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An Afghan interpreter named Amir, who saved the life of U.S. Army Special Forces officer Dewey Yopp during the war in Afghanistan, is now fearing deportation despite having a Special Immigrant Visa and a green card. Amir and his family were resettled in the U.S. with the help of Yopp, but the Trump administration's efforts to end the legal status of Afghan allies have left them uncertain about their future. Amir feels betrayed by the U.S. government's broken promises and is worried that he and his family may be sent back to Afghanistan, which he believes is not safe.

The US passport has dropped to 10th place in the Henley Passport Index's annual ranking of the world's most powerful passports, marking the first time in 20 years it has fallen out of the top 10. The ranking is based on the number of destinations a passport holder can enter without a visa. The US has visa-free access to 182 destinations, compared to Singapore's 193. The decline is attributed to countries like the US and UK adopting more restrictive entry policies, and a lack of proactive diplomacy to negotiate visa waivers.

A South Korean court has reopened the 61-year-old case of Choi Mal-ja, who was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm for biting off her sexual attacker's tongue in 1964. The #MeToo movement inspired Choi to challenge her conviction, and prosecutors have apologized and asked the court to quash her guilty verdict. The retrial began in Busan on Wednesday, with a verdict expected in September.

A Delta flight bound for Atlanta was forced to abort takeoff at Mexico City's Benito Juárez International Airport on Monday after an Aeromexico regional jet landed on the same runway, prompting the Delta pilots to hit the brakes. The Delta Boeing 737-800 had reached a speed of 71 miles per hour before stopping. The incident is under investigation by relevant authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration. Fortunately, all 150 people on board the Delta flight were safe, and the plane eventually departed for Atlanta later that day.

Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and a heavy metal pioneer, has died at the age of 76. His family announced his passing in a statement, citing his death occurred in the morning while surrounded by loved ones. Osbourne's career spanned decades, marked by his work with Black Sabbath and as a solo artist, with hits like 'Crazy Train' and 'Goodbye to Romance.' He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice and was known for his outlandish stage antics and excesses. Osbourne had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and had retired from touring in 2023.

A recent investigation into the Jeju Air crash in South Korea suggests that the pilots may have been responsible for the accident by turning off the less-damaged engine before the crash-landing. The finding has drawn strong protests from the victims' families and fellow pilots, who accuse the authorities of trying to shift the blame to the dead pilots. The investigation report found no defects in the plane's engines and indicated that the right engine suffered more serious internal damage following bird strikes. However, the pilots switched off the left engine, which was less damaged. The report did not say why the pilots made this decision. The families of the victims and the pilots' unions are demanding that the authorities disclose the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities looking into other factors that may have contributed to the crash, including the concrete structure the plane crashed into and the emergency training provided by Jeju Air.

A classical music concert featuring Russian conductor Valery Gergiev at an Italian palace has been canceled due to public backlash over Gergiev's support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. The cancellation was met with approval from critics of Gergiev, including Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, while the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the move as 'cultural censorship.'

A schoolboy's discovery of a shipwreck on a remote Scottish island led to a collaborative effort between archaeologists, scientists, and local historians to identify the vessel. The shipwreck is believed to be the Earl of Chatham, an 18th-century warship that served in the American War of Independence and later hunted whales in the Arctic before its demise off the coast of Sanday, one of the Orkney Islands.

Families of British victims of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad have discovered that some remains repatriated to the UK were misidentified. A lawyer representing over 20 victims' families revealed that at least two caskets contained the wrong remains, causing additional trauma to the families. The Indian Foreign Ministry has acknowledged the issue and is working with UK authorities to address concerns. The families are seeking answers on the cause of the crash, safety recommendations, and financial justice.

The U.S. and EU are racing to strike a trade deal by August 1, with the U.S. threatening 30% tariffs on EU imports if no agreement is reached. Recent trade deals with Japan, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and the U.K. have raised hopes of avoiding a trade war. Economists warn that a sharp hike in tariffs could raise costs for consumers and businesses. The EU is considering a 15% U.S. tariff rate with potential carveouts for key sectors.

