President Trump’s family crypto company, World Liberty Financial, earned over $500 million from selling digital tokens in 2025. Pakistan signed an agreement to explore using the company’s stablecoin, USD1, for cross-border payments, giving Pakistan unique access to the Trump administration, though no actual stablecoin transactions have taken place.
Key Facts
World Liberty Financial, linked to President Trump’s family, made more than $500 million from token sales in 2025.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance signed a memorandum of understanding with WLF’s affiliate SC Financial Technologies in January to explore using USD1 stablecoin.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir welcomed WLF executives during the signing ceremony.
No pilot projects, licenses, or transactions involving the USD1 stablecoin have occurred in Pakistan so far.
A stablecoin is a digital currency tied to a fixed value, usually the US dollar, used for internet money transfers without banks.
Pakistan ranks third globally in crypto adoption but most local crypto activity uses the stablecoin USDT, not USD1.
Pakistan received $38.3 billion in remittances last year, a record high and a 27% increase from the year before.
Financial experts question the need for USD1 since formal banking channels already handle large remittance flows efficiently.
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The Ukrainian military has increased its ability to strike targets deep inside Russia, hitting oil refineries, weapons factories, and other key sites. These attacks have caused fuel shortages and disruptions in Russia, while Russian forces continue heavy attacks in Ukraine, particularly around Kyiv and Donetsk.
Key Facts
Ukraine is striking targets far inside Russia, including major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Russian fuel refineries have been repeatedly hit, causing fuel shortages and explosions visible to civilians.
Russia has moved many air defenses to protect key areas, leaving other targets more vulnerable.
Ukraine uses domestically made drones and modified missiles for these attacks, instead of relying on planes.
Russian President Putin has admitted to supply problems caused by the strikes but downplayed their impact.
Russia has suffered about 1.4 million battlefield casualties since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Russian forces continue heavy shelling and attacks on Ukrainian cities, resulting in civilian deaths.
Ukraine’s President Zelensky announced a 40-day campaign aiming to pressure Russia to negotiate peace.
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New Jersey lawmakers have passed the Fair Price Protection Act to stop retailers from using shoppers’ personal data to charge different prices for the same grocery items. The bill now waits for Governor Mikie Sherrill’s signature and would ban using data collected through electronic surveillance and other sources to set individualized food prices.
Key Facts
The New Jersey Senate approved the Fair Price Protection Act by a 22-14 vote; the Assembly passed it 51-20-1.
The bill bans retailers and grocery delivery services from using personal data to charge different prices for the same products.
Personal data includes information gathered through electronic surveillance, biometric monitoring, and genetic data.
The bill includes a one-year pause on new electronic shelf labels while their role in surveillance pricing is studied.
Democrats support the bill, calling surveillance pricing a form of consumer fraud that hurts families.
Republicans oppose the bill, warning it may end loyalty programs and personalized discounts.
The bill allows promotions for broad groups like teachers and seniors and does not ban all discounts.
Maryland and Connecticut have similar laws, and New York has a pending bill on this issue.
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The United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary of independence this year. President Donald Trump plans to use this occasion to redesign Washington, DC, and update national museums, parks, and monuments to reflect his vision of American history.
Key Facts
The US marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
Celebrations are taking place across the country.
President Donald Trump aims to make this event a highlight of his second term.
He plans to change the look of Washington, DC according to his preferences.
His vision will influence the appearance of museums, parks, and monuments.
The goal is to reshape how US history is presented to the public.
This makeover is part of a larger presidential project connected to the anniversary.
The changes focus on national symbols and public spaces in the capital.
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Paralives is a new life simulation game similar to The Sims, letting players create and control virtual people and their homes. Released in early access on PC in May 2026, it quickly sold many copies and attracted players with its creative building tools and inclusive character options.
Key Facts
The Sims series has dominated life simulation games for 26 years.
Paralives was originally a solo project by designer Alex Massé and now has a small development team.
Paralives launched on Steam in early access in May 2026 and sold 250,000 copies in eight hours.
It reached nearly 79,000 players online at the same time, close to The Sims 4’s peak.
The game emphasizes creativity and customization, allowing detailed body features and removing gender limits.
