Show HN: VNN – AI news aggregator that verifies every source live
A new AI news aggregator called VNN launched on Hacker News, claiming to verify every source it aggregates in real time. The platform curates stories from global events, including a UC Berkeley study estimating 3,400 excess deaths per day from India's heat wave and reports on China Coast Guard patrols near Taiwan. VNN aims to address misinformation by providing live source verification for each news item it presents.
[India Heat Wave: Study Finds 3,400 Deaths Per Day](/posts/2026/06/03/india-heat-wave-3400-deaths-per-day) UC Berkeley study estimates India's extreme heat wave causes 3,400 excess deaths daily, with 30,000 in a five-day heatwave. UC Berkeley study estimates India's extreme heat wave causes 3,400 excess deaths daily, with 30,000 in a five-day heatwave. China Coast Guard conducts first independent patrol east of Taiwan, forming a 'triangular encirclement' after Japan-Philippines delimitation talks. Iran's IRGC claims strikes on US and Israeli vessels and military bases after US attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of broader conflict. Chinese FM Wang Yi and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper co-chair the 11th China-UK Strategic Dialogue in Beijing, signaling a thaw. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Canada for the first time in a decade, marking a major step in warming relations and laying groundwork for APEC. ECB reports gold has overtaken US Treasuries as the largest global official reserve asset, marking a historic shift in central bank reserves. Chinese AI startup Zhipu AI files for a $2.2 billion secondary listing on Shanghai's STAR Market, just five months after its blockbuster Hong Kong IPO. Thailand's King pardons former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, ending his parole and EM monitoring months early in a major political development. An 18th-century shipwreck in Norwegian waters yields remarkably preserved Chinese porcelain, shedding light on historic Europe-Asia trade routes. South Korea achieves rare trade surplus with China as AI memory chip exports surge 243% in May, reshaping regional trade dynamics amid US export controls. Chinese researchers develop AI-GAMFS, an AI model that forecasts sandstorms 100x faster with 10-30% greater accuracy across northern China. China's Haiwei GD11000 deep-sea winch system sets a world record at 11,228 meters, breaking the foreign monopoly on deep-ocean exploration technology. Beijing launches its first space computing innovation center, advancing satellite computing and space data processing under China's 15th Five-Year Plan. China has harvested 119 million mu of summer wheat, reaching 35% of the target. Favorable weather and mechanized operations drive the rapid harvest. Macao joins the $56B mBridge CBDC platform as sixth member, with 11 local banks beginning cross-border trading and Digital Macao Pataca testing. CNOOC completes Phase II main structure of Bozhong 19-6 gas field in Bohai Sea, boosting China's offshore natural gas production and energy security. Trip.com Group announces $2.2 billion campaign to attract 200 million overseas travelers to China and make the country the world's top tourist destination. Shanghai targets 55 trillion yuan in asset management by 2030, unveiling a new policy to boost RMB internationalization and global financial hub status. Alibaba promotes CTO Wu Zeming to its Partnership steering committee, placing a technology leader alongside Jack Ma and Joe Tsai to drive AI strategy. The PBOC net injected 50 billion yuan through government bond operations in May, continuing a trend of modest liquidity management since February 2026. China's Finance Ministry allocates 99.9 billion yuan in childcare subsidies for 2026, a 10.6% increase, to address the country's declining birth rate. China ranks among the world's top innovative nations as R&D spending hits 3.93 trillion yuan, a new National Bureau of Statistics report shows. Chinese automaker SAIC Motor will invest €200M in a Spanish plant for its MG brand, bypassing EU tariffs of 45.3% on Chinese-made EVs. A historical retrospective on the Long March 1, China's first nuclear-powered submarine, tracing its journey from 1958 to museum display. Guangsha Lions beat Shanghai Sharks 101-93 in Game 4 of the CBA Finals to avoid a sweep. Hu Jinqiu scores 30 as the series narrows to 3-1. Marco Rubio says the US and China must maintain dialogue despite 'significant irritants,' signaling a pragmatic shift after Trump's historic state visit. Sichuan Province launches a sweeping AI+ strategy covering 20 sectors with a three-step roadmap to 2035, positioning itself as a national AI leader. China's retirement age overhaul triggers pension anxiety among workers, while local cadres struggle with bureaucratic 'error tolerance' policies. Four Chinese governors inspect mine safety after a deadly disaster; Yunnan halts county rankings; eight ministries launch jobs drive. Nanchang nears trillion-yuan GDP status, savings bonds join personal pensions, and China's low-altitude economy accelerates toward industrialization. Chinese prosecutors formally indict former Inner Mongolia Chairwoman Wang Lixia on bribery charges, alleging a particularly huge amount of property. Chinese media tackles online 'keyboard violence,' airline luggage fee disputes, and rising diplomatic tensions with the Philippines. China reports progress on hotel hygiene fines, Beijing helmet law at 92.5% compliance, and a cyber police crackdown on illegal e-commerce registrations. The 18th Straits Forum convenes in Fujian on June 13 with 58 activities across four sections, promoting grassroots China-Taiwan exchanges. China issues severe weather alerts across northern regions as Inner Mongolia's Wuliangsuhai Lake achieves remarkable ecological restoration. China's Taiwan Affairs Office rejects Lai Ching-te's claim that Xiaohongshu and TikTok threaten youth, calling it a bid to block cross-strait exchange. The US and Iran exchanged military strikes on June 2-3, 2026, as Trump denied negotiations were suspended. Oil prices surged. China's tourism surges with 7.51 billion scenic spot visitors in 2025, Shanghai leads tax refunds, and industrial tourism emerges as a new trend. Shanghai International Film Festival releases its lineup as the 3rd World Sinologists Conference opens in Dunhuang, China. A Belgian court ruled banks must immediately refund phishing victims, shifting the burden of proof onto financial institutions in a landmark decision. Chinese authorities named 71 mobile apps for illegally collecting personal data, part of a broader campaign to strengthen data privacy enforcement. China's Taiwan Affairs Office says Taiwan is an internal affair after US Defense Secretary Hegseth omits the island from his Shangri-La Dialogue speech. The Red Cross provides 3 million yuan in aid after a Shanxi coal mine gas explosion killed 82 workers in China's deadliest mine disaster in 17 years. A 34-year-old Antwerp man has been interned for stabbing his neighbor 40 times in a homophobic attack. The court called him a 'ticking time bomb.' A joint investigation reveals how Albanian-speaking criminal networks evolved from petty crime to dominate cocaine trafficking in Belgium. Teachers in French-speaking Belgium strike Thursday over education budget cuts. Final exams cancelled in Liège as political crisis deepens. China's Pinglu Canal achieves world firsts in engineering as water filling begins at Madao and Qishi hubs, a milestone for the $10.2 billion waterway. Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke's reform of mutualities faces legal scrutiny over potential conflicts with EU enterprise protections. Five Antwerp jewelers are among 19 arrested in a crackdown on a network that stole gold in France, melted it down, and smuggled it to Belgium. Flemish PM Diependaele calls on CM members to switch health funds, escalating N-VA's clash with Belgium's traditional pillar organizations. Days after a fatal bus-train collision killed four in Buggenhout, another driver from the same company ran a red light at the same level crossing. Greece's Piraeus Port rose from decline to a top-25 global shipping hub through Chinese investment under the Belt and Road Initiative. Europol's Operation KRATOS 2 leads to 29 arrests, dismantles 9 organized crime groups, and removes over 27,000 illegal streaming URLs across 13 countries. Belgian court acquits woman of phone use while driving despite clear camera evidence, ruling unmanned speed cameras lack special evidentiary value. Li Xiaohong, China's former top anti-graft inspector who once led the CCDI, is now under investigation for corruption in a striking reversal. China's strictest Gaokao security: smart glasses, phones, and smartwatches banned from exam rooms, affecting 12.9 million students. As 12.9 million students prepare for China's Gaokao, cities suspend football matches and deploy smart security gates in a nationwide mobilization. A 16-year-old in Tournai, Belgium, has been caught multiple times stealing TEC buses from a depot to drive at night, raising serious security concerns. Chinese researchers identify 63 strategic technologies for potential export restrictions, signaling a major shift in the US-China tech rivalry. Iran's IRGC strikes a Panama-flagged cargo ship with a cruise missile in retaliation for a US attack, escalating Persian Gulf tensions. China's manufacturing PMI hit 50.0 in May as new export orders fell. High-tech sectors surged while traditional industries contracted. Trump claims a US-Iran deal will be finalized within a week to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran suspends talks over Israeli operations in Lebanon. Nvidia and Microsoft partner to launch the RTX Spark Superchip at COMPUTEX 2026, combining Arm-based CPU with Blackwell GPU for agentic AI PCs. BYD unveils its first in-house 4nm autonomous driving chip, the Xuanji A3, with L3/L4 capability and 700 TOPS, marking a milestone in China's EV chip race. Unitree Robotics passes its STAR Market IPO review in a record 73 days, targeting a $6.2 billion valuation as China's humanoid robotics sector booms. China's Long March 12B rocket completes maiden flight, deploying Qianfan constellation satellites and marking a milestone for commercial space. China's sweeping new food delivery regulations take effect June 1, targeting ghost kitchens, mandating AI oversight, and imposing fines up to 200,000 yuan. China's heatwave peaks June 2, affecting over ten provinces, as new rainfall moves into the south bringing relief and potential flood risks. China issues its first State Council-level outbound investment regulation, shifting from approval-based controls to a national security framework. China's wheat harvest reaches 28% completion as the Three Summers farming season intensifies, with record mechanization and favorable weather. China opens the world's first smart elderly care robot station as 321 million seniors face a caregiver shortage. But cost, standards, and data gaps remain. Chinese FM Wang Yi and Brazilian FM Mauro Vieira co-chair the 5th Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue in Beijing, reinforcing South-South cooperation. Senior US and Chinese military officials held candid maritime safety talks in Hawaii under the MMCA to reduce miscalculation risk in the Indo-Pacific. Gold fell below $4,500 per ounce as Iran escalated Middle East tensions by threatening to block the Strait of Hormuz, triggering market turmoil. China announces 8 nominees for the July 1 Medal, the CCP's highest honor, ahead of the Party's 105th anniversary. Chinese authorities punish individuals who cyberbullied a village party secretary falsely accused of wearing gold earrings during flood relief efforts. Chinese researchers identified SCARF2, a 'navigator' protein guiding Hepatitis B virus to the cell nucleus, opening new pathways for curative treatments. China won one gold and two bronze medals in speed climbing at the IFSC World Cup in Madrid, led by 19-year-old Chu Shouhong's gold. China's top prosecutor reports a historic 'dual decline' in juvenile crime and crimes against minors in 2025, with sexual offenses dropping. Chinese pole vaulter Niu Chunge cleared 4.73m at the National Athletics Grand Prix in Bengbu, breaking Li Ling's seven-year-old Asian record of 4.72m. Chinese regulators intensify oversight of AI-generated micro-dramas, targeting vulgar content and calling for value-driven algorithms. China's Supreme People's Court and market regulator release four typical cases on minors' rights, addressing syringe candy deaths and escape room injuries. The 2026 National Survey shows a majority of Belgians now see the United States as an adversary and overwhelmingly support European military autonomy. Chinese cities expand housing provident fund use for renovations, elevator installations, property fees, and heating, unlocking trillions in idle funds. China's central environmental inspection names Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang and Guangdong for severe pollution violations, revealing systemic failures. Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith arrives in Hangzhou for a five-day state visit, strengthening ties on the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Beijing issued dual yellow alerts for thunderstorms and gale-force winds with hail. The warnings came a day after the city entered its annual flood season. Severe rain and hail have destroyed 20% of Belgium's cherry harvest in Limburg, with some growers losing up to 40% of their crop just weeks before picking. Hundreds of Flemish hotel guests scammed in sophisticated phishing wave demanding payment within 11 hours. Attack exploits booking data from unknown breach China's Ministry of Education issues 2026 Gaokao warnings targeting five categories of exam fraud, from organized cheating to AI-driven scams. Belgium's KMI issues Code Yellow thunderstorm warning for much of the country. Emergency number 1722 activated as heavy rain and strong winds expected. Belgian prosecutor reverses 2024 decision, seeks to try three Dutch nationals for attempted kidnapping of former minister Van Quickenborne. Belgian fuel prices rise again: petrol reaches €1.874 and diesel climbs to €2.08 per liter as the US-Iran conflict roils global oil markets. Telenet internet complaints doubled in 2026 as customers face weeks-long outages. The telecom ombudsman recorded a 120% surge in complaints. China allocates 999 billion yuan for childcare subsidies in 2026, a 10.6% increase, as part of efforts to boost the declining birth rate. A 2-year-old girl has died in Middelkerke, Belgium, after slipping out of her home and falling into a nearby stream. The community is in shock. Antwerp and Ostend-Bruges airports test the fully electric Beta Alia CX300 cargo aircraft, marking a milestone in sustainable aviation in Belgium. Prof. Diether Lambrechts wins the Francqui-Collen Prize for 20 years of groundbreaking cancer research, including biomarkers that personalize treatment. Belgium's Ghent ranks 10th worldwide and 4th in Europe for tech density, surpassing New York and Amsterdam with €61B in tech value and four unicorns. Brussels PS leader Ahmed Laaouej claims a 'witch hunt' against his confidant Lotfi Mostefa after a Pano report revealed interference in social housing. Transuniverse takes over most Ziegler Belgium activities across seven sites, saving 282 of 415 jobs. Van Moer Logistics acquires air freight division. Nearly 100 dead spotted smoothhound sharks have washed ashore in Koksijde, Belgium. Scientists say bycatch from coastal fisheries is the likely cause. Freddy Horion, convicted of six murders in 1980, leaves prison after 46 years with an electronic ankle monitor and enters a forensic care center. Grégory D'Andrea delivered an emotional plea at the Falzone trial on his brother's 51st birthday. Prosecutors sought life imprisonment for the driver. The centuries-old rivalry between Aalst and Dendermonde has been officially recognized as intangible cultural heritage, boosting tourism. After 456 years, the Jesuits are leaving Liège. The farewell Mass on June 13 closes a historic chapter in Belgian religious and educational history. Ghent Court of Appeal upholds acquittal of artist Wim Delvoye over double sale of artwork 'Chapel', clearing him of abuse of trust charges. A spontaneous strike by Skeyes air traffic controllers disrupted Belgian air traffic on June 2, causing hundreds of flight cancellations. Liège cancels exams in 13 secondary schools as Wallonia's controversial education austerity decree clears budget committee, deepening the crisis. A personalized mRNA cancer vaccine from Moderna and Merck reduced melanoma recurrence risk by 49% over five years, marking a major advance. U.S. hospitals report rising cases of measles, whooping cough, and Hib as childhood vaccination rates fall below critical thresholds, alarming experts. US strikes on suspected drug boats under Operation Southern Spear have killed over 200 people, sparking debate over legality and effectiveness. Andrew Left, the prominent short seller known for bets against GameStop and Peloton, was convicted on 13 counts of securities fraud by a federal jury. A South Carolina jury found store owner Rick Chow not guilty of murder in the 2023 shooting death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton. Michigan's 2015 vaccine education rule initially cut waivers by 32%, but post-COVID backlash drove exemptions to record highs amid measles outbreaks. Veterans find solace restoring a Japanese garden at the West Los Angeles VA campus, discovering therapeutic benefits through horticulture. Voters across multiple states head to the polls for primary elections, with key races in Los Angeles, Texas, California, New Mexico, Iowa, and New Jersey. Acting AG Todd Blanche reveals DOJ found a cache of Jack Smith investigation documents in burn bags inside an overlooked room at the department. Trump admin installs 13 Revolutionary War statues at DC's Freedom Plaza, transforming a former protest site into a patriotic exhibit for America's 250th. Obama Presidential Center opens June 19 to mixed reviews: a stunning park but a forbidding tower. Critics praise the grounds while questioning design. AP and KFF Health News probe finds over 300 allegations of medical neglect across 33 states, from untreated cancer to festering infections in ICE jails. The EEOC is ending EEO-1 data collection and rescinding a 1979 affirmative action rule, alarming advocates who warn it will blind the agency. Bipartisan lawmakers demand Pentagon action after CENTCOM confirms foreign adversaries exploit commercial location data to track US troops in war zones. CEO confidence plunges below optimism threshold while bond yields surge, signaling a potential economic downturn threatening Trump and Republicans. A federal appeals court ruled Trump's transgender military ban unconstitutional, citing animus. The ruling protects current troops but not new recruits. Trump appoints FHFA chief Bill Pulte as acting DNI, replacing Tulsi Gabbard. The move sparks bipartisan concern over his lack of intelligence experience. President Trump's vow to revoke hundreds of citizenships faces legal hurdles and due process requirements, with only 11 revocations achieved so far. Florida files first state lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging concealed ChatGPT risks including aiding violence and harming children. Rubio says Iran's new Supreme Leader is increasingly engaged in nuclear talks as Tehran agrees to discuss previously off-limits aspects of its program. Timothy Mellon, Trump's biggest donor, transferred a $4.5 million Connecticut estate to Children's Health Defense, RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine nonprofit. An Iowa man killed six family members across multiple locations before dying by suicide as police closed in. Authorities called it an 'act of evil.' Georgia's gas tax suspension expires at midnight, adding $0.33 per gallon. Kemp declines extension amid budget shortfall and election debate. Jill Biden feared Joe Biden had a stroke after his disastrous 2024 debate against Donald Trump, a new memoir reveals. Doctors checked him immediately. New research from the NY Fed finds remote work, not AI, is the primary driver of rising unemployment among recent college graduates. Nine NFL teams and the league's main accounts stayed silent on Pride Month's first day, reflecting the growing culture war over LGBTQ+ issues in sports. Cameron Chung of Minnesota, with his contagious smile, wins the 2026 Gerber Photo Search. The contest honored parents as unsung heroes. Anthropic, the AI company behind Claude, confidentially filed for an IPO with the SEC. Valued at $965B, it leads a wave of AI public listings. The Sunland-Tujunga Fourth of July parade, a 50-year Valley tradition, has been canceled after organizers blamed Mayor Bass's budget cuts and $20,000 fees. China Coast Guard conducts law enforcement patrols east of Taiwan, responding to Japan-Philippines maritime boundary talks Beijing calls illegal. At the Shangri-La Dialogue, cooperation dominated as Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro dodged Chinese media and the US pressed allies on spending. Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng hosts Pickleball Night at the Washington embassy, evoking ping-pong diplomacy to strengthen US-China people-to-people ties. Shi Yongxin, former Shaolin Temple abbot, sentenced to 24 years for embezzling 131 million yuan and bribery. China implemented 102 new national standards on June 1, 2026, covering fire safety, EV batteries, formaldehyde limits, aging society, and SME financing. China's manufacturing PMI slipped to 50.0 in May, ending two months of expansion. High-tech sectors thrive while exports and SMEs struggle. China's new food delivery rules took effect June 1, targeting ghost kitchens with transparency mandates, tamper-evident packaging, and real-name checks. Zhipu AI's market cap surpassed HK$880 billion after shares surged 1,600% since IPO, making it one of Hong Kong's most valuable tech firms. China deploys AI large models across its energy sector, from oil fields to power grids, with measurable gains and a push for tech independence. China's 'Gesheng No.1' deep-sea aquaculture platform off Zhuhai marks a major leap in the nation's Blue Granary food security strategy. Gold prices swung wildly in May 2026, peaking at $4,774 before plunging below $4,400. Analysts weigh Fed policy, central bank buying and the outlook ahead. China's spring break policy for schools shows early promise, but challenges around parental leave, rural access, and childcare remain. Fan Zhendong led Saarbrücken to a historic treble in his farewell performance, winning the German Bundesliga, Cup, and Champions League. Niu Chunge cleared 4.73m to break the women's pole vault Asian record at the National Grand Prix in Bengbu, surpassing Li Ling's 7-year-old mark. A severe windstorm with gusts up to Force 12 struck Harbin, China, on May 31, uprooting trees, damaging buildings, and stranding a roller coaster. China has 112 million Young Pioneers as of December 2025, official data shows. Membership has declined for two consecutive years amid falling birth rates. People's Daily questions a 190 million yuan compensation in Hebei, calling for transparency as a former official is detained over state asset loss. Artificial intelligence is reshaping China's 618 shopping festival as e-commerce platforms deploy AI for recommendations, customer service, and logistics. China launches its third major SOE reform plan (2026-2029), directing state capital toward strategic emerging industries like AI and green energy. Catastrophic flooding in Wallonia surpasses 2021 disaster levels. 