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Arrowhead (T-84), a famed tigress of Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, died at 11 after illness. Known for the arrow-shaped stripe on her cheek and her lineage from legendary tigresses Machli and Krishna, she gained a reputation as a “crocodile-hunter,” continuing to kill crocodiles even in frail health, including days before her death. Her life was marked by territorial struggles—she was displaced by her daughter Riddhi—and repeated attempts to secure a home range. Arrowhead had four litters, though not all cubs survived; later, a tumour weakened her and officials briefly provisioned her before stopping after human fatalities linked to her cubs. In her final days, she returned to territory now held by Riddhi, who allowed her space to rest, a moment witnessed by photographer Sachin Rai, who chronicled her life.

Greek authorities declared a state of emergency on Chios as five wildfires, driven by strong winds, burn across the island, prompting evacuations in 17 communities. Around 190 firefighters with 11 aircraft are battling the blazes, with reinforcements en route from Athens and Thessaloniki. Homes, crops, infrastructure, and a distillery have been damaged, and power outages and water supply issues are reported. Officials are investigating possible arson due to the rapid, separate outbreaks. Temperatures around 30C are expected to rise later in the week. This is Greece’s first major wildfire of the summer; Chios previously suffered a devastating fire in 2012 that decimated its mastic trees.

Masked gunmen opened fire on a wedding party in Goult, near Avignon, killing a 27-year-old bride and seriously wounding the groom and a 13-year-old. One attacker was shot dead in an apparent exchange of fire. Police arrested two suspects and are searching for a third; the attack may be linked to drug-related score-settling. About 28 people were present at the village hall, which had been booked by non-residents. Local officials expressed outrage and concern over the impact on the small village’s reputation.

A sudden, severe storm on Lake Tahoe capsized multiple boats on Saturday, including a 27ft tourist vessel, leaving eight people dead and two survivors from that boat. Witness Gloria Brigantino described rapidly worsening conditions with 8ft swells, 35mph winds, boats crashing ashore, and brief snow, as rescuers helped evacuate passengers amid leaking fuel and chaos. Authorities confirmed all initially identified victims were adults and have not yet released names. The storm, though forecast, intensified unexpectedly and passed within about an hour, returning the lake to calm conditions.

Scottish wingsuit flyer Liam Byrne, 24, died after a jump from the Gitschen mountain in the Swiss Alps. A highly experienced skydiver and British champion with over 4,000 jumps, Byrne was featured in the 2024 BBC documentary “The Boy Who Can Fly.” Known for his meticulous preparation and passion for flight, he began extreme adventures young and took his first skydive at 16. His parents paid tribute to his fearless spirit and kindness. Swiss authorities are investigating the incident, which occurred after three wingsuit pilots jumped shortly before noon. The UK Foreign Office is supporting his family.

An 18th-century portrait of Ferdinando de’ Medici by Anton Domenico Gabbiani at Florence’s Uffizi Gallery was allegedly damaged when a tourist fell while taking a selfie “to make a meme.” The museum says the damage is repairable and the painting will return to display when restored. Director Simone Verde warned of stricter rules on visitor behavior. Police have identified the visitor, and the related exhibition is temporarily closed until 2 July, then set to run until 28 November. The incident follows a similar selfie-related mishap at Verona’s Palazzo Maffei earlier this year.

Indonesian rescuers are searching for 26-year-old Brazilian tourist Juliana Marins, who fell near the crater of Mount Rinjani on Saturday. She was initially heard calling for help and seen alive via drone footage, but fog and dangerous terrain have hindered efforts. Rescuers briefly relocated her on Monday, believing she had fallen further, but paused due to weather; operations resumed Tuesday. Her family says she has been without water, food, or warm clothing for days and criticized the park for staying open, though officials say closures would disrupt evacuations and pre-booked climbers. Brazil’s foreign ministry is monitoring the situation. Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, has seen previous fatal falls.

A U.S. judge ordered the pretrial release of Kilmar Ábrego García, a Salvadoran man charged with human smuggling after being mistakenly deported and later returned to the U.S., but the Department of Homeland Security vowed he will “never go free” on American soil, signaling immediate immigration detention. The judge found the government failed to show he is a danger, flight risk, or likely to obstruct justice; however, immigration authorities retain power to detain him for removal. Ábrego García, who has pleaded not guilty to trafficking charges dating back to 2016, was initially deported under the Alien Enemies Act amid a Trump administration crackdown, then returned following a Supreme Court order. The administration has linked him to MS-13, a claim he denies.

