A US appeals court ruled that Georgetown scholar Badar Khan Suri, who faces deportation for his pro-Palestinian activism, must be released because his detention violated his constitutional rights. This decision goes against the Trump administration’s efforts to detain and deport activists and could lead to a Supreme Court review.
Key Facts
Badar Khan Suri, an Indian scholar at Georgetown University, was detained in March 2025 for pro-Palestinian activism.
The US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled 2-1 that his detention violated his rights to due process and free speech.
The court denied the Trump administration’s request to move the case from Virginia to Texas.
A district court had previously ordered Suri’s release in May 2024.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) represents Suri and supports his constitutional rights.
Two other appeals courts recently overruled lower courts that had freed other pro-Palestinian activists, leading to conflicting decisions.
The Trump administration uses a rare immigration law allowing deportation of people seen as harmful to US foreign policy.
The Supreme Court, with a conservative majority including three Trump appointees, may soon decide on these cases.
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Tens of thousands of young people in India are protesting under the name "Cockroach Janta party" after the chief justice reportedly called unemployed youth "cockroaches" and "parasites." The protests also follow exam paper leaks that forced many students to retake tests, leading to demands for the education minister’s resignation.
Key Facts
The protests involve mainly young people marching in large numbers across India.
The movement is called "Cockroach Janta party" to reclaim a hurtful term used by India’s chief justice.
The chief justice reportedly referred to unemployed youth as "cockroaches" and "parasites."
The protests started after exam papers were leaked, causing millions of students to retake their exams.
These scandals have been linked to multiple student suicides in recent years.
Demonstrators are demanding action against corruption and unemployment.
A key demand is the resignation of the education minister.
This movement is one of the biggest challenges Narendra Modi’s government has faced in recent years.
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President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on goods from more than 80 countries, including major trade partners like Canada, Mexico, and China. These tariffs range from 10% to 12.5% and are aimed at penalizing countries over forced labor issues, despite a Supreme Court ruling that previously limited the president’s power to impose such tariffs without Congress.
Key Facts
The new tariffs affect over 80 countries, including Canada, Mexico, China, the EU, the UK, Australia, India, Brazil, and Japan.
Countries that have taken steps to stop forced labor imports face a 10% tariff; others face a 12.5% tariff.
The Supreme Court ruled in February that President Trump could not use a 1977 law to justify his previous tariffs without Congressional approval.
The Trump administration is now using a different section of the Trade Act of 1974 to justify the new tariffs.
Experts predict the new tariffs may be challenged in court and could be struck down by the Supreme Court.
Most of the cost of tariffs has been passed to American consumers and businesses.
Many Americans, including Republicans, view tariffs as harmful to the U.S. economy.
The tariffs are part of Trump's ongoing efforts to protect American jobs and manufacturing.
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The movie "72 Hours," starring Kevin Hart, is a comedy about a man trying to connect with younger people by joining a bachelor party in Miami. The film mixes humor about aging and youth culture while featuring younger actors from "Saturday Night Live."
Key Facts
Kevin Hart plays Joe, a New York ad executive whose ideas are seen as outdated.
Joe accidentally joins a bachelor party through a group text with four young men.
The film is directed by Tim Story and produced by Will Packer.
Many younger cast members are from “Saturday Night Live”: Marcello Hernández, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, plus Mason Gooding.
The story includes a subplot about a drug dealer who mistakes Joe for a rival.
Joe’s character transforms humorously into a Cuban drug lord when he sniffs cocaine, referencing the movie “Scarface.”
The film addresses Joe’s struggle with modern cultural sensitivity and comedy styles.
“72 Hours” is available to watch on Netflix.
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A replica of the House of the Virgin Mary, originally located in Ephesus, Turkey, has been built in Alfonso town, Cavite province, in the Philippines. This replica now attracts Catholic devotees in the Philippines, the largest Catholic country in Asia, who visit to pray and see religious relics.
Key Facts
The replica is called the Ephesus House, mirroring the original shrine in Turkey.
The original site in Ephesus is believed to be where Mary, mother of Jesus, spent her final years.
The replica was established in Alfonso town, Cavite province, Philippines.
The Philippines is the largest Catholic nation in Asia.
Devotees visit the replica to pray and touch images and relics linked to the Virgin Mary.
