, exit, and transit for Taiwanese passport holders, likely in response to Taiwan’s ties with Somaliland. With only eSwatini as Taiwan’s formal African ally and few trade offices remaining, analysts say Africa’s growing economic ties with China are driving reduced visibility for Taiwan across the continent.

Chinese state media have released viral, AI-arranged rock versions of classic children’s songs that pair playful lyrics with videos of PLA submarines, aircraft, and tanks, promoting a “hardcore” military image. Shared under the hashtag “People’s Liberation Army hardcore songs” on platforms like Weibo and Douyin by outlets such as Xinhua and People’s Daily, the clips have garnered millions of views. Supporters say the remixes evoke pride amid rising U.S.-China tensions, while critics question the militarized makeover of childhood tunes. One example recasts a 1955 rowing song with lyrics about PLA Navy destroyers and submarines slicing through waves.

The article argues that Hong Kong is pivotal to advancing the yuan’s internationalisation as global doubts about the US dollar grow. Hong Kong offers a mature “toolbox” for RMB settlement, payments, hedging, and swaps, attracting interest from international businesses, including in Qatar, which is deepening economic ties with China. Increased RMB-denominated trade and investment would boost Hong Kong’s financial sector and aligns with China’s long-standing push—accelerated by US-China tensions and de-dollarisation trends—to reduce reliance on the dollar and enhance financial autonomy.

The article examines Donald Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome,” a next-generation, multi-layered US missile defense aimed at countering advanced threats like hypersonics, cruise missiles, and space-based delivery systems. Experts agree the US needs stronger homeland defenses beyond current systems designed for limited ICBM threats (e.g., North Korea), but say the Golden Dome’s scope—land, sea, and space sensors and interceptors, potentially including pre-launch and multi-phase interception—will be highly complex, require unprecedented command-and-control integration, and be extremely costly. Trump’s timeline (by end of term) and estimated cost ($175bn) are viewed as unrealistic; independent estimates suggest hundreds of billions, particularly for space components requiring hundreds or thousands of platforms. While critics warn of fueling an arms race, proponents argue adversaries are already expanding capabilities and that improved defenses enhance deterrence. The system would surpass Israel’s Iron Dome, which targets short-range threats, by addressing long-range and multi-domain attacks, but faces major technical, budgetary, and schedule risks.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s tense White House meeting with Donald Trump—marked by Trump’s unfounded claims of “white genocide” and threats to the Agoa trade deal—overshadowed hopes for a trade reset. Yet at home, Ramaphosa’s calm, diplomatic handling is being praised and may bolster his standing and the fragile government of national unity (GNU). Despite deep domestic challenges—economic stagnation, crime, corruption, ANC factionalism—analysts say the episode highlighted Ramaphosa’s strengths as a consensus-builder, reminding South Africans of his role in past national crises and reinforcing the “If not Ramaphosa, then who?” sentiment. The united front with GNU partner John Steenhuisen and billionaire Johann Rupert, both white South Africans, helped counter Trump’s narrative and could strengthen the GNU’s legitimacy, even as pressures on policy and governance persist.

King Charles will make a historic visit to Canada to open Parliament—the first monarch to do so in nearly 70 years—amid tensions sparked by President Trump’s suggestion that Canada should be part of the US. The speech, drafted by Canada’s government and delivered in English and French, is expected to affirm Canadian sovereignty, likely include personal remarks from the King, and acknowledge First Nations. While avoiding direct provocation of Trump, the address will symbolically support Canada’s independence as PM Mark Carney pursues a tougher stance with Washington. The visit highlights the King’s delicate role balancing UK-US relations with support for Canada, drawing mixed reactions in Canada over the monarchy’s influence and the UK’s outreach to Trump.

Investigators are probing whether fog and technical problems at San Diego’s Montgomery Field contributed to a Cessna 550 crash that killed all six onboard and injured eight on the ground. The aircraft struck power lines before crashing into a residential area about two miles from the airport. At the time, the airport’s weather observation system was inoperative due to a power surge, and runway approach lights on the intended runway had issues noted in a NOTAM. The pilot did not declare an emergency. Victims include music agent Dave Shapiro, former The Devil Wears Prada drummer Daniel Williams, and Sound Talent Group staffers Emma Huke and Kendall Fortner. A preliminary NTSB report is expected within 30 days; the final report may take up to two years.