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile released its first celestial images, showcasing unprecedented detail of star-forming regions like the Trifid and Lagoon nebulae. Equipped with a 3,200-megapixel camera and a unique three-mirror design, the telescope will conduct a 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time, imaging the southern sky every three days and generating up to 10 million data alerts nightly. In just 10 hours of early operations, it detected 2,104 new asteroids and seven near-Earth objects—compared to ~20,000 asteroids typically found by all surveys in a year. The project aims to map the Milky Way, track transient phenomena, study the Solar System, and probe dark matter. Scientists say it could find a potential Planet Nine in its first year and extend observations of the Milky Way’s outskirts to about 1.2 million light years, transforming astronomy with its depth, cadence, and scale. The UK is a key partner hosting data centers for processing.

Italian authorities have recovered the wreck of the $30m British superyacht Bayesian in Sicily to examine it as part of a criminal investigation into the August 2023 sinking that killed seven, including owner Mike Lynch and his daughter. The complex, delayed salvage—complicated by a fatal underwater explosion and requiring remote submersibles—brought the hull and will retrieve the mast and rigging for analysis. Prosecutors will inspect the wreck for evidence of manslaughter or negligent shipwreck, assessing potential human error or design flaws. A UK MAIB interim report found the yacht’s large single mast made it vulnerable to extreme winds, and suggested the owner and crew were unaware; it also indicated hatches and doors were likely shut. Families’ lawyers say the wreck will provide crucial evidence on how water entered and why the vessel capsized while nearby boats survived.

The Senate parliamentarian struck dozens of provisions from Republicans’ reconciliation “megabill,” ruling many were policy changes with only incidental budget impact and thus violated the Byrd Rule. Key rejections include: Medicaid provider tax restrictions (a major cost saver Republicans are trying to rewrite), bans on Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care, multiple limits on immigrants’ eligibility for Medicaid, Medicare, Obamacare tax credits, and SNAP, as well as changes to student loan programs (including applying new income-driven repayment limits to current borrowers) and expansions like Pell Grants for short-term programs. Immigration and justice provisions targeting “sanctuary” policies and expanding state/local arrest powers were rejected, along with limits on certain lawsuits. Environmental and energy rollbacks were narrowed: funding rescissions from Inflation Reduction Act programs were allowed, but not repeal of their authorizations; some permitting and judicial review shortcuts were blocked. Republicans say they have revised and won approval for some SNAP changes and are attempting to rewrite several other provisions. A major pending decision is whether a budget maneuver can exclude the cost of extending tax cuts.

Senator Bill Cassidy, the Republican chair of the Senate health committee and a vaccine proponent, urged a delay of this week’s CDC vaccine advisory panel meeting, breaking with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Cassidy argued Kennedy’s newly appointed, downsized panel lacks sufficient expertise and ideological balance, risking public trust. Kennedy had fired all 17 prior members and replaced them with eight, including figures critical of vaccines; one appointee has already withdrawn. The agenda—featuring a thimerosal safety review and presenters tied to anti-vaccine advocacy—fueled alarm among public health experts. A senior CDC vaccine scientist resigned in protest, and former CDC leaders warned Cassidy bears responsibility for Kennedy’s confirmation. Kennedy defended the overhaul, naming Martin Kulldorff as chair and Robert Malone as co-chair, and denied promising Cassidy not to change the panel. Cassidy and Senator Patty Murray called for postponement until the committee is fully staffed with qualified, balanced members.

A federal appeals court ordered the government to facilitate the return of another person deported under the Trump administration, marking a new setback for its immigration policies. The ruling comes amid broader turmoil: the Biden-era EV charging program freeze was blocked by a judge; a key young operative from Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative resigned; a U.S. intelligence assessment undercut Trump’s claim that strikes “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program; and the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, recently purged and restaffed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., lost another member on the eve of a contentious meeting.

President Trump urged Republicans to stay in Washington and pass a sweeping domestic agenda bill by July 4, pressuring House conservatives to accept the Senate’s emerging version. The Senate bill extends 2017 tax cuts, adds new tax breaks, makes deeper Medicaid cuts, and preserves some clean-energy tax credits longer than the House version. House conservatives, including Reps. Chip Roy and Andy Harris, warned they won’t support the Senate’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” citing deficit increases, insufficient Medicaid reforms, and backtracking on green subsidy rollbacks. With Republicans able to lose only three votes in each chamber and Democrats opposed, party leaders face tight margins. Senate GOP leaders are seeking to unify members amid internal splits over Medicaid cuts and deficits while navigating budget rules to avoid a filibuster. Speaker Mike Johnson counseled patience, expressing optimism for a compromise.

In Australia’s remote Northern Territory, Salvation Army “Flying Padres” Niall and Michelle Gibson use a small Cessna to visit isolated cattle stations and Aboriginal communities, offering pastoral care, practical help, and a listening ear where distance and “The Wet” season often cut people off. Continuing a tradition since World War II, they drop in for everyday conversations more than religious rites, supporting young station workers facing loneliness, leading community services like Anzac Day, and stepping in for crises, including mental health struggles and funerals. Their work blends logistics and ministry—navigating rough airstrips, scheduling visits, and pitching in with chores—providing steady human connection across vast, sparsely populated country where isolation is part of life despite satellite internet.

