Donald Trump and Melania Trump welcomed Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage held in Gaza, to the White House. Alexander, an American-Israeli abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, was held for 584 days before his release on May 12, 2025. Trump reaffirmed his commitment to bringing all hostages home, having previously met with other freed hostages in March.
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The Women's March is organizing nationwide "Free America" events on July 4th to protest against Trump's policies. Participants are encouraged to engage in various activities like rallies, marches, and art projects. The protests aim to challenge the influence of billionaires, combat poverty, and resist fear-based politics, with numerous events planned across the country.
Amid US ceasefire efforts, Hamas' decision rests on Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the new Gaza chief, succeeding Mohammed Sinwar. Al-Haddad, a key planner of the October 7 attack, opposes Israeli efforts to remove Hamas. He insists on an "honorable deal" or a "war of liberation or martyrdom.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the BRICS Summit in Brazil, fueling speculation about internal political shifts. Premier Li Qiang will lead the delegation instead, while Vladimir Putin will participate via video link. Narendra Modi's attendance and state visit position India as a central figure in the summit, where Brics aims to enhance its representation of the Global South.
On the surface, it sounds like an act of calculated advantage-seeking. After all, Columbia, like most elite universities then, ran race-conscious admissions. Identifying as Black might have increased his chances in a system designed to redress centuries of racial exclusion. Critics, including Mayor Eric Adams, quickly pounced, calling it “an insult to every student who got into college the right way.”
An 18-year-old Franco-German cyclist, Lennart Monterlos, has gone missing in Iran since June 16, prompting concern from French authorities. The disappearance occurs amidst warnings that Iran is deliberately targeting Westerners, particularly French nationals, on espionage charges. Several European nationals are currently detained in Iran, with accusations of spying for Israel, further escalating diplomatic tensions.
North Korea opened a massive resort area on its east coast, state media said Wednesday, with the tourism pet project of leader Kim Jong Un reportedly set to welcome Russian guests this month. Kim showed a keen interest in developing North Korea's tourism industry during his early years in power, analysts have said, and the coastal resort area was a particular focus.
Fujairah has launched the Arab world’s first musical road along Sheikh Khalifa Street. As cars drive over the specially designed 750-metre stretch, they trigger notes from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony through tyre vibrations. The project, by the Fujairah Fine Arts Academy, aims to integrate art into daily life and showcase the emirate’s cultural and creative spirit.
The UAE has centralized drone operations through the new drones.gov.ae platform, managed jointly by the Cybersecurity Council and GCAA. This platform streamlines registration, airspace updates, and mission approvals for all drone users. Following a previous ban, drone usage is now permitted under strict regulations, with the platform providing resources for training, compliance, and safe operation.
A powerful storm caused devastating flash floods in Texas. The Guadalupe River overflowed, destroying homes and a summer camp. Many people died, and several are missing. Camp Mystic was completely destroyed. Hundreds of people have been rescued. Rescue efforts are underway. Residents did not receive flood warnings. Rainfall exceeded forecasts. The Texas Hill Country's geography worsened the flooding.
A dispute over an EU event in Brussels highlights the contrasting views of German ministers on energy policy. Economy Minister Reiche's openness to nuclear power clashes with Environment Minister Schneider's focus on renewables, reflecting broader disagreements on climate goals. The debate extends to plans for new gas-fired power plants, raising concerns about Germany's climate neutrality target by 2045.