Middle East
Israel Crosses Litani River, Issues Expulsion Orders in Lebanon
Israel’s military issued three expulsion orders for residents of 13 villages in southern Lebanon, a day after Prime Minister Netanyahu said troops had pushed deeper into the country, crossing the Litani River — the northern limit of a UN-monitored security zone. Lebanese and Israeli military delegations held security talks at the Pentagon on Friday, ahead of US-brokered negotiations due early next week. Hezbollah continues to fire rockets at northern Israel despite a nominal ceasefire.
Israeli Strikes Kill One in Deir al-Balah, Gaza
Israeli air strikes killed one Palestinian and wounded several others in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on Saturday, according to Wafa news agency.
No Deal Announced After Trump Meeting on Iran
The US president met his advisers after officials confirmed the US and Iran had agreed a framework of a deal. No deal was announced following the meeting described as a “final determination” on Iran.
Trump Envoy Barrack to Step Down From Syria Post
Secretary of State Rubio says Trump envoy Tom Barrack will exit his formal Syria post but will retain a key role managing US policy in Syria and Iraq.
Europe & Russia-Ukraine
Russian Drone Crashes Into Romanian Apartment, Killing Two
A Russian drone targeting Ukraine crashed into an apartment building in Romania, killing two people. France summoned the Russian ambassador and NATO condemned the strike. Russia says no evidence has been provided for claims about Russian drones in the EU.
EU Unlocks €16.4 Billion in Frozen Funds for Hungary
The European Union unlocked €16.4 billion in funds for Hungary after new Prime Minister Peter Magyar enacted reforms to tackle corruption. The release caps weeks of negotiations and is seen as crucial to Hungary’s slumping economy.
”Choose France” Summit Kicks Off Amid Factory Closures
President Macron will host some 200 foreign business leaders at Versailles on Monday for his annual “Choose France” summit, hoping to set a new record for foreign investment. But France’s economy is struggling, with factory closures outnumbering openings.
Champions League Final: PSG vs Arsenal in Budapest
PSG and Arsenal supporters arrived in Budapest for the Champions League final at the Puskas Arena. PSG is hoping to win the title for the second year in a row. Paris authorities raised concerns about potential unrest at screening venues in the French capital.
Asia-Pacific & Defense
Hegseth Tells Asian Allies to ‘Do More’ at Shangri-La Dialogue
At the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Asian military leaders how they could get to “the front of the line” for US assistance, outlining America’s geopolitical goals in the region.
Hanwha Aerospace Eyes Europe and US Arms Deals
South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace is increasing weapons manufacturing at home and expanding operations in Europe and the US. The company’s Global Chief Strategy Officer spoke with Bloomberg at the Shangri-La Dialogue.
Four More Miners Freed From Flooded Laos Cave
Four more miners trapped in a flooded cave in Laos for 10 days were freed by divers. Two people remain missing as rescuers continue to navigate narrow, deluged tunnels and sharp rocks. The first of the party of seven was rescued on Friday.
North Korean POWs: Political Pawns in Russia’s War?
Al Jazeera’s 101 East investigates the plight of two North Korean POWs in Ukraine and the campaign to transfer them to South Korea.
Africa
Ebola Rages in DR Congo Mining Town; First Recovery Reported
A remote gold mining town in the DRC is under siege as medical workers struggle to beat back a surge of Ebola deaths and infections. Separately, a patient has been confirmed to have recovered — a first since the outbreak was detected in mid-May. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited the country on Friday.
Americas
Colombia Heads to Polls Sunday Amid Endemic Violence
Colombia’s presidential election on Sunday will determine Gustavo Petro’s successor. Violence is at the heart of the campaign as armed groups step up attacks. Each candidate has their own proposals for how to address the endemic violence that has ravaged the country for decades.
Bolivia at a ‘Breaking Point’ as Protests Continue
Nearly a month of anti-government protests and a blockade of the capital in Bolivia have pushed the country to a “breaking point,” according to the president, who blames fugitive ex-leader Evo Morales for the unrest.
Richard Glossip on Life After Decades on Death Row
In an exclusive interview at home in Oklahoma City, Richard Glossip describes his first days of freedom in a world he hasn’t experienced for nearly 30 years after being released from death row.
United States
Inflation Could Cost Trump the Midterms
Trump’s pursuit of policies that drive up prices — including tariffs — might be punished in November’s midterm elections. His endorsement of Ken Paxton over four-term senator John Cornyn in the Texas Republican primary is seen as a potential miscalculation.
Trump’s Physician Says President in ‘Excellent Health’
Trump underwent a CT scan and other heart imaging, along with cancer screenings and other preventative assessments carried out by 22 specialists. His physician declared him “fully fit” to serve.
US Embassy in India Launches Trump-Themed Rickshaws for America’s 250th
Delhi’s rickshaws are plying the roads with “HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA” signs emblazoned with Trump’s face. Drivers were offered sweeteners to host the signs: tea bags, soda, and an empty plastic bottle.
UK Youth Unemployment Driving Homelessness
A UK government-commissioned review warns of a potential 25% rise in young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) to 1.25 million by the early 2030s without intervention.
Finance & Markets
Ripple Said to Lead $1 Billion XRP Treasury Raise
Ripple is reportedly leading a $1 billion XRP treasury raise, according to CoinDesk.
US Agency Takes On China’s Belt and Road With Development Finance
The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), created in 2019 to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative, is blending national security with development finance to secure a critical minerals supply chain. The agency operates in more than 100 countries.
Aluminum Under Pressure While Poland Surges Ahead
Bloomberg reports aluminum markets remain under pressure, with a long recovery timeline expected. Meanwhile, Poland’s economy is surging ahead.
Greg Abel’s Berkshire Moves Draw Attention
Warren Buffett’s successor Greg Abel was active in Q1 in Berkshire Hathaway’s equities portfolio, piling into a “Magnificent Seven” stock that other billionaire hedge fund managers are dumping.
Briefing compiled from 14 sources via RSS. All stories sourced and linked for verification.
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