In other news

Two men have been charged with murder and attempted murder as part of an organized gang after a shooting at a wedding party in Goult, southeastern France, left a 27-year-old bride dead and wounded the groom, his 13-year-old nephew, and the groom’s sister. Four masked attackers opened fire in a village hall parking lot; one assailant was killed during the incident, two were arrested hours later, and one remains at large. Authorities have not confirmed a motive, but sources suggest a drug-related score-settling, noting the 25-year-old groom’s prior links to drug and organized crime offenses. The suspects are also reportedly connected to a separate fatal shooting in nearby Avignon the same day.

Researchers report a surge of AI-generated videos spreading false narratives about the Iran-Israel conflict on platforms like X and TikTok. Fabrications include supposed explosions at Tehran’s Evin Prison, rubble in Tel Aviv, and a downed Israeli aircraft. Clemson University’s Media Forensics Hub says a coordinated network on X is amplifying Iranian opposition messaging to undermine Iran’s government. Experts note telltale AI anomalies in the footage and say newer tools make realistic video creation faster and cheaper. TikTok says it removes harmful misinformation and deceptive AI; X points to Community Notes. Analysts advise avoiding social media for breaking news due to the prevalence of rapid, convincing fakes.

Mexican authorities uncovered a mass grave containing 34 bodies during construction in Zapopan, Jalisco, a region dominated by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The discovery, first made in February, led to expanded searches using radar and cadaver dogs. Jalisco is among the hardest-hit states in Mexico’s missing persons crisis, with criminal groups commonly disposing of victims in clandestine graves. The find adds to a grim national pattern of mass burials amid cartel violence, which has contributed to roughly 480,000 deaths since 2006. CJNG, led by “El Mencho,” has been linked to recruiting schemes, torture, and killings; the U.S. has a $15 million reward for his capture. Recent months have seen multiple large grave discoveries across Mexico.

Australian divers from the Sydney Project Dive Team completed the first-ever dive to the SS Nemesis, a coal ship that sank in a 1904 storm with all 32 aboard lost. Discovered in 2022 and confirmed by a remote vessel in 2023, the wreck lies about 16 miles off Sydney at a depth of roughly 525 feet, beyond natural light. After weather delays, two teams descended in darkness using a guide line and lights, spending nine minutes surveying features like the crushed bow, bridge, and smokestacks, with coal scattered but no personal artifacts visible. The six-hour ascent required careful decompression. A follow-up mission is planned to conduct a full scan of the site.

Japan executed Takahiro Shiraishi, the “Twitter killer,” by hanging, marking the country’s first execution since 2022. Shiraishi, 34, was sentenced to death in 2020 for murdering and dismembering nine people—mostly young women—whom he lured via Twitter by targeting those expressing suicidal thoughts. He raped several victims, killed one woman’s boyfriend to silence him, and hid body parts in coolers and toolboxes. Authorities called his crimes calculated and driven by sexual and financial motives, rejecting his defense that victims had consented. The case, uncovered in 2017 through a missing-person investigation, reignited scrutiny of Japan’s secretive death penalty system, which remains publicly supported and is carried out by hanging.

Lalo Schifrin, the Argentine-born composer famed for the Mission: Impossible theme, died at 93 from complications of pneumonia. A jazz pianist and classical conductor, he won four Grammys and earned six Oscar nominations, with scores for Cool Hand Luke, The Amityville Horror, and more. His Mission: Impossible theme—written in 5/4 time—became a cultural touchstone, carried into the film franchise and honored by the Grammy Hall of Fame. Schifrin collaborated with legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, and Sarah Vaughan; wrote for major events including the 1990 World Cup’s Three Tenors concert; and composed across genres and media, from Dirty Harry to the Rush Hour films. He received an honorary Oscar in 2018 and numerous other accolades. He is survived by his wife, Donna, daughter Frances, and sons, including Ryan.

Two men, Felipe Orduna-Torres and Armando Gonzales-Ortega, were sentenced to decades in prison for leading a 2022 human smuggling operation in which 53 migrants died in a sweltering tractor-trailer in San Antonio—the deadliest such incident on the U.S.-Mexico border. Orduna-Torres, identified as the leader, received two life sentences plus 20 years; Gonzales-Ortega got 87.5 years. Each was fined $250,000. The migrants, from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, paid $12,000–$15,000 each and were loaded in Laredo into a truck with broken AC for a three-hour trip; 48 were found dead at the scene, and five more died at hospitals. Only 11 survived. Five other defendants, including the driver, previously pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

Oslo police charged Marius Borg Høiby, 28, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, with multiple offenses after a months-long investigation involving a “double-digit” number of alleged victims. Charges include one count of rape involving intercourse, two counts of rape without intercourse, four counts of sexual assault, and two counts of bodily harm. Evidence cited includes texts, witness statements, and police searches. Høiby has cooperated with police and remains free pending a possible trial. His lawyer says he takes the accusations seriously but denies wrongdoing in most cases, especially those related to sexual abuse and violence. The royal palace has not commented. He holds no official public role.

Scientists dating rocks from Canada’s Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt found they are about 4.16 billion years old, potentially among the oldest on Earth. Using two independent radioactive dating methods that agreed, the study helps resolve a long-running dispute over whether the rocks were 4.3 or 3.8 billion years old. These rare primordial rocks could offer insights into early Earth’s geology and the origins of life. The site lies on Inuit lands near Hudson Bay; the community has restricted sampling after past damage and seeks to establish a protected park that enables research while preventing exploitation.