The site contains religious items such as a statue of Mary and relics from her veil and cord clothing.
Catholic priests perform blessings and place scapular necklaces on pilgrims during visits.
The replica was reported on July 16, 2026, attracting visitors and religious activities.
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Chinese pastor Ezra Jin Mingri was held in a detention center in China for about nine months before being suddenly released and sent to the U.S. His release came after President Donald Trump raised Jin’s case with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a visit in May 2026. Jin is known for leading an influential underground church that operates without government approval.
Key Facts
Ezra Jin Mingri is a 57-year-old Chinese Christian pastor detained since October 2025.
He led an underground church in China that is not registered with government authorities.
On July 3, 2026, Jin was suddenly released without a forced confession or trial.
He was flown to the U.S., arriving in Los Angeles just before Independence Day.
President Donald Trump personally raised Jin’s case with Xi Jinping in May 2026.
The Chinese government refused to comment directly on the release, saying religious affairs are managed by Chinese law.
Jin received new clothes and shoes before his release and was moved quickly from detention.
Jin described his release as a “miracle” and credited President Trump’s diplomacy for the outcome.
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Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk stopped his 26-day hunger strike, which inspired a large youth protest movement called the "Cockroach" protests. The protesters are demanding reforms in education and want the Indian Minister of Education to resign, continuing their demonstrations despite police actions.
Key Facts
Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after 26 days in the presence of two federal ministers.
The "Cockroach" protests started over alleged leaks in competitive entrance exams in India.
The movement has grown to include broader issues like unemployment, government accountability, and economic opportunities.
Protests have taken place in New Delhi and other cities across India.
Police used tear gas and batons to disperse some demonstrations near the Indian Parliament.
Protesters want Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign and have called for ongoing protests.
Prime Minister Modi announced fast-track courts to handle exam leak cases but protesters say this doesn’t meet their main demands.
The protest group’s name refers to a comment by India’s Supreme Court chief justice comparing some unemployed youth to cockroaches.
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American activist Laura Loomer, known for her far-right views and support for President Donald Trump, met and interviewed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, changing her earlier negative stance toward Ukraine. Zelenskyy’s office said her visit was important for seeing the situation in Ukraine firsthand.
Key Facts
Laura Loomer is a far-right American activist and ally of President Donald Trump.
Loomer previously criticized Ukraine and Zelenskyy, repeating Russian claims and opposing US support for Kyiv.
She interviewed Zelenskyy on her show on the social media platform Rumble.
Zelenskyy’s office welcomed Loomer’s visit as “really important” for understanding Ukraine’s reality.
Loomer holds strong anti-Muslim views and supports Israel and Trump’s immigration policies.
She has no official role in the US government but has close ties to President Trump.
Loomer has been involved in controversies, including actions affecting journalists and accusing individuals linked to Iran.
The meeting could affect US relations with Ukraine, given divisions among US political groups about supporting Kyiv.
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A man dressed as Spider-Man helped a man in a wheelchair cross a busy road in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The police department shared a video of the moment and thanked the helper for his actions.
Key Facts
The helper’s name is Christopher Hellenthal.
He was returning from a superhero-themed event when he saw the man in a wheelchair.
Hellenthal assisted just before the traffic lights changed.
The Jonesboro Police Department posted the video from a traffic camera.
The police thanked Hellenthal publicly for his help.
The incident took place in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
The video was shared five hours before the news report.
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During a congressional hearing, Congressman Ted Lieu questioned UN Ambassador Mike Waltz about the safety of U.S. troops in Jordan. Lieu showed a video from Al Jazeera to raise concerns about attacks by Iran and expressed doubts about the Trump administration’s transparency on this issue.
Key Facts
Congressman Ted Lieu challenged UN Ambassador Mike Waltz in a congressional hearing.
Lieu played a video from Al Jazeera showing Iranian strikes in Jordan.
The video was used to question how safe U.S. troops are in Jordan.
Some lawmakers doubt the Trump administration is fully honest about the risk from Iranian attacks on U.S. bases.
The hearing focused on U.S. responses and troop protection in the region.
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Six candidates are competing to become the next United Nations Secretary-General, with the decision set for January 2027. They recently presented their plans in a public forum amid concerns about the UN’s financial difficulties and loss of confidence from some member states, including the United States.
