The 2026 World Cup in the USA is a tournament of stark contrasts, from the volume of matches and the quality of stadiums to the varying levels of local engagement with football amidst other popular sports. Despite logistical challenges and mixed public interest, the event showcases the scale and cultural diversity of the host nation.
Donald Trump unveiled a $400 million Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar to serve as a temporary Air Force One. The luxury jet, featuring a bold livery, has faced criticism over its value and potential diversion of funds from defense projects.
Qatari PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani met with Swiss diplomat Ignazio Cassis in Burgenstock. Qatar reiterated support for US-Iran talks, advocating for dialogue to resolve issues and strengthen regional security. The US-Iran talks, initially planned for Friday, were canceled.
Publicly traded companies are increasingly adding Solana (SOL) to their balance sheets, with top firms collectively holding over $1 billion worth of the cryptocurrency. Forward Industries leads with over 7 million SOL, followed by Upexi, DeFi Development Corp., Solana Company, and SkyAI.
Cities are becoming heat islands, up to 15°C hotter than rural areas, leading to health issues and infrastructure strain. With climate change intensifying heatwaves, cities like Teresina, Antalya, and Fortaleza are implementing adaptation strategies, including green spaces, better building design, and renewable energy, to remain livable.
In Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, the Ashura commemoration took on a somber tone amidst rubble and ongoing conflict. Despite a ceasefire, shelling continued, impacting the reduced number of attendees mourning recent war dead and the historical tragedy of Karbala.
In Nabatieh, Lebanon, the Ashura procession mourned recent war dead amidst rubble, with renewed fighting even after a ceasefire. The ceremony, usually drawing thousands, saw only a few hundred, reflecting the devastation from the Hezbollah-Israel war.
Hong Kong's local brands are crucial for its creative future, but face challenges like high rents and a shrinking middle class, hindering their growth compared to Seoul's thriving local scene. The author suggests investing in these brands to differentiate Hong Kong as a shopping destination.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at a Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan. The leaders discussed the long-standing diplomatic relations between their countries, which will celebrate their 130th anniversary in 2025. Trade, economic partnership, and tourism were highlighted, with over 1.9 million Russians visiting Thailand in 2025.
Nueva York celebra el campeonato de la NBA de los Knicks con un desfile en el Cañón de los Héroes de Manhattan. La transmisión cubre el inicio en Battery Park, el recorrido y la ceremonia en el Ayuntamiento.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone at the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan, discussing Russian-Lao relations and cooperation expansion, with Laos showing support for Russia's stance on the Ukrainian crisis and UN initiatives.
UK Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis met NATO allies in Brussels without a finalized long-term military spending plan. His predecessor warned the plan falls short, while defense chiefs highlighted the need for more funding. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged members to present credible plans for increased defense spending.
Gilbert & George, the renowned 80-something art duo, discuss their unlikely friendship with 41-year-old street artist Endless, their creative process, and legacy in the art world from their East London home.
Markuss Hussle, an OnlyFans manager, exemplifies a growing industry where men profit by managing women's explicit content. While some creators claim empowerment, investigations reveal exploitation, coercion, and trafficking risks, prompting calls for parliamentary inquiry.
Delivery robots are appearing on sidewalks in cities globally, but residents and local authorities are raising concerns about pedestrian safety, accessibility, and potential job losses for human delivery workers. Some cities have implemented bans or restrictions, while others are considering them.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan. Fidan, in Russia for two days, also held talks with Sergey Lavrov and Sergey Shoigu, discussing Ukraine and Turkey's readiness to host further Russia-Ukraine negotiations.
PM Narendra Modi met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the G7 summit in France, discussing trade and the Ukraine war. Modi reiterated India's commitment to peace, while Zelenskyy highlighted cooperation potential. Both leaders agreed on restoring pre-war trade levels and exploring joint projects.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan. The Kremlin noted Malaysia's importance as a key partner in the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting active political dialogue and similar positions on global issues.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Kazan on the sidelines of the Russia-ASEAN summit. This marks Marcos Jr.'s first visit to Russia, and the two leaders are co-chairing the summit, with the Philippines set to head ASEAN in 2026. The Kremlin views the Philippines as a key partner in the Asia-Pacific.
Hans-Dieter Lucas, 66, leitete die deutsche Delegation bei den Verhandlungen zum Iran-Atomabkommen 2015. Er erklärt im Interview, welche Lehren aus den damaligen Gesprächen für die aktuellen US-iranischen Verhandlungen gezogen werden können.
Thousands in Cabo Verde celebrated a World Cup draw against Spain, a moment President Jose Maria Neves called defining for the nation. China's role in building the country's sports infrastructure, including the Estadio Nacional, was also highlighted as crucial to these achievements.
Two children, aged one and five, have died after being struck by a car in a pram in Sydney's south-west. Witnesses attempted to rescue the children, with some tipping the car over to free one child. The driver, a 56-year-old man, was arrested.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the Russia-ASEAN Business Forum in Kazan, emphasizing 35 years of multifaceted cooperation and strong ties. He highlighted digital products, AI, energy, food security, technology exchange, and peaceful nuclear energy as key areas for future collaboration.
UK ministers are accused of applying the definition of terrorism inconsistently, labeling Palestine Action protests as terrorism while downplaying far-right riots. This double standard is highlighted by differing legal treatments and sentencing for activists and rioters.