The U.S. and China say they’ve agreed on a framework for a trade deal, though details are scarce and both sides stopped short of announcing a finalized agreement. Rare earth minerals and export controls are central: China says it’s expediting approvals for some rare earth exports, while the U.S. is expected to roll back certain restrictions in return. The framework builds on May talks in Geneva that paused major tariff hikes, though some tariffs—especially those tied to fentanyl precursors and metals—remain. China has moved to regulate additional fentanyl precursor chemicals, addressing a key U.S. demand. Both economies show strain from the trade disputes, and U.S. officials signal more trade deals may follow, including with India.

The Mexican navy intercepted a semisubmersible “narco-sub” off Guerrero’s Pacific coast, seizing 3.5 tons of cocaine packed in 180 bundles and detaining three people. Authorities released video of the at-sea interception. Mexico says it has seized over 44.8 tons of cocaine at sea since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office in October, amid continued pressure from the U.S. to curb drug trafficking. Semisubmersibles, often used by traffickers traveling from Colombia toward the U.S., Central America, and Europe, have been repeatedly intercepted off Mexico, including a 3.6-ton cocaine seizure in November and over seven tons in separate raids last August.

A New York Times analysis of videos, photos, and audio from the June 12 Air India Flight 171 crash suggests the takeoff from Ahmedabad was largely normal: the jet used the expected runway length, lifted off from a typical point, and began an initial climb consistent with prior departures. Evidence from wreckage photos and video indicates the slats (and thus flaps) were likely extended for takeoff, implying standard pre-takeoff configuration. Within seconds airborne, however, the landing gear retraction appears to have failed mid-cycle, leaving the main gear tilted forward and not stowed—consistent with a loss of hydraulic or electrical power. Audio from a rooftop video matches the sound profile of a deployed ram air turbine (RAT) by over 97 percent, indicating emergency power activation. Experts say the combined signs—gear retraction failure and RAT deployment—point to a catastrophic in-flight loss of hydraulic, electrical, or engine power soon after liftoff. Definitive conclusions will await the full investigation.

Chinese authorities have launched a sweeping crackdown on creators of gay erotic fiction, detaining and prosecuting dozens of mostly female “Boys’ Love” writers, including students and low-earning authors, under vague obscenity laws. At least 12 were tried in Anhui in 2024, with more arrests in Gansu in 2025; some received multi-year sentences and heavy fines, sometimes double their earnings. Writers targeted had published on the Taiwan-based Haitang platform, accessible in China only via firewall circumvention. The campaign reflects a broader tightening on LGBTQ and female expression and follows years of escalating censorship of Boys’ Love content once mainstream in popular dramas. Critics, including legal scholars, argue enforcement prioritizes “morality” over rights and note harsher penalties than for some violent crimes; some suspect local financial motives amid government debt. The cases spotlight China’s restrictive obscenity standards and efforts to reinforce traditional family norms amid demographic concerns.

Representative Don Bacon, a five-term Republican from Nebraska known for publicly criticizing Donald Trump, will not seek re-election, creating a prime pickup opportunity for Democrats in a narrowly divided House. Bacon’s centrist district has been trending left, and Democrats believe a GOP newcomer will struggle without his crossover appeal. Though generally voting with his party, Bacon has clashed with Trump’s direction for the GOP and faced threats during party leadership fights. A former Air Force brigadier general, he signaled he’ll remain engaged in politics and the Republican Party, aiming to influence its future.

An anonymous YouTuber, “Quash Bad Squash,” has ignited a debate in professional squash by releasing slow-motion videos alleging that world No. 1 and reigning champion Mostafa Asal routinely skirts or violates rules—blocking opponents, making covert contact, and engaging in dangerous or unsportsmanlike play. A highlighted clip from the 2024 British Open final appears to show Asal’s hand contacting Ali Farag’s groin on match ball, unnoticed by referees. Asal, a charismatic, immensely talented, and polarizing figure nicknamed “The Raging Bull,” has a history of disciplinary issues, including prior bans and a disqualification. While his coach, former world No. 1 James Willstrop, acknowledges problematic incidents and is working on Asal’s conduct, Asal dismisses the criticism. The controversy, amplified by SquashTV and widespread discussion, poses a reputational challenge for the sport as it grows commercially and approaches its 2028 Olympic debut, spotlighting tensions between enforcement, sportsmanship, and star power.

The article examines Pope Leo XIV’s mixed record on clergy sexual abuse from his time as Bishop Robert Prevost in Peru. In one high-profile case, he is praised for confronting the ultraconservative Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, arranging meetings between victims and church leaders, facilitating psychological support and settlements, and helping sustain pressure that culminated in the Vatican ordering the group’s dissolution. In contrast, three women in his Chiclayo diocese say he oversaw a cursory investigation into their childhood abuse claims against two priests, allowed one accused priest to continue public ministry despite restrictions, and appointed a counselor who minimized their abuse. The diocese says he followed protocol by conducting an initial inquiry and sending findings to Rome, highlighting broader systemic gaps critics say persist in church procedures. As Leo becomes pope, advocates and survivors are split: some see a leader willing to challenge entrenched power, while others doubt he’ll push far enough without reforms like universal zero-tolerance and independent oversight of bishops.