Key Facts
The six candidates are Michelle Bachelet (Chile), Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica), Macky Sall (Senegal), Maria Fernanda Espinosa (Ecuador), Rafael Mariano Grossi (Argentina), and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (Guyana).
The current UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, will be replaced starting January 2027.
Candidates spoke publicly to diplomats and UN staff about their visions for the UN and answered questions.
The UN is facing a financial crisis and criticism about its spending and effectiveness.
The United States under President Donald Trump demands the UN focus on peace and security, while other countries also emphasize human rights and development.
The selection process is cautious, with candidates avoiding conflict with major powers like the US.
After public events, the UN Security Council will hold secret votes to narrow down the candidates.
The UN General Assembly President highlighted the need for a leader who will reform the organization and defend its core principles.
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President Donald Trump is introducing new tariffs of 10 to 12.5 percent on imports from 60 countries that make up 99 percent of all US imports. These tariffs target countries that have not enforced bans on goods made with forced labor and replace temporary tariffs that recently expired.
Key Facts
The new tariffs apply to goods from 60 trading partners of the United States.
Tariffs range between 10 and 12.5 percent on these imports.
The tariffs focus on countries that have not properly enforced bans on forced labor products.
The tariffs begin right after temporary 10 percent tariffs expired on Friday at midnight Washington time.
President Trump is using Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose these tariffs, a law that allows tariffs against unfair trade practices.
Section 301 tariffs were also used earlier on China and have withstood court challenges.
The Trump administration is investigating other countries for possible overproduction that harms US companies.
The move follows a Supreme Court ruling that stopped the president from using other laws (like IEEPA) to impose tariffs.
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New York City police are investigating two stabbings near Central Park as possible hate crimes. The suspect, Raul Morales, attacked a 57-year-old Asian man and a 50-year-old Jewish man in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and both victims are now in stable condition at a hospital.
Key Facts
Two men were stabbed in separate attacks about two blocks apart in broad daylight.
The suspect, Raul Morales, allegedly stabbed the first victim in the back with a knife and the second in the torso with a screwdriver.
Morales reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” before the attacks.
Both victims were taken to Mount Sinai hospital and are stable.
Police are looking into whether mental health issues influenced Morales’s actions.
Authorities found no known connection between Morales and the victims or between the victims themselves.
Morales returned to his apartment after the stabbings and was found thanks to a witness’s tip.
New York City officials condemned the attacks and expressed relief that the victims are stable.
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The Pentagon’s official list of U.S. service members killed in the ongoing war with Iran does not include four soldiers who died during recent fighting, even though their deaths were officially announced. President Trump visited Dover Air Force Base to honor the fallen soldiers and compared the current death toll in the Iran conflict to higher numbers from past U.S. wars.
Key Facts
The Pentagon’s online casualty list shows 14 U.S. military deaths during the war on Iran, despite recent reports of four additional deaths.
These four service members died during fighting after President Trump declared a cease-fire in April.
The Pentagon removed these recent deaths from its official list, citing “temporary data disruptions” as the reason.
President Trump visited Dover Air Force Base to honor the four recently killed soldiers.
Trump shared a chart comparing the 18 deaths in the Iran war to much higher U.S. casualties in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
U.S. intelligence assessed that Iran abandoned its nuclear weapons program in 2003.
President Trump claims the war on Iran is necessary to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
The New York Times and Pentagon officials reported inconsistencies in the Pentagon’s casualty numbers.
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A man dressed as Spider-Man helped a person in a wheelchair cross a busy six-lane road in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The act was caught on a security camera and praised by the local police on social media.
Key Facts
The helper, Christopher Hellenthal, was wearing a Spider-Man costume from a nearby event.
He quickly pushed the wheelchair user across the road just before traffic started moving.
The incident happened on a busy local route during midday.
Police shared the video on Facebook, where it received many likes and positive comments.
Hellenthal said he acted fast and had a lot of adrenaline during the rescue.
The police spokesperson said this was an unusual and positive incident in their experience.
Hellenthal lives east of Jonesboro and is a longtime Spider-Man fan.
The manager at the trampoline park where Hellenthal works knew him from the video despite his costume.
