In a first, the 2026 World Cup final will include a halftime show

The Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas, has blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the fate of Israeli captives in Gaza, accusing him of obstructing ceasefire and prisoner swap negotiations despite Hamas's willingness to reach an agreement. As the Israeli army prepares to reoccupy Gaza City, Netanyahu remains committed to Operation Gideon 2, aiming for a military victory over Hamas while prioritizing the safety of soldiers and hostages. Want More Context? 🔎

A woman, Mary Elizabeth Smith, is suing a Queens cafe after allegedly biting into a chicken wrap containing a human fingertip, leading to permanent trauma and medical treatment. The cafe's owner dismissed the claims as "ludicrous," suggesting she might have found the fingertip elsewhere, while a DNA test confirmed the remains were human and female. Want More Context? 🔎

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Trinamool Congress MLA Jiban Krishna Saha in West Bengal for his involvement in a teachers' recruitment scam after he attempted to flee by scaling his house's wall and discarding his mobile phone. This arrest follows previous CBI actions against him, with ongoing investigations linked to multiple high-profile arrests related to the same case. Want More Context? 🔎

The Josh eraThe rise of the name Josh in American politics is notable, with three governors and several congressional members named Josh emerging since 2022, a stark contrast to its historical rarity. The name's popularity surged in the late 20th century, influenced by a shift toward Old Testament names, and now there is speculation about future presidential candidates sharing the name. Want More Context? 🔎

New Zealand has been ranked the third safest country in the world for 2025, according to the Global Peace Index by the Institute for Economics and Peace, rising from fifth place in 2024. Iceland remains the top-ranked country, followed by Ireland in second place, with the index assessing factors like societal safety, conflict levels, and militarization. Want More Context? 🔎

Four journalists, including prominent figures Mariam Abu Dagga and Mohammed Salama, were killed in an Israeli missile strike on the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younnis, Gaza, during a 'double-tap' attack while they were reporting on the humanitarian crisis. This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence, with nearly 270 journalists reported killed in the ongoing conflict over the past 22 months. Want More Context? 🔎