Daily SumUp

Elon Musk has criticised one of the signature policies of Donald Trump, marking a break from the US president who he helped to win re-election in 2024.Last week, the US House of Representatives narrowly passed what Trump calls his "big, beautiful" bill, which includes multi-trillion dollar tax breaks and a pledge to increase defence spending. It will now head to the Senate.Musk was enlisted as Trump's cost-cutting tsar - ending funds for US foreign aid among other projects - before announcing he would step back. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mexico is set to hold elections for appointing all judges, a historic move aiming to reform the judiciary.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today the EU is putting forward a new strategy for a stable and secure Black Sea region. This Strategy aims to boost connections and growth, by linking Europe with the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and beyond. Amidst Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the strategy will also reinforce the EU's geopolitical role as a reliable actor in the Black Sea region.The EU will forge closer cooperation with Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Georgia, Türkiye, Armenia and Azerbaijan and take forward regional cooperation on connectivity. A number of these countries have chosen to pursue the path towards EU accession or closer alignment with the EU. Today's strategy seeks to bring tangible benefits to Black Sea partners and the EU by investing in and deepening key mutually beneficial partnerships. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A South African mother has been sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping and trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith, who vanished over a year ago. A witness testified the child was sold to a traditional healer for $1,100. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Chilean government has released a report aimed at reconciling decades of tension and conflict with the Mapuche, Chile’s largest Indigenous group. The report follows long-standing accusations by the Mapuche against both Chile and Argentina of historical genocide and systemic marginalization.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Czech Republic on Wednesday accused China of being responsible for a "malicious cyber campaign" targeting a network used for unclassified communication at its Foreign Affairs ministry, but China rejected the accusations.China's embassy in Prague called on the Czech side to end its "microphone diplomacy". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Walmart set to open 5 stores and 1 new Sam's Club: Here's where.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Telegram established a partnership with Elon Musk's xAI to provide the Grok generative artificial intelligence program on the messaging service for one year, Telegram's CEO announced Wednesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In exchange for implementing Grok across its platforms, Telegram will receive $300 million in cash and equity, plus 50 percent of the revenue from xAI subscriptions sold via Telegram, Telegram's chief Pavel Durov announced on X, the former Twitter.Grok will be accessible on Telegram this summer, Durov said.The terms of the deal may appear unbalanced, but the transaction allows xAI, which in late March acquired Musk's X platform, to have access to Telegram's customers, which Durov estimated has more than one billion users.Generative AI businesses have been aiming to grow their user base in order to recover revenues after huge investments in the state-of-the-art technology.xAI in February released the latest version of its chatbot, Grok 3, which the billionaire hopes will find traction in a highly competitive sector contested by the likes of ChatGPT and China's DeepSeek.Grok 3 is also going up against OpenAI's chatbot, ChatGPT -- pitting Musk against collaborator-turned-arch rival Sam Altman.Grok is accessible on the X platform, but with limitations on non-paying users. The premium service costs $40 per month, or $395 per year.Durov has faced judicial action in France after clashing with French authorities over illegal content on his popular messaging service, including claims that France interfered in Romanian elections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russia is continuing to work on the draft memorandum setting out the principles of a possible future peace accord to end the conflict in Ukraine, Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.Russian President Vladimir Putin, after a call with US President Donald Trump earlier this month, said that Moscow was ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum about a future peace accord.Putin said the memorandum would define the principles of a possible settlement, the timing of a possible peace agreement and details about a possible ceasefire.Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the work was continuing on the Russian draft and that once the document was ready it would be handed over to Ukraine.US-led efforts to force peace negotiations between the neighbors have failed to reach a breakthrough and left Trump frustrated with both sides.Swarms of drones are being launched by both sides while fierce fighting is underway along key parts of the front.Moscow on Tuesday accused Kyiv of increasing air barrages with the aim of disrupting peace talks and said its own massive assaults on Ukraine were a "response" to Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia."Kyiv, with the support of some European countries, has taken a series of provocative steps to thwart negotiations initiated by Russia," Moscow's defense ministry said... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US President Donald Trump's administration has ordered US embassies around the world to stop scheduling appointments for student visas as it prepares to expand social media vetting of such applicants.An official memo said social media vetting would be stepped up for student and foreign exchange visas, which would have "significant implications" for embassies and consulates.It comes during a wide-ranging Trump crackdown on some of America's most elite universities. He sees these institutions as too left-wing - accusing them of failing to combat antisemitism when pro-Palestinian protests have unfolded on campuses.Responding to the move, China called on the US to protect international students. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A federal judge ruled the department’s DOGE team could access sensitive financial information on millions of Americans, but must be vetted and trained first.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano resumed its sporadic eruption on Sunday, shooting lava hundreds of feet into the air and releasing huge plumes of ash and other volcanic material into the skies.The activity started around 4:15 p.m. local time and lasted for several hours, according to a status report from the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.Lava fountains from the mountain's north vent reached heights of more than 1,000 feet, before stopping around 9:45 p.m. local time, the observatory said. At the south vent, the lava fountains reached heights of more than 800 feet and stopped around 10:25 p.m., according to the observatory. Lava flows remained within Kilauea's summit caldera, and did not affect any residential areas, the observatory said.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hamas says it reached ‘general framework’ for permanent truce; Israeli official rejects the claim as propaganda; report says Hamas ‘under pressure like never before’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russia will announce the next round of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in the nearest future, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said. The neutral status of Ukraine remains one of Russia's key demands in the peace negotiations, he emphasised. This comes after weeks of stalled peace negotiations US President Donald Trump tried brokering since February this year. The Kremlin will announce the next round of direct talks between the two warring neighbours, Lavrov told a security summit in Moscow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israeli airstrikes target Yemen airport as Netanyahu warns Houthis, Iran.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The escalating humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has galvanized unprecedented diplomatic rebukes from European and British leaders, signalling a potential turning point in international responses to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New State Department guidance on visa applications is adding to uncertainty for America's international students, who have faced intensifying scrutiny from President Donald Trump's administration.In a cable sent Tuesday to U.S. embassies and consulates, Secretary of State Marco Rubio halted the scheduling of new visa interviews for international students as the department prepares guidelines for increased vetting of their activity on social media. Existing appointments may be kept and will proceed under current review guidelines, the cable said.University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh student Vladyslav Plyaka was planning to visit Poland to see his mother and renew his visa, but he doesn’t know when that will be possible now that visa appointments are suspended. He also doesn’t feel safe leaving the U.S. even when appointments resume. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness's divorce is one key step closer to being official.Furness, 69, has filed for divorce in New York almost two years after the former couple announced the amicable ending of their marriage in September 2023. The Daily Mail was first to report the news. Furness' lawyer, Elena Karabatos, also submitted filings relating to the duo's settlement, health care coverage and medical child support, PEOPLE has learned. Jackman, 56, and Furness, who wed in 1996 after meeting in 1995, share two children: son Oscar and daughter Ava. The filings indicate the terms of the Australian actors’ divorce are uncontested and will only need a sign-off from a judge. A rep for Furness did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prosecutors have confirmed for the first time the full list of 21 charges Andrew and Tristan Tate will face when they are returned to the UK, including rape, actual bodily harm and human trafficking.The Crown Prosecution Service said that it had authorised the charges against the brothers in 2024, before an extradition warrant was issued to bring them back from Romania.The two British-Americans are under investigation in Romania, facing a number of charges, which they deny - and the CPS said "the domestic criminal matters in Romania must be settled first".The CPS's charging decision came after it received a file of evidence from Bedfordshire Police about allegations made in the UK.The CPS said Andrew Tate, a 38-year-old influencer and former kickboxer, faces 10 charges connected to three alleged victims, including rape, actual bodily harm, human trafficking and controlling prostitution for gain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK hits peak feebleness on Israel–Gaza, SURGEON SAYS.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has threatened to strip Harvard University of $US3 billion in grant money, accusing the school of antisemitism and liberal bias.He also called for a list of foreign students to assess potential security concerns and warned more funding could be reviewed.The move is part of his broader campaign against elite institutions in the country as he goes after what he sees as left-leaning power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brazil's Lula released after treatment for inner ear issue... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man arrested after a car collides with pedestrians in Liverpool city centre during Liverpool's trophy parade; the police believe this to be an isolated incident and it is not being treated as a terrorist event Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The European Central Bank president criticized the US president over his claim that the bloc was formed to 'screw' the United States. Trump made the comments earlier this year as he threatened to hit the EU with hefty tariffs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A fuel tank fire on Monday halted production at Ecuador's largest oil refinery, sparking the evacuation of nearby residents as a giant plume of smoke billowed from the facility. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A clip showing Brigitte Macron appearing to shove the French president in the face went viral, with local media reporting that the Élysée Palace initially decried the video as "fake". It was later corrected, though Macron downplayed the moment as 'horsing around' with his wife. Online reactions though have been negative, either proclaiming the moment shows domestic violence or mocking the incident. Vedika Bahl goes through what we know in Truth or Fake. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SE Asian leaders meet China's Li and Gulf states to bolster ties... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chimps are human, gene study implies.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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A worker is making contact lenses on an assembly line in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, East China. (NewsNation) — The new world of contact lenses has arrived: ones that allow individuals to see in the dark with their eyes closed.2 days ago Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bodies of five skiers found near Switzerland's Zermatt resort... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Quantum computers are a new type of computer that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations, potentially offering significant speedups and capabilities beyond traditional computers. They use quantum bits, or "qubits," which can exist in a superposition of 0 and 1, unlike classical bits which are either 0 or 1. This allows quantum computers to explore multiple possibilities simultaneously, potentially solving certain types of problems much faster.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former President Biden said Friday he is “feeling great” almost a week after publicly announcing his prostate cancer diagnosis.Biden made the comments from Connecticut’s Bradley International Airport while visiting for his grandson’s graduation, according to News8.The remarks are the first spoken since Biden’s Sunday acknowledgement of the aggressive prognosis.On Monday, the longtime Democrat wrote a message to his followers thanking them for their support amid his health concerns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Passengers speak out after dramatic train crash Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NASA's Mars Perseverance snaps a selfie as a Martian dust devil blows by Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israeli strike kills nine of Gaza doctor's children, hospital says Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US moves to ease sanctions on Syria after Trump pledge Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rain 'expected every day next week' after unusually dry month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump on Friday expanded his tariff threat against Apple to include Samsung and other smartphone companies as he pushes for the device-makers to move manufacturing to the U.S.Asked in the Oval Office whether he has the power to tariff a single company, Trump said “it would be more” than just Apple. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

According to the announcement, Joel has been diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition that causes an excessive buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain’s ventricles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pop great Billy Joel cancelled a series of global tour dates after being diagnosed with a brain condition that worsened because of recent performances, he announced Friday.“Billy Joel has announced that he will be cancelling all scheduled concerts following a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH),” read a statement on the Piano Man’s website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russia and Ukraine swapped hundreds more prisoners on Saturday, as part of a major swap that was a moment of cooperation in otherwise failed efforts to reach a ceasefire.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russia's defense ministry said each side brought home 307 more soldiers, a day after each released a total of 390 combatants and civilians.The news came hours after Kyiv came under a large-scale Russian drone and missile attack that left at least 15 people injured, according to local officials. Explosions and anti-aircraft fire were heard throughout Kyiv as many sought shelter in subway stations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ex-Trump Adviser Fact-Checks 'White Genocide' Claim—'Just Not True' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In its lawsuit filed earlier Friday in federal court in Boston, Harvard said the government’s action violates the First Amendment and will have an “immediate and devastating effect for Harvard and more than 7,000 visa holders.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Supreme Court Is Chief Justice-Centric, Needs To Change": Justice Abhay Oka... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trump administration puts new limits on reporters at Pentagon... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Pentagon on Friday released new rules for reporters that cover the building, banning journalists from certain areas without an official escort or prior approval, heavily curtailing press access to military officials.Reporters can now only wander certain hallways, mostly near the Pentagon’s entrances and the food court, with the areas off limits including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s physical office spaces and the Joint Staff physical office spaces “without an official approval and escort from the Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs,” according to a memo signed by Hegseth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump said Friday in the Oval Office that Harvard will “have to change its ways” after his Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said it would take away the university’s ability to admit foreign students. “Billions of dollars has been paid to Harvard. How ridiculous is that? Billions … Harvard’s going to have to change its ways,” Trump said. When asked if he is also looking at going after other schools’ ability to accept foreign students, as the DHS had floated a day earlier, Trump said, “We’re taking a look at a lot of things.” The president also went after Harvard for recently introducing an introductory to math course to address issues among students with foundational algebra skills.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A United Airlines flight to Los Angeles from Honolulu had to turn around after a "potential security concern" was found in the plane's bathroom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.