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The FDA’s Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee is holding a second day meeting to discuss whether certain peptides should be more easily available. Some panel members support easing restrictions, but FDA scientists and many experts warn there is not enough evidence to prove the peptides are safe or effective.
Key Facts
The FDA committee is considering allowing wider use of several peptides, which are popular compounds promoted by wellness influencers.
On the first day, the panel narrowly recommended easier access to these peptides.
Government scientists warned the peptides have not been proven safe or effective.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supports loosening the rules and opposes restrictions from President Biden’s administration.
Influencers like Joe Rogan and Gary Brecka promote peptides for benefits such as muscle building and anti-aging.
Some advisory panel members have financial ties to the peptide industry, including clinics and pharmacies that sell or produce peptides.
Additional experts without industry ties were added to the panel to provide a broader perspective.
The panel’s vote is advisory and the FDA does not have to follow its recommendations.
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Qantas tested its new Airbus A350-1000ULR plane with a nonstop 19-hour flight from France to Melbourne. The plane is designed for very long flights, like Sydney to London, expected to begin direct service in October 2027.
Key Facts
The test flight covered almost 17,000 kilometers from Toulouse, France to Melbourne, Australia.
The flight took 19 hours and landed in Melbourne on Friday morning local time.
The plane can fly up to 22 hours nonstop, suitable for ultra-long routes like Sydney to London.
Qantas plans to start the direct Sydney-London service in October 2027.
The test crew included four flight test pilots and five engineers; Qantas pilots will join on the return.
The plane carries extra fuel tanks to support flights up to nearly 18,500 kilometers.
Qantas ordered 12 of these planes with 238 seats each, fewer than standard models.
The first plane with full Qantas paint and name "Vega" will be delivered in April 2027.
Qantas is considering direct flights from Melbourne and Brisbane to major cities, adjusting plans based on demand.
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Alaska has sent over 3,000 letters to voters asking them to confirm their U.S. citizenship before the August primary election. The Alaska Division of Elections said the large number of letters was due to an error from old data linked to the Department of Motor Vehicles and that voters are not required to provide documents but must confirm their status to remain active on the voter list.
Key Facts
Alaska sent 3,048 letters asking voters to verify their citizenship before the August 18 primary.
The usual number of such letters is about 200, so this is unusually high.
The high number resulted from old or incorrect data during voter list updates using DMV information.
Voters who get the letter can confirm citizenship by letter, phone, or email without submitting documents.
Those who don’t respond are moved to an inactive voter list but can still vote using a special ballot requiring them to confirm their qualifications.
State election officials said the process does not stop anyone from voting.
Some Alaska lawmakers expressed concern because recipients of the letter include confirmed U.S. citizens.
Alaska is one of at least 16 states that shared detailed voter information with the U.S. Department of Justice, but the letter campaign is not related to this data sharing.
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The US government reports spending over $37.5 billion on the conflict involving Iran and is seeking an additional $67 billion. An expert told Al Jazeera that members of Congress might find it difficult to vote against this funding request.
Key Facts
The US has already spent more than $37.5 billion on the Iran conflict.
The Secretary of Defense is asking Congress for $67 billion more.
The funding is intended to support ongoing military activities related to Iran.
An analyst said voting against the funding may be politically challenging for Congress members.
The discussion about funding is happening during current US political debates.
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Israel bombed several areas in Gaza after telling people to leave those places, killing at least two Palestinians. This happened despite a ceasefire agreement made last year, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains very difficult.
Key Facts
Israel issued evacuation orders before bombing parts of Gaza.
At least two Palestinians were killed in the recent air strikes.
Bombings targeted refugee camps and neighborhoods in Gaza City, including Bureij, Jabalia, Zeitoun, and Tal al-Hawa.
Some people were injured in a strike on a building in the Zeitoun neighborhood.
The Israeli strikes occurred after warnings to civilians to leave the targeted areas.
Egypt urged the US to speed up deployment of an international security force to Gaza to help stabilize the region.
Moroccan officers visited Gaza to prepare for joining the international force, and Morocco plans to send security personnel and a field hospital.
About 1.4 million people in Gaza face severe food shortages, and humanitarian aid is urgently needed.
The UK called on Israel to stop restricting aid access to Gaza, warning that aid limits worsen health and water problems.
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