20,000 without water, schools closed, and a Leuven photographer loses everything. Li Shumin, former first-level inspector of Shandong Natural Resources Department, is under investigation for alleged serious discipline violations. A Belgian national hospitalized in Rio under Ebola suspicion has tested negative. Fiocruz confirms malaria as global health vigilance continues. Belgian National Survey 2026: over half of Belgians now view the US as an adversary, with 80% supporting full European military autonomy. One year after 11-year-old Fabian was fatally struck by a police vehicle in Brussels, his family renews calls for justice as the investigation continues. Survey reveals 56% of Belgians unaware HPV causes cancer, exposing awareness gaps as Belgium expands vaccine reimbursement to adults up to age 30. China's Jiuzhang 4.0 quantum computer manipulates 3,050 photons, achieving a 10^54 speedup. The breakthrough was driven by PhD students averaging 24. Chinese scientists achieve first commercial supercritical CO₂ power plant using 'atomic stitching,' boosting efficiency by 85% and slashing emissions. A paralyzed patient regained the ability to walk one year after a brain-computer interface implant, challenging medical consensus on spinal injury. Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper visit China this week, continuing a wave of high-level diplomatic engagements. Guizhou University terminated a recruitment after 'radish position' allegations. The university admitted setting improper conditions for the job. An investigation reveals FlixBus has become a vehicle for drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, and human trafficking across Europe. Police dismantled an Antwerp criminal network where gold dealers melted €10M in stolen jewelry from French burglaries in a sophisticated laundering scheme. China's iconic Duku Highway through the Tianshan Mountains has reopened for summer with safety upgrades and a new expressway under construction. Premier Li Qiang signs State Council Order No. 837, enacting comprehensive regulations on foreign investment that take effect July 1, 2026. Belgium approves new law letting online bullying victims request anonymous perpetrators' identities through the Telecommunications Ombudsman Service. BNP Paribas Fortis plans to replace 1,000 jobs with AI over three years through natural attrition, signaling a major shift in Belgian banking. Belgium's new Antwerp prison sits empty for months while the government pays €2M monthly in fees and the old jail remains dangerously overcrowded. Over 80 starry smooth-hound sharks have washed ashore in Koksijde, Belgium. Researchers say bycatch from fishing vessels is the likely cause. Belgium's RTBF faces dual crisis: news director Jean-Pierre Jacqmin steps down after 18 years as all five MR board members resign. Belgian prosecutors argue Paolo Falzone intentionally killed 7 people when he drove his BMW into a carnival procession at 174 km/h in March 2022. Belgium introduces stricter rules for non-EU students requiring faster proof of academic progress and limiting program changes to prevent visa abuse. Flemish minister Caroline Gennez announces €14M in annual funding for childminders, including wage hikes and renovation premiums, to reverse decline. A PwC expert debunks four myths about Belgium's new pay transparency rules taking effect June 7, from salary negotiation to colleagues' pay. A severe storm felled a 200-year-old elm in Leuven's Kruidtuin. The city plans a memorial event and replacement tree amid growing ecological grief. Antwerp Zoo celebrates a historic first: the birth of a critically endangered Rüppell's griffon vulture chick, a major conservation milestone. Belgium's June 1 regulatory update: right to be forgotten extended, HPV vaccine reimbursement expanded, eco-cheque rules broadened, and more. SNCB reports 10% surge in train ticket sales as rising fuel prices push Belgians toward rail travel amid the ongoing energy crisis. Belgian and European police launch a week-long ROADPOL operation targeting bicycles, motorcycles, and e-steps to improve road safety for vulnerable users. Italian cellist Ettore Pagano wins the Queen Elisabeth Competition for Cello 2026, earning the historic Casals Goffriller cello on loan. Boris Dilliès faces his first major crisis as the Foyer Anderlechtois scandal pits coalition partners MR and PS against each other. Belgian CEO Maura Nachtergaele, 33, publicly displays her €10,000 gross monthly salary on a billboard in Antwerp to spark debate on wage transparency. Flanders tightens short-term rental rules, requiring Airbnb registration and giving local councils stronger powers to tackle illegal lets. Khattabi calls on MR to withdraw its commission of inquiry proposal on the Foyer Anderlechtois scandal, warning it could collapse the Brussels coalition. Pairi Daiza CEO Éric Domb criticizes ideological opposition to zoos and defends conservation work after renouncing an 11.5M euro Walloon subsidy. A personalized mRNA cancer vaccine combined with Keytruda reduced melanoma recurrence risk by 49% over five years, according to new clinical trial data. US bombs Iranian military sites after drone shootdown; Iran retaliates with missiles at Kuwait; Tehran suspends peace talks as ceasefire unravels. New oral drug daraxonrasib nearly doubled survival in metastatic pancreatic cancer patients, marking a breakthrough against one of the deadliest cancers. Former Fed Chair Jerome Powell used his JFK Profile in Courage Award speech to warn against political pressure on the Federal Reserve, courts and schools. The EEOC is ending 60-year-old data collection and affirmative action rules, shifting enforcement from systemic discrimination to individual claims. The Pentagon accelerates AI in military operations amid a debate between Hegseth and leaders who insist on human oversight of lethal decisions. Immigrant detainees file class-action lawsuit alleging medical neglect, violence, and unsanitary conditions at Camp East Montana, the largest US ICE camp. A federal judge reviews Trump's $1.8B anti-weaponization fund as GOP senators rebel and Democrats prepare to dismantle the controversial DOJ settlement. Rising Treasury yields signal investor concern over U.S. fiscal policy as the Iran war and tax cuts drive inflation fears ahead of the midterms. Former Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino accuses White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles of watering down mass deportations, exposing internal divisions. Lead prosecutor Matthew Petracca steps down from James Comey's '86 47' seashell case as legal experts question the indictment's First Amendment viability. Federal authorities issued a stern warning after at least 20 protesters were arrested outside the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark for defying a curfew. New report ranks best and worst states for LGBTQ+ people as national acceptance falls for fourth straight year, with 530 anti-LGBTQ+ bills tracked in 2026. Former Colorado elections clerk Tina Peters released from prison after Gov. Jared Polis commuted her nine-year sentence for voting equipment breach. The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1. NOAA predicts a below-normal season with 8-14 named storms, driven by a developing El Niño. Pride events across the U.S. face funding crises as major corporations withdraw sponsorships amid shifting political and cultural landscapes. The disappearance of Lynette Hooker in the Bahamas hinges on why her husband's sailboat tracking system went dark for 11 hours, a former prosecutor says. Becerra, Hilton, and Steyer lead a crowded field in California's record-breaking gubernatorial primary as voters head to the polls June 2. Three Latvian climbers died and one was rescued after a 2,100-foot fall on Alaska's Mount McKinley. Recovery efforts continue on the peak. A 3-foot-wide meteor traveling at 75,000 mph exploded over Massachusetts, causing a double sonic boom heard from Delaware to Montreal. A United Airlines flight to Spain returned to Newark after a teen's Bluetooth device named 'BOMB' triggered a security response and FBI investigation. Matt Brown, star of 'Alaskan Bush People,' was found dead in a Washington river at age 42. The death appears to be self-inflicted, authorities say. President Trump will headline the Great American State Fair after multiple artists withdrew, turning the 250th anniversary into a political flashpoint. The MV Hondius, linked to a hantavirus outbreak that killed 3 and sickened 13, has been cleared by Dutch health authorities after a thorough deep cleaning. Nvidia launches RTX Spark, a 1-petaflop superchip for Windows laptops, bringing AI agents and advanced graphics to personal computers this fall. Serena Williams returns to pro tennis at 44, accepting a doubles wild card at Queen's Club. The 23-time Grand Slam champion will partner Victoria Mboko. President Xi Jinping sends a heartfelt Children's Day message, using the metaphor of 'big friend' caring for 'little saplings' on June 1. All 31 Chinese provinces have released their 15th Five-Year Plans (2026-2030), outlining blueprints for modern industry, domestic demand, and livelihoods. Medvedev warns EU has entered war with Russia after a Russian drone struck a Romanian apartment building, injuring two and sparking a diplomatic crisis. Iran's IRGC shoots down a US MQ-1 drone in the Persian Gulf as President Trump says the US is 'slowly but surely' approaching a deal with Tehran. Pakistan's FM Ishaq Dar rejects US pressure to join Abraham Accords, reaffirming no normalization with Israel until Palestinian statehood. Brazil's Lula condemns US decision to label PCC and Comando Vermelho as terrorist groups, calling it a sovereignty violation and election meddling. Ding Xiangqun becomes the first woman to lead China's National Financial Regulatory Administration amid an anti-corruption drive. Shi Yongxin, former Shaolin Temple abbot who built a global business empire, sentenced to 24 years for embezzling 131 million yuan. Chinese researchers urge cutting export tax rebates after a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus to boost household spending and ease trade tensions. China's hidden local debt fell 3.8 trillion yuan, but 14.8 trillion yuan in LGFV operational debt and high-interest loans create a new financial challenge. Chinese AI developer Zhipu AI briefly topped HK$880 billion in market value, surging 1,600% since its January IPO as investors bet on rapid revenue growth. China launched a satellite