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan have sharply narrowed the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative’s mission to a “science-first” focus, especially at the intersection of biology and AI, while cutting or winding down prior efforts in education, housing, DEI, and broader policy work. Since 2019, CZI’s grantmaking has shifted from 29% to 69% for science, with total giving falling in 2024 to $336 million from an average of $846 million since 2018. The group ended diversity-based recruiting, removed DEI references from its site, and its Primary School for low-income families will close; its housing work was also ended. Allies and grantees describe the pivot as abrupt and disorienting. The couple and close associates say the change reflects where they see the greatest impact and alignment with their skills, while their public posture has moved rightward amid political backlash, with Meta likewise scaling back diversity programs. CZI says it will still fund education and local community efforts but is concentrating resources on curing disease and scientific research through its Biohubs.

The article argues that political violence has long been part of U.S. history but is shifting in form and motive. Recent incidents—from attempted assassinations to arson and shootings—have increased, with data showing most recorded attacks on politicians since 2022. Today’s violence is often perpetrated by isolated individuals radicalized online, steeped in nihilism and “burn it all down” thinking, rather than organized groups with clear political programs. While some attackers follow identifiable ideologies (anti-abortion, anti-healthcare industry, anti-fertility), many motivations are murky, blurring lines between political and broader American gun violence. The rise is fueled by dehumanizing political rhetoric, online amplification, and easier gun access, even as organized right-wing group violence has receded due to prosecutions and political shifts. Historically, U.S. political violence spans abolitionist militancy, Klan terror, presidential assassinations, and reactionary backlash, with current turbulence linked to demographic change, wealth concentration, and conspiracy theories. Social media removes barriers to extremism, amplifying both grievances and the visibility of attacks.

The Times investigation into Pope Leo XIV’s record on clergy sex abuse as bishop of Chiclayo (2015–2023) shows a mixed legacy. He took a strong, victim-centered stance against the abusive Catholic movement Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, aiding victims, pushing accountability, and helping drive settlements and Vatican action that culminated in the group’s dissolution. However, in a separate local case, three women who reported childhood abuse by diocesan priests say church accountability fell short. At least two accused priests continued public ministry during investigations—sometimes with children—despite stated restrictions. A victims’ counselor appointed by then-Bishop Robert Prevost downplayed expectations for accountability, and the Vatican later closed one probe citing time limits and lack of evidence after civil authorities declined the case. The contrasting cases raise questions about the rigor and enforcement of safeguards and oversight Leo implemented to protect victims and suspend potential abusers.

At a funeral in Minneapolis for Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark—killed in a June political attack—Gov. Tim Walz eulogized them as devoted public servants whose work improved Minnesotans’ lives, citing infrastructure, free school lunches, and expanded preschool. Former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris attended but did not speak. Walz and Father Daniel Griffith urged a recommitment to civility and denounced political violence, which authorities say was carried out by a suspect posing as a police officer who also targeted other Democrats. Bipartisan mourners, including former adversaries, reflected on respect across differences. The couple’s children participated in the service, with their son quoting the Prayer of St. Francis. A correction noted that Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith watched remotely rather than attending in person.

President Trump escalated his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, urging him to resign and calling for immediate, steep interest rate cuts to lower government borrowing costs amid his push for a major tax-cut package. The Fed, emphasizing independence and data-driven decisions, has maintained a cautious stance, citing a solid labor market and inflation risks. Internal divisions have emerged, with some Trump-appointed officials favoring near-term cuts. Trump is weighing candidates to replace Powell when his chair term ends in May, signaling he’ll choose someone inclined to lower rates. Legal constraints prevent removing Powell before his term ends, and the White House may time any successor’s nomination later in the year to avoid market disruptions.

China’s deepening conflict zone risks in the Middle East—especially amid Iran-Israel hostilities—are disrupting trade and threatening investments tied to Beijing’s Belt and Road plans. Chinese exporters report cancelled orders, vanished clients, scrapped trips, rising shipping costs and security fears, with Iran-centric deals most exposed. Despite heightened volatility and questions over asset safety, the region remains strategically important to China’s trade and infrastructure ambitions, keeping Chinese interest intact even as businesses tighten operations and reassess risk.

Chinese researchers at Nankai University conducted what they say is the first human trial of a brain-computer interface implanted through blood vessels rather than open-skull surgery, enabling a 67-year-old man with hemiplegia to regain limb movement. Using digital subtraction angiography, surgeons placed a stent-electrode via a neck vein into intracranial blood vessels, a minimally invasive approach that may lower risk and shorten recovery compared with Neuralink’s craniotomy-based method. The trial, led by Professor Duan Feng and performed at Fujian Sanbo Funeng Brain Hospital, suggests a promising alternative BCI pathway that could challenge open-skull techniques.

Cathay Pacific cancelled flight CX843 from New York to Hong Kong on June 21 due to a technical issue, informing passengers an hour after the scheduled 1:55 a.m. departure. Dozens were left without airline-arranged accommodation and had to find their own hotels, with rebooking offered for a flight 1.5 days later. Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department said Cathay has notified it and must submit an investigation report under the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995, and the regulator will continue monitoring airline safety and maintenance standards. Images on social media showed frustrated passengers confronting staff at JFK.

Indonesia has confirmed eight cases of hantavirus-linked haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) across Yogyakarta, West Java, East Nusa Tenggara and North Sulawesi as of June 19, with all patients recovered. Health experts say there’s no cause for alarm but warn the virus may be spreading undetected in areas with poor sanitation and heavy rodent exposure. They urge stronger surveillance, public education, and efforts to curb rat infestations. Hantavirus diseases are transmitted via rodents, with no confirmed human-to-human transmission; HFRS affects kidneys and is seen in Asia and Europe, while hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) affects lungs and is more common in the Americas. Public concern has risen amid high-profile HPS cases abroad linked to rodent-infested homes.

