At the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged to procure US-made Patriot missile systems for Ukraine, amidst ongoing Russian aerial attacks. He urged the US to increase Patriot deliveries, emphasizing unwavering support for Ukraine. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced over €10 billion in pledges for Ukraine's economic recovery.
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Mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani stood firm on his progressive policies, including raising taxes on the wealthy, during a meeting with New York City's business leaders. Despite facing tough questions on his past remarks and policy stances, Mamdani remained composed and avoided major missteps. He aims to build partnerships as he pivots towards the general election.
House Republicans are urging seven US universities to sever ties with the China Scholarship Council, citing concerns that the program facilitates technology theft for the Chinese government. Lawmakers view the CSC as a national security threat, alleging it supports China's military and scientific advancement through academic partnerships. Some universities have already begun to disengage from the program amid growing scrutiny.
Wizz Air will suspend all Abu Dhabi operations by September 1, ending its five-year joint venture with ADQ. Citing engine issues, regulatory hurdles, and geopolitical instability, the airline will refocus on European markets. All flights from Zayed International Airport will cease after August 31, with refunds or alternatives offered to affected passengers. Other Wizz Air operations remain unaffected.
Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and WHO regional director, has been placed on indefinite leave starting July 11. This action follows fraud, forgery, and power misuse cases filed against her by Bangladesh's anti-corruption commission four months prior. WHO's assistant director-general Catharina Boehme will serve as the Officer in Charge in her place.
Andrew Cuomo, after his primary defeat to Zohran Mamdani, plans to run as an independent, pledging to withdraw if he isn't the strongest challenger by early September. He urges other independent candidates to do the same. Mamdani's campaign dismisses Cuomo's efforts, calling them backroom deals with billionaires and Republicans.
An Allegiant Air flight from Florida to Virginia had to return due to a bomb threat. Taj Malik Taylor told a fellow passenger his laptop was a bomb. The flight landed safely in Florida. Law enforcement arrested Taylor. No bomb was found on the plane. The flight later continued to Virginia. Taylor faces charges and a possible prison sentence. He cited mental health issues.
Hamtramck, Michigan, once a symbol of multicultural success, faces accusations of betrayal after its Muslim-majority council banned the Pride flag. This decision has sparked outrage, particularly from former councilwoman Catrina Stackpoole, who feels abandoned after years of supporting the Muslim community. The situation highlights a fracturing of progressive alliances and raises questions about identity politics in diverse communities.
Somali-American state senator Omar Fateh, a Minneapolis mayoral candidate, faced racist online attacks after announcing his progressive platform, including a $20 minimum wage and blocking police cooperation with ICE. Despite the vitriol and false claims about his citizenship, Fateh remains focused on the election, emphasizing the need to protect communities from Trump's policies and invest in alternative public safety responses.
President Trump announced the US will send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, addressing their urgent need for protection amidst the ongoing conflict. He also hinted at potential new sanctions against Russia and voiced his disappointment with President Putin's actions in Ukraine. This decision follows a reversal of a previous pause on weapon shipments, with NATO funding the deal.
Akashkumar Narendrakumar Khant, an Indian engineer in Canada, received a conditional discharge after admitting to attempting to buy sex from a 15-year-old girl. The Ontario judge cited potential immigration consequences, such as delaying citizenship and separating him from his wife, as reasons for the lenient sentence. The judge also noted the high IQ of the accused. This decision has sparked significant public outrage.