As Juneteenth is celebrated across the US, Obama’s presidential center opens in Chicago
DALLAS: As people gather across the US to celebrate Juneteenth on Friday, former President Barack Obama’s presidential center will open its doors to the public for the first time. Located on a sprawling campus on Chicago’s South Side, the center for the nation’s first Black president has been desig»»»
Police charge a third suspect in a Melbourne synagogue arson allegedly directed by Iran
MELBOURNE: Police charged a third suspect on Friday with an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue that was allegedly directed by Iran. The 20-year-old man was one of three masked offenders who broke into the Adass Israel Synagogue, doused the interior with flammable liquid then set it alight in the»»»
Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi visits Thumbay Medicity in Ajman
Ajman: Thumbay Medicity welcomed Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, UAE to its Ajman campus on Friday. It marked the Minister’s first visit to one of the region’s largest integrated hubs for medical education, healthcare and research, and it set the tone for a closer conversa»»»
On This Day, June 19: Supreme Court rules student prayer at games unconstitutional - UPI.com
On June 19, 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that prayers led by students at public high school football games aren't permitted under the constitutional separation of church and state. 1 of 6 | Demonstrators pray in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on June 27 2022. On June 19, 2000, the U.S. Supre»»»
Barshim enters ‘final lap’ era as global stars light up Doha Diamond League
Doha, Qatar: The global track and field audience shifts focus to the Qatari capital today when Doha becomes the seventh stop in the 2026 Diamond League, featuring an elite line up of athletics superstars at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium at Qatar Sports Club. Among those who will seek glory are two a»»»
Péter Magyar’s wealth tax plan targets Hungary’s richest
The possibility of introducing a wealth tax in Hungary has returned to the agenda, although key details remain unresolved, particularly regarding which types of assets would be included in the tax base. Depending on the final design of the rules, projected revenues vary significantly, with estimate»»»
Minister of Justice chairs Attorneys’ Admission Committee meeting
Doha: The Attorneys’ Admission Committee held a meeting yesterday chaired by Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Attorneys’ Admission Committee H E Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi, at the Committee’s headquarters in the Ministry of Justice. The committee r»»»
Co-hosts Mexico first team into World Cup knockout rounds
Guadalajara, Mexico: Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout rounds of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Republic of Korea at a delirious Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday. After a dreary first period, Luis Romo's goal just after half-time thanks to a goalkeeping error put Mexico »»»
A ‘new dawn’ in UAE after US-Iran agreement and why we should look forwards, not backwards
"Ending the current conflict, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, that's what it was all about”, said Donald Trump triumphantly during a lengthy news conference after the G7 summit in France. While there are some major points still to iron out in the »»»
Swiss rates pause
The Swiss National Bank left its policy rate unchanged at 0.00%, a decision that matters in Poland because many households still carry legacy Swiss-franc mortgage exposure. While the direct lending boom in franc-denominated mortgages is long over, legal disputes and bank provisions linked to those »»»
mBank faces KNF fines
Poland’s financial regulator has imposed nearly PLN 15 million in penalties on mBank, citing what it described as serious failures in customer protection, compliance procedures and internal controls. The decision, issued by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF), is not final and can stil»»»
Arab teams at 2026 World Cup: Qatar suffer tough 6-0 loss to Canada
LOS ANGELES: Canada thrashed nine-man Qatar 6-0 to secure their first ever World Cup victory on Thursday as Switzerland reignited their campaign with a resounding defeat of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Tournament co-hosts Canada had lost all six of their previous matches at the World Cup, at the 1986 and 20»»»
World Cup 2026: Mexico reach World Cup knockout stage first after beating South Korea
Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage after a 1-0 victory over South Korea at a jubilant Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday. Luis Romo scored shortly after halftime, capitalising on a goalkeeping error, to seal Mexico's second straight win and confirm »»»
US forces lift Iran ports blockade as uncertainty clouds planned Switzerland talks
The US lifted its blockade of Iranian ports on Thursday after US President Donald Trump and Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian signed an interim peace deal to end the US-Israeli war on Iran. But uncertainty surrounded Friday's planned talks in Switzerland as both sides prepared for negotiations on Te»»»
Israel cuts ‘all contacts’ with EU’s Kallas
West Jerusalem will cut “all contact” with EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas over her reported comparison of the country to apartheid-era South Africa, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has announced. Relations between the bloc and Israel’s far-right government have steadily deteriorated in the past »»»
U.S. kills 3 in suspected drug boat strike; toll hits 211 - UPI.com
The Senate Armed Services Committee advanced a fiscal year 2027 military spending bill that directs Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to submit information, including unedited videos, related to the strikes to the Senators. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo June 18 (UPI) -- The U.S. military»»»
Taiwan needs US weapons for self-defense as threat from China grows, diplomat tells AP
WASHINGTON: Taiwan needs to purchase American weapons to ensure its self-defense in the face of a growing threat from Beijing, the island’s top diplomat in the US said, adding that he has seen no change in Washington’s policy toward the self-governing island that China claims as its own.A $14-billi»»»
Canada thrash 9-man Qatar for first-ever World Cup win
DUBAI: It took them two matches on home soil to get the result, but for the thousands of home fans packed into the BC Place stadium in Vancouver, Canada’s first-ever win at the World Cup was well worth the wait. A comprehensive 6-0 win over 9-man Qatar catapulted the host nation to the top of Group»»»
He won the divorce case — but still had to pay the dowry
Dubai: The Court of Cassation has ruled that a husband who proves serious marital harm may be exempt from paying certain divorce-related financial entitlements, such as waiting-period maintenance and compensation, but remains legally obligated to pay the deferred dowry unless it has already been se»»»
After draw vs. Brazil, Morocco face Scotland as favorites
BOSTON, Massachusetts: Scotland have hit the ground running in the World Cup with an opening 1-0 victory over Haiti in Group C and with their Tartan Army of fans winning hearts in Boston, but their return to the city on Saturday to face Morocco could dampen their spirits. The North Africans, surpr»»»
Votes being counted in UK by-election set to decide PM Starmer’s political fate
ASHTON-IN-MAKERFIELD, United Kingdom: Counting was under way late Thursday in a historic UK by-election which could determine embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s future, as a Labour rival eyeing a leadership bid vies for a parliamentary seat. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, a veteran of »»»
Obama opens Chicago presidential center, urges Americans to defend democracy
Former US President Barack Obama opened his presidential center in Chicago on Thursday, calling for the defense of democracy in a star-studded event attended by three former presidents. “I hope this center will serve as an affirmation of how precious our democracy truly is,” Obama said, a»»»
Police shooting of a 1-year-old Mississippi boy ignites tension between police and Black residents
JACKSON, Mississippi: The fatal shooting of a 1-year-old boy by police who were responding to a shoplifting call this week has ignited simmering tensions between police and Black residents in the small town of Senatobia, Mississippi. The death of Kohen Wiley is the latest in a series of troubling e»»»
A look at how World Cup stars young and old are faring after first week
NEW YORK: Cape Verde’s 40-year-old goalkeeper has become a star at this World Cup, and a Senegal teenager scored in his tournament debut. Here’s a look at some of the oldest and youngest players as the 48-team tournament enters its second week. Elder statesmen No better place to begin than the 41-y»»»
Lebanon arrests man in Hezbollah drone case
Lebanese authorities have arrested a citizen suspected of having imported parts used to manufacture Hezbollah drones, a judicial source told AFP on Thursday. Hezbollah has been using fiber optic drones, which are resistant to jamming, in their fight against Israel since early March. The judicial so»»»