internet test satellite from Xichang using a Long March 2D rocket, advancing direct mobile-to-satellite broadband capabilities. China launches a Central Enterprise Sci-Tech Achievement Industrialization Alliance to bridge lab research and commercial production. Northern China bakes under persistent heatwave while southern regions see record electricity loads. Officials warn summer peak could reach 16 billion kW. China proposes a trade and investment consultation mechanism with the EU as Brussels debates tougher measures against Chinese industrial overcapacity. China's GalaxyVS platform combines AI and supercomputing to screen trillions of compounds for drug development, marking a leap in pharmaceutical R&D. Canadian PM Mark Carney met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Ottawa, the first such visit in a decade, signaling a major thaw in bilateral relations. China's electricity market trading volume jumped 25.6% YoY in early 2026, driven by power market reform and full renewable energy market entry. China's Shenzhou-21 crew returns to Beijing after a 209-day mission marked by a space debris crisis, a spacewalk, and science breakthroughs on Tiangong. China warns Japan-Philippines security cooperation damages regional peace after Marcos visit yields intel-sharing pact and maritime border talks. Xi Jinping and Egypt's El-Sisi exchanged congratulations on 70 years of diplomatic ties, reaffirming their strategic partnership and Belt and Road. A pharmacy in Hohhot sold a national procurement drug at 3,960 yuan — nearly 40 times the market price — even after suppliers cut prices. Beijing opens three international social security windows in Dongcheng, Xicheng, and Chaoyang, slashing processing times for foreign nationals. Track laying begins on the Chengdu-Chongqing Central HSR with sub-millimeter precision standards and a section reserved for future 400 km/h operations. Gold prices fell 20% from highs, prompting Chinese banks to offer fee waivers, extended trading hours, and promotions for gold accumulation products. Three Chinese referees depart for the 2026 World Cup, marking the first time China has a full officiating team at the tournament. The Chaoshan-dialect film 'Letter to Grandma' has surpassed 1.2 billion yuan at the Chinese box office, ranking among the top four films of 2026. China's top women's doubles pairs Liu Shengshu/Tan Ning and Jia Yifan/Zhang Shuxian set up all-Chinese final at the KFF Singapore Badminton Open Super 750. China appoints Guan Zhizhou as Hubei Provincial Party Secretary, replacing Wang Zhonglin after a brief five-month tenure in the central Chinese province. China's cyberspace regulator launches a two-month campaign targeting malicious hype and defamation that harms business reputation online. China's SAMR and NDRC issue guidelines for AI metrology systems, targeting algorithm transparency, data quality, and standardized benchmarks. At the 2026 World Digital Education Conference, experts explored cultivating critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving amid rapid AI advancement. China's NHSA urges use of pharmacy price comparison mini-program after CCTV exposed a drug sold at nearly 40x the market price. Hangzhou introduces an 'entrepreneurship accompanying team' model, pairing experienced mentors with startup founders for full-process guidance and support. The 10th China-France Youth Leaders Forum in Kunming and Beijing gathered 40+ young leaders to discuss sustainability and cultural exchange. China penalized at least 11 companies for illegally exporting rare earths and critical minerals, intensifying enforcement of strategic resource controls. On Children's Day eve, China issues coordinated policies on minor education, migrant children services, and protection for disadvantaged minors. China launches World No Tobacco Day campaign urging youth to reject smoking, as experts call for national smoke-free legislation. Seven Chinese ministries jointly issue a landmark policy to develop industrial tourism, promoting factory tours, smart experiences, and heritage sites. Beijing unveils four-season film and TV location tour routes, connecting popular shooting sites with cultural landmarks to boost tourism and spending. China's Guochao trend accelerates as Gen Z embraces domestic brands blending tradition with modern design, projected to exceed 3 trillion yuan by 2028. China's NHSA launches 2026 dual catalog adjustment for medical and commercial insurance, introducing pre-application mechanisms and expanded eligibility. Yueyang BBQ Academy in Hunan graduates its first cohort, standardizing traditional barbecue into replicable skills for employment and overseas expansion. China's May manufacturing PMI held at 50.0%, as high-tech sectors surged while SMEs and traditional industries struggled. A new museum in Hubei showcases the Shijiahe civilization, one of China's earliest urban societies, with exquisite jade artifacts and immersive exhibits. Xinhua investigation reveals Daocheng Yading forced tourists to pay for shuttle buses on a public road. Sichuan suspends fees, launches probe. Fudan professor Ma Ling argues Joyce's 'Ulysses' is an epic of ordinary people, leading 1,800 readers through the modernist classic. Violent overnight storms swept through Wallonia and Brabant, causing widespread flooding, road closures, and property damage from hail. Zhuhai border crossings surpass 100 million passengers 16 days earlier than 2025, driven by GBA tourism and northbound vehicle policies. The 2026 National Survey reveals most Belgians believe everything was better in the past, with pessimism strongest among radical voters. Belgium's Arizona coalition unveils a €6.7 billion savings plan by 2029, with measures on salary indexation, pensions, energy taxes, and air travel. Belgian firefighters declare themselves 'completely powerless' after severe storms, as the union slams the government's multi-billion F-35 jet purchase. MSCI adds 19 Chinese tech stocks as global capital shifts from short-term allocation to long-term commitment, with QFII holdings nearing 200 billion yuan. Belgium's new €195.5M Antwerp prison with 440 cells sits empty while the government pays €2M monthly rent. Staffing shortages and technical delays blamed. Belgium rolls out sweeping June 1 changes: plain tobacco packaging, expanded HPV vaccine coverage, automatic voucher refunds, and railway hiring reforms. China celebrated the 10th National Science Workers' Day on May 30, honoring 291 scientists at the 4th National Innovation and Striving Award ceremony. Chinese Ambassador Fei Shengchao responds to PM De Wever's letter, saying blaming China won't solve Belgium's economic problems. Flemish Minister Ben Weyts expands the summer ban on long-distance animal transports to June, citing heat risks for livestock during summer road travel. Closing arguments begin in the Strépy tragedy trial as prosecutor Me Mayence argues Paolo Falzone intentionally drove into a carnival crowd, killing 7. A man attempted to assault four women in broad daylight near Ghent-Sint-Pieters station. One victim escaped by pulling her scarf over her mouth. At least 20 Belgians lost thousands of euros to Validus, a Dubai-based halal investment platform. Authorities arrested 8 suspects in a Ponzi scheme probe. A Brussels social worker walked 120 km to raise over €75,000 for homeless people, turning trauma from a knife attack into a solidarity challenge. Walloon government mandates grid operators to compensate solar panel owners when systems disconnect due to grid saturation, with payments starting in 2027. A burglar drowned in a Willebroek canal after jumping into the water while fleeing police following a jewelry store break-in attempt. Fifty-six Flemish municipalities raised property taxes in 2026, part of a wave of 88 Belgian towns increasing rates. See which are affected. A Flixbus was stopped on the E40 near Snellegem after two firearms were discovered in the toilet. All passengers were searched but no arrests were made. French philosopher and sociologist Edgar Morin, who pioneered the theory of complex thought and shaped modern intellectual life, has died at 104. Brussels' Zinneke Parade returned Saturday, celebrating the city's diversity with colorful displays despite funding challenges that reduced its scale. Sciensano reports over 9,500 smoking-related deaths per year in Belgium as new plain packaging law takes effect June 1, targeting cigars and pipe tobacco. At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Chinese experts urged upholding the post-war international order and warned against resurgent militarism. A sudden hailstorm with golf-ball-sized hailstones injured around 30 people at a Carl Cox outdoor concert in Liezele, Belgium. Queen Mathilde joined 50,000 participants at the 46th 20km of Brussels. Patrick Nimubona won the men's race, Elisa Vancolen the women's. Belgian singer Niels Destadsbader releases new single 'Vuur en Vlam' as a thank-you after a fire destroyed his loft, with support from Coucke and Meus. A 58-year-old participant was resuscitated during the first Antwerp Chillathlon. The swimming leg was halted while cycling and running continued. A new experimental pill nearly doubles survival for advanced pancreatic cancer patients, targeting the long-undruggable KRAS mutation. All 11 victims identified after a chemical tank implosion at a Washington paper mill, the state's deadliest industrial disaster since 1930. Authorities uncovered a coordinated logistics operation at Delaney Hall in Newark, stocked with masks and medical supplies ahead of violent protests. United Airlines Flight UA236 turned back to Newark after a teen's Bluetooth speaker named 'BOMB' triggered a security emergency mid-Atlantic. The Pentagon accelerates battlefield AI deployment while military leaders urge caution and AI company Anthropic fights a supply chain risk designation. Trump says Iran agreed not to develop or buy nukes, calling it a 'big difference,' while warning the US will 'end it a different way' if talks fail. The death toll from U.S. military strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific has surpassed 200, drawing condemnation. More than 10,000 federal lawyers have left the Trump administration since 2025, a striking exodus hollowing out agencies and legal expertise. ExxonMobil and Chevron executives warn oil prices could hit $150-$160 per barrel as global inventories near critical lows amid the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Billionaires are fleeing blue states over proposed wealth taxes. Analysts warn the exodus could become a major political liability for Democrats in 2026. Mullin's plan to pull customs officers from sanctuary airports draws fierce opposition from airlines, hotels, and a fellow Cabinet secretary. Trump administration appeals a court order allowing all importers to seek refunds for $166B in struck-down IEEPA tariffs, potentially freezing repayments. President Trump dropped his $10B IRS lawsuit for a $1.776B Anti-Weaponization Fund, sparking bipartisan outrage, lawsuits, and a judicial freeze. California's gubernatorial primary on Tuesday features Trump-endorsed Steve Hilton leading a crowded field. Here's what to know about the top candidates. Mayor Zohran Mamdani became the first NYC mayor in 61 years to skip the Israel Day Parade, reflecting record-low US support for Israel. President Trump proposes replacing the Freedom 250 concert with a MAGA rally after multiple