A federal judge in Boston, Allison D. Burroughs, temporarily blocked a Trump presidential proclamation that sought to bar new international students from enrolling at Harvard, marking the second such setback for the administration in a week. The judge ruled the national security authority invoked was misapplied and emphasized protections for free speech and academic freedom, criticizing the government’s attempts to target Harvard and its international students. The orders remain in effect while Harvard’s lawsuits proceed, preserving the status of about 7,000 students and recent graduates. The dispute stems from broader administration efforts to reshape Harvard’s policies and revoke its participation in the Student Visitor Exchange Program, alongside freezing nearly $3 billion in federal research funds, actions Harvard is separately challenging.

The Trump administration returned to the Supreme Court seeking clarification that a recent order allowing third-country removals without torture hearings applies to eight detainees held in Djibouti en route to South Sudan. The justices’ initial unsigned order paused a broader injunction from Judge Brian E. Murphy but lacked reasoning, prompting confusion. Judge Murphy said a separate, unpaused ruling still protects the eight men and requires due process, including lawyer access and interviews, which have begun. Solicitor General D. John Sauer accused the judge of defiance and asked the Court to explicitly permit immediate removals or restrict the judge’s future injunctions, even suggesting reassignment. Migrants’ lawyers argued Murphy reasonably interpreted the Court’s order, citing Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s dissent. The case highlights tensions between the executive and judiciary, the men’s prolonged detention at a U.S. base in Djibouti, and broader concerns about the Court’s legitimacy when issuing unexplained emergency decisions.

Ligaya Mishan’s first review as The New York Times’s co-chief restaurant critic revisits The View, the newly refreshed revolving restaurant atop the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, now run by Danny Meyer. With a stylish, theater-inspired redesign and a 90-minute rotation showcasing sunset-to-night skyline views, the experience leans into nostalgia over novelty. Chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley serves polished classics—standouts include a loaded baby iceberg salad, tuna carpaccio, serious steaks (notably picanha), and a can’t-miss burger; sides are uneven and the black bass disappoints. Pastry chef Emily Fu’s decadent devil’s food cake and exceptionally warm service elevate the meal. Despite past critiques of the building’s blandness, Mishan finds the revolving room a charming, unabashedly New York spectacle that still delivers a heart-stirring view.

The Trump administration plans to repeal the 2001 “roadless rule,” opening 58 million acres of undeveloped national forest lands to road building and development. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins called the rule outdated and said the change would support consistent forest management and economic opportunity, including increased logging. Environmental groups vowed legal challenges, warning of threats to pristine ecosystems, clean water, wildlife habitat, and climate goals—particularly in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, a major carbon sink. Western Republicans praised the move, while critics highlighted past public support for the protections and questioned the economic benefits. The U.S. Forest Service will issue a formal rollback notice in the coming weeks.

U.S. Army veteran Sae Joon Park, a 55-year-old green-card holder who has lived in the U.S. since age 7, self-deported to South Korea after ICE warned he would be detained and removed. Park, a Purple Heart recipient wounded during the 1989 Panama invasion, struggled for years with untreated PTSD and crack addiction, leading to drug possession and bail-jumping charges over 15 years ago that blocked his path to citizenship and triggered a removal order. For years he checked in with ICE without being a priority for deportation, but amid a renewed enforcement push he was told to leave voluntarily. Park, who rebuilt his life in Hawaii after prison, departed after saying goodbye to his children and elderly mother, lamenting being forced to leave the country he served and considers home.

After six weeks, federal prosecutors rested their case against Sean “Diddy” Combs, who faces charges of sex trafficking, transporting individuals for prostitution, and racketeering. The government’s case, presented through about 30 witnesses and extensive evidence, centers on allegations by ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and another woman, “Jane,” who described drug-fueled “freak-offs” or “hotel nights” involving sex workers, directed and filmed by Combs, and enforced through coercion, threats, and physical violence. Jurors saw sealed video excerpts, photos of injuries, travel records, texts, and testimony from sex workers and Homeland Security agents who reported finding guns, drugs, and large quantities of lubricants during raids. Ventura testified to repeated assaults, rape, trafficking, and blackmail threats tied to recorded sex acts; “Jane” detailed similar coercion, health impacts, and financial dependence. The defense, which plans to call no witnesses, argues the encounters were consensual and will rely on evidence to contest the portrayal of the women as victims. The trial has been marked by intense media attention, courtroom disruptions, and juror issues, but the prosecution’s narrative links Combs to a pattern of control, abuse, and interstate sex-trafficking conduct. Combs has pleaded not guilty.

