Repairs to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a signature project of the Trump administration, are delayed and over budget. Originally aimed for a Fourth of July completion, the project has stretched for months, costing over $16 million amid accusations of vandalism and ongoing maintenance issues.
Kin Keung Ho and Lihua Owen Ma, residents of Staten Island, pleaded guilty to illegally exporting hundreds of US native turtles, falsely labeling packages. They face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Hong Kong's weather forecaster will issue a No 1 warning signal Friday evening as Typhoon Noul is expected to come closest to the city between Saturday night and Sunday morning, moving northwest from near Manila.
A key ally of CDU leader Friedrich Merz, Saxony premier Michael Kretschmer, has sparked a political debate by suggesting cooperation with the far-right AfD, challenging Merz's firm stance against it ahead of crucial September elections in eastern Germany where the AfD is polling strongly.
Far-right American activist Laura Loomer, a close ally of Donald Trump, interviewed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reversing her previous anti-Ukraine stance. Trump shared a preview, calling it "Very good!!!", potentially signaling a shift in Republican views on US support for Kyiv.
President Donald Trump hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers at the White House, celebrating their second consecutive World Series title. Trump praised the team, referenced their Game 7 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, and expressed anticipation for meeting star player Shohei Ohtani.
A distillery owner in Laos faces charges for running an illegal business and selling harmful food products after six tourists, including two Danish nationals, died from suspected methanol-tainted alcohol at Nana Backpackers Hostel in November 2024. Families deem the potential punishment inadequate, and Denmark's Foreign Minister expressed dissatisfaction.
Conservation groups' ads targeting Labor politicians were pulled from Adelaide Airport for being "too political" ahead of the ALP conference, while gas and mining ads initially remained, prompting accusations of corporate interests overriding community concerns.
Sky News Australia is rebranding to News24 due to an expiring deal with UK Sky News, facing concerns over brand recognition and marketing efforts. The change comes amidst various media controversies, including a News Corp lawsuit against Brave Software and scrutiny over interviews and commentator activism.
Laura Loomer, a prominent Donald Trump ally and conservative influencer, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after a dramatic reversal of her long-held skepticism towards Ukraine and its conflict with Russia. Her shift in perspective, following an air raid experience, could have political implications in Washington.
Marat Ganiev, 55, failed in his Supreme Court bid to dismiss the charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice related to the death of 19-year-old Isla Bell in Melbourne. Prosecutors had previously withdrawn murder and manslaughter charges against him.
MLB veterans Jamie Moyer and Alex Avila share insights on enduring the mental and physical challenges of a 162-game baseball season, especially during losing streaks. They emphasize controlling what's controllable, maintaining a winning mindset, and fostering team chemistry through subtle interactions.
Six candidates vying to lead the United Nations debated the importance of restoring the organization's credibility in a restrained discussion, one week before the formal selection process begins. Hopefuls faced questions from diplomats, UN employees, and civil society representatives.
The EU unveiled its largest sanctions package in four years against Russia, leading FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich to suspend his activity. The measures target 218 individuals and entities, including banks, vessels, and military-industrial complex, while Ukraine faces ongoing attacks.
King Charles and Queen Camilla opened the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, arriving via a Tardis. The vibrant ceremony, a "love letter to the Commonwealth," aimed to reaffirm the Games' relevance after Victoria's 2023 withdrawal as host, despite a bare-bones budget.
Queensland Police have increased a reward to $500,000 for information on the 1997 unsolved murder of Dianne Mary Angwin in Bowen, believing her housemate, Edith Lay, concealed the killer's identity. Investigators are re-approaching a man previously interviewed and conducting new forensic tests.
China has unveiled "Xingshu," a new space-based AI computing network aiming for ~1,000 satellites to process data in orbit, offering on-demand services for sectors like energy and finance, and providing disaster warnings.
A cross-party delegation of Irish politicians urged Dublin to send observers to the trial of pro-Palestinian activists in Germany and raise concerns about Irish defendant Daniel Tatlow-Devally's detention conditions with the German chancellor during an upcoming visit.
Jeff Bezos reportedly pushed Prime Video executives to overhaul the streaming service, codenamed "Lighthouse," by placing artificial intelligence at its core. This initiative aims to showcase Amazon's AI investments to over 200 million subscribers, potentially altering traditional revenue streams for media companies.
Charli xcx's new album "Music, Fashion, Film" is reviewed, exploring themes of identity, authenticity, and the pressures of A-list success after "Brat." The album delves into her creative leaps, personal insecurities, and relationships through a blend of pop and guitar music.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich has temporarily stepped aside after being included in the EU's 21st sanctions list related to Russia's 2022 Ukraine invasion. Deputy President Viswanathan Anand will serve as interim president, while Dvorkovich plans to legally challenge the sanctions.
FDA health advisors voted 8-6 to recommend expanding public access to BPC-157, a popular peptide promoted by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., despite scientific skepticism about its safety and efficacy. The panel is expected to vote on six other peptides Friday.
A 20-year-old man was detained in Regensburg, Germany, after fatally stabbing another man inside a bank branch. The incident, initially feared to be a hostage situation, is being investigated as homicide and robbery.
Runway launched its Media Router via Runway Dev, aiming to become the infrastructure layer for generative media. The tool automatically selects optimal image, video, or audio generation models based on developer priorities like quality, speed, or cost, marking a strategic shift from an AI video startup to a platform for integrating diverse generative media models.