Four U.S. cruise ship passengers were arrested in Bermuda for allegedly possessing a significant quantity of illegal drugs, including the potent synthetic opioid carfentanil, with the intention of distributing them on the island. The suspects were detained by security officers on a Carnival cruise ship and arrested upon arrival in Bermuda. Authorities praised the seizure, stating it may have prevented a potential tragedy due to the dangerous nature of carfentanil.

The Barbados threadsnake, the world's smallest-known snake, was rediscovered in March 2025 after nearly 20 years without a sighting. The species, scientifically named Tetracheilostoma carlae, was found by Connor Blades, a project officer with the Ministry of Environment in Barbados, during an ecological survey in a tiny forest in eastern Barbados. The snake is blind, burrows in the ground, and is listed as Critically Endangered. The rediscovery is significant for conservation efforts, as the species plays an important role in the ecosystem and can help raise awareness for protecting wildlife habitats.

Six students from Northeastern University in Liaoning province drowned during a study trip to the Wunugetushan copper-molybdenum mine in Inner Mongolia when a grating panel gave way, causing them to fall into an industrial tank. One teacher was injured in the incident.

China and Russia have relaunched their joint maritime research mission, with a focus on understanding the impact of climate change on deep-sea environments. The 45-day expedition, aboard the research ship Akademik M.A. Lavrentyev, will explore the Bering Sea and northwestern Pacific Ocean, and investigate sediment processes and response systems over the last 126,000 years. This marks the first joint mission in five years and demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing global climate change.

China is seeking to accelerate the trans-Himalayan network project to connect with Nepal, amid a contest with India for influence in the region. The head of China's aid agency, Chen Xiaodong, stated that China is willing to strengthen development cooperation with Nepal and implement more projects in areas such as agriculture, new energy, health, and education. China's efforts come as it competes with India for influence in Nepal, a landlocked country situated between the two regional powers.

The US has unveiled a new AI action plan under President Donald Trump, maintaining tight restrictions on key technologies while supporting American AI giants. Despite this, analysts believe China's AI industry will continue to grow, driven by self-reliance due to US curbs. China's domestic market share is expected to reach 55% by 2027.

China's new mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet is expected to produce 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, potentially drawing neighboring countries into its economic orbit. The dam's output could boost growth in countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, which have struggled with power shortages. However, the project has raised concerns about its impact on water supply and ecological risks downstream in India and Bangladesh.

European companies are urging China and the European Union to return to the principles of free and fair trade during their recent summit in Beijing. They emphasized the need to settle policy differences, reduce trade imbalances, lower market access barriers, and ensure equal treatment for foreign companies in China. The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China highlighted the importance of cooperation on the green transition and climate change. Key concerns include environmental regulations and subsidies for Chinese state-owned enterprises.

Hong Kong authorities have removed around 1,200 trees after Typhoon Wipha hit the city, triggering the first No 10 signal in two years. The Development Bureau has appealed to the public to report potentially hazardous trees and expects to complete inspections by the end of the week. Apart from removing fallen or dangerous trees, another 1,500 trees were pruned and stabilized.

The article highlights seven Lifestyle and Culture stories from the South China Morning Post over the past seven days that resonated with readers. The stories include a comedian's weight-loss journey, popular Chinese rapper Lan Lao, and six Hong Kong hotels offering staycation deals.

The article discusses the challenges faced by ethnic minority groups in Hong Kong, particularly the difficulty in finding employment due to the language barrier of not speaking Cantonese. The story of Humza Ejaz, a Pakistani who moved to Hong Kong with a master's degree and experience, is highlighted. Despite his qualifications, he struggled to find a job and resorted to working as a food delivery courier. The article raises concerns about the integration of ethnic minority groups into Hong Kong society and the need for the city to do more to support them.

The United Nations' International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a landmark ruling stating that countries and corporations have a legal duty to protect people from environmental harm caused by climate change. The non-binding opinion is expected to accelerate climate litigation, increase demands for reparations from vulnerable nations, and shape future lawsuits against states and fossil fuel producers.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that TikTok may be discussed during next week's China trade talks. He emphasized that if China does not approve a divestment deal for ByteDance, TikTok will be banned in the US. Lutnick clarified that the US is open to a deal where Americans control TikTok, allowing some Chinese or ByteDance ownership.

