Amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, Russia cautioned the United States against military intervention, following Israeli strikes and Iranian retaliation. Despite a strategic partnership, Moscow hasn't offered military aid to Tehran, with Putin proposing mediation while condemning Israel. Putin and Xi Jinping jointly criticized Israel, advocating for a peaceful resolution.
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Following Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, UAE airlines have suspended flights to numerous Middle Eastern, Caucasian, and Central Asian destinations. Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia have halted services to countries including Iran, Iraq, and Israel, causing significant disruptions at Dubai airports. Passengers are advised to check flight status and arrive early as airlines work to manage the evolving situation.
Abu Dhabi has achieved a significant milestone in urban air mobility with a successful public demonstration of an autonomous flying taxi. The test flight, featuring the EHang EH216-S, showcased the potential for integrating eVTOL aircraft into the city's transportation ecosystem. This initiative underscores Abu Dhabi's commitment to innovation and diversifying its economy through next-generation transport technologies.
Despite honoring Juneteenth in his first term, Donald Trump remained silent on this year's holiday, even suggesting the elimination of some federal holidays. This contrasts with his previous acknowledgments, including claiming to have made Juneteenth "very famous. Juneteenth is the newest US federal holiday, enshrined into law in 2021 by Congress and then-President Joe Biden. Trump cannot undo it without an act of Congress.
In Georgia, a brain-dead woman was kept on life support due to the state's abortion laws, resulting in the premature birth of her son, Chance, via C-section. Doctors maintained Adriana Smith on life support until Chance was delivered, despite her family's distress. The infant is now in the NICU, while Smith was taken off life support shortly after his birth.
Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, plans to divide his $13.9 billion fortune among his numerous children, including over 100 conceived via sperm donation. Durov's will stipulates that his heirs cannot access their inheritance for thirty years, aiming to encourage self-reliance. He emphasizes his commitment to digital privacy and personal liberty, despite facing accusations of enabling illegal activities on Telegram.
Fresh doubts surround the 2024 US election as reports allege unannounced changes to voting machines approved by Pro V&V, a federally certified testing lab. Despite director Jack Cobb's insistence that updates were minor, watchdogs like SMART Elections claim inadequate testing raises security risks.
Severe weather is impacting the United States, with tornado warnings in the Midwest and Great Lakes causing power outages and prompting safety alerts. High wind warnings are in effect for California's Mojave Desert Slopes, while the East anticipates extreme heat. The West faces fire weather concerns and scorching temperatures, with advisories issued across multiple states.
The Trump administration is considering expanding travel restrictions, potentially banning citizens from 36 more countries, according to a State Department cable. Citing national security concerns, the move follows an earlier ban on 12 countries. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's cable outlined concerns, including unreliable identity documents, giving countries 60 days to address issues or face entry suspensions.
Severe flooding in San Antonio, Texas, resulted in at least five fatalities and two missing individuals after multiple vehicles were swept away. Nineteen people were caught in the floodwaters, with first responders rescuing ten and two escaping independently. A flash flood warning was issued for the region due to heavy rainfall and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.