Syria’s schools reopen a week after al-Assad’s overthrow

Several dozen wildfires in Canada have prompted states of emergency, leading to mass evacuations and concerns about smoke reaching the U.S. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe declared an emergency as 17 active wildfires were reported, with 15 communities evacuated due to severe dry conditions. As the situation worsens, smoke from these fires is expected to affect areas across the northern U.S., including reaching Green Bay, Wisconsin, by midday Friday. Full Article

Summary In advance of a meeting in Saskatoon, provincial leaders are preparing to present projects for expedited federal funding, as Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to introduce legislation aimed at reducing infrastructure project approval times from five to two years. This new framework, which will prioritize projects deemed in the national interest, aims to streamline decision-making and address Indigenous and environmental concerns, while balancing economic growth. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has proposed the Ring of...

Egypt has dismissed concerns that a recent court ruling regarding the land use of Sinai's Saint Catherine monastery jeopardizes its UNESCO heritage status, despite warnings from Greek and church authorities. The ruling affirmed the monastery's right to use the land, prompting criticism from Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens, who claimed it infringes on religious freedoms and could lead to the property's confiscation. The Egyptian government, however, pledged to uphold the monastery's sacred status and rejected rumors...

Tyrese Haliburton follows triple-double with single digits as Indiana Pacers are defeated by New York Knicks.The Indiana Pacers lost 111-94 to the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, marking a setback in their quest for a second NBA Finals appearance. Tyrese Haliburton, who had a historic triple-double in Game 4, struggled significantly, scoring only eight points and failing to make a basket in the first half. The Pacers' overall performance...

Bernard Kerik, Former NYPD Commissioner, Dies at 69 Bernard Kerik, who served as New York City's police commissioner during the 9/11 attacks, has died at 69 after a private battle with illness, confirmed by the NYPD. A veteran and recipient of over 100 decorations for bravery, Kerik's career included a fall from grace after pleading guilty to tax fraud in 2010, serving three years in prison, and receiving a presidential pardon from Donald Trump in...

The Russian captain of the MV Solong, Vladimir Motin, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter after a collision with the oil tanker Stena Immaculate off the Yorkshire coast on March 10, 2025, which resulted in the presumed death of crew member Mark Pernia. The crash led to multiple explosions, with Motin alone on the bridge during the incident, while 36 people were rescued from both vessels. Motin's next court hearing is scheduled for September 10, as...