Several Indo-Pacific leaders skipped this year’s NATO summit in The Hague, signaling regional anxiety about U.S. focus and reliability. Japan, South Korea, and Australia—key NATO partners known as the IP4 alongside New Zealand—sent lower-level officials for the first time since 2022. Australia’s Anthony Albanese and South Korea’s Lee Jae-myung cited domestic priorities and Middle East instability, while Japan’s Shigeru Ishiba canceled late amid reports of no likely meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Only New Zealand’s Christopher Luxon attended. Analysts say the absences reflect concern that U.S. attention is being diverted from the Indo-Pacific and that engagement through NATO may bring limited near-term benefits compared with pressing regional and domestic issues.

A Shandong Airlines flight from Qingdao to Shanghai made an emergency landing in Nanjing after an in-flight “aircraft malfunction.” Passengers reported loud bangs, lateral shaking, and a burning smell lasting several minutes, with one claiming something may have been ingested into the left engine. The crew diverted per procedures, landing smoothly with emergency responders on standby. All passengers were accommodated and a replacement aircraft was dispatched. Passengers praised the pilots’ handling.

US President Donald Trump said a Gaza ceasefire could be reached “within the next week,” claiming he had spoken with involved parties but offering no specifics. He cited ongoing US support with money and food and framed involvement as humanitarian. French President Emmanuel Macron described Trump as determined to broker a truce. The Israeli Embassy in Washington did not comment.

A leading economist at China International Capital Corporation argues that WeChat Pay and Alipay already function as de facto stablecoins, giving China a comparative advantage in the global digital currency race. He says these platform-based monies are effectively extensions of legal tender, maintain a 1:1 peg with fiat under strict regulatory oversight, and are backed by central bank reserves, offering stability akin to regulated stablecoins. As global attention on stablecoins grows, Chinese state media is urging policymakers to move quickly to leverage this position and support the yuan’s international push.

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, told New York jurors the sex trafficking and racketeering case is a “fake trial,” arguing prosecutors criminalized Combs’ consensual “swingers lifestyle” and exaggerated claims. He attacked the credibility of ex-girlfriends Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and an anonymous “Jane,” framing Ventura as a willing participant and their relationship as troubled but not sex trafficking, and said there’s no evidence of a criminal enterprise involving staff. He argued male escorts were paid for time, not sex, and disputed that violence coerced participation in “freak-offs.” In rebuttal, prosecutor Maurene Comey said violence and sex were inseparable, asserting the women were trapped and had no incentive to lie after Ventura’s civil settlement. Jury instructions begin Monday, with deliberations to follow; Combs faces potential life in prison on the most serious charges.

Anna Wintour, 75, is stepping back as editor-in-chief of US Vogue after 37 years but will remain Vogue’s global editorial director and Condé Nast’s chief content officer. She announced a new “head of editorial content” role for American Vogue to elevate the next generation of editors, while keeping many responsibilities and joking she’ll stay Vogue’s “tennis and theatre editor.” Wintour, former British Vogue editor who took over US Vogue in 1988, is credited with revitalizing the magazine, broadening its aesthetic, and spearheading the Met Gala since 1995. A major fashion figure, she was made a Dame in 2017 and a Companion of Honour in 2024, and has long inspired the fictional Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada.

Two men, Jack Brearley (24) and Brodie Palmer (30), were sentenced to life in prison for the 2022 murder of 15-year-old Aboriginal boy Cassius Turvey in Perth; Brearley, who delivered the fatal blows with a metal pole, showed no remorse and will be eligible for parole in 2044, while Palmer, deemed equally responsible but less culpable, is eligible in 2041. A third man, Mitchell Forth, received 12 years for manslaughter, and a fourth, Ethan MacKenzie, got 2.5 years for related assaults on other Aboriginal teens. The judge condemned the vigilante attacks and the use of racial slurs, which he said caused justified fear in the Aboriginal community, though he did not find the murder racially motivated. The case sparked nationwide protests and debate about racism; Cassius’s mother described the killing as racially motivated and devastating.

A Norwegian tourist says he was denied entry to the US after border agents questioned a meme on his phone of Vice President JD Vance; Homeland Security, however, says he was turned away because he admitted past drug use. BBC Verify’s Jake Horton speaks with the traveler, Mads Mikkelsen, and explains US laws that allow immigration officers to refuse entry for drug admissions, regardless of social media content.

Lewis Capaldi made an emotional surprise return to Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, two years after stepping back for his mental health and to manage Tourette’s. He performed a short set including Before You Go, Grace, his new comeback single Survive, and closed with Someone You Loved—this time finishing the song that ended his 2023 set early. Visibly moved, Capaldi thanked fans and said his goal was to return and “finish what I couldn’t finish.” The crowd sang along throughout, chanting his name, and many described the moment as profoundly moving. His appearance followed days of cryptic billboards and the release of Survive, which addresses his struggles and determination to move forward. This was his first full-scale show in two years.

M&S has launched a limited-edition strawberries and cream sandwich inspired by Japan’s “fruit sando,” featuring strawberries, whipped cream cheese, and sweetened bread. It became the retailer’s top-selling sandwich in the two days after launch, marking the first major UK supermarket rollout of this Japanese-style treat. Fruit sandos—soft white bread with whipped cream and fruit like strawberries or clementines—are popular in Japan and often bought from convenience stores. The article also reflects on the broad definition of a sandwich in the UK and highlights global sandwich varieties, noting that sweet or unconventional fillings aren’t unprecedented.