Archaeologists have discovered a 100,000-year-old burial site in Tinshemet Cave, Israel, which is shedding new light on early human burial practices and spirituality. The site contains the remains of five early humans, arranged in a fetal position, with objects such as basalt pebbles and ochre fragments found beside them. The findings suggest that early humans had complex behaviors and may have used rituals to honor the dead. The discovery is significant because of its age and the well-preserved state of the remains, which provide a unique window into the lives of early humans.

The French government, led by Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, has introduced a new prison regime aimed at curbing the activities of powerful drug kingpins. The measure involves relocating 100 high-profile inmates to a maximum-security prison in northern France, sparking controversy over its potential harshness and echoes of US prison systems.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will recognize Palestine as a state, sparking condemnation from Israel. The decision is set to be formalized at the U.N. General Assembly in September, with Macron emphasizing the need to stop the war in Gaza and save the civilian population.

Archaeologists have discovered a 100,000-year-old burial site at Tinshemet Cave in central Israel, with well-preserved human remains arranged in pits, shedding light on the origins of human burial practices.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a long-awaited trade agreement, reducing tariffs on goods such as Scotch whisky and Indian food, with the UK's Parliament still needing to ratify it.

Thousands rallied in Taipei, Taiwan, on Thursday to support or oppose the recall of 24 opposition Nationalist Party lawmakers, amid tensions with China and legislative deadlock. The recall vote, to be held on Saturday, could potentially give the ruling Democratic Progressive Party a legislative majority.

Palm trees in Uruguay, particularly in Montevideo and Punta del Este, are under attack by the red palm weevil, a tiny but destructive insect. The trees hold significant cultural and aesthetic value, lining the capital's long sidewalk and adorning upscale beach resorts.

Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand have escalated into open conflict along their disputed border, resulting in civilian deaths and the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents. Both countries blame each other for the violence and claim to have acted in self-defense.

In Afghanistan, girls like Nahideh are forced to abandon their dreams of higher education due to restrictions imposed by the Taliban, leading them to enroll in madrassas, religious schools that focus on Islamic studies, as they are denied access to education beyond the 6th grade.

The UK government has revealed plans to cut foreign aid by 40%, with significant reductions in support for children's education and women's health in Africa. The cuts have been criticized by aid charities, who warn that they will impact the world's most vulnerable people. The government claims that spending on multilateral aid bodies will be protected, but charities argue that the cuts will have a devastating impact on marginalized communities.

The son of a woman killed in the Air India plane crash in June has revealed that 'other remains' were found in her casket after her body was returned to the UK, raising concerns about the handling of the victims' remains. Miten Patel's experience has highlighted potential mix-ups in the repatriation process, with reports suggesting that wrong bodies were sent to loved ones. The Indian government has denied any wrongdoing, stating that all remains were handled with 'utmost professionalism' and dignity.

A 78-year-old South Korean woman, Choi Mal-ja, has had her conviction for biting off her attacker's tongue during a sexual assault in 1964 potentially overturned after prosecutors apologized for their handling of the case. The woman was initially sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, while her attacker received a lenient sentence for trespassing and intimidation. Inspired by South Korea's #MeToo movement, Ms. Choi campaigned for years to clear her name, and her retrial began in Busan on Wednesday. Prosecutors acknowledged their past wrongdoing and asked the court to quash her guilty verdict.

A British couple, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, aged 80 and 76 respectively, have been detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan since February 1. Their son, Jonathan Reynolds, fears they may die in prison due to rapidly deteriorating health. The couple, who lived in Afghanistan for 18 years and ran education projects, were arrested while returning home to Bamiyan province. The Taliban claims they are receiving medical care and efforts are being made to secure their release, but the UN has warned that they are at risk of irreparable harm or death without adequate medical care.

Erik Menendez, one of the Menendez brothers convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, has been hospitalized with a 'serious' medical condition. His lawyer has told US media that he is set to appear at a parole hearing on August 21, along with his brother Lyle, after they were resentenced to 50 years to life in prison earlier this year. The brothers have been behind bars for 35 years and their lawyer is calling for Erik's release on medical furlough to prepare for the parole hearing.