Saudi women lead the charge at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity
DHAHRAN: In a quiet corner of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, a group of Ph.D. candidates is working to solve some of the most pressing technological challenges of the modern era. Among them are Asma Yamani and Linah Ali Abuhajar, two researchers operating at the intersection of art»»»
Substitutes make the difference as Swiss sink Bosnia & Herzegovina 4-1
DPA Inglewood (California) Substitutes Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas were on fire as Switzerland stunned 10-man Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 at the World Cup on Thursday to boost their hopes of reaching the knock-out stages. The pair came on in the 72nd minute with the score 0-0 and were an instant hit»»»
Radek Cais named GM of the Year-Qatar at Hotelier ME GM Awards 2026
Tribune News Network Doha Radek Cais has once again been awarded General Manager of the Year – Qatarat the Hotelier Middle East GM Awards 2026. Cais, multi-property general manager of Le Royal Méridien Place Vendôme Lusail, Agora, Autograph Collection Hotel Doha, and the soon-to-open Palais Vendôme»»»
Subs send Swiss to rout of Bosnia-Herzegovina
Los Angeles,: Super subs Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas fired Switzerland to a 4-1 win over 10-man Bosnia-Herzegovina in a late rush of goals in Los Angeles on Thursday. The result gave the Swiss a strong chance of reaching the knockout round as one of the top two teams in Group B. They had been c»»»
Deaths in ICE detention more than double under Trump, analysis finds
The death rate in US immigration detention centres have more than doubled during President Donald Trump's second term, a Reuters analysis found, as authorities expanded arrests. Advocates linked the rise to overcrowding and strained medical services. A Vietnamese man with cardiovascular problems co»»»
US-Iran war concludes with massive toll
The US-Iran war appears to have ended after 108 days, costing American taxpayers over $100 billion, according to estimates gathered by the independent Iran War Cost Tracker. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran, with Tehran also confirming the electro»»»
Radek Cais named General Manager of the Year-Qatar for second consecutive year at Hotelier Middle East GM Awards 2026
Radek Cais, Multi-Property General Manager of Le Royal Méridien Place Vendôme Lusail, Agora, Autograph Collection Hotel Doha, and the soon-to-open Palais Vendôme, a Luxury Collection Hotel Lusail, has once again been awarded General Manager of the Year- Qatar at the Hotelier Middle East GM Awards 2»»»
Mighty is the paintbrush: Semyon Skrepetsky, the Russian dissident artist shot and killed in Poland
Russian artist and dissident Semyon Skrepetsky was famous for his audacious, even malicious, caricatures of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Skrepetsky was shot and killed on Tuesday in the eastern Polish town of Biała Podlaska at the age of 44. Severa»»»
Viktor Orban's childhood friend retains title of richest Hungarian
The combined wealth of Hungary’s 100 richest individuals rose by HUF1.56 trillion (€3.9bn) over the past year to a record HUF12.6 trillion (€36bn), according to the latest edition of The 100 Richest Hungarians annual ranking, Index.hu writes. The increase represents annual growth of 14%, »»»
LIVE UPDATE: Canada vs Qatar (FIFA World Cup 2026)
DOHA: Qatar face a crucial Group B showdown against Canada as both sides seek their first victory of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Al Annabi opened their campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Switzerland, while Canada were also held to a 1-1 draw by Bosnia and Herzegovina, leaving all qualificati»»»
South Korean experts split over Lee Jae Myung's dialogue push amid North Korea's nuclear expansion - UPI.com
Top, from left, Hong Kyu-dok, Yoo Ho-yeol, moderator Son Gi-woong, Cho Gap-je, Lee Hoon and Lee Myung-kwon take part in a conference on South Korea’s unification policy at the Korea Press Center in Seoul on Wednesday. Bottom, panelists and attendees pose for a group photo after the conference. Cour»»»
First-instance ruling against president of Association of Friendship of Court Clerks upheld
Tunis, June 18 (TAP) - The Criminal Chamber specialised in financial corruption cases at the Tunis Court of Appeal upheld, on Thursday, the initial ruling issued against the former president of the Association of Friendship of Court Clerks and other...»»»