South Korea, the world’s largest and longest-running exporter of children for overseas adoption, faces mounting allegations of fraud, kidnapping, and human trafficking tied to its adoption system from the 1950s onward. A landmark Truth and Reconciliation Commission inquiry found successive governments enabled private agencies to “mass export” children for profit with little oversight, citing falsified records, coerced or absent consent, and rounding up of children. The report highlighted inhumane transport and Western demand that fueled an industry peaking in the 1980s. The case of Han Tae-soon illustrates the abuses: her six-year-old daughter, Kyung-ha, was allegedly kidnapped in 1975, funneled through an orphanage with false “abandoned” paperwork, and illegally adopted to the U.S., where she became Laurie Bender. After a 44-year search, they reunited via DNA matching in 2019. Han is now suing the South Korean government—the first birth parent to do so—while adoptee lawsuits have also begun. The government expressed regret and said it would act based on trial outcomes. The findings could open the door to further legal actions and accountability over decades of systemic violations.

The Arctic is becoming a geopolitical hotspot as melting ice unlocks resources and new shipping routes, drawing intensified competition among China, Russia, the US, and European states. China, branding itself a “near-Arctic state,” is seeking influence through investments and infrastructure but faces growing European pushback, steering it closer to Russia. Moscow, which controls half the Arctic coastline and hosts major nuclear assets on the Kola Peninsula, is leveraging Chinese capital while remaining wary of overdependence. Joint Russia-China patrols and exercises mirror heightened NATO activity, especially after Finland and Sweden joined the alliance. Norway, on the front line, balances economic hopes—like developing Kirkenes as a polar trade hub—with security concerns, citing increased GPS jamming, espionage, and vigilance over critical undersea infrastructure. Overall, strategic, economic, and military competition is accelerating in a rapidly warming region.

Amazon’s Zoox issued its second voluntary software recall in a month, affecting 270 robotaxis, after an unoccupied vehicle in San Francisco was struck by an e-scooter while yielding and then briefly moved before stopping. The rider had minor injuries and declined medical attention. Earlier, Zoox recalled software following a Las Vegas crash involving minor damage. The latest recall, reported to NHTSA, addresses automated driving prediction issues. The incidents come as competitors like Waymo expand commercial services and Tesla touts imminent robotaxis.

Jim Cramer’s latest Lightning Round: He recommends starting a position in Eli Lilly. For Navitas, he suggests pulling out original capital and letting the rest ride. He advises taking profits in Mr. Cooper Group and calls Red Cat speculative with no earnings. He views Rocket Companies favorably. He’s avoiding oil services broadly, preferring Schlumberger over Halliburton, and says he likes Rio Tinto. For DeFi Development, he pivots to saying he’d buy Bitcoin. Note: CNBC’s Investing Club holds Eli Lilly.

Jim Cramer says the coming week could be volatile, with key earnings from Nvidia, Salesforce, Costco, Dell, Marvell, Zscaler, AutoZone, Okta, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Macy’s, Gap, and Ulta likely to move sectors and the broader market. He warns presidential tariff rhetoric could sway stocks, while the 10-year yield and Friday’s PCE inflation report remain crucial. Cramer expects strength from AutoZone and Okta; skepticism on Macy’s; questions Dick’s planned Foot Locker acquisition; sees Nvidia highlighting its growing software business; is uncertain on Salesforce amid AI and Informatica talk; advises waiting on Costco as the stock often dips post-earnings; is constructive on Gap under CEO Richard Dickson and suggests owning, not trading, Ulta; and is confident in Dell, less convinced Marvell will disappoint, and notes Zscaler’s pattern of upside surprises.

