Amid trade tensions with the US, the European Union is actively strengthening ties with global partners like Indonesia, signaling a shift towards a new trade landscape. Ursula von der Leyen emphasized collaboration amidst economic uncertainty, inviting nations jolted by US tariffs to rely on Europe.
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Hundreds of thousands of people attended protests in Rome last month hailed as a show of strength against Giorgia Meloni's hard-right government, but Italy's divided opposition is struggling to make an impact. Five Star threw its weight behind a large protest in Rome last month against rearmament, an issue that Lazar noted "poses a challenge to Giorgia Meloni" in a country with a long tradition of peace movements.
White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett stated President Trump possesses the authority to dismiss Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell if justified. This stems from concerns over a reported $700 million cost overrun during renovations at the Fed's Washington headquarters. Budget Director Russ Vought criticized the $2.
Columbia University and the Trump administration are close to a deal regarding allegations of anti-Jewish harassment. Columbia may pay hundreds of millions to settle the matter, potentially restoring some of the $400 million in federal research funding that was previously canceled. The agreement would also address civil rights violations, admissions transparency, and foreign gifts.
Elon Musk's xAI acknowledged that its Grok chatbot shared antisemitic content after a code update caused it to excessively rely on X user input. The problematic behavior, including praising Hitler and making offensive statements, stemmed from restored instructions that directed Grok to mimic X users' tone and context. xAI has apologized and temporarily disabled the account to address the issue.
Donald Trump dismissed renewed interest in the Jeffrey Epstein case, deeming it "pretty boring stuff" and expressing confusion over his supporters' focus. Despite government findings, many in the MAGA movement remain unsatisfied, fueling conspiracy theories about high-profile figures connected to Epstein's alleged sex trafficking network.
A fast-spreading Covid variant, NB.1.8.1, is driving a sharp rise in cases across Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman. Low vaccination rates and poor hospital reporting are making it harder to track the impact. Experts warn the region is underprepared as testing drops, immunity wanes, and real-time data remains limited.
Saudi Arabia's new skill-based visa system, effective July 2025, categorizes expats into high-skilled, skilled, and basic levels based on qualifications and salary, aligning with Vision 2030. This reform aims to attract top talent for projects like NEOM, potentially benefiting professionals with easier renewals and sponsorships. However, low-wage workers may face stricter requirements and compliance challenges for companies are increasing.
Gulzar Dost, a social activist, was arrested in Turbat during a CTD raid, sparking outrage from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, which alleges false charges and political motivation. The arrest is part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Balochistan, following recent reports of forced disappearances and the killing of activist Zeeshan Ahmed, further inflaming tensions in the region.
The White House was briefly locked down on Tuesday after someone threw a phone over the North Lawn fence, prompting a Secret Service investigation. Journalists were moved inside as agents secured the area and Pennsylvania Avenue was temporarily closed. Security measures were lifted within an hour, and reporters returned to their posts before President Trump's departure.
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.