NYC Mayor Mamdani praises 'righteous dissent' in U.S. 250th speech - UPI.com
1 of 4 | New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivers an address to commemorate America's 250th anniversary on Friday in New York City. Mayor Mamdani delivered the speech from George Washington's desk, surrounded by recently naturalized citizens. Pool Photo by Anna Connors/UPI | License Photo July 3»»»
Garcia praises Belgium's resilience as Thiaw rues heartbreaking exit
DOHA: Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia hailed his side's resilience and unwavering belief after they produced one of the most remarkable comebacks of the FIFA World Cup 2026, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time and book their place in the Round of 16. With Belgium tr»»»
Out of 100 students who start college, only 24 will work in the field they studied
In an economically and financially unstable market, young Romanians are not making the best choices regarding their academic future. A recent Eurostat study shows that we are in last place in the European Union in terms of the percentage of higher education graduates among young people, while a thi»»»
US feared Israel would kill Iranian negotiators – NYT
The US was concerned that Israel could kill Iran’s top negotiators in an attempt to derail the peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran, the New York Times has reported, citing American officials. According to a report by the newspaper on Thursday, US officials feared that Israel would targ»»»
Nearly half of Americans don’t know what July 4 celebrates, Cato Institute poll finds
Nearly half of Americans do not know what the country’s 250th anniversary is actually celebrating, despite overwhelming majorities saying they are proud and grateful to be American, according to the Cato Institute. The milestone commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4»»»
Talking Europe - 'We hope the member states will recognise our effort' to join the EU: Moldova's President Maia Sandu
FRANCE 24’s Europe editor-in-chief Caroline de Camaret hosts Maia Sandu, the President of Moldova. This in the context of an EU-Moldova summit held on June 22, 2026, in Brussels. The ex-Soviet republic of nearly 3 million people that borders Ukraine has opened its first “cluster” of negotiatio»»»
DR Congo Ebola outbreak tops 400 deaths as virus reaches major city
An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed more than 400 people and continues to spread, with health authorities confirming a first case in the major city of Kisangani, hundreds of kilometres from the epidemic's epicentre in the northeast. An Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo has»»»
Neymar unhappy with World Cup role but 'respectful', says Ancelotti
Basking Ridge, New Jersey, United States: Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar is unhappy he has had such a limited role at the World Cup but has handled the situation professionally and remains a positive influence within the squad. The country's all-time leading goalscorer has made just one s»»»
An animal rescuer cares for pets and livestock stranded by war in southern Lebanon
KFAROUE, Lebanon: In the village of Kfaroue in southern Lebanon, Hussein Hamza makes his daily rounds to feed and check on his furry and feathered charges. The number of animals in his care has multiplied since the outbreak of the latest Israel-Hezbollah war, as hundreds of thousands of southern Le»»»
Bayern sign Germany defender Brown until 2031
MUNICH: Bayern Munich on Friday announced Germany defender Nathaniel Brown has joined the club from Eintracht Frankfurt on a deal running until 2031. The defending Bundesliga champions paid a reported fee of 55 million euros ($63 million) to Frankfurt to bring Brown, 23, to the club, where he will »»»
VAR ‘taking joy’ from football says Croatia coach Dalic after loss
TORONTO: Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said VAR is taking “the joy out of football” after seeing his team have a stoppage time equalizer disallowed in their 2-1 World Cup defeat to Portugal on Thursday. Croatia’s players thought they had grabbed an incredible equalizer when Josko Gvardiol prodded the »»»
Animal rescuer cares for pets and livestock stranded by war in south Lebanon
In the village of Kfaroue in southern Lebanon, Hussein Hamza makes his daily rounds to feed and check on his furry and feathered charges. The number of animals in his care has multiplied since the outbreak of the latest Israeli war, as hundreds of thousands of southern Lebanon residents fled and we»»»
Why is France betting on Oman amid the Hormuz crisis? – Ya Libnan
