Lebanon has signed a declaration of intent with Israel, a move criticized as unrealistic and politically explosive. The agreement, seen by some as a trap, faces significant implementation challenges due to Hezbollah's embedded power and the Lebanese army's limitations, potentially paving the way for future conflict and blaming Lebanon.
US negotiators are reportedly pushing to remove language on poverty reduction, energy transition, and gender from a joint declaration, narrowing the focus to immigration, crime, terrorism, investment, and trade. This effort, described by sources as favoring US interests, aims to shape the agenda for an upcoming summit.
The Trump administration is expected to announce it will not extend the USMCA trade pact, starting a 10-year countdown to its potential termination. This move, despite ongoing negotiations, signals a push for significant changes to the agreement.
Several countries are implementing new visa regulations starting July 1. The US introduces a fast-track tourist visa program for an extra fee, Australia raises minimum salaries for migrant workers, Japan significantly increases entry visa fees, and Vietnam mandates health declarations for all travelers.
ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy signed a "declaration of marketability" with Cyprus for two natural gas discoveries in Block 10. The Glaucus and Pegasus fields, holding over 7 trillion cubic feet of gas, are expected to start flowing by 2033, bolstering Europe's energy diversification from Russian gas.
Three firefighters died and two were injured battling wildfires along the Colorado-Utah border, amid extreme fire conditions and rapidly spreading blazes across the western US, exacerbated by hot, dry, and windy weather.
A fast-moving wildfire in Utah, fueled by hot, dry, and windy conditions, has prompted Governor Spencer Cox to declare an emergency and ban fireworks. The Cottonwood Fire, the largest in the U.S., has burned over 112 square miles, damaged a ski resort, and forced evacuations, with critical weather expected to persist.
King Charles III's voluntary annual tax bill was revealed as £12.9m for 2024-25, and £30m since his accession. Despite his estimated £1.8bn private wealth, this sum is considerably lower than taxes paid by other wealthy individuals, raising questions about transparency and the tax-free nature of some royal assets like the Duchy of Lancaster.
Donald Trump's recent statement acknowledging Confucius' influence on US founding fathers is highlighted as a potential historical first. The article explores the deep intellectual connection between ancient Chinese philosophy and American democratic ideals, evidenced by the US Supreme Court sculpture featuring Confucius.
Senator Cynthia Lummis announced expectations for final Senate crypto bill language by July 4 recess, aiming for a July floor vote. The bill faces hurdles including an unresolved ethics dispute, conditional Democratic support, and banking sector opposition, with failure before August recess potentially delaying legislation until 2030.
Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf called the US-Iran framework deal a "US defeat," citing Iranian resistance. Technical talks continue, with disputes over the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear inspections, and the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, despite a direct communication channel.
In Mongbwalu, DRC, mysterious deaths with bleeding preceded the Ebola outbreak declaration. Gold mining town's residents suffered from unexplained illnesses, initially attributed to other diseases or supernatural causes before Ebola was confirmed. The outbreak's spread is linked to mining activities and displacement.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the country's missile program is not and will not be part of any agreement with the US, including the recent 14-point memorandum of understanding. He defended Iran's missile capabilities as essential for defense against potential aggression.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals and declared "I'm back" after criticism, leading Portugal to a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. Zlatan Ibrahimović responded sarcastically, questioning the declaration.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals and set records in Portugal's 5-0 World Cup win over Uzbekistan. He declared "I'm back" to the camera, later explaining it was a reminder. Zlatan Ibrahimović sarcastically questioned the declaration, stating Ronaldo never left.
European nations aim to gradually decrease dependence on China for critical minerals like rare earths, essential for advanced defense systems, rather than a complete decoupling, according to analysts.
Park Sung-jae, former Justice Minister, has been found guilty of involvement in "insurrection" by the Seoul Central District Court. He is accused of facilitating martial law by checking prison capacity and instructing cooperation with the martial law command.
Pro-Trump lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella claims victory in Colombia's presidential runoff with a narrow lead, but President Gustavo Petro and candidate Ivan Cepeda vow to scrutinize every vote due to concerns over legitimacy and alleged "compromised" software.
Abelardo de la Espriella, a pro-Trump lawyer, claims victory in Colombia's presidential runoff with a narrow lead. Incumbent President Gustavo Petro and candidate Ivan Cepeda vow to scrutinize votes, citing concerns over legitimacy and alleged server interference.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency due to a persistent fire at a Boyle Heights cold-storage facility. The blaze, which started June 17, continues to spew smoke, prompting shelter-in-place orders and health concerns. Governor Newsom has been asked to expedite state relief.
Actor Giancarlo Esposito has converted to Islam while filming his latest movie, '7 Dogs', in Saudi Arabia. He recited the Shahada in a mosque with cast and crew members, an event shared by Saudi General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh.
The DOJ has refused a judge's demand for sworn declarations from Trump officials pledging not to create a $1.8B "anti-weaponization fund" for Jan 6 rioters, citing judicial overreach and separation of powers concerns. The fund, proposed as part of a settlement with Trump, has been blocked by a preliminary injunction.
Bolivia's President Paz declared a state of emergency to quell protests disrupting essential supplies. The move grants broader powers to deploy armed forces and address ongoing blockades, which stem from subsidy cuts and broader economic discontent.
Hungary blocked an attempt to fast-track Ukraine's EU accession, with PM Peter Magyar stating a clause for accelerated entry was removed. The EU remains divided on reopening communication with Moscow, with France and Germany opposing efforts by European Council President Antonio Costa.