Elon Musk’s social platform X experienced a brief outage Saturday morning, with about 25,000 users reporting problems around 8:45 a.m. ET, according to Downdetector. Issues largely subsided by 10 a.m., though some persisted until about 11 a.m. It was the second outage in a week. Musk acknowledged the uptime problems, said failover redundancy didn’t work, and vowed major operational improvements, adding he’ll be intensely focused on company operations. The cause of the outage wasn’t disclosed; X didn’t comment. X has seen multiple outages since Musk’s 2022 acquisition, including a March incident he blamed on a major cyberattack.

Veterinary epidemiologist Stephanie Venn-Watson, who studied long-lived Navy dolphins, helped identify C15:0—a newly recognized essential saturated fatty acid linked to healthier aging. To boost C15:0 intake, she prioritizes grass-fed dairy, especially cheese (like pecorino), often as a daily snack paired with high-fiber crackers, and she eats fish regularly for omega-3s. She also takes a purified C15:0 supplement developed by her company, Seraphina Therapeutics.

Tripadvisor’s 2025 Summer Travel Index shows U.S. travelers favor a mix of major cities and beach getaways, with relaxation the top motive. Four of the top 10 trending international spots are in the Caribbean. Cancún, Mexico ranks No. 1 for its accessibility, range of resorts, beaches, and nearby attractions like Tulum and whale shark sightings. Paris is No. 2, highlighted for its walkability and cultural landmarks. The top 10 destinations for U.S. travelers are: Cancún; Paris; London; Rome; Cabo San Lucas; Punta Cana; Barcelona; Oranjestad (Aruba); Venice; and Cap Cana (Dominican Republic).

CBS News reports that during an Oval Office meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Donald Trump falsely claimed White farmers in South Africa are facing “genocide,” using misrepresented visuals to justify recent refugee approvals. Examples include: a Reuters image actually showing bodies in the Democratic Republic of Congo, not South Africa; a line of white crosses that were symbolic protest markers representing all farm murders, not exclusively White victims; and rally footage of EFF leader Julius Malema singing a historic anti-apartheid chant that South African courts have ruled is not hate speech. Police data show 12 farm murders in late 2024—only one a White farmer—within nearly 27,000 total murders nationwide. Ramaphosa said crime affects all groups, with most victims being Black, and emphasized Malema’s party does not represent the government.

Costa Rican police chased a vehicle on the Pacific coast and seized crack cocaine, marijuana, knives, plastic spurs—and five capybaras, a non-native species illegal to possess or traffic in the country. Two men with criminal records were arrested. Authorities said it’s the first recorded case of illegal capybara trafficking in Costa Rica. The animals were handed to conservation officials for veterinary evaluation and will be placed in a refuge for education programs, since they cannot be released locally. The incident follows a recent case of a cat caught smuggling drugs into a Costa Rican prison.

President Trump announced a “planned partnership” between U.S. Steel and Japan’s Nippon Steel that would keep U.S. Steel’s headquarters in Pittsburgh, projecting 70,000 jobs and $14 billion in economic impact. Shares of U.S. Steel surged on the news. Details of ownership remain unclear. The move follows Biden’s earlier block of Nippon’s $15 billion acquisition on national security grounds and subsequent reviews. U.S. Steel and Nippon praised the decision; the United Steelworkers, which had opposed the sale, did not comment. Nippon had previously pledged billions to upgrade U.S. facilities. Trump also highlighted steel tariffs and plans a rally at U.S. Steel.

The U.S. and Iran resumed nuclear talks in Rome, but a major impasse emerged over uranium enrichment. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei signaled there will be no deal if Washington insists on “zero enrichment,” while affirming “zero nuclear weapons” is acceptable. The U.S. says progress was made and more meetings are planned, with Oman mediating. Washington is reportedly pushing for a civil nuclear program for Iran without enrichment—an approach experts say is necessary given Iran’s past activities and stockpiles. Analysts argue Iran is negotiating to ease pressure and avert potential military or sanctions escalations.

Former President Trump announced $2 trillion in deals with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, including AI partnerships and major chip sales involving U.S. tech firms like Nvidia and Google, aiming to counter China’s regional influence. Bipartisan lawmakers warned the reversal of a Biden-era ban on selling AI-capable chips to Saudi Arabia and the UAE could enable Chinese access through leakage or indirect channels, citing entities like UAE’s G42. The House China Select Committee proposed legislation to tighten controls on advanced AI chip exports. Analysts say integrating Gulf states into the U.S. tech ecosystem could bolster U.S. leadership and limit China, but stress the need for strict safeguards to prevent technology transfer. Trump’s visit also signaled renewed U.S. commitment to Gulf security amid broader concerns over China’s growing ties and regional influence.