NPR’s Throughline revisits the origins of U.S.–Iran tensions by examining the CIA-backed 1953 coup that overthrew Iran’s Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. The episode, originally titled “Four Days in August,” explores how the operation reshaped Iran’s politics, U.S.–Iran relations, and the region. It points listeners to further reading, including works by Stephen Kinzer and Kermit Roosevelt Jr., and declassified CIA documents detailing the coup.

Salvadoran journalist Mario Guevara, a longtime Atlanta-based reporter covering immigrant communities, was arrested while filming a June 14 protest in Georgia and subsequently transferred to ICE custody. Though DHS says his detention relates to an alleged 2004 illegal entry and is not tied to his work, his attorney argues he entered legally, has valid work authorization, and is seeking permanent residency. Video shows Guevara clearly identified as press during the arrest on misdemeanor charges. The Committee to Protect Journalists calls the case an alarming precedent and a threat to press freedom for noncitizen reporters, urging DHS to release him and warning of broader chilling effects. DHS has disputed the public narrative but hasn’t provided details or responded to CPJ’s letter.

A sudden, intense thunderstorm on Lake Tahoe capsized a 27-foot boat near D.L. Bliss State Park on Saturday, killing eight of the ten people aboard. Two were rescued and hospitalized; six bodies were found Saturday, a seventh Sunday, and the last on Monday. Forecasters said the storm’s strength was unexpected, with winds over 35 mph and waves exceeding 8 feet. Authorities have not released victim identities or details about the boat’s ownership. Boating accidents with multiple fatalities are rare on Tahoe, though the lake sees several deaths each summer.

The NTSB concluded that Boeing’s inadequate training, guidance, documentation, and oversight led to the midair door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max in January 2024, with missing bolts not replaced after factory work. Investigators couldn’t identify who reinstalled the plug due to poor recordkeeping, highlighting systemic safety lapses amid a loss of experienced workers. The FAA was also faulted for failing to detect and address Boeing’s recurring production nonconformities. No one was seriously injured, but the incident prompted increased FAA oversight, a production cap, leadership changes at Boeing, and expanded worker training. Both Boeing and the FAA have since made safety improvements, though NTSB says more work remains.

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defense rested in under 30 minutes without calling witnesses, and Combs did not testify. Relying on cross-examination and admitted evidence, the defense argued his relationships were consensual, “unconventional” but not coercive, and that while Combs may have committed domestic violence, he did not commit sex trafficking or transportation for prostitution. They highlighted affectionate texts from Cassie Ventura and alleged inconsistencies in witness testimonies, framing “freak-offs” and “hotel nights” as consensual adult activities amid jealousy. Prosecutors allege a long-running criminal enterprise facilitating abuse; Combs has pleaded not guilty to five charges. Closing arguments are expected Thursday.

A heat dome is a persistent high-pressure system that traps warm air near the surface—like a lid on a pot—suppressing clouds and rain and allowing heat to build for days or weeks. Currently, one covers much of the eastern U.S., with heat warnings for about 160 million people and heat index values exceeding 100–115 degrees in places from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. The jet stream’s position helps the dome linger, and dry conditions amplify the heat. Nighttime warmth hampers cooling and increases health risks, especially for children and people with medical conditions; officials urge hydration, breaks, and sun protection. Heat domes have increasingly driven record temperatures nationwide in recent years, a trend linked to human-caused climate change, with 2023 and 2024 the hottest years on record.

French authorities detained 12 suspects after 145 people reported being pricked with syringes during the nationwide Fete de la Musique, amid social media calls to target women. Paris recorded 13 cases; some victims, including a 15-year-old girl and an 18-year-old male, reported feeling unwell and underwent toxicology tests, though officials did not confirm the use of date-rape drugs. In Angoulême, four suspects are linked to about 50 victims. Beyond the syringe incidents, over 370 people were detained for various offenses during the festival, 14 participants were seriously injured, and 13 law enforcement officers were hurt, though police said no major incident was reported.

Authorities in northern France temporarily closed two butcher shops in Saint-Quentin after eight children developed severe food poisoning since June 12, all having eaten meat from the shops. Five children developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and a 12-year-old girl died. While E. coli is suspected, officials say the source hasn’t been confirmed; test results are expected early next week, and an investigation into the meat’s origin is underway. HUS affects 100–165 children annually in France. The report also notes recent E. coli-related recalls and outbreaks in the U.S.

Scientists documented southern resident killer whales in the Salish Sea breaking off bull kelp and rubbing it between their bodies—“allokelping”—likely for skin maintenance and social bonding. Reviewing drone footage, researchers found 30 instances over eight days, noting whales with more dead skin did it more and often paired with kin or similar-aged individuals. The team argues this is the first evidence of marine mammals manufacturing and manipulating a tool with their bodies, though some experts say similar dolphin and whale behaviors may also qualify. With the population down to 73 and prey (Chinook salmon) declining, researchers warn this culturally learned behavior could be lost.

