Writing the summary…
Fed expected to raise interest rates. And, board votes to close Kennedy Center
Source: NPR
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The Guardian
Former Kosovo president Thaçi sentenced to 25 years in prison by international court in The Hague – Europe live
Thaçi held criminally responsible for war crimes during the violent break from Serbia in the 1990s Von der Leyen says “kickstarting Europe’s economy is our number one priority,” as Europe needs to tap into its huge market, world class industries and services. She says its single market remains too fragmented and needs to reform further, with the aim of completing it by the end of next year. “ Do we want to rally around our European idea that together we can decide our own destiny? Or do we let our democracies be undermined by the proxies and puppets of authoritarians? Whether it is the ultra nationalist or the anti-European, whether it’s Russian interference or disinformation, the names may be different, but their goal is the same. Continue reading...
BBC News
Eight children among 21 killed after war-damaged Gaza building collapses, rescuers say
Dozens of people are missing beneath the rubble of a building hit by an Israeli strike last year, where some 10 families had been living.
Al Jazeera
US set to approve 60,000 heavy bombs for Israel: What that means
The package of 2,000-pound bombs comes amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza and its occupation of southern Lebanon.
The Guardian
Microplastics in soil pose global threat by acting like ‘Trojan horse’ to deliver toxins
Exclusive: Plastic surfaces form hotspots with an increase of antibiotic-resistant genes, study finds Microplastics act like a “Trojan horse” delivering pollutants, pesticides and bacteria through the soil, a five-year multinational research project has found. The EU-funded project, which has so far resulted in 22 peer-reviewed studies , found microplastics in the soil of all 227 agricultural fields it tested across 11 European countries. The researchers said this poses a global threat , with healthy soils essential for life on Earth. Continue reading...
BBC News
Philippines' Duterte seen in person at International Criminal Court for first time
He is due to be tried for crimes against humanity over thousands of deaths linked to his war on drugs.
Al Jazeera
Alex Eala firm on Asian Games participation despite threat of WTA fine
National lawmakers propose paying her fine should WTA impose it on her for skipping the concurrent mandatory China Open.