An Ethiopian official has denied Donald Trump's claim that the US funded the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (Gerd) on the River Nile, calling it 'false' and 'destructive'. The dam, Africa's largest hydro-electric plant, has been a source of pride for Ethiopians and was funded by the government and contributions from the Ethiopian people. The controversy surrounding the dam has strained relations between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan.

In Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, gang violence has surged since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, with armed gangs controlling about 90% of the city. A young rape survivor, Helene, who was abducted and held for over two months by gang members, shares her story of resilience as she raises her baby in a safe house. The article highlights the escalating sexual violence, with medical charity MSF reporting a near tripling of patients since 2021, and the humanitarian crisis, with 1.3 million people displaced and half the population facing acute hunger.

At least 10 forestry and rescue workers were killed while battling wildfires in Turkey's Eskisehir province after being trapped by a change in wind direction. The blaze, which began on Tuesday, spread rapidly due to high temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the nation. Hundreds of wildfires have broken out across Turkey this summer, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate.

China is planning to offer subsidy coupons to seniors to ease the financial strain on its aging population and drive consumption of elderly-care services. The allowances will be paid monthly in the form of electronic coupons to cover part of the costs for seniors' care services. The scheme will be piloted in select cities this month before a nationwide roll-out later this year and will last for 12 months. Economists have welcomed the move, saying it will incentivize the adoption of senior care services and ease the burden on family members.

European investing app Lightyear, founded by two former Wise employees, has raised $23 million in funding led by NordicNinja, with participation from Estonian tech entrepreneurs including Bolt's CEO Markus Villig. The company plans to expand into new markets and has launched AI features to help users understand stock price movements. Lightyear is positioning itself as a long-term investing platform, differentiating itself from competitors like Robinhood.

Swiss food giant Nestle is considering further price hikes for its products, including KitKat bars and Nespresso coffee pods, due to U.S. tariffs and rising commodity prices, particularly for coffee and cocoa. Despite a 2.9% increase in revenues in the first half of the year, Nestle's shares fell 4.9% after the company warned that second-half margins would be significantly lower due to increased input costs and tariffs. The company maintained its 2025 guidance for organic sales growth and underlying trading operating profit margin.

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed three executive orders focused on artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to prevent "woke AI" in the federal government, spur innovation by reducing regulations, and establish an "American AI Exports Program" to promote U.S. AI technology abroad. The orders are part of the administration's "Winning the AI Race: America's AI Action Plan," which identifies 90 federal policy actions to accelerate innovation, build AI infrastructure, and lead in international diplomacy and security. The administration is concerned that AI models incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives could lead to discriminatory outcomes and distort AI outputs. The orders emphasize the need for "truth-seeking" AI models that prioritize historical accuracy, scientific inquiry, and objectivity.

Deoleo, the world's largest olive oil producer, warns that the Trump administration's 30% tariff threat on EU imports could lead to higher prices and limited access to olive oil for US consumers. The company, which generates over a quarter of its revenue from the US market, is preparing for potential trade disruptions by ramping up marketing efforts and improving logistics. The EU is the leading producer, consumer, and exporter of olive oil, and a trade deal between the US and EU is uncertain.

The private credit industry is increasingly focusing on Asia due to expanding funding gaps as traditional bank lending pulls back. Industry experts say that Asia is emerging as a significant private credit growth hotspot, driven by rapid economic growth, increased sophistication of borrowers, and evolving regulations. Private credit assets under management in Asia have risen from virtually zero in 2000 to $62.3 billion in the first quarter of 2024. Global players such as Apollo Global Management and Hillhouse Investment are expanding their presence in Asia's credit markets, particularly in countries like Singapore, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia. While there are risks associated with investing in Asia, such as currency fluctuations and regulatory uncertainty, industry experts expect the private credit market to continue growing at a sustained double-digit percentage rate annually.

Turkey's central bank has cut its key interest rate by 3 percentage points to 43%, marking the first rate reduction since April. The move is seen as a return to monetary easing, with the bank expressing confidence in its efforts to tackle inflation, which has been steadily declining from 35.05% in June. While some analysts view the 300 basis point cut as a dovish surprise, others suggest that the pace of easing will slow down from here, with forecasts predicting the rate to close the year at 37%.