Share: Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq before a meeting at the Élysée Palace in Paris on June 29 with French President Emmanuel Macron © Michel Euler, AP After months of crisis in the Middle East, France is looking to build its influence in the region by strengthening relations with Oman – a small»»»
Lazarevic: Serbian companies to become involved in large-scale projects in Libya
BELGRADE - Speaking to Tanjug after a recent successful visit to Libya, Serbian Minister of Internal and External Trade Jagoda Lazarevic said on Friday Serbia would boost its cooperation with the country in various areas and that the goal was to get Serbian companies involved in numerous large-scal»»»
Uzbekistan advances ambitious plan to become regional fintech hub by 2030
For years, Uzbekistan's financial system remained largely defined by cash, long queues at bank branches and limited access to modern financial services. Today, the country is pursuing one of the region's most ambitious fintech agendas, combining regulatory reforms, digital infrastructure and state-»»»
Egypt Crowned World Champions at the IHF Wheelchair Handball World Championship
Two years after clinching the silver medal, Egypt achieved a flawless performance to secure the gold at the IHF Wheelchair Handball World Championship. With a decisive 2:0 (6:1; 12:6) victory over the United States of America, Egypt finally claimed the title on home soil. During the inaugural champ»»»
Djedovic Handanovic meets with German ambassador, KfW delegation
BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic met on Friday with German Ambassador to Belgrade Anke Konrad and a delegation of the German development bank KfW to discuss implementation of ongoing projects whereby the KfW is supporting Serbia in the energy transition »»»
PPC Group: Upgraded performance in CDP assessment for Climate, Water, and Supply Chain
PPC Group’s upgraded ratings by CDP reflect the Group’s continuous progress in integrating sustainability criteria into its strategy and operations, while simultaneously strengthening the trust of investors and other stakeholders. Maintaining the “B” score in Climate Change confirms PPC Group’s con»»»
Mergers and acquisitions market reaches a value of USD 6 billion in H1 2026
However, one of the recurring characteristics of the Romanian M&A market remains the low level of transparency regarding transaction values. In the first half of 2026, the transaction value was not disclosed for 69% of announced deals, slightly above the historical average of 67%. In terms of trans»»»
In Tehran’s Hour of Mourning, Qalibaf Draws Red Line: US, ‘Israel’ Must Honor Commitments or Pay Price
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has warned that Tehran will not hesitate to take “appropriate and proportional measures” should the United States and the Israeli regime fail to honor their international commitments, delivering the firm ultimatum during a high-level meeting with a »»»
Alpha review from Dubai: Alia Bhatt and Sharvari shine, but the story doesn't match the splendid action
Alpha' review: Two fearless women. One frustratingly timid filmDirector: Shiv RavailCast: Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol★★★Dubai: There's something strangely difficult about reviewing Alpha. Not because it's a complicated film, but because you genuinely want it to succeed. Here is»»»
Turkey to launch 'climate bridge' at COP31 to unlock green investment
Turkey’s government is planning to launch a major climate initiative at the COP31 summit later this year, aiming to close the gap between global capital and underdeveloped green projects, finance minister Mehmet Simsek said on June 25 during a speech at the Climate Resilience Finance Summit during »»»
Syria rules out military intervention in Lebanon, to focus on rebuilding ties – Ya Libnan
Share: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, right, welcomes Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, to the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, 2 July 2026. © Lebanese Presidency press office via AP Syria has ruled out military intervention in Lebanon despite US pressure to act agai»»»
Thai nurse defies Buddhist custom to save monks after deadly crash
Bangkok: A nurse in Thailand challenged Buddhist customs when she stepped in to treat the victims of a car accident that killed 10 monks. An 11-year-old boy, who took his parents' pickup truck without permission, ploughed at speed into a procession of 35 monks and five lay followers in northeastern»»»
Thai nurse defies Buddhist custom to save monks in deadly crash
Bangkok: A nurse in Thailand challenged Buddhist customs when she stepped in to treat the victims of a car accident that killed 10 monks. An 11-year-old boy, who took his parents' pickup truck without permission, ploughed at speed into a procession of 35 monks and five lay followers in northeastern»»»
