Woman likely bitten by shark at New York’s popular Jones Beach

New Zealand’s sudden decision to freeze millions in aid to the Cook Islands over concerns about China’s infrastructure deals has sparked a diplomatic spat. Pacific leaders are calling New Zealand’s move "patronising," while experts warn it could backfire by pushing the Cook Islands closer to Beijing. The tension highlights Wellington’s broader anxiety about China’s growing influence in the Pacific—but the heavy-handed approach might just make things worse.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about aid money—it’s a high-stakes tug-of-war for influence in the Pacific. New Zealand’s attempt to counter China’s clout risks alienating its neighbors, and if the Cook Islands feel bullied, they might cozy up to Beijing even more. For small island nations, these deals aren’t just political; they’re about survival. The fallout could reshape alliances in a region that’s become a battleground for superpower rivalry.

It's game time in the Club World Cup as Benfica and Chelsea face off in the last 16 in North Carolina. The players are walking onto the pitch one by one—same as the group stages—but since this is the knockout round, you’d expect a bit more flair. Maybe a dramatic entrance? The live updates will keep you in the loop as the action unfolds.

Japan’s H2A rocket, a workhorse of its space program for over two decades, has bowed out with a flawless final launch. Its 50th mission successfully deployed GOSAT-GW, a cutting-edge satellite designed to monitor greenhouse gases and water cycles—key tools in fighting climate change. While it’s the end of an era for H2A, its retirement paves the way for next-gen rockets like the H3 to take over.

Editor’s Note: The H2A’s retirement isn’t just about saying goodbye to a reliable rocket—it’s a milestone marking Japan’s progress in space tech. The satellite it carried will provide critical climate data, underscoring how space missions directly tackle Earth’s big challenges. Plus, the smooth handoff to newer models shows Japan’s ambitions aren’t slowing down. For space geeks and environmentalists alike, this is a quiet win.

Dr. Sneh Bhargava, the first and only woman to serve as director of AIIMS New Delhi, recounts her harrowing experience treating Prime Minister Indira Gandhi after her assassination in 1984. The article offers a rare, personal glimpse into the chaos and urgency of that tragic day through the eyes of a trailblazing physician who was thrust into history.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a historical footnote—it’s a human story about resilience, duty, and the weight of witnessing a nation’s defining trauma. Dr. Bhargava’s account bridges the personal and political, reminding us how pivotal moments live on in those who were there. For Indians, Gandhi’s assassination reshaped the country’s future; for the rest of us, it’s a sobering reflection on how violence intersects with leadership.

Glastonbury 2025’s Saturday lineup is packed with big names and surprises, from Charli XCX to the politically charged Kneecap—whose performance has stirred controversy after Keir Starmer’s objections. The festival’s live coverage will include reviews, photos, and updates, starting with sets from Kaiser Chiefs and Brandi Carlile.