A federal appeals court in San Francisco has ruled that President Donald Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship is unconstitutional, affirming a lower-court decision that blocked its enforcement nationwide. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' decision keeps in place a block on the Trump administration from denying citizenship to children born to people who are in the United States illegally or temporarily. The ruling brings the issue one step closer to being decided by the Supreme Court.

Artist Amy Sherald has canceled her upcoming exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery due to a dispute over the inclusion of her portrait of a trans woman, titled 'Trans Forming Liberty'. The gallery had considered removing the painting or adding a video discussing it, which Sherald opposed.

The article discusses the growing trend of states pushing cities to build affordable housing, with Utah being a prime example. Utah's leaders are concerned about the skyrocketing home prices that are keeping young people from creating wealth. The state's median home price has reached $506,000, making it unaffordable for 87% of renters. In response, Utah has passed laws to encourage development and enforce its mandate to provide affordable housing options. Other states, such as Texas, are also taking steps to override local zoning laws to allow for more affordable housing. However, there is pushback from some cities and towns that feel the state mandates are infringing on their local control.

NPR critic Linda Holmes reviews HBO's new two-part documentary 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes', finding it revelatory despite having been a long-time fan of Joel's music. The documentary explores Joel's life, career, and personal relationships, particularly his marriages and creative process. Holmes appreciates how the film connects his life experiences to his songwriting and performance style, and sheds new light on his first wife Elizabeth Weber's role in his early career.

President Trump has signed an executive order aimed at overhauling the US approach to managing homelessness, making it easier for cities to remove outdoor encampments and prioritize funding for programs that require sobriety and treatment. The order has been met with criticism from advocates who argue it will not solve homelessness and may make it worse by criminalizing it and defunding harm reduction programs.

The NPR article lists episodes of the 'Wild Card' video series featuring interviews with various celebrities and artists, including Aparna Nancherla, Marc Maron, Celine Song, Jenny Han, Michelle Obama, Jason Reynolds, Orville Peck, Ramy Youssef, Mike Birbiglia, Jonathan Groff, Wanda Sykes, 'Weird Al' Yankovic, Joy Harjo, Brett Goldstein, Julianne Nicholson, Elizabeth Olsen, John Green, Uzo Aduba, Natasha Rothwell, Zadie Smith, Natalie Morales, and Ronny Chieng. The interviews cover a wide range of topics, from personal growth and creativity to mortality and self-acceptance.

The article tells the story of 36 Mayan Achi women from Guatemala who were subjected to brutal acts of sexual violence during the country's civil war in the 1980s. Decades later, the women came together to prosecute their attackers, and after a years-long fight, the final case went to trial in April 2025. The trial resulted in the conviction of three former civil-defense patrollers, who were sentenced to 40 years in prison. The women, supported by a legal-aid society, had to overcome numerous obstacles, including a judge dismissing their case and the loss of funding for their legal representation. The verdict was seen as a significant step towards truth and transitional justice in Guatemala.

The new trade agreement between the US and Japan under the Trump administration could give Japanese cars an advantage in the US market by imposing a lower 15% tariff compared to the 25% tariff on cars from Canada and Mexico. US automakers like General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis are concerned that this deal will put them at a disadvantage, as they produce many vehicles in Canada and Mexico. The agreement may lead to higher prices for consumers and could impact the competitiveness of US automakers.

Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, warned that Iran could withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty if Europe reimposes sanctions. The warning came as Iran prepares for nuclear talks with European counterparts in Istanbul. Europe has threatened to reimpose sanctions on Iran if it does not make concessions on its nuclear program. Iran has shown restraint so far, but Gharibabadi said that if snapback sanctions are triggered, Iran will not show more restraint. Iran is open to resuming talks with the US and is willing to work with both European countries and the US.

The article is an opinion piece by John McWhorter, a linguistics professor at Columbia University, criticizing former President Donald Trump's recent comments on the names of professional sports teams, specifically the Washington Commanders and Cleveland Guardians. Trump suggested that the teams should revert to their previous names, Redskins and Indians, respectively, claiming that Native Americans want this change. McWhorter argues that Trump's claim is baseless and that the terms are outdated and offensive. He explains that the issue is not the specific words used but the practice of using human groups as mascots, which is dehumanizing and perpetuates stereotypes. McWhorter also discusses the history of the controversy and how attitudes towards the terms have evolved over time.