Building tools let players place and resize objects freely, unlike The Sims which restricts placement.
Paralives includes personalizable items like text on gravestones and doormats and has a "medical clutter" category with items like wheelchairs and sign language books.
Its art style is a comic-book look, different from The Sims’ more realistic style, and has sparked mixed reactions.
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A former European Parliament member and Greek journalist, Stelios Kouloglou, was hacked multiple times with Pegasus spyware while investigating the use of this spyware in the EU. A research group called Citizen Lab found the infections happened during Kouloglou’s work on a committee examining illegal surveillance.
Key Facts
Stelios Kouloglou served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 2015 to 2024.
Kouloglou’s iPhone was infected at least three times with Pegasus spyware in 2022 and 2023.
The infections occurred while Kouloglou worked on the PEGA Committee investigating illegal use of Pegasus spyware.
Pegasus spyware is developed by the Israeli company NSO Group and can take full control of a phone remotely.
Pegasus has been used to spy on journalists, lawyers, activists, and politicians worldwide.
Citizen Lab did not identify who was behind the hacks but found no evidence implicating the Greek government.
The spyware compromises confidential discussions and parliamentary matters related to the Pegasus investigations.
NSO Group claims it sells Pegasus only to vetted law enforcement agencies and denies responsibility for abuses.
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Andy Burnham, a leading candidate to replace UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said there is some flexibility in the Labour Party’s tax plans. He wants to raise business taxes on warehouses to cut taxes for small high street businesses like pubs and shops, and plans to help with cost of living by lowering water and energy costs.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is running to succeed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
He said the Labour manifesto’s promises on not raising income tax, VAT, or personal national insurance contributions will be kept.
Burnham suggested raising business rates on warehouses and large developments outside cities.
He wants to reduce or remove business rates for pubs and small high street businesses.
His goal is to support businesses like bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and hairdressers.
Burnham plans to lower water and energy costs by taking some companies back into public ownership.
He proposes free bus travel for 16- to 18-year-olds.
Burnham will take public questions in a Reddit “Ask Me Anything” session.
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The Egyptian community in Astoria, Queens, New York City, is coming together to celebrate the World Cup. At Kabab Cafe, owner Ali El Sayed shares traditional Egyptian food and supports community pride during the event.
Key Facts
The World Cup is a global soccer tournament.
Astoria, Queens, is home to a large Egyptian community, known as "Little Egypt."
Kabab Cafe is a restaurant in Astoria that serves traditional Egyptian dishes.
Owner Ali El Sayed uses the cafe to maintain Egyptian culinary traditions.
The World Cup event helps bring the Egyptian community closer.
Food and soccer are central parts of the celebration in this community.
The celebration highlights cultural pride among Egyptian Americans in New York.
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More than 100 countries are expected to send representatives to the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28. The funeral events will last a week, taking place in Iran and Iraq, with various ceremonies and processions planned.
Key Facts
Khamenei died at age 86 in a U.S.-Israeli air strike on February 28.
The funeral starts on a Friday in Tehran and continues for seven days with ceremonies in multiple cities.
The coffin will be displayed publicly in Tehran and later moved to Qom, then to Iraq, and finally buried in Mashhad, Khamenei’s birthplace.
Leaders attending include Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, and Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
Other senior officials attending are Turkey’s Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, India’s deputy foreign minister and state governor, China’s senior lawmaker He Wei, and Russia’s Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev.
The Taliban’s Foreign Minister and other Afghan leaders also plan to attend.
Pakistan helped mediate peace talks between the U.S. and Iran in recent months.
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Seven pro-Palestine protesters were found guilty of several misdemeanour charges for blocking the Golden Gate Bridge during a 2024 protest in San Francisco. The jury could not decide on a more serious felony conspiracy charge, resulting in a mistrial on that count.
Key Facts
The protest happened on April 15, 2024, and blocked the southbound lanes of the Golden Gate Bridge for four hours.
The seven activists were convicted of six misdemeanour charges each, including false imprisonment and unlawful assembly.
One protester, Sara Cantor, also faced a conviction for refusing to disperse.
The protest was part of a “Tax Day” event against US military aid to Israel during the Gaza conflict.
About 5,000 vehicles would normally pass through the blocked toll plaza during the protest hours.