Norwegian police say Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of the heir to the throne, is suspected of three rapes and 23 other offenses, including sexually offensive behavior, abuse in a close relationship, and bodily harm. He was arrested three times in 2024 and has been under investigation for 10 months. The case has been handed to prosecutors to decide on charges. Police conducted extensive interviews, searches, and digital reviews; some sexual offense cases were dismissed due to limitation periods and evidence issues. Høiby’s lawyer says he denies most allegations, especially those of sexual abuse and violence. Police say the number of alleged victims is in the double digits. The Royal House has declined further comment.

Jim Cramer’s latest Lightning Round delivered rapid-fire takes: avoid Nebius Group; steer clear of Sweetgreen due to steep losses and lack of profitability; keep owning Monster Beverage, calling it “smoking hot”; buy more Okta; and he reiterated a bullish call on McDonald’s, saying it’s the time to buy.

Jim Cramer says the shortened upcoming week hinges on Thursday’s labor report and Constellation Brands’ earnings. He expects Constellation to disappoint, citing headwinds for alcohol from GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, cannabis substitution, and weaker spending by Hispanic consumers amid immigration enforcement. He’ll interview Amazon’s Andy Jassy Monday for insights on consumer demand; the Chicago PMI could pressure the Fed if it’s soft. Mortgage application data Wednesday remains a drag on the economy. A weak jobs report could revive odds of a July rate cut and prompt renewed Trump criticism of Fed Chair Powell. Cramer notes the quarter ended strong despite early turmoil from tariff and trade headlines, reinforcing a stay-the-course approach.

The article discusses how to teach Gen Alpha—kids raised with instant digital purchasing—smart money habits amid easy access to deliveries, social shopping, and frictionless payments. With their spending power rising, GoHenry founder Louise Hill recommends making money tangible and earned: give regular pocket money in cash to build saving discipline, use “pizza budgeting” to visualize household expenses, and involve kids in everyday financial decisions. Parents should normalize money conversations, model trade-offs (e.g., swap takeout for a homemade “fakeaway” and show the savings), and help children understand costs, delayed gratification, and thoughtful spending.

Jim Cramer says he’s sticking with Apple despite recent underperformance, citing confidence in CEO Tim Cook, Apple’s history of rebounding after downturns, and expected 14% earnings growth versus 9.4% for the S&P 500. He acknowledges headwinds including China tariffs, potential costs of U.S. manufacturing, lackluster WWDC AI reveals, cautious guidance, and App Store litigation. Cramer argues Apple’s valuation should be viewed with growth in mind and could warrant up to 35x earnings if sentiment improves. He sees the stock as “too cheap to ignore” around 25x earnings and would be a buyer near $180 if it pulls back.

A federal judge rejected President Donald Trump’s latest bid to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed by the exonerated Central Park Five, ruling that Pennsylvania’s Anti-SLAPP law does not apply in federal court. The suit alleges Trump defamed the men during a September debate by falsely claiming they killed someone and pleaded guilty. Judge Wendy Beetlestone’s decision follows an earlier denial of Trump’s dismissal attempt, allowing the plaintiffs’ claims for defamation, false light, and intentional infliction of emotional distress to proceed.

Tesla says it completed its first driverless delivery of a new Model Y in Austin, routing the car from its Gigafactory to a customer with no one inside or remotely controlling it. The company shared a video but did not disclose the exact software/hardware used or when it will be available commercially; current FSD (Supervised) requires driver oversight. Elon Musk called it “fully autonomous,” but that claim overlooks Waymo’s earlier fully driverless freeway operations. NHTSA is already probing Tesla’s driver-assist systems and has sought more info on its robotaxi plans. Tesla also launched a small robotaxi pilot in Austin using Model Ys with in-vehicle safety supervisors and remote monitoring, offered to select invitees. The milestone comes as Tesla faces sales pressure from Chinese EV rivals and a consumer backlash tied to Musk’s politics, with Q2 delivery numbers due July 2.

U.S. stocks hit fresh records despite geopolitical shocks. After U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites raised escalation fears, oil prices quickly fell—WTI dropped over 11% for the week—easing growth and inflation concerns and propelling risk appetite. The S&P 500 rose 3.4% (up 4.4% MTD, ~10% QTD) and the Nasdaq gained 4.3% (up 6% MTD, 17.2% QTD). Lower energy costs reduced pressure on corporate margins and consumers, while markets priced in higher odds of three Fed cuts in 2025 despite mixed signals from officials. May PCE showed headline inflation in line (0.1% m/m; 2.3% y/y) but slightly hotter core (0.2% m/m; 2.7% y/y), complicating a July cut. AI and data center themes led winners: Nvidia hit new highs and drew a $250 target from Loop Capital; Eaton, GE Vernova, and Broadcom benefited from AI demand and analyst upgrades. Financials rallied after the Fed proposed easing post-2008 capital rules, boosting Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo. Amazon’s logistics/AI push, Eli Lilly’s mixed weight-loss drug update, and positive policy commentary on wearables aiding Abbott (and potentially Apple Watch) featured. The piece urges Apple to allocate more toward AI over buybacks. Overall, markets looked past geopolitical risk as oil retreated and rate-cut hopes firmed.

