World News
'You have to vote' Donald Trump tells US evangelical Christians
Former US President Donald Trump urged evangelical Christians to vote for him in the upcoming November election, promising to "aggressively" protect their religious freedom if elected. Speaking at a Washington conference organized by the Faith and Freedom Coalition, Trump emphasized the need for higher voter turnout among evangelicals, who were pivotal in his 2016 victory and 2020 campaign. He assured his audience of his commitment to defending religious liberty and addressing anti-Christian bias through a proposed federal task force.
Israel: Thousands of people hold anti-govt protests, demand new elections and return of hostages
Tens of thousands protested across Israel on Saturday, demanding new elections and the return of hostages held in Gaza. In Tel Aviv, author David Grossman and former Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu, calling for immediate elections. Demonstrations also occurred outside Likud party headquarters and Netanyahu’s residence. Protests included calls to end the Gaza conflict and highlighted the plight of hostages. Hostages and Missing Families Forum held rallies nationwide, demanding hostages' release. Protests have persisted since the war began on October 7.
UK's Nigel Farage says the West provoked Putin's invasion of Ukraine
The remarks, made in an interview with the BBC aired late on Friday, drew strong criticism across the British political spectrum ahead of a July 4 election in which Farage's party is predicted to win millions of votes. Farage said he stood by comments made shortly after Moscow's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, when he posted on social media that the move was a "consequence of EU and NATO expansion". He said he had been predicting a war in Ukraine as early as 2014.
US: Aerial video shows flooding in Rock Valley, Iowa; hundreds told to evacuate
People in hundreds of homes where told to evacuate early Saturday in Rock Valley, Iowa, as the nearby Rock River could no longer take rain that has slammed the region. The governor of Iowa sent helicopters to the small town to evacuate people from flooded homes. Gov. Kim Reynolds declared a disaster for Sioux County, which includes Rock Valley. Drone video posted by the local sheriff showed no streets, just roofs and the tops of trees above water.
Slacker generation’s social-media movement against ‘996’ work culture is a warning for Beijing
In response to China's notorious "996" work culture, characterized by grueling 9 am to 9 pm shifts six days a week, a new social media trend called "birding" has emerged. Young Chinese citizens are symbolically rejecting excessive work expectations by posting videos of themselves perched with hands tucked in oversized shirts, digitally placed on tree backgrounds. This protest underscores growing discontent with long hours and poor work-life balance, challenging traditional notions of productivity and national ethos.
Israeli strikes on tent camps near Rafah kill at least 25 and wound 50, Gaza health officials said
Relatives of people killed on Friday when Israeli forces shelled tent camps for displaced Palestinians in the southern Gaza Strip collected their remains from a hospital in Khan Younis. At least 25 people were killed and another 50 wounded in the shelling outside Rafah, according to the territory's health officials and emergency workers. According to a spokesperson for Civil Defense first responders in Rafah, witnesses told rescue workers about Friday's shelling at two locations in a coastal area that has become filled with makeshift tents.
China, France launch satellite to better understand the universe
The 930-kilogram satellite carrying four instruments -- two French, two Chinese -- took off around 3:00 pm (0700 GMT) aboard a Chinese Long March 2-C rocket from a space base in Xichang, in the southwestern province of Sichuan, AFP journalists witnessed.
China watches cautiously as Russia and North Korea strengthen ties
China is closely watching as Russia and North Korea strengthen their relationship through a new defense pact, raising concerns about power dynamics. China faces a strategic dilemma, aiming to maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula while countering US influence. Its restrained response indicates uncertainty about how to navigate the situation. Experts suggest internal disagreements or difficulty assessing the situation may be hindering China's response. While some in China may see the pact as balancing US dominance, there is discomfort over potential outcomes.
Elon Musk addresses his harsh remarks at Cannes Lions Festival; Here's what he said
Elon Musk clarified his controversial comments on free speech at the Cannes Lions advertising festival, addressing advertiser concerns about content moderation on X. He emphasized the platform's commitment to free speech over censorship, even at the cost of losing advertisers. X CEO Linda Yaccarino supported Musk's stance, highlighting the platform's role in enabling information independence. Musk reiterated the importance of authenticity and free speech, despite occasional personal missteps.
Putin came to Asia to disrupt, and he succeeded
President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to Asia has caused turmoil in the region, impacting Washington, Beijing, and Indo-Pacific nations. The trip, marked by communist red, reshaped the geopolitical landscape with deals in North Korea and Vietnam.
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Indian national Nikhil Gupta extradited in Pannun foiled murder plot: What's the impact on Indo-US ties?
Indian national Nikhil Gupta extradited to the US from Czech Republic for alleged foiled plot to murder Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, involving hitman hired by Indian government official. US Department of Justice claims Pannun targeted for exercising freedom of speech. Extradition coincided with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's visit to India, overshadowing iCET talks.
Shooting at grocery store in Arkansas kills 3 and wounds 10 others, police say
The wounded included two law enforcement officers who exchanged fire with and shot the suspect, state police said. The shooting occurred about 11:30 a.m. at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce, a city of about 3,200 people located 65 miles (104 kilometers) south of Little Rock.
South Korea supplying weapons to Ukraine would be 'a very big mistake': Russian President Vladimir Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that supplying weapons to Ukraine would be "a very big mistake" on South Korea's part. "I hope it doesn't happen. If it happens, then we will be making relevant decisions that are unlikely to please the current leadership of South Korea," he said speaking to reporters in Hanoi.
US: Shooting at Arkansas grocery store kills 3, injures 10; witness recounts horror
Arkansas State Police say a shooter opened fire Friday at a grocery store, killing three people and wounding 10 others. The shooting occurred at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce. Arkansas' Department of Public Safety director says police shot the suspected shooter, who sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.
Boeing's Starliner return to Earth postponed, NASA says no new date set
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, scheduled to return from the ISS with its first crew, faces a postponed return without a new date, raising uncertainty. The crew, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, launched on June 5 for a final demonstration. Technical issues, including thruster failures and helium leaks, have caused delays. Boeing's Starliner program has faced challenges, including software glitches and design problems. NASA and Boeing are working to understand these issues before the spacecraft's return, which requires at least 12 of its 28 thrusters to be operational for a safe flight.
Man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband also found guilty of kidnapping and faces life in prison
A man convicted in the attack against former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband has been found guilty of aggravated kidnapping, which carries a life sentence without parole. David DePape, 44, was also convicted of first-degree burglary, false imprisonment of an elder, threatening a family member of a public official, and dissuading a witness in a San Francisco trial. The attack, which occurred in 2022, resulted in Paul Pelosi suffering serious injuries. DePape's federal sentencing of 30 years was recently concluded, and his state trial convictions come despite his defense claiming double jeopardy. DePape's defense plans to appeal the verdict.