The article discusses the dual nature of ambition, highlighting both its benefits and drawbacks. It explores how ambition can drive individuals to achieve great things, but also potentially lead to ruthlessness, manipulation, and an excessive focus on worldly success. The author reflects on the importance of balancing ambition with selflessness and intrinsic motivation, citing Abraham Lincoln as an example of someone who wrestled with their ambition. The article breaks down the struggle with ambition into five constituent struggles: between craft and reward, gift love and need love, excellence and superiority, and high and low desires.

A British High Court judge has lifted a two-year gagging order on reporting a serious security-data breach, stating that the evidence for maintaining the order had been 'fundamentally undermined'. The breach and its consequences were deemed significant enough to warrant a super-injunction, the first ever granted to the government. The lifting of the order has sparked concerns about the cover-up and the lack of transparency.

The crypto industry has become central to American politics, driven by investments from the Trump family, favorable regulatory environments, and significant election spending. An example is Fr8Tech, a Texas-based logistics firm that borrowed $20m to buy $TRUMP coins, a cryptocurrency launched by Donald Trump. The CEO of Fr8Tech saw this investment as a way to advocate for desired trade policies.

The article argues that 24/7 trading is a bad idea, highlighting the benefits of the traditional working day in stock exchanges. It contrasts the old-fashioned trading floor with modern finance, where people work in a more relaxed environment. The article suggests that the structured trading day, marked by opening and closing bells, is beneficial.

The article discusses the slow adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in businesses despite its touted potential. It highlights that while executives praise AI's capabilities, actual implementation is lagging. The article suggests that economic factors are a significant reason for this slow spread.

The Palestinian Authority Prime Minister, Mohammad Mustafa, has criticized Israel for denying its role in creating a hunger crisis in Gaza, stating that the starvation is evident and that the international community must pressure Israel to allow aid into the strip. Israel has denied responsibility, accusing Hamas of engineering food shortages.

The article discusses how Western fashion brands are increasingly interested in India's luxury market, but often struggle with cultural appropriation and missteps. Recent examples include Prada, Gucci, Reformation, and H&M, which faced backlash for using traditional Indian designs without proper acknowledgement or credit. Indian consumers are no longer tolerant of such missteps, and brands are being forced to be more culturally sensitive and authentic in their engagement with the Indian market.

Taiwan is experiencing a political gridlock, and a mass recall vote is being held to potentially unseat 24 'pro-China' lawmakers from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party. The recall vote, supported by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), could reshape Taiwan's political landscape and allow the DPP to regain a majority in the legislature. The outcome may impact Taiwan's relations with China and the US, as well as the country's defense spending and national security.

The article reports on an awkward exchange between President Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell regarding the cost of the Federal Reserve's $2.5 billion renovation. Powell corrected Trump, stating that the plan was 'not new'.

The article discusses a podcast episode of 'The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim' that covers several global news topics. The episode discusses the growing international condemnation of Israel's war in Gaza, a ceasefire in the Syrian city of Sweida, and the situation in Afghanistan where women and girls have been arrested for violating the Taliban's dress code.

The England women's football team, also known as the Lionesses, will face Spain in the Women's Euro 2025 final on July 27 at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland. The match will be broadcast on ITV and BBC, and will also be available to watch live at various venues in London and Birmingham. England are seeking to defend their title after winning the tournament in 2022, while Spain are undefeated in the current tournament and have made history by reaching their first Women's Euros semi-final in almost three decades.

The Syrian city of Sweida is experiencing intense fighting between Druze and Arab Bedouin tribes, resulting in over 90 unburied corpses decomposing in the hospital yard. The hospital is overwhelmed, with patients suffering from infected wounds due to poor hygiene and lack of medical supplies. The conflict has led to thousands of displaced people, with the UN estimating nearly 130,000 people have fled their homes. The situation is complex, with multiple factions involved, including government forces, Israeli forces, and extremist groups. A fragile ceasefire has been brokered, but trust is low, and the risk of further violence remains high.