Colombian police arrested four suspects in the murder of Italian scientist Alessandro Coatti after a reward generated a key tip. Coatti, 42, formerly with the UK’s Royal Society of Biology, was traveling in Santa Marta when he was allegedly lured via an LGBTQ dating app to an abandoned house by a gang intending to rob him. His dismembered remains were found in multiple locations in April. Investigators used interviews, biological evidence, and security footage to solve the case, with arrests made in Bogotá, Medellín, Santa Marta, and Arjona. Authorities have not linked the crime to the local “Conquistadors of the Sierra Nevada” gang. Coatti was remembered by colleagues as a respected and beloved scientist.

A pre-dawn Russian drone and missile barrage on Kyiv killed at least five people and injured others, with rescuers searching a partially collapsed five-story apartment building in the Shevchenkivskyi district for more victims. Strikes also hit residential areas, hospitals, and sports facilities across the city; another person was killed and eight injured in Bila Tserkva. The attack follows a major strike last week that killed 28 in Kyiv. Kyiv’s mayor warned the toll could rise as rescue operations continued. The article also notes heightened geopolitical tensions, including recent U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Kremlin condemnation, with no immediate plans for another Putin–Trump call.

Utility workers installing gas pipes in Lima, Peru, uncovered a 1,000-year-old mummy of a boy aged 10–15, likely from the pre-Inca Chancay culture (11th–15th centuries). Found about 20 inches deep beneath a huarango tree marker, the seated, shrouded remains included calabash gourds and ceramic vessels decorated with geometric and fishing motifs. The discovery, in the Puente Piedra district, is part of over 2,200 archaeological finds by utility company Cálidda since 2004, reflecting Lima’s dense archaeological landscape with more than 500 sites. Experts note coastal Peruvian mummies are often naturally preserved in desert conditions, though cultural mummification also occurred.

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile released its first ultra-detailed images, showcasing star-forming regions like the Trifid and Lagoon Nebulae and a wide view of the Virgo Cluster. Using an 8.4-meter telescope and the largest digital camera ever built, one composite combined 678 exposures over seven hours, revealing previously unseen features. A “cosmic treasure chest” video zoomed from two galaxies to about 10 million. Set to begin the decade-long LSST survey later this year, the observatory will scan the sky nightly to study the universe’s history, dark matter, and dark energy, while also excelling at asteroid detection—already finding 2,104 new asteroids in just 10 hours, including seven harmless near-Earth objects. Named for astronomer Vera Rubin, the U.S.-funded facility is poised to deliver unprecedented cosmic insights.

China and India reaffirmed their commitment to improving relations and maintaining border peace during a Beijing meeting between Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Wang emphasized enhancing communication, building mutual trust, and treating each other as partners and development opportunities, not threats. Both sides agreed to focus on cooperation, manage sensitive issues responsibly, and boost people-to-people exchanges. Doval was in China for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation security officials’ meeting, and the talks follow the resumption of Indian pilgrimages to sacred sites in Tibet.

China will hold a military parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on September 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II—its second-ever Victory Day parade, a decade after the first. President Xi Jinping will deliver a speech. Officials say the event will emphasize the historical significance of the Sino-Japanese War, affirm China’s commitment to the post-WWII international order, and showcase the People’s Liberation Army’s combat readiness, emerging technologies, and strategic deterrence. Russian President Vladimir Putin is among expected foreign attendees, with the commemoration set against a backdrop of ongoing global conflicts, including Iran-Israel tensions.

Chongqing has emerged as a key global rail hub linking Southeast Asia and Europe, positioning itself as a “rail-based Suez Canal” amid rising geopolitical and trade risks. Leveraging two major rail corridors—west to Germany and south to Singapore—the city accelerates trade flows, with the new Asean Express cutting transit from Asean to Europe by 10–20 days versus sea. Its Tuanjie Village yards handle exports such as EVs and components and imports including cars, meat, wine, and dairy. By routing Asean goods through Chongqing to Europe, China’s largest inland city deepens its role in global supply chains and offers a faster, more reliable alternative to maritime routes, supporting China’s push to mitigate decoupling risks and expand inland access to international markets.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will skip next week’s BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro for the first time, citing a scheduling conflict, and will send Premier Li Qiang to lead China’s delegation. Chinese officials noted Xi has already met Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva twice in the past year, reducing the need for his presence. Xi has attended all prior BRICS summits, participating virtually during the pandemic; in 2023 he unexpectedly delegated a speech in South Africa to his commerce minister without explanation.