Media Review: July 3
HEADLINES Fiscal policy and Budget 2026 dominate Friday's Bulgarian media agenda, with newspapers and the weekly Capital focusing on the growing challenges facing public finances, the need for structural reforms and the implications of the government's planned fiscal measures. Political analysis is»»»
How companies are managing to increase employee office attendance by 20%
For companies, the goal is to reduce wasted time and create conditions in which being in the office integrates more easily into employees’ daily lives. This growth is supported by the experience of the companies located on the campus. An international logistics and multimodal transportation company»»»
Iran prepares for dayslong funeral for late Supreme Leader Khamenei
Iran prepared Friday for the dayslong funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with banners across Tehran urging the public to rise up in support of the Islamic Republic after the devastating war that killed the 86-year-old cleric. The country's theocracy plans to see millions flo»»»
Russia Still Ranks Among Top EU Gas Suppliers Despite Pipeline Upset
Russia remains one of the leading gas exporters to the EU—primarily through seaborne LNG shipments—even as its pipeline gas volumes have plummeted since 2022, according to a new analysis by the Bruegel think tank in Brussels. However, overall LNG imports to the EU have recently declined due to lowe»»»
Mega-deals, debt financing and M&A drive African startup funding to $1.44bn in H1 2026
African startups raised $1.44bn during the first half of this year, marginally surpassing the $1.42bn secured in H1 2025, as investors concentrated capital in fewer but significantly larger funding rounds despite a subdued global venture capital market. H1 2026 funding data show startups completed »»»
Move over, Messi! Robot footballers thrill crowds in South Korea
Incheon, South Korea: Thirty seconds before kick-off, humanoid robot footballers in red and blue jerseys await the referee's signal in the South Korean port city of Incheon. The match setting is RoboCup, branded as the world's largest robotics competition, where engineers are betting on a fully aut»»»
Hezbollah Fighter Strikes Inside Southern Lebanon, Wounds Israeli Soldiers Before Vanishing
An individual Hezbollah fighter operating inside an area in southern Lebanon occupied by Israeli enemy forces opened fire on a patrol in Bint Jbeil, wounding one soldier seriously and injuring two others before disappearing, according to Israeli Army Radio. The report said troops from the 679th Bri»»»
GCC banks post net profit of $16.8bn in Q1: Kamco Invest
RIYADH: The net profit of listed banks operating in the Gulf Cooperation Council region rebounded in the first quarter of 2026, posting a solid recovery after a decline in the previous three months, an analysis showed. According to the latest report by Kamco Invest, aggregate net profits for listed»»»
Summer is here, so is our next chapter
The school term is ending, the temperatures are rising and the airport is full. Peak summer has finally arrived. I’m still getting used to these sweltering weeks, despite growing up in Saudi Arabia (the UK has softened me up). I’m currently in the ‘how does it get even hotter than this?’ stage as w»»»
Saudi POS spending edges up 1.9% to $3.36bn
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale transaction value remained above $3 billion in the week ending June 27, driven by increased spending in the food and beverages sector, official data showed. According to the latest report by the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, the total POS transaction v»»»
Berri says relations with neighbor Syria a must, amid enmity with Israel
After meeting Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Shaibani for the first time, Hezbollah ally and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said Lebanon has no choice but to engage with Syria. "Lebanon cannot cooperate with Israel, and if it refuses to deal with Syria, the Lebanese will be left with no choice but t»»»
Gold ounce will not drop below $4,000 until the end of 2026: World Gold Council
Gold bar and dollars Andrew Naylor, Head of Middle East and Public Policy at the World Gold Council, stated that the direction of gold in the coming period will be determined by several factors, most notably global interest rate expectations—particularly the Federal Reserve’s decision expected next»»»
Celebrating 250 years of American history
Doha, Qatar: As Americans prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of US independence on July 4, 2026, audiences in Qatar and around the world have been invited to explore the history, values, and landmarks that define the United States. Among the most recognisable are the presidential monuments »»»