Birthright Israel has continued running free trips for young Jewish adults despite the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and heightened regional tensions, but has had to adapt with tighter security, altered itineraries, and emergency contingencies. In one recent case, participants were evacuated by sea to Cyprus as Iranian missiles targeted Tel Aviv. The program frames the trips as resilience-building and identity-strengthening, while critics—especially in online comments—condemn them as propaganda that overlooks Palestinian suffering and inequities. The article situates these trips within the broader conflict, ongoing hostage crisis, and rising violence in the West Bank, highlighting the logistical and ethical challenges of sustaining such programs during war.

A small black bear wandered onto the runway at Yamagata Airport in northern Japan, prompting officials to briefly suspend operations and conduct safety checks after staff lost sight of the animal. Airport personnel engaged in a low-speed vehicle pursuit to manage the security risk. The incident caused temporary flight disruptions but drew positive public reaction for the humane handling of the situation.

The Department of Homeland Security announced it will end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals on Sept. 2, reversing protections granted after Haiti’s devastating 2010 earthquake. The move under the Trump administration puts hundreds of thousands of Haitians in the U.S. at risk of deportation. The decision drew sharp criticism, with opponents noting the inconsistency between declaring Haiti safe for return while the U.S. State Department still warns against travel there.

Tens of thousands rallied in Belgrade against President Aleksandar Vucic, demanding early parliamentary elections after months of student-led protests. Clashes with riot police led to dozens of detentions. The sustained dissent has challenged Vucic’s tight hold on power in Serbia.

Japan successfully launched the GOSAT-GW climate-monitoring satellite on the H-2A rocket’s final mission from Tanegashima Space Center. The satellite, aimed at tracking greenhouse gases and the water cycle to support climate change mitigation, reached its planned orbit about 16 minutes after liftoff. This marks the retirement of the H-2A in favor of a new, more cost-competitive flagship rocket.

Gulf Arab states are recalibrating their regional priorities: while they condemned Iran’s warned, low-impact missile strike on a U.S. base in Qatar, they largely maintained a posture of engagement with Tehran, reflecting years of efforts to de-escalate and secure economic and security benefits. At the same time, their concern about Israel has grown, fueled by its expansive military actions in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iran, and by U.S. tolerance of those operations. This shift complicates U.S. and Israeli pushes for new normalization deals, particularly with Saudi Arabia, which still ties recognition to progress on Palestinian statehood. Israel’s strikes on Iran also disrupted U.S.-Iran nuclear talks that Gulf states support, deepening regional anxiety. Despite a likely cooling-off period, Gulf governments remain committed to dialogue with Iran as the preferred path to stability, even as they view Israel as the current primary destabilizing actor.

A new WHO advisory group report says available evidence points to COVID-19 likely originating from zoonotic spillover—directly from bats or via an intermediate host—but keeps a lab leak hypothesis “on the table” due to incomplete data. The WHO says China has not shared key early genetic sequences, market animal data, or detailed lab biosafety information from Wuhan, hindering a full assessment. The panel, which has met 52 times since 2022, updated its findings using peer-reviewed and other reports, and urges China and any country with relevant information to disclose it to help prevent future pandemics.

Belarusian dissident Siarhei Tsikhanouski, freed after over five years in prison, told the U.N. Human Rights Council he was tortured, isolated, and deprived of basic rights, and urged international action to release the remaining 1,150 political prisoners. He credited international pressure—particularly the Trump administration and U.S. envoy Gen. Keith Kellogg—for his release, alongside 13 others. U.N. rapporteur Nils Muižnieks said Belarus’s human rights situation continues to worsen, citing abusive laws and mistreatment of detainees. Tsikhanouski has reunited with his wife, exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who thanked U.S. officials and vowed to keep pushing for all prisoners’ freedom.

North Korea unveiled its largest tourist project, the Wonsan-Kalma coastal resort, with Kim Jong Un presiding over a lavish opening ceremony. The complex includes hotels and facilities for about 20,000 guests and will open to domestic visitors first, with no date set for foreign tourism. Analysts expect Russia to be the first market, followed by China, while U.S. and South Korean tourists remain unlikely amid tensions and propaganda concerns. The project reflects Pyongyang’s push to boost its troubled economy through tourism, with more sites reportedly planned.

Pedro Urruchurtu, one of five Venezuelan opposition figures who spent over 400 days sheltering in the Argentine Embassy in Caracas, told the UN Human Rights Council he endured months without electricity, minimal water, intimidation with rifles and attack dogs, and siege-like conditions for helping run opposition campaigns. He was freed in May through a U.S.-led rescue operation and says he survived despite the state, not because of it. UN Human Rights chief Volker Türk reported worsening abuses in Venezuela since May 2024, including arbitrary detentions, due process violations, enforced disappearances, and torture—citing 32 cases of torture/ill-treatment and 28 disappearances after the May 2025 parliamentary elections. UN Watch’s Hillel Neuer condemned Maduro’s regime as a “criminal narco-terrorist dictatorship.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was credited for helping secure the opposition members’ release and later met with them, praising their bravery.

Liam Byrne, a 24-year-old British wingsuit champion featured in the BBC documentary “The Boy Who Can Fly,” died after crashing into a rocky outcrop during a high-risk wingsuit jump from Gitschen in the Swiss Alps. Police said he deviated from his intended course shortly after takeoff for unknown reasons and suffered fatal injuries. Byrne had over 4,000 jumps, worked as a skydiving instructor and wingsuit coach, and began extreme sports at a young age. His family remembered him as fearless and passionate, saying wingsuiting was his freedom and where he felt most alive. The article also notes recent wingsuit-related deaths in the U.S.