Chinese researchers unveiled “Meteor-1,” a highly parallel optical computing chip that uses light to perform massive simultaneous operations, aiming to accelerate AI and data center workloads amid US chip sanctions. Operating at 50GHz optical frequency with a theoretical 2,560 TOPS, its performance approaches Nvidia’s top GPUs and marks a move from lab prototypes toward practical competitiveness. As electronic chips hit limits in heat, power, and quantum effects, the team advances optical computing by boosting computational parallelism rather than only scaling matrix size or frequency—an approach seen as key to meeting escalating AI demands.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee warned that “soft resistance” remains a real and ongoing threat to national security, urging public vigilance. He backed Culture Secretary Rosanna Law’s plan to tighten scrutiny over venue and funding approvals for performances to guard against such activities, despite arts sector concerns about collateral impact on legitimate works. Lee said criticism of the government is acceptable only if it does not aim to undermine national security, and claimed soft resistance can appear under seemingly righteous fronts across various fields.

Manhattan’s new congestion pricing, once fiercely opposed, is already reducing traffic and travel times, shifting public opinion in favor. Drivers like a speech therapist who once dreaded the $9 daily toll now report trips that are dramatically faster—often 15 minutes instead of an hour. The policy’s early success underscores the effectiveness of market-based traffic management and raises the question of why it took so long to implement.

The article argues that despite holding significant power—more than half of Americans live in states with Democratic governors—Democrats often deliver poor governance at the state and local levels. Using New York as a focal point, it highlights escalating clashes with the Trump administration over immigration, including the arrest of NYC comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander, which underscores both federal-local tensions and Democratic infighting. The piece situates this within broader patterns: Democratic-led jurisdictions struggle with competence and coherence on core issues, weakening the party’s credibility even where it dominates politically, and contrasting with public support for stricter immigration enforcement.

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The Economist/YouGov model finds President Trump’s national net approval at -12 (41% approve, 53% disapprove), with him under water in every key swing state. The data suggest widespread dissatisfaction despite voter uncertainty about what they want, indicating a challenging political landscape for Trump across pivotal battlegrounds.

The article argues that threats and acts of political intimidation are rising across the United States, with state and local officials increasingly targeted. Examples range from threats over local decisions to confrontations involving judges and police. Federal data show sharp growth in threats against members of Congress and judges since 2017, though actual violence remains relatively rare. The Minnesota attacks fit this broader, troubling pattern, highlighting the particular vulnerability of state legislators and the escalating risk to democratic governance at subnational levels.

A federal judge, Allison Burroughs, indefinitely blocked President Trump’s proclamation that would have suspended new international students from studying at Harvard, ruling it violated the university’s constitutional rights and was part of a retaliatory campaign. The administration claimed national security concerns over Harvard’s vetting, but the judge emphasized protections for freedom of thought, expression, and speech, warning the government’s actions aimed to suppress diverse viewpoints and targeted international students. Burroughs had earlier halted an effort to revoke Harvard’s student visa program and will also hear Harvard’s challenge to a freeze on over $2 billion in federal research funding. The case reflects broader Trump administration pushback against institutions seen as liberal and disputes over DEI policies and campus protest handling.

Mick Ralphs, the influential guitarist, singer, and songwriter who co-founded Bad Company and Mott the Hoople, has died at 81. Bad Company announced his death; he had been bedridden since a 2016 stroke suffered after his final performance at London’s O2 Arena. Set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Bad Company in November, Ralphs wrote or co-wrote classics including “Can’t Get Enough,” “Ready for Love,” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.” Born in Herefordshire, he helped form Mott the Hoople in 1969 before leaving in 1973 to launch Bad Company with Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke, and Boz Burrell. He is survived by his wife Susie Chavasse, two children, three step-children, and bandmates Rodgers and Kirke.

The Supreme Court upheld a policy allowing the Trump administration to deport certain migrants to third countries—not just their homelands—with minimal notice. Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued a forceful dissent, joined by two other justices, warning the ruling endangers migrants by permitting removal to places like South Sudan without adequate safeguards or due process. CNN’s Paula Reid reported on the decision and the sharp division among the justices.

The Trump administration is rehiring and reinstating hundreds of federal workers after widespread layoffs led by the Department of Government Efficiency created critical service gaps across agencies. Facing pressure from courts, lawmakers, and stakeholders, agencies including HHS, CDC, NWS, FDA, USDA, and Voice of America have reversed some cuts, brought back key specialists, and made targeted hires despite an ongoing hiring freeze. Notable reversals include rehiring CDC teams working on HIV, lead exposure, and occupational safety; authorizing new National Weather Service hires amid hurricane season; restoring FDA food safety scientists; and pausing USDA bird flu staff cuts. Some agency heads have also blocked further reductions, such as at the Indian Health Service. The chaotic rollout—highlighted by brief firings and rehiring at the National Nuclear Security Administration and emergency rehiring to process LIHEAP funds—has raised alarms among experts about lasting damage to government capacity, expertise, and data reliability.