artists dropped out, citing the event's political ties. Rahm Emanuel is mulling a 2028 presidential run, arguing Democrats should focus on ideas over identity as the party debates its path. A 3-foot-wide meteor over Massachusetts caused a double sonic boom from Delaware to Montreal. NASA confirmed the fireball released 300 tons of TNT energy. White House releases Trump's physical exam results, showing excellent health, 14-pound weight gain, and near-obese BMI ahead of his 80th birthday. Amy Gertner, wife of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, released a video addressing infidelity allegations that critics called a 'hostage video.' A gas explosion at a Shanxi coal mine killed 82, exposing hidden 'black face' operations and systemic safety failures in China's coal sector. European Commission agrees on tougher China trade policy, prompting Beijing to vow retaliation and escalating tensions between the two economic powers. Beijing penalizes 11 companies for illegal rare earth and graphite exports and launches an anti-smuggling task force in a major enforcement push. The SCO accelerates plans for a development bank to rival the IMF and World Bank, signaling a push to reshape global financial architecture. Shi Yongxin, former Shaolin Temple abbot, sentenced to 24 years for embezzling 131 million yuan and bribery in landmark China corruption case. Investigation reveals Changan Qiyuan A07 driver activated IACC smart driving and took hands off wheel before fatal rear-end crash killing 3. EU fines Temu €200 million under the Digital Services Act for failing to prevent the sale of dangerous baby toys and faulty chargers. A Chinese citizen died in Philippine immigration detention on May 28. Beijing lodged a formal protest, demanding a full investigation. China releases 51 high-value AI + Energy scenarios at a Shenzhen conference, targeting smart grids, virtual power plants, and computing-power coordination. Chinese AI developer Zhipu AI surges to $112 billion market cap after shares hit record HK$1,993, reflecting investor confidence in China's AI sector. The China-Laos Railway has surpassed 100,000 passenger train journeys, carrying 73.38 million passengers since 2021 in a major BRI milestone. Southern China's power grid set four consecutive load records from May 25-28, driven by early heatwaves, AI computing, and economic growth. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visits Canada for the first time in a decade, suggesting Ottawa could double exports to China as bilateral relations thaw. Serbian President Vucic receives China's Friendship Medal and deepens strategic ties during a landmark five-day state visit to Beijing. China issues RMB 6 billion in green sovereign bonds in Hong Kong, attracting 62.4 billion in subscriptions and reinforcing green finance leadership. China enacts new June regulations: Kindergartens banned from external food sourcing, train fare evaders face ticket restrictions. China's new energy vehicles have gained 27.5% in weight since 2020, driven by larger batteries and features, raising safety and infrastructure concerns. China's Cyberspace Administration launches a two-month campaign targeting malicious hype of corporate information and AI-generated disinformation. China names 10 scientists as 'Most Beautiful Science and Technology Workers' on National Science Day, honoring innovation and self-reliance. Liu Xun, legendary Hong Kong actor known as the 'Thousand-Faced Tathagata' and famed for roles in 'Hail the Judge' and 'Swordsman II,' dies at 86. Shanghai's new cultural icon, the Grand Opera House designed as a traditional Chinese fan, nears its 2026 opening with world-first engineering innovations. China's National Security Ministry warns of four methods used by foreign intelligence to steal sensitive data: purchasing, hiring, luring, and deceiving. China's Shenzhou-21 astronauts return to Earth after a record 210-day mission, featuring an emergency crew transfer and groundbreaking space science. China's investigation uncovered 67,604 ghost kitchens on major delivery platforms, leading to a record 35.97 billion yuan fine and new food safety rules. Guan Zhi'ou, 56, appointed Hubei Party Secretary, replacing Wang Zhonglin. He becomes China's youngest provincial party secretary. A Limburg man was questioned by Belgian police after a video on X threatened to kill all Jews. The case highlights rising antisemitism in Belgium. A conditional sentence for the gang rape of a 15-year-old in Geel sparks outrage in Belgium, reigniting debate over lenient sentencing. Jurgen Van Poecke, director of Haren Prison, has resigned in protest against chronic overcrowding and staff shortages, reigniting debate on prison reform. Pete Hegseth's Shangri-La Dialogue speech on China struck a milder tone post-Trump-Xi summit while pushing allies for greater burden-sharing. A wheelchair-bound man with one leg is accused of killing a 90-year-old fellow resident at a Belgian nursing home, raising complex questions. Xi Jinping and Egypt's Sisi exchange congratulations on 70 years of diplomatic ties, reaffirming strategic partnership and Belt and Road cooperation. China's State Council approves a landmark yacht free travel scheme for the Greater Bay Area, unlocking marine tourism and a 100-billion-yuan industry. China's summer box office season kicks off with 53 films, hit 'Letter to Grandma,' and innovative 'Movie+' models transforming cinemas. A hydrogen fluoride tanker truck leaked after a rear-end collision in Hengyang, Hunan. Emergency teams deployed, no casualties reported. Track laying commences on the Chengdu-Chongqing high-speed railway, reducing travel time between the two southwestern Chinese cities to just 50 minutes. Flemish Mobility Minister Annick De Ridder demands tougher justice after a school bus tragedy killed four and a tram attack hospitalized seven. Leaked WhatsApp messages reveal alleged clientelism in Brussels social housing, triggering a political crisis threatening the fragile coalition. A psychiatric hospital in Yunnan was fined only 2,000 yuan for using expired medications on patients, sparking outrage over weak healthcare enforcement. One year after 11-year-old Fabian was killed by a police vehicle in a Brussels park, VRT NWS investigates what reforms have—and haven't—been implemented. China launches second batch of Mother River revitalization, adding 111 rivers and lakes across 29 provinces in a major ecological restoration expansion. Belgium's parliament approves the Arizona coalition's programme law with capped wage indexation, pension reform, energy tax changes and flight taxes. The 2026 RTBF National Survey reveals dramatic political shifts in Belgium: MR collapses in Wallonia and Brussels while PS and far-left PTB surge to lead. Elisabeth Degryse acknowledges Belgium's education reforms were implemented too late, as teacher protests intensify over budget cuts. A Belgian widow faces financial hardship after her husband died during a flexi-job, sparking debate over survivor benefits as government plans expansion. Three hundred mourners said goodbye to Arthur, 12, killed in the Buggenhout bus crash. His parents' letter revealed a boy who understood no aggression. French singer Patrick Bruel cancels all summer festival concerts following multiple rape and sexual assault allegations, affecting events across Europe. Marc Van Ranst reveals his press office advised against a candid interview about the toxic leadership conflict at KU Leuven's Rega Institute. Flemish Minister Zuhal Demir calls au pair promotion 'scandalous,' sparking a debate on whether the system is cultural exchange or cheap labor. A €5,600 woodchip dam in Tielt-Winge, Belgium, was washed away in its first heavy rain, raising questions about erosion control measures. Jinnih Beels tells De Morgen she regrets joining Vooruit, capping a years-long rift over party discipline, a controversial podcast, and particracy. From Athens' chief heat officers to Medellín's green corridors, cities worldwide are adopting innovative strategies to combat extreme urban heat. Belgium's Parliament approved a temporary tax credit for commuting expenses, part of an €80M energy relief package amid soaring fuel prices. Belgian petrol and diesel prices drop over 10 cents per litre from Friday, offering relief at the pump amid high living costs. Five MR board members resign from RTBF amid governance tensions, while budget ministers say July 21 is not a hard deadline for Belgium's federal budget. Belgium increases its flight tax on short and long-haul flights through 2029. Here's how much more you'll pay and what experts say. A man brandishing an axe in Antwerp's Abdijstraat shopping street was overpowered by bystanders before police arrived. No injuries were reported. The traditional barcode is being phased out by 2027 in favor of QR codes. Here's how the Sunrise 2027 transition will change shopping. After the longest internet shutdown in modern history, Iranians are gradually coming back online. But the restoration is partial and fragile. A new 440-cell prison in Antwerp stands empty due to technical issues and staffing shortages, while Belgium pays nearly €2 million monthly in rent. Belgium's Walloon region requires grid operators to compensate solar panel owners when systems disconnect due to grid overload, in a landmark policy. Thomas Gadisseux named Director of News and Sports at Belgian public broadcaster RTBF, as MR party resigns all five board administrators. Belgium's third-largest trade union, ACLVB, rebrands as Synova and drops the 'liberal' label after 130 years, marking a shift toward modernization. HPV vaccine expansion, insurance rights for cancer survivors, tobacco packaging rules, and railway reform: nine changes take effect in Belgium on June 1. Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois built a €88 million business empire spanning sports, tech, music, and hospitality via NXTPLAY Capital. Princess Elisabeth of Belgium graduates from Harvard Kennedy School with a Master's in Public Policy, marking a milestone for the future queen. The traditional Ducasse de Mons, a UNESCO-recognized festival, is underway in Belgium with parades, the Lumeçon combat, and notable guests of honor. Belgian skeleton star Kim Meylemans, ranked world No.1, announces her retirement at age 30 after a historic World Cup-winning season. Michel Ribeiro, who trained De Bruyne and Courtois, explains why another Genk academy graduate—Leandro Trossard—features in the Champions League final. Maximus Textoris Pulcher, the Scottish Fold rescue cat of Belgian PM Bart De Wever, has surpassed his owner with 218,000 Instagram followers. ICE explores selling mega-warehouses and deportation planes purchased under Kristi Noem, signaling a shift in immigration enforcement. Trump weighs a deal with Iran as the US blockade tightens, hard-liners resist, and allegations emerge of Chinese-made missiles aiding Tehran. US inflation hits 3.8% in April, highest in three years, as consumer sentiment plunges to a record low amid the Iran war-driven energy crisis. President Trump signed an executive order directing health agencies to align with a study recommending fewer childhood vaccines, reigniting legal battles. Federal judge reopens Trump's $10B IRS lawsuit, citing 'grievous allegations' the settlement creating a $1.8B fund was a fraud on the court. Trump is warming ties with Belarus strongman Lukashenko through sanctions relief and prisoner deals, alarming European allies and the opposition. January 6 defendants are seeking compensation from Trump's $1.776B anti-weaponization fund, sparking backlash, lawsuits, and a federal freeze. Brendan John Geier, 26, charged with biting two ICE agents during an anti-ICE protest outside Newark's Delaney Hall detention center. Treasury Secretary Bessent confirms a $250 bill design featuring Trump, but a 160-year-old law banning living people on currency blocks its path. A United flight from Chicago was diverted to Wisconsin after a 75-year-old passenger tried to breach the cockpit. Officials cited a mental health crisis. Five people including two children died when a charter bus struck multiple vehicles in an I-95 work zone in Virginia. The driver faces pending charges. Federal judge rules Trump's name was illegally added to Kennedy Center, orders removal within 14 days and blocks planned two-year closure. Springsteen and Morello's Power to the People festival counters Trump's Freedom 250 as artists flee, exposing a widening cultural rift. Amazon MGM Studios greenlights three AI-generated animated series, triggering backlash from Hollywood creators and losing a top filmmaker within 48 hours. Three Latvian climbers died after falling near Denali Pass on Mount McKinley. One climber was rescued in critical condition; three others evacuated safely. Transgender track athlete AB Hernandez advances to CIF state finals in three events as activists rally for and against her participation in girls sports. Virtual power plants gain traction as utilities pay customers for excess solar and battery power, offering a fast solution to grid strain. A star-studded gala for Yue Opera's 120th anniversary aired on CCTV, uniting five generations of artists and all 13 major schools of the beloved art form. Chinese biotech firms set records at ASCO 2026 with 95 abstracts and a $10.5B Pfizer-Innovent deal, fueling concerns over US drug dominance. A rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain surges in DRC's Ituri Province with over 1,000 cases and 241 deaths as medics struggle to contain the outbreak. Prosecutor Me Mayence calls for murder conviction in Strépy-Bracquegnies carnival tragedy that killed seven. Verdict expected in coming days. A Russian drone crashed into a Romanian apartment building, injuring two and shattering the West's assumption the Ukraine war could be contained. U.S. murder and crime rates have fallen dramatically, with homicides dropping 21% in 2025 alone, the largest single-year decline on record. Two chemical crises in Washington and California expose safety gaps as Trump EPA moves to roll back federal chemical accident prevention rules. Seckinger High School, America's first AI-themed school, succeeds through community and supportive teachers, not technology alone. Ballot initiatives across the US target minimum lot size rules to boost housing supply, with Massachusetts voters deciding on a reform measure this fall. An 86-year-old retiree from Las Vegas is offering Greenlanders $200,000 each to sign a petition for US annexation, sparking outrage and a police probe. China's AI sector drives 24.7% industrial profit growth, sparks optical communication export boom, and ignites a funding frenzy among AI startups. China advances global governance reform at UN as Wang Yi proposes nine reform directions, while Laos leader plans state visit and South Asia Expo. China's Defense Ministry warns Japan's 'new militarism' is destabilizing East Asia as a smear scandal engulfs PM Takachi Sanae. China's top prosecutor releases juvenile crime cases, a Chongqing domestic violence case, campus privacy concerns, and a Shuanghui antibiotic scandal. Tibet marks 75 years since the Seventeen-Article Agreement, with Beijing highlighting development gains and diaspora voices challenging the narrative. Shanghai Sharks take 2-0 CBA Finals lead after Goodwin's game-winning three-pointer. Also: Shandong and Hunan win gold at National Diving Championships. China's NHSA will release the first national Basic Medical Insurance Service Directory in Q4 2026, standardizing coverage for 11 categories. China's Central Organization Department allocates 72 million yuan in party fees to support disaster relief in six provinces hit by severe May flooding. CATL launches the world's largest energy storage testbed in Xiamen, a $440M facility with five labs to validate safety, grid integration, and reliability. China's new regulations, effective June 1, expand trade secret protection to include data, algorithms, and code in the first overhaul in 30 years. Xi Jinping calls for accelerated tech self-reliance as China enters the 15th Five-Year Plan, emphasizing indigenous innovation. China's SAMR and NDRC issue guidelines to establish AI metrology standards, tackling algorithm black boxes and data shortages across 14 key sectors. China allocates 72M yuan for disaster relief as heavy rain and sandstorms hit provinces. Thousands of harvesters rush to save wheat crops. Peruvian influencer Nadeska Widausky arrested by Interpol for luring South American women to Brussels' red light district for forced sex work. A Russian drone struck a residential building in Galați, Romania, injuring two. NATO condemns the incident as an unintentional but clear escalation. Belgian Chamber adopts sweeping reform of the Council for Alien Law Litigation, introducing three-track procedures and confidential evidence access. China issues first urban renewal five-year plan as logistics surge, trade-in policies boost consumption, and economists debate export rebate cuts. China announces strengthened policies on AI in education, free preschool, and child-friendly cities to safeguard children's welfare. Belgium deploys two MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones over the Mediterranean under Operation Silent Spear to monitor illegal immigration and arms trafficking. Belgium deploys minehunter BNS Primula toward the Strait of Hormuz, joining NATO forces to secure one of the world's most vital waterways. A Belgian father received 7 years for killing his premature baby; the mother got 20 months suspended for failing to intervene in the weeks-long abuse. Nobel laureate Mo Yan says AI cannot replace human creativity, calling it 'second-hand.' Chinese educators demand urgent standards for AI detection tools. Belgium's Chamber approves pension bonus-malus reform, centenindex wage cap, and energy support in an overnight legislative session. China achieves major milestones: Xi'an-Shiyan HSR trial, CATL energy storage platform, LNG carrier delivery, SAIC's 100-millionth vehicle, and more. Belgian court holds reconstruction of the murder of OCMW social worker Erik Boone in Ghent, as lawyer Jef Vermassen describes a difficult day. RTBF investigation reveals women are being secretly filmed with Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses by seduction coaches. Belgium calls on EU to act. A truck carrying organic peroxide overturned on the Zuiderring in Mol, Belgium, prompting the evacuation of 40-50 homes. No injuries were reported. At least 24 spotted smooth sharks washed ashore between Koksijde and De Panne. Experts believe they were thrown overboard as fishing bycatch. Fifteen-year-old Italo De Coster survived the Buggenhout bus tragedy that killed four. His parents share his trauma as Belgium mourns and investigates. An internal investigation is underway at Belgian public broadcaster RTBF after confidential candidate names were leaked to the press. Leaked WhatsApp messages described as a 'nuclear bomb' expose a deepening political crisis in Brussels over housing and municipal finance scandals. Over 1,300 Flemish school directors send an open letter to Minister Zuhal Demir, demanding more autonomy and time for education reforms. Bpost is processing 50,000 extra packages daily, a 10% surge driven by holiday pay. The company says no delivery delays are expected. Bpost postal workers in Liège and Seraing strike on Friday, disrupting mail delivery after a new collective agreement was rejected by major unions. Conan O'Brien mocked the Trump administration's lawsuits and defended foreign students in a pointed Harvard commencement speech. Belgian singer Laura Tesoro undergoes emergency appendix surgery on the day of The Voice van Vlaanderen finale, casting doubt on her attendance. French singer Patrick Bruel withdraws from Les Enfoirés charity shows after multiple rape complaints, ending a 34-year association with the iconic troupe. Budget Minister Van Peteghem rejects MR chairman Bouchez's conclave idea, exposing coalition tensions amid Belgium's austerity drive. Bpost CEO Chris Peeters calls new social agreement an important step after weeks of strikes, but warns the company's transformation is far from complete. Train services between Halle and Enghien disrupted after a train collided with an escaped cow. No injuries; traffic normalized by afternoon. The 2026 National Budget Survey reveals 40% of Walloons prioritize tax cuts while demanding more state spending, challenging Belgium's austerity plans. Chinese economists call for targeted cuts to export tax rebates after the trade surplus hit a record $1.2 trillion, sparking debate over export-led growth. Dutch discount retailer Zeeman is closing up to 150 stores across Europe by 2028, but its 270 Belgian stores remain unaffected. Queen Mathilde congratulates Princess Elisabeth on her Harvard Master of Public Policy. The crown princess celebrates with family after two years. Brussels Airport will install next-generation CT scanners by 2028, ending the need to remove liquids and electronics from hand luggage. Marie-Jo Lafontaine, pioneering Belgian video artist known for Documenta 8's 'Les larmes d'acier' and royal portraits, has died at 75. Hungarian PM Peter Magyar meets EU's von der Leyen in Brussels to negotiate release of 17 billion euros in frozen funds, racing an August deadline. A seal was spotted swimming through bioluminescent plankton off the coast of Nieuwpoort, creating a stunning blue glow in a magical natural phenomenon. Antwerp's iconic Bonaparte karaoke bar rebrands as Bar België while the Red Devils compete in the 2026 World Cup, hoping to keep the name until July 19. GAT, a new coffee bar in Ixelles, Brussels, serves drinks through a literal hole in the wall. The anonymous owner's unique concept has gone viral. Three young men released under strict conditions after assaulting De Lijn staff and police on a coastal tram in De Haan, banned from West Flanders. Brookings report: 45.5% of U.S. households couldn't cover necessities in 2024, as stagnant wages and rising costs deepen the affordability crisis. Tomato prices have surged 40% as tariffs on Mexican imports, the Iran war, and climate factors create a 'perfect storm' squeezing American consumers. Eight confirmed dead, three missing after a 900,000-gallon caustic chemical tank implodes at Nippon Dynawave paper mill in Longview, Washington. A natural gas explosion destroyed a Dallas apartment building in Oak Cliff, killing three people including a child. The NTSB is investigating. The Fed's preferred PCE inflation gauge rose to 3.8% in April, squeezing households as incomes fall and savings dwindle, complicating rate cut prospects. A bus crashed into six vehicles on I-95 in Virginia early Friday, killing five and injuring 34. The NTSB is investigating. A new report finds replacing aging U.S. voting equipment could take decades and cost $2.71 billion without major congressional funding. Police responded to a swatting call at Justice Amy Coney Barrett's Virginia home. The hoax report of gunshots was quickly determined to be fictitious. The U.S. cattle herd has fallen to 86.2 million head, the smallest since 1951. Drought, screwworm, and consolidation are driving beef prices higher. A federal judge in D.C. declined to block Trump's mail-in voting executive order, ruling the challenge premature. The order remains in effect. A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration's $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, halting payouts ahead of a June 12 hearing. A JAMA Psychiatry meta-analysis finds a single ketamine infusion relieves severe depression within hours and reduces suicidal thoughts for up to a month. Waukegan Alderman Sylvia Sims Bolton turned herself in after allegedly casting her dead mother's mail-in ballot. The ballot was flagged and never counted. Former AG Pam Bondi testified before Congress about her handling of the Epstein files, acknowledging redaction errors but defending DOJ transparency. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she wouldn't run for president in 2028, then backtracked hours later, highlighting Democratic leadership uncertainty. A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded during a static fire test at Cape Canaveral, destroying the vehicle ahead of a planned satellite launch. Florida Highway Patrol's Operation 9 nets 249 illegal immigrants in three-day sweep. Officers warn of 'ghosts' with no records evading detection. SC Democrats celebrate after GOP-led Senate rejects Trump-backed redistricting plan, preserving Rep. Jim Clyburn's seat and dealing blow to White House. NPR's Swing Shift project finds swing voters factoring high gas prices into midterm decisions as a new poll shows 63% blame President Trump. Hyundai plans to deploy 25,000 Boston Dynamics Atlas humanoid robots at US factories by 2028, the largest industrial robotics rollout in history. A Google engineer was charged with insider trading after using confidential search data to make $1.2 million on the Polymarket prediction platform. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces a tight re-election race as wildfires, homelessness, and a celebrity challenger test her leadership in the June 2 vote. The Treasury Department has prepared designs for a $250 bill with President Trump's portrait, but a 160-year-old law and stalled Congress stand in the way. Shrey Parikh, 14, won the 98th Scripps National Spelling Bee in a dramatic spell-off, spelling 32 words in 90 seconds to set a new record. Jill Biden's new memoir reveals she feared Joe Biden was having a stroke during the 2024 debate and questions whether transparency would have been better. Five of nine artists have withdrawn from Trump-linked Freedom 250 concerts on the National Mall, citing misleading nonpartisan claims and safety threats. Pre-sale tickets for the Power to the People Festival, featuring Springsteen, Foo Fighters, and Dave Matthews, began Friday as the tour wraps. CBS News fires 60 Minutes correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega and executive producer Tanya Simon in a dramatic overhaul under Bari Weiss. Caitlin Clark became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500 career assists, doing so in just 59 games amid a hostile crowd at Chase Center. A hidden camera in a Shanghai university restroom led police to detain a graduate student within 24 hours, sparking campus privacy concerns. China delivers the Puteri Johor, its first LNG carrier with fully domestic cryogenic valves, marking a leapfrog in shipbuilding and energy logistics. Chinese AI startups, chipmakers and internet platforms are raising billions as a capital frenzy fueled by US tech valuations sweeps through China. SAIC Motor delivers its 100-millionth vehicle in Shanghai, becoming China's first automaker to reach the milestone and reshaping the global auto industry. China's industrial profits surged 24.7% in April, the fastest in over two years, driven by AI demand, semiconductors, and higher oil prices. Xiaomi cuts MiMo-V2.5 API prices by up to 99% to match DeepSeek, reigniting China's AI price war amid weak Q1 earnings and rising global AI costs. China advances financial power construction under the 15th Five-Year Plan with double-digit loan growth and 800 billion yuan in new policy instruments. Huawei unveils the Tau (τ) Law at ISCAS 2026, shifting chip focus from transistor size to signal speed—bypassing lithography bottlenecks. From fusion energy to humanoid robots, China's new quality productive forces drive high-quality development in the 15th Five-Year Plan era. China's Jan-Apr logistics value reached 121.7 trillion yuan, up 5.5% YoY. High-tech manufacturing and instant retail surge as cross-border networks expand. China's trade-in policy has benefited 31 million consumers and driven 207 billion yuan in sales as Beijing expands subsidies to smart home and AI products. China issues multiple weather warnings as heavy rain hits Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi while sandstorms sweep northwest. May rainfall highest in 10 years. A Chongqing man died after jumping from his apartment following alleged abuse. Police declined to charge his wife; his parents filed a rare private suit. The 10th China-South Asia Expo runs June 11-16 in Kunming, featuring 60+ countries, a new Procurement Matching Center, and 800 free booths for South Asia. Chinese Embassy in Manila says 64 workers detained at a Philippine steel plant have been released after DOJ ruled evidence insufficient. Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith will visit China June 2-6 at Xi Jinping's invitation, strengthening ties during the Year of China-Laos Friendship. A county party secretary in Hunan hid a lighter in his boot before descending into a mine, testing whether security would catch the contraband item. Tai Xiaohu wins men's 1m springboard gold for Shandong; Hunan's Qu Zhixin takes women's all-around title at China's national diving championships. The US Treasury sanctioned Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority, targeting Tehran's toll regime over the Strait of Hormuz and escalating pressure. PLA says it used electronic interference to expel Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter from Xisha Islands waters in the South China Sea. China's top meat processor Shuanghui apologizes after pork tests 37.5 times the legal antibiotic limit, sparking food safety fears and stock sell-off. China protests after Philippine authorities detain dozens of Chinese citizens in raids over illegal work, hazardous operations, and security concerns. Xinhua investigation reveals critical gaps in China's AED network: devices inaccessible, poorly maintained, and public hesitant to use them. Chinese Embassy warns telecom fraud operators moving from Cambodia to Indonesia, urging citizens to stay vigilant. China's anti-corruption campaign ensnares Jiangxi United Front Minister Li Wei just eight months after his cross-provincial transfer from Jilin. China's NHSA exposes six pharmacy cases involving medical insurance fraud, including drug swapping, empty swiping, and reselling returned drugs. China's State Council launches a top-level probe into the Shanxi coal mine gas explosion that killed 82 and injured 128, the worst disaster in years. After Alibaba's Qwen AI refused to discuss a He Ma controversy, People's Daily argued large language models are public infrastructure, not corporate tools. China's industrial profits grew 18.2% in Jan-Apr 2026, led by high-tech manufacturing and electronics as economic transformation accelerates. China's Yangtze River Economic Belt hits 65.83 trillion yuan GDP in 2025 as ecological restoration, green tech, and cultural preservation drive growth. China's Pinglu Canal in Guangxi completes main channel excavation. The 134.2-km waterway, the first canal since 1949, will open in September 2026. China's MSS reveals how cheap home weather stations were used to collect data from military restricted areas and transmit it overseas. China's market regulator launches an eight-month crackdown on 'involution-style' competition in live streaming and food delivery. China outlines sweeping legal reforms under its 15th Five-Year Plan, targeting legislative progress, business improvements, and AI regulation. Beijing launches '2026 Welcome Students Home' initiative with 30,000 youth apartments, a $4.1B talent fund, and the Line 10 Talent Vitality Ring. China and ASEAN deepen ties with FTA 3.0 upgrade, surging trade, and the China-Laos Railway delivering real benefits to communities. With 10 days until the 2026 Gaokao, China unveils major reforms including stricter enrollment rules, AI restrictions, and anti-cheating upgrades. China's second-hand home transactions surged in Q2 2026, with Beijing and Shanghai hitting multi-year records amid government support. Renowned Chinese value investor Duan Yongping acquires a 5.69% stake in Pop Mart worth HKD 11.8 billion, becoming the company's second-largest shareholder. At the BRICS forum in Xiamen, Chinese enterprises showcase smart manufacturing and innovation driving cooperation with partner nations. China expands summer consumption through multi-format integration, blending tourism, sports, and night economy to boost domestic demand. Wuhan Optics Valley achieves breakthroughs in 800G transoceanic transmission and 12.8T optical modules, breaking Western monopoly on high-end optical tech. China's AI industry pivots from free services to paid subscriptions as ByteDance's Doubao leads with tiered pricing, signaling market maturation. China and Austria celebrate 55 years of diplomatic ties with high-level exchanges, highlighting a strategic partnership built on trade and culture. Chinese FM Wang Yi met Serbian counterpart Marko Djuric in New York, reinforcing ties after President Vucic's landmark state visit to Beijing. China releases its first national policy for the marine biomedical industry, targeting 130 billion yuan in added value and multiple new drugs by 2030. Hangzhou launches shuttle bus connecting West Lake to metro after viral videos showed tourists climbing Baoshi Mountain with luggage. Shenzhou-21 and Shenzhou-23 crews complete in-orbit handover aboard Tiangong space station, marking a milestone with the first Hong Kong astronaut. Chinese scientists identify the key gene controlling sugar content in sugarcane, publishing in Nature and applying findings to breeding programs. All 31 Chinese provinces make new energy the top priority in their Five-Year Plans, revealing a nationwide green energy push and strategic differentiation. Qingyang on China's Loess Plateau becomes a 'token factory,' processing 140 trillion daily AI tokens as the nation builds computing infrastructure. China's second domestically built large cruise ship Ada Huacheng Hao completes all 149 trial items in a single voyage, drawing praise from foreign experts. Belgian parliament votes on centenindex and pension reform after months of delay. The measures will impact wages, benefits, and retirement for millions. An overloaded bus rear-ended a truck on a Henan expressway, killing 13 and injuring 3. China's Ministry of Public Security has launched an investigation. Hangzhou authorities raid illegal IVF lab in residential villa, seize equipment and embryos. Undercover reporter assaulted during investigation. Seoul court acquits