Zelenskiy reportedly sought to dissuade former army chief Zaluzhnyi from presidential bid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy privately asked former commander-in-chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi whether he intended to run in a future presidential election and urged him to avoid a potentially divisive contest, the Ukrainska Pravda news outlet reported, citing sources familiar with the meeting»»»
UAE non-oil PMI slips to 50.8, weakest growth in over 5 years
RIYADH: The UAE’s non-oil private sector continued to expand in June, despite recording its weakest growth in more than five years, as the S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to 50.8. The slowdown, from 52.6 in May. came as geopolitical disruptions, cautious client spending and intense compe»»»
Rain, mist and cooler weather transform UAE's eastern mountains into a summer oasis
Dubai: Residents along the UAE's eastern coast woke to refreshing showers on Friday as rain swept across parts of Fujairah and Khor Fakkan, bringing cooler conditions and misty mountain views despite forecasts of generally fair weather. Light to occasionally moderate rain fell over areas near the H»»»
250 years of US independence: Why France chose to support the American Revolutionaries
French support for the American Revolution began well before the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. King Louis XVI saw the rebellion in North America as an opportunity to weaken his British rival and avenge past defeats. FRANCE 24 looks back at how European colonial rivalry and Enlightenm»»»
Colombia up against resolute Ghana for place in last 16
Doha, Qatar: Colombia will be looking to live up to expectations as favourites, but Ghana are determined to spoil their attempt when the two teams meet at the Kansas City Stadium for a place in the Round of 16. The match kicks off at 4.30am Qatar time tomorrow. The South Americans topped Group K, f»»»
Man pleads guilty to sending Guthrie family phony ransom demands - UPI.com
Federal and local authorities have been investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, who was last seen at her Arizona home on Jan. 31, 2026, around 9:45 p.m. Photo courtesy Pima County Sheriff's Department/UPI July 3 (UPI) -- A California man has pleaded guilty to sending phony ransom requests»»»
Kahramaa launches comprehensive Customer Satisfaction Survey 2026
Doha, Qatar: Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has announced the launch of a comprehensive Customer Satisfaction Survey for 2026, aimed at evaluating the quality of services provided across the State of Qatar. This initiative reflects Kahramaa’s ongoing commitment to placin»»»
Rockfall reported on alternative North–South road - | 24.KG
A rockfall occurred this morning on the alternative North—South road. According to the Ministry of Transport and Communications, around 9 a.m. rocks fell onto the roadway from a mountain slope between kilometers 239 and 243. Road maintenance teams and special equipment were promptly deployed to eli»»»
US asked regional allies to warn Iran of Israeli plot to kill negotiators: report
DUBAI: The US asked countries in the Middle East to warn Iran that Israel could target two of Tehran’s senior negotiators during sensitive ceasefire talks earlier this year, according to a report in The New York Times. Washington feared Tel Aviv might attempt to assassinate Iranian Foreign Minister»»»
Algeria exit World Cup after loss to Switzerland
DUBAI: Algeria have become the latest African nation to depart the 2026 World Cup after a 2-0 loss to Switzerland in Vancouver on Friday morning. Algeria had never won a World Cup knockout match before, having lost on their only previous attempt to eventual champions Germany 2-1 in 2014, while the »»»
Dubai gold jumps again as 24K crosses Dh500 per gram
Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai climbed again on Friday morning, with 24-karat gold returning above Dh500 after two days of gains in the international market. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside prices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and India.) Sign up for our daily business n»»»
Philippines: Ombudsman charges Senator Marcoleta with plunder over alleged ₱75M undeclared campaign donations
Manila: The Office of the Ombudsman here has filed plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta on Friday over allegations that he failed to declare ₱75 million in campaign contributions he allegedly received during the 2025 senatorial elections. Also charged were former »»»