Cobra Kai actor Martin Kove, 78, was reportedly removed from Washington State Summer Con after co-star Alicia Hannah-Kim accused him of assault, alleging he grabbed and bit her arm hard enough to bruise and then kissed the area. An on-site officer noted a visible bite mark; Kove allegedly admitted biting her but said it was a joke and referenced on-set “play fighting.” Hannah-Kim’s husband, Sebastian Roché, witnessed the incident, according to the report. She declined to press charges but requested a report be filed. Kove was escorted out of the event; his reps have not commented.

Mick Ralphs, the guitarist, singer, and songwriter who co-founded Mott the Hoople and Bad Company, has died at 81. Bad Company announced his death, noting he had been bedridden since a 2016 stroke following his final performance at London’s O2 Arena. Ralphs, set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Bad Company in November, wrote or co-wrote classics including Can’t Get Enough, Ready for Love, and Feel Like Makin’ Love. After early success with Mott the Hoople, he left in 1973 to form Bad Company with Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke, and Boz Burrell, scoring major 1970s hits and a No. 1 debut album. He is survived by his wife Susie Chavasse, two children, three stepchildren, and his bandmates.

The Cincinnati Reds designated infielder Jeimer Candelario for assignment midway through his three-year, $45 million deal, effectively eating about $22.5 million. Candelario struggled badly in 2025 (.113/.198/.213 in 22 games) before a back injury and an underwhelming Triple-A rehab stint. With younger infielders returning, the Reds opted to move on despite initially signing him to be their everyday third baseman. Candelario, 31, will look to latch on elsewhere, leaning on past production (league-leading 42 doubles in 2021; 22 HR and 39 doubles in 2023).

A Collin County grand jury indicted 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony on a first-degree murder charge for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during an April 2 high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, reportedly after a dispute over a seat. District Attorney Greg Willis announced the indictment, noting Anthony could face life in prison if convicted. Anthony, released on a reduced $250,000 bond, claims self-defense; his attorney reiterated that stance following the indictment. The case has drawn public outrage over his release conditions and a family-run fundraiser that has raised over $530,000. Metcalf was a junior at Memorial High School.

US Republican and Democratic lawmakers urged the Pentagon to reaffirm the Aukus pact, calling it essential to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific, despite the Trump administration’s new 30-day review. Their letter cites growing congressional support, recent enabling legislation, increased US shipbuilding rates, and ongoing joint training with Australian officers. Australia’s defense minister Richard Marles backed the legitimacy of a review but emphasized workforce challenges as key to delivery. Skepticism persists inside the Pentagon, with policy chief Elbridge Colby warning US submarine shortfalls could preclude sales to Australia if they weaken US readiness. Under Aukus, the US plans to sell Australia 3–5 Virginia-class submarines from 2032 to bridge capability until UK-designed Aukus boats arrive: first for the UK in the late 2030s, and for Australia in the early 2040s. The deal, forecast to cost Australia up to A$368bn by the mid-2050s, faces pressure from US and UK shipbuilding delays and domestic calls in all three countries for further scrutiny.

Chinese carmaker Chery Auto is “actively considering” building a UK factory as part of a localisation strategy to counter rising UK/EU tariffs and strengthen its growing presence. Since launching Omoda and Jaecoo in September, Chery claims 2% of the UK EV market via 75 showrooms and rising consumer openness to Chinese brands. The move follows wider Chinese investment in the UK and EU to mitigate tariffs, including BYD’s Hungary plant and joint ventures in Spain. The UK’s new US trade deal lowers car tariffs to 10% (still above pre-Trump levels), while the UK government seeks further reductions, including on steel. Increased UK engagement with China is expected, with senior visits planned.

A federal appeals court ordered the U.S. government to return Jordin Melgar-Salmeron, a Virginia resident wrongfully deported to El Salvador just 28 minutes after the court barred his removal. The Second Circuit also demanded a detailed report within a week on his location, custody status, and the steps and timeline to bring him back. The ruling follows similar breaches of court orders in multiple deportation cases, including Kilmar Ábrego García, whose return was delayed for weeks, and others wrongly removed despite legal protections. The court declined to appoint a special master, attributing the violation to administrative errors and communication lapses between ICE offices. Melgar-Salmeron, a former MS-13 affiliate who renounced the gang and previously served time for a firearm offense, is believed to be held in a high-security Salvadoran prison.

The World Health Organization condemned a deadly attack on al-Mujlad hospital in West Kordofan, Sudan, that killed more than 40 civilians, including six children and five health workers, and injured dozens. The strike occurred near frontlines between Sudan’s armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have fought since April 2023 amid a massive humanitarian crisis. The RSF blamed the military, while local groups alleged an airstrike or drone was used; the military denied targeting civilians. UN agencies urged respect for international humanitarian law. The conflict has killed tens of thousands, displaced over 12 million, and pushed parts of the country into famine, with ongoing reports of serious rights violations and high risks of atrocity crimes.

