Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is the odd one out among the leaders at this year's G7 — not because of her hard-right politics, but because her approval rating is above 40%.
Why it matters: Meloni's brand of politics is on the rise in Europe, as Sunday's EU elections proved, and she's hosting a who's who of humbled PMs and presidents.
Group of Seven leaders have agreed to send Ukraine $50 billion in aid by the end of the year by using profits generated by around $300 billion worth of sovereign Russian assets frozen in Western countries, President Biden said on Thursday.
Why it matters: In its third year on the defense against Russia's unprovoked invasion, the aid will be a major boon for Kyiv, which has been desperate for additional financial and military assistance.
Toñita's, one of the last remaining Caribbean social clubs in Brooklyn, has survived for 50 years as a "home away from home" for thousands of Latinos in New York City.
Why it matters: After years of gentrification, local Latino-owned businesses like Toñita's Caribbean Social Club are few and far between.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to release Palestinian tax revenues Israel's ultranationalist minister of finance Bezalel Smotrich froze in early May, three U.S. and Israeli officials told Axios.
Why it matters: The Biden administration is extremely concerned the Palestinian Authority could collapse if the tax revenues are not transferred soon, U.S. officials say.
Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich will stand trial for espionage charges, Russian prosecutors said in a statement Thursday.
Why it matters: A trial would likely resemble other sham proceedings against Americans detained in Russia and political opponents of the Kremlin. Moscow may use it to ratchet up pressure on the U.S. in ongoing prisoner swap talks for Gershkovich.
The Biden administration has grown extremely concerned that escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah in recent days will deteriorate into an all-out war — and is scrambling to prevent it, according to U.S. officials.
Why it matters: Amid the highly sensitive push to reach a ceasefire deal in Gaza, a full-blown war with the Lebanese militant group would dramatically exacerbate the regional crisis and draw the U.S. deeper into the conflict.
The U.S. expanded sanctions against Russia on Wednesday in an attempt to "degrade" its wartime economy amid the ongoing war with Ukraine, the State Department announced.
Why it matters: The move is intended to pressure Russia and hinder its ability to continue the war effort against Ukraine.
Israel's top general met earlier this week in Bahrain with his counterparts from several Arab militaries to discuss regional security cooperation, two sources with direct knowledge of the meeting told Axios.
Why it matters: The low-profile meeting, which took place under the auspices of U.S. Central Command, hasn't been publicly disclosed because of the regional political sensitivities around the war in Gaza.
Secretary of State Tony Blinken said Wednesday that Hamas has not accepted the U.S.-backed proposal for a hostage and ceasefire deal and presented "numerous changes" that go beyond its previous positions.
Why it matters: The U.S. and international mediators see the proposal as the best chance to end eight months of war. About 120 hostages are still being held by Hamas in Gaza and more than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in the war in Gaza, according to local health authorities.
Four American college instructors from Iowa were stabbed in a public park in China on Monday, according to both their university and Chinese officials.
Why it matters: Though the motive remains unclear, Chinese police said Tuesday that a suspect had been arrested in connection to the attack.
Pope Francis will host some of the world's top comedians at the Vatican on Friday — including Whoopi Goldberg, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Rock and Stephen Colbert, the Vatican announced.
Why it matters: The pope "has acknowledged the power the art of comedy has to contribute to a more empathetic and sympathetic world," the Vatican News notes.
