Good morning.
Donald Trump made his return to the United Nations General Assembly after a six-year hiatus, delivering a scathing critique of the international organization. He labeled the UN as ineffective, corrupt, and a harmful global entity that should instead emulate the leadership style he champions.
Marking the 80th anniversary of the UN’s establishment, Trump’s provocative address urged nations to seal their borders and expel foreign nationals. He accused the UN of promoting a “globalist migration agenda” and warned world leaders that the organization was “financing an attack on your nations.”
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What was Trump’s message? He called on European leaders to adopt a nationalist approach rooted in heritage and homeland, mirroring his own policies. “The era of open borders has failed and must end immediately,” he declared. “Your nations are heading toward ruin.”
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Why does this speech matter? Supporters of the UN’s principles must confront “the extent to which the world’s leading power appears determined to dismantle the very ideals they uphold,” notes Patrick Wintour, the Guardian’s diplomatic editor. This address raises urgent questions about “the future of global governance without dependable American leadership.”
Trump expresses confidence that Ukraine will reclaim all territory lost to Russia since 2022 invasion
Donald Trump voiced strong optimism that Ukraine will recover all territories seized by Russia since the 2022 invasion, marking one of his most supportive remarks toward Kyiv to date.
Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York, Trump shared his positive outlook on Truth Social, highlighting Russia’s severe economic difficulties. Zelenskyy welcomed Trump’s supportive stance.
Additionally, Trump reiterated his intention to pressure NATO members, including his ally Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, to halt imports of Russian oil.
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What’s the current situation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict? Zelenskyy revealed on Tuesday that Russia is deploying long-range drones into NATO airspace to probe defenses and identify vulnerabilities.
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How imminent is the threat of escalation? According to David Jordan from King’s College London’s Freeman Air and Space Institute, any further escalation would likely begin with new Russian incursions, especially if Moscow aims to disrupt or create divisions within NATO.
On Tuesday evening, Jimmy Kimmel made his comeback to television, denouncing governmental attempts to silence comedians as “un-American.” His return followed a suspension from ABC that sparked a nationwide debate on free speech and criticism of the Trump administration’s intimidation tactics.
“This program isn’t the most important thing,” Kimmel remarked during his first monologue since Disney, ABC’s parent company, paused his show last week amid pressure from Trump’s team over his remarks on the shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. “What truly matters is living in a country where a show like this can exist.”
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What led Disney to reverse its decision? Support poured in from unions, civil rights groups, First Amendment advocates, and public protests. For example, on Monday, the American Civil Liberties Union issued an open letter signed by over 400 Hollywood celebrities condemning this “dark chapter for free speech.”
Additional headlines …
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A new bronze sculpture has appeared on the National Mall in Washington DC, commemorating the “enduring relationship” between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, portraying the two men smiling and holding hands.
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An FX writer for the series The Bear was handcuffed and removed from a New York subway train after a white passenger complained that Alex O’Keefe, who is Black, had his feet resting on a seat.
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Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he would not engage with leading congressional Democrats to negotiate their demands for keeping the federal government operational, leading Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to accuse the president of “fleeing the negotiation table” as a government shutdown looms.
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Errol Musk, father of Elon Musk, aged 79, has been accused of sexually abusing five of his children and stepchildren since 1993, according to a report by the New York Times on Tuesday.
Stat of the day: Over 2 million evacuated in southern China following fatalities in Taiwan and the Philippines due to Super Typhoon Ragasa
Super Typhoon Ragasa has devastated parts of East Asia, resulting in at least 17 fatalities in Taiwan and two in the Philippines. In southern China, authorities have ordered the evacuation of over two million residents as the storm continues its destructive path.
Don’t miss: ‘Charlie Kirk was a polarizing far-right podcaster. Why is he now being hailed as a national icon?’
Saida Grundy, an associate professor specializing in sociology and African American studies at Boston University, argues in an opinion piece that the commemoration of Charlie Kirk distorts his true legacy. She highlights how “Kirk dominated an online realm spreading his trademark inflammatory racist, xenophobic, Islamophobic, and misogynistic rhetoric.”
Climate update: Worldwide renewable energy investments rise 10% in 2024 despite Trump-era setbacks
Global funding for renewable energy technologies and initiatives hit a record $386 billion in the first half of 2025, marking an approximate 10% increase from the previous year, according to Zero Carbon Analytics. This growth persists despite the White House’s attempts to cancel and obstruct clean energy projects.
Final note: ‘I picked red’ – why some brides are opting for vibrant wedding dresses over traditional white
Is the classic white wedding dress losing its appeal? In April, Pinterest saw a 240% surge in searches for “unique wedding dresses.” Rachel Obordo interviewed brides who chose colorful gowns over white. “I initially considered a simple white pantsuit, but it left me feeling uninspired,” shared Q, who opted for a deep green ensemble.
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