A 34-year-old Venezuelan man, Arturo Suarez, was sent to a maximum security prison in El Salvador by the Trump administration despite having no criminal record. He was one of over 250 Venezuelan men detained and was subjected to physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. Suarez was eventually released as part of a prisoner swap and is now scarred by his experience.

A new study by Axios found that popular AI bots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude heavily rely on Wikipedia for training data, which is allegedly biased towards the left and contains half-truths and ideological bias. The article argues that this results in AI bots perpetuating a skewed view of the world and misinforming millions of people. The author criticizes Wikipedia's blacklist of conservative sources and its preference for leftist outlets, and notes that even AI bots acknowledge their leftist bias. The article suggests that AI companies should provide a balanced diet of information to their Large Language Models to avoid losing credibility and potentially federal contracts.

The article criticizes New York Comptroller Brad Lander for suggesting that Mayor Eric Adams may be associated with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling it a baseless and disgusting lie. The author argues that Lander's remark was not only unsubstantiated but also part of a larger pattern of unethical behavior, including electioneering for Zohran Mamdani's mayoral campaign and having a history of controversy surrounding campaign finance and antisemitism.

The article criticizes a New York Times piece titled 'The Trouble With Wanting Men' by Jean Garnett, arguing that it promotes man-hating and absolves women of agency in their relationships. The author contends that Garnett's autobiographical piece blames men for her dating woes, citing terms like 'heterofatalism' and 'heteropessimism' to describe straight women's dissatisfaction with men's behavior. The article argues that Garnett avoids introspection and accountability, instead framing her problems as a gender war.

Former US President Donald Trump paid tribute to wrestling icon Hulk Hogan after his death at 71. Trump praised Hogan's strength, toughness, and heart, and recalled his electrifying speech at the Republican National Convention. Hogan had been a vocal supporter of Trump, appearing at a Madison Square Garden rally and tearing off his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance tank top at the RNC.

China is reportedly working on brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to enhance human cognition and compete in the artificial intelligence (AI) race. The technology involves merging humans with machines using invasive, minimally-invasive, and non-invasive BCIs. China's approach differs from the US, which has primarily focused on building language models. Experts warn that achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI) requires exploring alternative approaches beyond just increasing model parameters.

A Delta Air Lines flight aborted takeoff in Mexico City after its crew spotted another plane, an Aeromexico Embraer E190, landing on the same runway. The incident occurred on Monday, involving Delta Flight 590, a Boeing 737-800 carrying 144 passengers and 6 crew members. The flight crew stopped the takeoff and returned to the gate, and after refueling and consulting with Delta officials, the plane departed for Atlanta about three hours later. The incident is under investigation by aviation authorities in Mexico, the FAA, and the NTSB.

Israeli actress Gal Gadot, known for her role as 'Wonder Woman,' met with five women who were formerly held captive by Hamas in Gaza. The meeting was an emotional gathering where the survivors shared their harrowing experiences and thanked Gadot for her advocacy in bringing attention to the remaining hostages still in captivity. Gadot praised their strength and resilience, and the meeting was part of ongoing efforts to maintain international awareness and support for the hostages.

The Australian Labor and Greens parties have condemned One Nation senators for turning their backs on the acknowledgment of country in the Senate chamber. The incident occurred after Malarndirri McCarthy delivered her statement, prompting Pauline Hanson to respond and claim that welcome to country and acknowledgment of country statements are divisive. The Labor and Greens leaders criticized One Nation's actions as 'unacceptable', 'rude', and 'disrespectful'. Meanwhile, other news includes Australia lifting its ban on US beef imports, a court blocking NSW's largest coal expansion, and discussions around sanctions on Israel.

Five former members of Canada's 2018 world junior ice hockey team were found not guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in a hotel room. The judge ruled that the Crown had not proved the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, citing inconsistencies in the complainant's testimony. The case sparked national debate over consent and the cultural status of hockey players in Canada.

The world's smallest snake, the Barbados threadsnake, has been rediscovered in Barbados after 20 years. Conservationists had feared it was extinct due to habitat destruction and invasive species. The snake was found during an ecological survey by the environment ministry and Re:wild.