During a White House meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, President Trump presented a video and printouts claiming to show evidence of racial persecution against white South Africans. Trump has previously made unverified assertions regarding land seizures and violence against Afrikaners.
As Ramaphosa observed, Trump flipped through his materials, repeatedly stating, “Death, death, death,” while largely disregarding Ramaphosa’s explanations of the situation in South Africa. Ramaphosa expressed skepticism about the locations depicted in the video, stating he did not recognize them as being in his country.
Zolan Kanno-Youngs, a White House reporter, noted that the meeting illustrated a foreign leader attempting to provide a reality check to Trump, who instead promoted fringe theories.
Contextually, while there have been incidents of violence against white South Africans, police statistics indicate that they are not killed at a higher rate than other South Africans. Additionally, the U.S. has recently welcomed white South Africans after suspending refugee programs for other groups, reflecting the administration's contentious stance toward South Africa's government.
In Gaza, three days after Israel announced a relaxation of its blockade to allow aid trucks, little to no food, fuel, or medicine has reached the Palestinian population. Although dozens of trucks have crossed into Gaza at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, U.N. officials report that no supplies have been moved from the crossing to warehouses within the enclave.
During his first general audience in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV called for the facilitation of aid to Gaza, describing the situation as “increasingly worrying and painful.” A panel of U.N.-backed experts recently warned that Gazans are at “critical risk of famine,” with many children facing acute malnutrition, a claim that Israel has dismissed.
An investigation revealed that Russia has utilized Brazil as a base for assembling elite intelligence officers, known as illegals. These spies adopted new identities, established businesses, and formed relationships, ultimately preparing to operate under deep cover in the U.S., Europe, or the Middle East. The investigation details how this operation eventually unraveled.
In other news, the Chinese city of Chengdu has experienced a population surge of 30 percent over the past five years, transforming its reputation from a place for slackers to a booming real estate market. This shift reflects young people's disillusionment with the economy and the city's unique attractions, including its pandas.
In cultural news, renowned Japanese manga artist Junji Ito, known for series such as “Tomie” and “Uzumaki,” has gained fame for his ability to build suspense and deliver impactful horror through inventive storytelling. A review highlights some of Ito’s most unsettling works.
For culinary enthusiasts, a recipe for stir-fried lettuce with crispy garlic and fried eggs is recommended as a comforting meal. Additionally, author Ashley Poston suggests ten small-town romance novels, while the Norwegian dramedy “Pernille” is highlighted for its charm. Travel enthusiasts are encouraged to explore Aix-en-Provence, celebrating artist Cézanne, and fashion critics offer insights on current trends.
Readers are invited to engage with various games, including Spelling Bee and Wordle, and feedback is welcomed regarding the impact of Trump’s tariffs.