former President Yoon Suk Yeol of perjury, ruling his testimony was opinion, not false fact. Yoon remains jailed for insurrection. A 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck Yushu, Qinghai on May 28, 2026, following a 3.6 magnitude tremor hours earlier. No casualties or damage reported. Six Belgian magistrates' associations warn the De Wever government's austerity measures are causing 'institutional destruction' of the justice system. Four-year-old Kasper needs €315,000 CAR-T therapy in Rome, not reimbursed in Belgium. His family's crowdfunding highlights gaps in cancer care. Xinhua warns incoming Chinese officials must handle predecessors' unresolved issues, as Party discipline now mandates accountability for legacy problems. Persistent rainfall threatens China's critical 'Three Summers' wheat harvest season. While Hubei suffers losses, northern provinces remain optimistic. Two rare orchid species, including the Nanling tooth-lipped orchid recorded for the first time in Guangxi, have been discovered in Huaping Nature Reserve. China warns it will retaliate if the EU expands trade restrictions on chemicals, metals and clean tech, escalating tensions with Brussels. CSRC Vice Chairman Liu Haoling announces foreign investors hold over 4 trillion yuan in A-shares, marking a milestone in China's capital market opening-up. Quick-thinking neighbors in Uccle prevented a triple child murder after spotting bloodstains. Three children aged 3-9 are recovering, mother arrested. Electrabel distributes €10.4 billion to French parent Engie in Belgium's largest-ever profit distribution, raising questions about capital outflows. Nearly 7 in 10 Belgians believe the economy has worsened, a major national survey reveals, with sharp regional divides over government austerity measures. Belgian hospitals activate Ebola contingency plans after WHO declares international emergency over rare Bundibugyo virus outbreak in DRC and Uganda. Belgium's inflation rose to 4.08% in May, driven by surging energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict. Diesel up 33.7%, airline tickets soar 69.1%. China's CMC issues landmark 26-article measures on senior officer oversight amid the most extensive PLA leadership purge in modern history. The mother of Paolo Falzone, who killed seven carnival-goers, caused an uproar by saying 'One or two dead, what difference does it make?' in court. Young people increasingly turn to AI chatbots for emotional support, but some receive harmful weight loss tips. Experts warn of risks to vulnerable youth. Dries Van Langenhove fined €4,000 for incitement to hatred after a controversial 2024 lecture at KU Leuven, reigniting free speech debates in Belgium. Belgian police raid Anderlechtse Haard housing company and home of alderman Lotfi Mostefa after Pano probe into social housing allocation. Belgian police uncovered an illegal slaughterhouse in a Zwijndrecht shed during Eid al-Adha, rescuing 45 live sheep from the gruesome scene. BASF Antwerp team leader sentenced to 160 hours community service for extreme bullying, including attempted strangulation of a young employee. Nearly half of Belgian employers no longer trust cover letters due to AI-generated content, a new survey reveals, exposing a major perception gap. Ghent jumps to 4th in Europe and 10th worldwide in Dealroom's 2026 tech city ranking, driven by startups, unicorns, and university innovation. The world's first male IUD is in development at CHU de Lille. Named STEOM, it is non-hormonal, reversible, and expected by 2033. A De Morgen investigation exposes gaps in Belgium's supplement regulation, sparking debate over enforcement, influencer marketing, and consumer protection. Strike at Thy-Marcinelle steelworks in Charleroi intensifies as workers block cold-phase access, protesting inadequate severance for 179 threatened jobs. TikTok Shop arrives in Belgium on June 15, letting users buy products directly in the app. Consumer groups warn of impulse buying risks for young people. Meta rolls out paid Plus subscriptions for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, with AI and creator plans coming under the Meta One umbrella. AZ Sint-Jan Brugge becomes first in Europe to implant a tricuspid heart valve via the jugular vein, offering hope for patients too frail for surgery. Belgian fuel prices drop sharply on May 29: petrol down 11.8 cents, diesel down 10.3 cents per liter, driven by US-Iran peace optimism. Belgium faces several more days of sultry weather with temperatures up to 32°C and increasing thunderstorm chances from Friday through the weekend. Belgian arms giant FN Browning Group acquires UK-based Accuracy International, bolstering its precision rifle portfolio and UK defence industry. Parents and adult children are drifting apart more in Belgium, but rarely over big arguments. A look at the quiet trend reshaping family ties. Princess Elisabeth of Belgium graduates from Harvard with a Master's in Public Policy and gives her first interview on student life and future as queen. From insurance and health to eco-cheques and rail jobs, six key policy changes come into force for Belgians on June 1, 2026. Survey: 75% of young French-speaking Belgians have heard of masculinism, but two-thirds reject the ideology. Findings highlight youth attitudes on gender. The landmark Coca-Cola sign atop the former Hotel Continental in Brussels has been permanently removed, ending a 74-year presence on the city skyline. Brookings report: 45.5% of U.S. households can't afford basics. Stagnant wages, high costs, and new inflation pressures deepen the crisis. The U.S. and Iran exchanged military strikes on May 28, threatening a fragile ceasefire and diplomatic talks. Oil prices surged as markets reacted. The UN's WMO warns of a 75% chance global temperatures will exceed 1.5°C between 2026-2030, with record heat, Arctic warming, and severe climate impacts. New York Fed data shows 10% of U.S. families now skip meals due to lack of food, surpassing pandemic highs amid rising costs and SNAP cuts. The PCE price index rose 3.8% in April, the fastest since May 2023, driven by energy costs from the Iran war and straining household budgets. The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 for Terry Pitchford, a Black death row inmate from Mississippi, finding racial bias in jury selection. Trump's DOJ mass-deleted hundreds of Jan. 6 prosecution records from its website, calling them 'partisan propaganda' and rewriting riot history. A catastrophic tank rupture at a Washington paper mill has left 9 workers missing and presumed dead, with 2 confirmed fatalities. CDC data shows 8% of Americans lacked health insurance in 2025, but Medicaid cuts and expired ACA subsidies could drive millions more uninsured. The Trump Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll over perjury allegations tied to her lawsuits against the president. The New York Times reveals the sweeping scope of Trump Justice Department investigations targeting political opponents, from James Comey to Jerome Powell. NYT investigation reveals Texas school police pepper-sprayed, tackled and tasered students over 2,600 times, with minimal oversight and accountability. DOJ sues Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Washington for refusing undercover license plates to ICE agents, escalating federal-state tensions. The Trump administration reviews all 53 Mexican consulates in the U.S., sparking fears among immigrant communities and worsening bilateral ties. Phase III trials show bepirovirsen achieves functional cure in 19% of chronic hepatitis B patients, marking a major treatment advance. President Trump pledged to house 6,000 homeless veterans at the West LA VA campus, but his FY2027 budget allocated zero dollars for new housing beds. NPR report reveals how far-right extremists increasingly target women, with misogyny now as central to white supremacist ideology as racism. 35 former federal judges filed a motion to reopen Trump's IRS lawsuit, alleging the $1.776 billion settlement was 'fraud on the court.' Fertitta Entertainment acquires Caesars Entertainment for $17.6 billion, creating a hospitality and gaming giant with 60 casinos and 550+ restaurants. Former CIA official David J. Rush arrested after FBI seizes $40M in gold bars, $2M cash, and 35 Rolex watches from his Virginia home. Joe Biden sues the Justice Department to block release of 70 hours of private audio recordings from the special counsel classified documents probe. Guatemala agrees to joint military strikes with the U.S. against drug cartels, expanding Trump's anti-cartel campaign into Central America. Trump's gas tax holiday push could worsen an infrastructure funding crisis as the Highway Trust Fund faces a $17 billion shortfall. A sanctioned Russian tanker carrying 270,000 barrels of diesel failed to reach Cuba, deepening the island's catastrophic energy crisis. Conan O'Brien delivers a biting Harvard commencement address as the Trump administration's DOJ antisemitism lawsuit and a worker strike converge on campus. The GSA joins Vice President JD Vance's anti-fraud task force, bringing $126 billion in federal contract oversight to the White House crackdown. Democrat James Talarico pivots to attacking Ken Paxton's corruption scandals in Texas Senate race, giving Democrats their best chance at a statewide win. Happy, the Bronx Zoo elephant at the center of a landmark animal rights case and a groundbreaking self-awareness study, has been euthanized at age 55. Weekly US jobless claims rose to 215,000, but layoffs remain historically low despite economic uncertainty from the Iran war and rising oil prices. Young men are rapidly abandoning Trump as his approval plummets. Democrats see an opening, but can they seize it before the 2026 midterms? With 61 candidates on the ballot and voters slow to turn out, California Democrats face a fractured primary to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. Dana White says building a UFC arena on the White House lawn is an 'honor.' The June 14 event marks America's 250th birthday and Trump's 80th. Despite widespread belief that independent bookstores are dying, ABA membership has tripled over the past decade, reaching levels not seen since the 1990s. Peter Thiel moves to Argentina, buying a $12M mansion and aligning with President Milei's libertarian project, raising digital sovereignty concerns. NYT investigation reveals Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's aggressive Wall Street tactics, 818 corporate entities, and financial disputes. Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello announce the Power to the People festival with Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, and more, set for October ahead of midterms. Bahamas approves U.S. dive team search after GPS data from Brian Hooker's phone contradicts his account of wife Lynette's disappearance. MLB players propose expanded free agency, higher minimum salary, and competitive integrity tax. Owners counter with first salary cap proposal since 1994. Paul McCartney releases his 27th album 'The Boys of Dungeon Lane' at 83, driven by pure creative passion. A look at the acclaimed new record. Harvard's Jewish life thrives as Trump investigates antisemitism claims, with Conan O'Brien's commencement speech adding pointed critique. Conan O'Brien mocked Trump's empathy deficit at Harvard's commencement as the university faces lawsuits, funding cuts, and a graduate worker strike.