Lynne Tracy, the first female U.S. ambassador to Russia and a career diplomat appointed by Joe Biden, is leaving her post after serving during a low point in U.S.-Russia relations following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Her departure comes amid discussions of a potential reset between Washington and Moscow, even as President Trump’s push for a Ukraine ceasefire has yet to succeed. Tracy, who arrived in Moscow in January 2023, emphasized maintaining ties with the Russian people in a farewell message and was praised by the U.S. embassy for her diplomacy and respect for Russian culture. She played a key role in securing the 2024 release of detained Americans Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan. A Russian speaker with prior postings in Moscow, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan, she previously served as deputy chief of mission in Moscow from 2014 to 2017.

Japan executed Takahiro Shiraishi, the “Twitter killer,” marking the country’s first use of capital punishment in nearly three years. Shiraishi was sentenced to death in 2020 for murdering and dismembering nine people in 2017, most of whom he lured via Twitter by exploiting their suicidal posts; eight victims were women, and one was a boyfriend he killed to silence. His hanging comes amid rising debate over Japan’s death penalty following the 2024 acquittal of Iwao Hakamada, who spent 56 years on death row. Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki defended the execution, citing the crimes’ severity and stating abolition is inappropriate while violent offenses persist. Japan currently has 105 death-row inmates.

An Egyptian man, Hamad Ramadan Bayoumy Aly Marie, 70, pleaded guilty to harming a law enforcement animal after kicking a customs beagle named Freddie at Washington Dulles Airport. Freddie had alerted officers to more than 100 lbs of undeclared, prohibited agricultural items in Marie’s luggage, including meat, rice, vegetables, seeds, and herbs. The kick lifted the dog off the ground and caused rib contusions. All goods were seized. Marie was credited with time served, ordered to pay $840 for veterinary care, and was removed from the US, departing for Egypt. Authorities condemned the attack, emphasizing the role of K9 units in protecting against pests and diseases.

A Pakistan youth netball team made up entirely of UK-based British Asian and Muslim players is competing in its first major event, the Asian Youth Netball Championship in Jeonju, South Korea (27 June–4 July 2025). Many of the athletes previously missed the 2024 Asian Championship in India due to visa delays, but have since been sanctioned by Pakistan Netball to represent the country. Led by captain Sumayya Safdar and coached by former England captain Amanda Newton, the team trains together intermittently due to geographic spread but shows strong commitment and cohesion. Backed by the Pakistan Netball Academy UK, co-founded by Sadia Hussain, the squad aims to perform well and inspire more British Asian and Muslim girls to take up netball, addressing barriers such as cultural concerns and sportswear considerations.

Nike warned investors that U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports under President Trump could add $1bn to its costs this year, prompting planned price increases starting in the autumn. The company is shifting production away from China, aiming to cut the share of China-made footwear shipped to the U.S. from 16% to the high single digits by reallocating supply to other countries. The update came alongside Nike’s weakest quarterly results in over three years, with $11.1bn in revenue, as it grapples with fallout from a pivot to direct-to-consumer and heavy reliance on lifestyle trends. CEO Elliott Hill said the worst of the trade tensions has likely passed and expects headwinds to moderate.

The Israeli military detained six Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank after they allegedly assaulted soldiers, vandalized vehicles, and tried to ram forces near a closed military zone by Kafr Malik, where settlers had recently set homes and cars ablaze, killing three, according to Palestinian officials. The IDF said troops fired warning shots but no live fire at civilians and transferred the suspects to police, condemning violence against security forces. Israeli leaders across the spectrum largely denounced the attacks; PM Benjamin Netanyahu urged a thorough investigation, while far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich—recently sanctioned by Western allies—sparked controversy, with Smotrich warning against any IDF live fire on settlers. Palestinian officials accused Israel’s government of escalating tensions to provoke wider conflict. The incident comes amid intensified Israeli operations in the West Bank, a recent fatal shooting of a Palestinian teen during clashes, and Israel’s approval of the largest settlement expansion since Oslo, widely criticized as de facto annexation and illegal under international law.

CNN profiles South Korean sisters Min Young-jae, 77, and Min Jeong-ja, who have spent 75 years hoping to learn the fate of their eldest brother, Min Young-sun, abducted to North Korea at age 19 during the war’s early days. The family, once living near the 38th parallel in Chuncheon, was torn apart as their “Math Whiz” brother was reportedly taken north by a teacher along with other top students—part of broader wartime abductions. Their second-eldest brother later died from grief, and their father developed a debilitating panic disorder; their mother kept the home unchanged and performed daily rituals in hope of her son’s return. The sisters recall wartime atrocities and the enduring pain of separation shared by over 134,000 South Koreans still seeking loved ones in the North. Despite intermittent inter-Korean family reunions since 1985, the Min siblings’ multiple applications have yielded no news, yet they continue to hope for contact from their brother—or his descendants.

Tens of thousands gathered at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square calling for an immediate end to the Gaza war and the return of remaining hostages. CNN’s Nic Robertson reported large, peaceful crowds pressing for a ceasefire and a deal to bring captives home.

In a CNN interview, New York City Mayor Eric Adams denied rumors that he struck a deal with President Donald Trump to have what he called “bogus” charges against him dropped in exchange for political favors. Adams, running for re-election as an Independent, dismissed the speculation and addressed questions about his campaign and criticisms from rivals amid a heated New York mayoral race.