Putin and leaders of Southeast Asia agree to bolster ties at a summit in Russia
MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin on Thursday hailed Russia’s ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as he hosted a summit intended to strengthen economic and political ties with the bloc. The leaders who took part in the meeting in Kazan agreed to further expand “strategic partnership»»»
For first time in 30 years, states and not armed groups are top killers of children in war, UN says
NEW YORK CITY: For the first time since the UN’s mandate on children and armed conflict was established three decades ago, government forces, rather than nonstate armed groups, are responsible for the majority of grave violations against children, the latest report from the UN secretary-general rev»»»
Slotkin: Bill to ban president from sending troops to polling places - UPI.com
Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., introduced a bill to block the president from sending troops to polling stations. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo June 18 (UPI) -- Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., introduced a bill Thursday called the Protect Our Polls Act that would block the president from sen»»»
Cape Verde draw a wake-up call for Spain, says Cucurella
TENNESSEE, USA: Spain’s shock 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their World Cup opener was a wake-up call, defender Marc Cucurella said on Thursday, with the team preparing for a similar match against Saudi Arabia this weekend. “Maybe with this scare we’ve put ourselves on alert,” Cucurella told reporter»»»
Barshim focused on building athletics legacy beyond the high jump bar
DOHA: Mutaz Barshim has spent more than a decade redefining the limits of the high jump, collecting Olympic medals, world titles, and establishing himself among the greatest athletes in the sport’s history. His achievements include Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020, silver in London 2012 and Rio 2016, and»»»
Péter Magyar aims to end EUR 1 million-per-day fine issued by European Commission
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has pledged to bring an end to the European Union’s controversial EUR 1 million-per-day penalty imposed on Hungary over its asylum policies, saying the issue is one of the new government’s most urgent challenges. New Hungarian government seeks breakthrough on c»»»
Polish police arrest man for artist Semyon Skrepetsky's murder - UPI.com
Police officers inspect the scene of a shooting in Biala Podlaska, eastern Poland, Monday. A Russian artist and cartoonist Semyon Skrepetsky known for mocking Russian President Vladimir Putin was shot dead in Biala Podlaska. Police Thursday said they arrested a man on suspicion of the murder. Photo»»»
From water security to AI, Vision Golfe charts next phase of France-GCC cooperation
PARIS: Strategic resilience emerged as a defining theme on the opening day of Vision Golfe 2026, as French and Gulf policymakers, business leaders, investors and innovators gathered in Paris to explore new avenues for cooperation in an increasingly complex global environment. Held under the theme “»»»
Sudan’s UN envoy calls for designation of Rapid Support Forces as terrorist group, legal action over ‘genocide’
NEW YORK CITY: Sudan’s permanent representative to the UN called on the international community to put “immense pressure” on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, open legal proceedings against the militia, and formally designate it a terrorist organization. It comes as the group masses for a new »»»
MOEHE launches new policy regulating private school fees starting from 2027-2028 academic year
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) launched on Thursday the first edition of the School Fees Policy 2026 for private schools and kindergartens 2026, set to take effect from the 2027-2028 academic year. The new policy aims to establish a clear and unified regulatory »»»
‘Esports World Cup: Level Up’ returns for second season
RIYADH: “Esports World Cup: Level Up” returns for its second season on June 26, with all five episodes dropping that day exclusively on Prime Video. Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker RJ Cutler — “Martha” (Netflix), “Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry” (Apple TV) — the five-part docuseries »»»
Peaceful Civil Blockade of Bulgaria-North Macedonia Border Crossings Planned for June 21 Called Off after Bulgarian Embassy Appeal
The Macedonia Foundation is calling off a 120-minute peaceful civil blockade of all three border crossings between Bulgaria and North Macedonia planned for June 21. The Foundation's President Viktor Stoyanov announced this on Thursday after earlier in the day Bulgaria's Ambassador in Skopje Zhelyaz»»»
Hungary’s new government dismantles Fidesz‑era public media, triggering mass layoffs (67 days post-election)
Our weekly digest of Hungarian politics continues, as we report on the aftermath of April’s election and on the early days of the new Tisza government. This week we cover: A bill has been submitted to completely overhaul Hungary’s public media system. Layoffs have begun across the media empire link»»»