Russia is massing troops near Kharkiv after pushing Ukrainian forces out of Russia’s Kursk region, positioning what remains of a roughly 50,000-strong force across the border from Ukraine’s second-largest, heavily fortified “fortress city.” Analysts say Moscow may attempt a broader summer offensive across northeastern Ukraine—potentially targeting areas around Kharkiv and Sumy or reclaiming territory Ukraine retook in 2022—though a direct assault on the cities would be difficult. Elite VDV units involved in Kursk could spearhead further actions if they remain in the area. Experts argue Russia lacks the quality and mass for a rapid mechanized breakthrough and will likely escalate steady, widespread assaults instead. Both sides have traded prospects of a decisive offensive for attrition. Russia is seen to have a four‑month window before weather turns and its Soviet-era equipment stocks run low, after which its ability to replace losses will rely on new production—heightening the impact of potential new Western sanctions.

US Coast Guard-released footage captures the moment the Titan submersible imploded during its June 2023 dive to the Titanic, with OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush’s wife, Wendy Rush, heard asking “What was that bang?” as the sound reached the support ship. All five aboard—Rush, Hamish Harding, Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Shahzada Dawood, and his son Suleman—were killed about 90 minutes into the descent. A delayed message indicating weight release misled the surface team at the time. The footage was presented to the USCG Marine Board of Investigation, which will issue a final report. The incident renewed scrutiny of Titan’s unconventional design and lack of independent safety certification; a former OceanGate director testified the sub malfunctioned days before the fatal dive. OceanGate suspended operations in July 2023.

A new study by the Great Firewall Report finds a sharp, region-specific escalation of internet censorship in China’s Henan province. Between November 2023 and March 2025, Henan users were blocked from accessing nearly 4.2 million domains—about five times more than China’s national firewall typically restricts. The regional blocks disproportionately targeted business-related sites, which researchers speculate may be linked to past finance-related protests in Henan. While China has long enforced extensive nationwide online controls, the emergence of such heightened, localized censorship outside traditionally restive regions (like Xinjiang and Tibet) is unusual. The study could not determine whether the tighter controls were ordered by Henan authorities or Beijing. It also highlights how advances in AI are strengthening both censorship and evasion tools, noting new police capabilities to monitor VPN use and Telegram activity.

The Trump administration is seeking to dismiss U.S. criminal charges against alleged MS-13 leader Vladimir Antonio Arevalo-Chavez to deport him to El Salvador, citing sensitive foreign policy, geopolitical, and national security considerations. Newly unsealed filings suggest the move aligns with a broader arrangement with President Nayib Bukele’s government, which has asked for top MS-13 leaders’ return and allows the U.S. to incarcerate immigrants in El Salvador’s Cecot prison. Critics and the defense argue this aims to prevent Arevalo-Chavez from testifying in U.S. court about a 2019 Bukele-MS-13 pact involving concessions for reduced violence and political support, and to shield Bukele from scrutiny. A similar case saw charges dropped and another Ranfla Nacional leader deported in March. A judge has temporarily blocked Arevalo-Chavez’s transfer to ICE custody while his attorneys seek more information. Relations between the U.S. and El Salvador have warmed under Trump amid ongoing U.S. prosecutions of MS-13 leaders and past U.S. sanctions of Bukele officials over alleged negotiations with the gang.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou said he will reconsider a planned reform after taxi drivers threatened to intensify protests, including blocking Paris airports and the Roland Garros tournament. The dispute centers on new nationwide rules, due in October, for patient transport payments—an income mainstay for many taxis—which drivers say will cut their earnings. After meeting taxi federations, Bayrou pledged to work on adjustments and consider savings proposals. Taxi unions demand the immediate withdrawal of the agreement and a return to negotiations, while grievances against ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt have also resurfaced.