The jury was deadlocked 10-to-2 on the felony conspiracy charge, causing a mistrial on that more serious count.
The convicted protesters face up to five years in county jail and are scheduled for sentencing in August.
The District Attorney may consider retrying the felony conspiracy charge.
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A study from Japan found that older adults with lower vitamin C levels in their blood tend to have less gray matter and weaker brain connections linked to memory and attention. This research suggests that diet and lifestyle might play a role in brain health as people age.
Key Facts
The study involved 2,044 Japanese adults over 64 years old.
Researchers used MRI scans and blood tests to measure brain structure and vitamin C levels.
Lower vitamin C was connected to reduced gray matter, which contains brain cells important for memory and decision-making.
Weaker connectivity was found in the brain’s default mode network, a system involved in memory and attention.
The study cannot prove that vitamin C causes these brain changes, only that there is a link.
Experts suggest lifestyle factors like diet, sleep, and exercise together help maintain brain health.
The researchers recommend more studies over time and with diverse groups to understand the effects better.
Early brain changes related to diseases like Alzheimer's may start well before symptoms appear.
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A strike from Ukraine caused a large fire near a power plant in Belgorod, Russia. The attack killed one woman and damaged the energy system, which led to power and water outages.
Key Facts
The strike happened in the Belgorod region of Russia.
A fire broke out near a power facility after the strike.
Russian officials reported one woman was killed.
The energy infrastructure was damaged by the attack.
The damage caused power and water service to stop in the area.
Videos of the fire were shared on the internet.
Russian authorities attributed the strike to Ukraine.
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A 52-year-old man died after setting himself on fire outside the United Nations building in New York while holding a Tibetan flag. Police found him with severe burns, and an investigation is ongoing. He was identified by a pro-Tibet group as Lobga Rangzen, who worked to raise awareness about human rights issues in Tibet.
Key Facts
The man set himself on fire around 6:30 pm near the UN headquarters in New York.
He was seriously burned and taken to a hospital, where he died.
Police have not confirmed his identity or motive, but activists say he was a pro-Tibet campaigner.
Lobga Rangzen was named by the International Campaign for Tibet as the deceased man.
Rangzen opposed China’s new law aiming to promote ethnic unity, which critics say harms ethnic minorities like Tibetans and Uighurs.
Over 150 Tibetans have self-immolated from 2009 to 2022 as a form of protest.
China claimed Tibet has been part of its territory for centuries and sent troops there in 1950.
The Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, lives in exile in India and promotes peaceful dialogue for Tibet’s autonomy.
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A passenger bus fell into a deep ravine in southwestern Pakistan, killing 40 people and injuring at least eight others. The bus lost control while traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, and it was overcrowded because it also carried passengers from a broken-down bus.
Key Facts
The bus crashed into a ravine about 70 to 80 feet deep in the Dana Sar area.
The accident happened early on Friday in a mountainous, remote region near the border of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
Officials confirmed 40 people died and at least 8 were injured.
The bus was carrying its own passengers plus extra passengers from another bus that had broken down.
Emergency teams are working to identify the victims.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari expressed sorrow and sent condolences to the victims’ families.
Rescue efforts are ongoing in the difficult terrain.
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A passenger bus carrying too many people crashed into a ravine in southwestern Pakistan early Friday, killing 40 people and injuring eight. The accident happened near the border of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, and both local leaders expressed sorrow and called for medical aid for the injured.
Key Facts
The bus lost control and fell into a rocky ravine in Dana Sar, Pakistan.
It was overcrowded because it also had passengers from another bus that had broken down.
Forty people died and eight were injured in the crash.
Rescue teams are working to identify the victims.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari offered condolences and urged good medical care for the injured.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also expressed grief and ordered medical aid.
Road accidents are common in Pakistan due to poor roads, weak traffic law enforcement, and unsafe driving.
A similar deadly accident happened in May when a minibus hit a parked bus, killing 17 people.
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Security staff at Aberdeen Airport, who handle baggage checks, plan to strike for 14 days because pay talks with their employer ICTS HBS Security have failed. The strike could cause major delays at the airport, and the union urges the company to resume negotiations to avoid disruption.