Over 70 authors, including Dennis Lehane, Gregory Maguire, and Lauren Groff, issued an open letter on Lit Hub urging major U.S. publishers to pledge never to release AI-created books and to curb AI use across publishing. The petition quickly drew over 1,100 signatures from writers like Jodi Picoult and Paul Tremblay. The letter asks publishers to refuse AI-written works built on copyrighted material without consent or pay, avoid replacing staff with AI, and use human audiobook narrators. Organizers say recent court rulings favoring AI companies on fair use heighten the urgency, arguing publishers are now the key line of defense. Concerns include AI-generated copycat titles and the rise of AI narration and translation, which threaten authors’, narrators’, and translators’ livelihoods. Simon & Schuster said it takes the concerns seriously and is working to protect authors’ IP.

The U.S. Department of Defense will stop sharing data from its weather satellites as of June 30, cutting off a decades-long stream of near real-time atmospheric and ocean information used for hurricane forecasting and sea ice monitoring. The Navy’s Fleet Numerical center has processed this data for over 40 years; DoD will continue using the satellites internally, citing unspecified cybersecurity concerns. Hurricane experts warn the loss will create larger observational gaps that can hinder detection of storm structure and rapid intensification—critical during peak season—though NOAA says other U.S. and international satellites will maintain forecast quality. The National Snow and Ice Data Center says six key sea ice datasets will be disrupted and is rushing to switch to a Japanese satellite sensor earlier than planned, calling the abrupt June deadline a major blow amid rapidly changing polar conditions.

The Supreme Court delayed a decision in Louisiana v. Callais, ordering reargument next term and leaving in place, for now, a congressional map with two majority-Black districts. The case could redefine how race and politics interact in redistricting and potentially narrow Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), which guards against diluted minority voting power. Experts are divided: some see the Alabama 2023 ruling as a sign the VRA may be preserved; others fear further erosion. Parallel challenges could intensify the stakes: Alabama is asking the Court to deem open-ended race-based remedies under Section 2 unconstitutional, and the 8th Circuit has limited who can sue under Section 2 to the U.S. Attorney General—threatening a key enforcement tool long used by private plaintiffs. The outcome of these cases could significantly curtail VRA protections nationwide.

U.S. fireworks are expected to be pricier and scarcer this Fourth of July due to new tariffs of at least 30% on Chinese imports, which supply 99% of consumer and 90% of professional fireworks. Some importers paused shipments, prompting early shopping advice and multiple price changes by retailers. The industry is anxious about 2026—both the nation’s 250th anniversary and a Saturday July 4—because tariffs could swing back up to 145%, potentially shrinking or canceling many shows. Domestic production is unlikely given U.S. regulations, so the sector hopes for a tariff reprieve.

Czech intelligence says Chinese diplomats and agents in Prague planned a staged car collision targeting Taiwan’s vice-president, Hsiao Bi-khim, during her March 2024 visit, escalating beyond a reported red-light incident by a Chinese diplomat tailing her convoy. Authorities say the plot, orchestrated from China’s embassy, breached diplomatic norms but did not progress past preparation. Hsiao thanked Czech officials, vowed not to be intimidated, and Taiwan condemned the alleged actions, seeking an apology. China denied wrongdoing, criticized the visit as interference, and labeled Hsiao a “separatist.” The Czech foreign ministry previously summoned China’s ambassador.

Thousands of protesters in Bangkok demanded Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s resignation after a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen showed her criticizing a Thai military officer and addressing Hun Sen familiarly, pledging to “take care of” his requests. Nationalists accused her of betraying Thai sovereignty amid heightened tensions over a long-standing border dispute that flared in May. The rally, expected to exceed 10,000 people, is the largest since Pheu Thai took power in 2023 and includes groups that opposed her father Thaksin and aunt Yingluck. A coalition partner has already withdrawn, leaving Paetongtarn with a slim majority. She faces legal challenges for alleged ethical and constitutional breaches; the constitutional court will decide Tuesday whether to accept a case that could suspend her. Paetongtarn has apologized, but criticism persists as Cambodia’s Hun Sen condemned Thai military actions as violations of Cambodian sovereignty.

A US justice department inspector general report says a hacker working for Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel accessed an FBI assistant legal attaché’s phone records and geolocation data in 2018 and leveraged Mexico City’s surveillance camera network to track the official’s movements and identify informants. The cartel then used that information to intimidate and, in some cases, kill potential sources or cooperating witnesses. The report, which did not name the hacker, the FBI official, or victims, highlights how the spread of surveillance tech and commercial location data enables criminal groups to exploit vulnerabilities. It notes the FBI is developing a plan to mitigate such risks and recommends increased training for personnel.

Serbian riot police used tear gas against tens of thousands of anti-government protesters in Belgrade demanding snap parliamentary elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vucic’s 12-year rule. The rally, led by university students after months of nationwide anti-corruption protests sparked by a fatal train station collapse in November that killed 16, drew massive crowds chanting for elections. Authorities, who have cracked down on universities and media, rejected calls for early polls and accused protesters of foreign-backed plots. Tensions rose as Vucic’s supporters rallied nearby and security forces made arrests and imposed travel disruptions. Despite shrinking turnout in recent weeks, the large demonstration signaled enduring resolve against what critics call Vucic’s increasingly authoritarian rule and deep-seated corruption. Presidential and parliamentary elections are officially due in 2027.