Hamas releases names of hostages due for release on Saturday

A memorial ceremony will be held in New Orleans to honor 19 Black individuals whose heads were severed in 1872 for racist research and recently returned from Germany. Dillard University President Monique Guillory emphasized the importance of confronting this dark chapter in history with dignity and remembrance, acknowledging the victims as individuals with stories. The service will include a traditional jazz funeral, symbolizing respect and a commitment to never forget their legacy, as the remains...

Riyadh's new metro, inaugurated in December after a decade of construction, is transforming social dynamics in Saudi Arabia by allowing diverse social classes to interact for the first time, as commuters of varying backgrounds share the same journeys. Civil servant Zayed al-Ghamdi noted that the metro has facilitated new connections and reduced his commute stress, while sociologist Mohammed Al-Hamza emphasized its significant impact on societal mindsets. As part of the "Vision 2030" reform initiative, the...

A UK-based activist fund, Palliser Capital, has acquired a 3% stake in Toyo Tire, aiming to enhance returns and advocate for a sale amid disruptions in the global auto sector. At the Sohn Conference, Palliser plans to propose a streamlined balance sheet and a special committee to explore strategic options, including potential privatization, while pushing for $900 million in shareholder returns. Despite Mitsubishi Corporation's significant stake and conservative financial guidance stemming from a past scandal,...

The EU is set to launch an age verification app in July to enhance online protections for minors, aiming for stricter enforcement of existing regulations on platforms handling content for young users. This app will allow users to verify their age without revealing personal information and is part of a broader initiative leading to a digital identity wallet by 2026. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen emphasized the need for social media companies to proactively implement...

Arkansas authorities are investigating whether Grant Hardin, a convicted former police chief serving sentences for murder and rape, used his prison kitchen job to facilitate his escape from Calico Rock prison, where he donned a makeshift law enforcement uniform. Hardin's escape has prompted local, state, and federal law enforcement to search for him, with the FBI offering a $10,000 reward for information. Concerns have been raised by victims' families about Hardin’s kitchen access, which could...

Over 1,300 Israeli academics have signed a letter organized by "Black Flag," calling for an end to Israel's violence in Gaza, warning of a moral collapse within Israeli society. They accuse the government of committing war crimes and urge universities to mobilize against the atrocities, highlighting the complicity of academic institutions. The letter emphasizes the need to deradicalize society and resist the dehumanization of Palestinians, echoing a growing international outcry against the ongoing violence in...