Key Facts
The strike will last 14 consecutive days starting Monday.
The workers involved are mainly baggage screening staff.
The union representing them is Unite.
Pay negotiations between Unite and ICTS HBS Security broke down despite help from Acas, a government service that tries to resolve disputes.
Similar strikes were avoided recently at Glasgow and Edinburgh airports after pay deals were reached.
Unite warns the strike will cause significant delays at Aberdeen Airport.
The union says ICTS is a profitable company that can afford to increase pay.
Both Aberdeen Airport and ICTS have been asked to comment but no public response is noted.
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France supported the American colonies in their fight for independence from Britain due to a long-standing rivalry with Britain and the desire to weaken its opponent. This support was influenced by both political goals and shared Enlightenment ideas, not just sympathy for the American cause.
Key Facts
On July 4, 1776, 13 British colonies declared independence, forming the United States.
King Louis XVI of France saw the American rebellion as a chance to hurt Britain, a major rival.
France and Britain had competed for control of territories in North America and globally since the 1600s.
France controlled nearly half the land east of the Mississippi River before losing many territories.
The Seven Years’ War (1756–1763) ended with France losing many colonies to Britain, intensifying the rivalry.
Despite conflicts, trade existed between British colonies and French territories before independence.
The French support helped the American colonies win the Revolutionary War.
Enlightenment ideas encouraged concepts of democracy and liberty, influencing French backing.
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France experienced a heatwave from June 22-28, 2026, that caused about 2,025 extra deaths, a nearly 30% increase compared to the previous week. The Paris area saw a 62% rise in deaths during this period, and officials warn these numbers may be an underestimate.
Key Facts
The heatwave lasted around 11 days and temperatures went above 40°C (104°F) in many areas.
Between June 22 and 28, France recorded about 2,025 more deaths than the previous week.
This increase represents a 29.1% rise in deaths nationwide.
The Paris region experienced a 62% increase in deaths during the same week.
Earlier estimates had put heat-related deaths at around 1,000, but figures were later updated.
The health minister said the final death toll is likely to be higher than currently reported.
A severe heatwave in 2003 caused about 15,000 deaths in France, mainly among elderly people.
Some politicians criticized the government for not doing enough to address rising temperatures.
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A severe heatwave in the US, made much more likely by climate change, threatens to disrupt the 250th anniversary of Independence Day celebrations and World Cup soccer matches. Scientists say this kind of extreme heat would have been almost impossible without the current warming of the planet caused mainly by burning fossil fuels.
Key Facts
Researchers say the US heatwave is linked to climate change and would have been nearly impossible without it.
The heatwave affects much of the eastern and central US and parts of southern Canada.
Such extreme heat events would have been extremely rare before, happening about once every 200 years.
Without global warming of 1.4°C (2.5°F), this event likely would not have occurred even once in thousands of years.
Washington DC is expected to experience very high temperatures during the 250th Independence Day celebrations.
World Cup matches in Philadelphia and Miami will face dangerously high heat and humidity, raising safety concerns for players and fans.
Scientists warn the situation shows the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions quickly to prevent worse effects.
Climate change is already impacting daily life and events, signaling a need for faster action toward net zero emissions.
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized senators for delaying new rules to strengthen the ban on children under 16 using social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The delay, caused by a Senate inquiry, prevents the government’s online safety commissioner from getting stronger powers to enforce the ban and potentially fines tech companies that do not comply.
Key Facts
Australia has a ban since December that stops children under 16 from having accounts on major social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
The government proposed changes to give the eSafety Commissioner power to demand documents and information from social media companies to enforce this ban better.
Currently, the commissioner can only request information, not documents.
The proposed changes include increasing fines for companies that fail to stop children from using their platforms, doubling the maximum fine to 99 million Australian dollars (about 68 million US dollars).
Some senators, including from the Liberal Party and Australian Greens, sent the bill to an eight-week Senate inquiry, delaying its passage.
Prime Minister Albanese said the delay gives social media companies time to delete important documents that could show wrongdoing.
Opposition senators criticized the current ban as weak and want tougher rules, while some Greens senators question whether doubling fines will actually protect children online.
The Labor Party government does not have a majority in the Senate, affecting the bill’s progress.
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