China dominates rare earth metal production, granting its government significant global trade control. This dominance has resulted in severe environmental damage, including toxic sludge in northern China and poisoned valleys in the south. The city of Baotou bears the brunt of this pollution, with its artificial lake of waste posing ongoing environmental and health risks.
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Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's opulent Venice wedding sparked protests as hundreds marched against the billionaire's presence. Locals voiced concerns over overtourism, rising costs, and climate change, criticizing the event's extravagance. Despite Bezos donating to Venetian environmental groups, activists deemed it insufficient.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is suing Fox News for defamation, alleging the network deliberately misrepresented his phone call with Donald Trump. The lawsuit, seeking $787 million in damages, claims Fox News deceptively edited a video to falsely accuse Newsom of lying about the timing of the call. Newsom demands a retraction and on-air apology to drop the suit.
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.
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.
The Tokara island chain in southern Japan has experienced over 900 earthquakes in the past two weeks, causing sleepless nights and anxiety for residents. While no major damage has been reported, the Japan Meteorological Agency held an emergency conference, unable to predict when the seismic activity will cease. The region previously saw a similar surge in earthquakes in September 2023.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reportedly told EU leaders that Beijing doesn't want Russia to lose the war in Ukraine, fearing a US shift of focus towards China. This admission, surprising to some EU officials, aligns with suspicions about China's stance. Wang denied materially supporting Russia, suggesting the war would be over if they were.
China dominates rare earth metal production, granting its government significant global trade control. This dominance has resulted in severe environmental damage, including toxic sludge in northern China and poisoned valleys in the south. The city of Baotou bears the brunt of this pollution, with its artificial lake of waste posing ongoing environmental and health risks.
Several New York lawmakers who identify as socialists and progressives possess significant financial resources, raising questions about their advocacy for economic equality. State Senator Liz Krueger holds nearly $24 million in investments, while Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado has over $1 million in bank accounts. Other lawmakers, like Jabari Brisport and Phara Souffrant Forrest, have diverse financial interests and employment.
Saudi Arabia is enforcing new menu regulations as part of its Vision 2030 public health drive. Restaurants and cafes must now display nutritional information, including sodium levels, caffeine content, and estimated calorie burn times. The SFDA aims to combat rising obesity and diet-related illnesses by promoting informed consumer choices and menu transparency.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of 34 Palestinians, including displaced people sheltering at the Palestine Stadium. These attacks occurred amidst ongoing ceasefire negotiations, with US President Trump expressing optimism for a deal within the week. The conflict has claimed the lives of over 56,000 Palestinians, while severe shortages of food and essential supplies plague Gaza.