A 27-year-old bride was shot dead on her wedding day in Goult, near Avignon, after hooded attackers ambushed a car carrying her, the groom, and a 13-year-old child as they left the celebration. Prosecutors opened a murder and attempted murder investigation involving an organized gang. The groom, his sister, and the child were injured. One attacker died after being struck by the couple’s car during their attempted escape. The mayor said the attack appeared targeted and expressed shock and anger.

In a Sky News interview, Israel’s UK ambassador Tzipi Hotovely insisted Israel does not target civilians or children in Gaza and blamed Hamas for all deaths, citing the group’s use of human shields and the 7 October attacks. Challenged with accounts from British doctors describing high numbers of child casualties in Gaza hospitals, Hotovely maintained Israeli operations comply with international law and urged international pressure on Hamas to release hostages as a path to a ceasefire. The conflict has killed over 55,000 Palestinians according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, which says women and children comprise more than half, while Hamas’s 7 October assault killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, with 50 still held.

A major wildfire on the Greek island of Chios, ignited Sunday in three locations and intensified by strong winds, has merged into a large blaze prompting evacuations across 16 villages and neighborhoods near Chios town. Nearly 200 firefighters, supported by 35 vehicles, five helicopters, and two water-dropping planes, are battling multiple active fronts amid power cuts. Authorities warn the situation remains critical, and an arson investigation team is probing the cause. Greece’s increasingly severe summer wildfires are linked to climate change; recent years have seen large evacuations and fatalities nationwide.

The article reports that many Bedouin communities in Israel’s Negev, often living in unrecognized villages without government-built shelters or adequate infrastructure, rely on improvised protections—like a buried dump-truck bed used by the Gabo’a family—to shield themselves from incoming missiles. As regional conflict persists, these ad hoc measures highlight long-standing disparities in public services and civil defense access for Bedouin citizens, leaving families to fend for themselves each night when sirens or threats loom.

Japan conducted its first-ever missile test on its own territory, firing a Type 88 surface-to-ship training missile from Hokkaido at an unmanned boat 40 km offshore. The successful test, with another planned by Sunday, marks a shift toward greater self-reliance and enhanced deterrence amid growing concerns over China’s assertive naval activity and joint China-Russia drills near Japan. The move follows Japan’s 2022 security strategy naming China its biggest strategic challenge, expanding strike-back capabilities, and deepening U.S. alliance ties. Japan is deploying U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles, developing longer-range Type 12 missiles (about 1,000 km), and preparing a missile range on Minamitorishima. Protesters warned the tests could escalate regional tensions.

The article reviews global nuclear arsenals and rising geopolitical tensions. It notes recent escalations: President Trump’s deployment of two U.S. nuclear submarines following a threat by Dmitry Medvedev; Trump’s claim that the U.S. “obliterated” Iranian nuclear facilities; and India-Pakistan strikes that heightened fears of conflict between nuclear-armed rivals. Citing SIPRI’s warnings, it highlights concerns about a renewed arms race and the risks posed by unstable leadership. Reader reactions reflect anxiety over nuclear proliferation, deterrence stability, and the possibility of nuclear use amid intensifying regional and great-power rivalries.

China remains the top rare earths producer but now relies heavily on Myanmar for raw heavy rare earths, especially dysprosium and terbium used in high-tech and defense. After China tightened environmental rules and scaled back its own ionic adsorption clay (IAC) mining, Chinese-linked projects expanded in northern Myanmar, with most material shipped to China for processing. Myanmar supplied about 57% of China’s rare earth imports in 2024, strengthening Beijing’s dominance over heavy rare earth supply chains. However, dependence on Myanmar is risky: conflict in Kachin State, including KIA seizures of major mining sites, has disrupted supply and lifted prices. Beijing is seeking alternative IAC sources in countries like Laos and Malaysia, but higher environmental standards and past pollution issues pose challenges.

Digital Asset raised $135 million in a round co-led by DRW and Tradeweb, with participation from Goldman Sachs, BNP Paribas, and Citadel Securities. The regulated crypto firm will use the funds to accelerate adoption of the Canton Network, an open-source blockchain tailored for financial institutions to tokenize and move assets while meeting regulatory and privacy requirements. The investment underscores growing institutional involvement in digital assets, with Canton reportedly supporting trillions in tokenized assets and being used for bonds, commodities, and money market funds.

Exiled Iranian prince Reza Pahlavi declared the Islamic Republic is collapsing and offered to lead a peaceful, democratic transition without seeking political power. Speaking in Paris, he urged Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to step down, promised fair trials, and announced a secure channel to coordinate with Iran’s military, security, and police who break with the regime. He warned the West against propping up Tehran, argued only a secular democracy can bring peace, and cautioned that despite U.S. strikes on nuclear sites, the regime’s intent to obtain nuclear weapons persists. Pahlavi proposed a national unity summit, a referendum to determine Iran’s future system, and a three-phase plan for economic and social recovery, emphasizing territorial integrity, individual liberties, and separation of religion and state.