Russia says talks on Ukraine security guarantees must include Moscow
Russia has warned that trying to resolve Ukraine’s security issues without its involvement is a “road to nowhere,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Wednesday. He stressed that any summit between Putin and Zelenskiy must be carefully prepared to avoid worsening the conflict, Al Jazeera reported.
Ukraine, meanwhile, is coordinating with European and NATO advisers on military security guarantees. Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said Moscow must act promptly or face stronger international pressure, adding that Ukraine is ready for talks on a fair end to the war.
US court blocks Texas law requiring Ten Commandments in school classrooms
A US judge has blocked a Texas law that would have required public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom, Al Jazeera reported.
District Judge Fred Biery ruled the mandate unconstitutional, citing the First Amendment’s separation of church and state. He said even passive displays could pressure students into religious observance and stifle diverse beliefs.
The lawsuit was filed by parents, faith leaders, and civil liberties groups who argued religion should be guided by families, not imposed by the state.
Texas officials defended the law as part of America’s heritage, with Attorney General Ken Paxton vowing to appeal. The case is likely to move toward the Supreme Court, according to Al Jazeera.
Walmart recalls possibly radioactive shrimp after public warned not to eat
Walmart has recalled frozen shrimp sold under its Great Value brand in 13 US states after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detected Caesium-137 in a shipment from Indonesia, according to BBC.
The contaminated sample did not reach stores, but the FDA warned long-term exposure to the isotope can raise cancer risks. Walmart has removed the products, restricted sales, and urged customers in affected states to discard purchases for a full refund.
The recall applies to stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia, BBC reported.
US weighs Intel stake to secure chipmaking
The US is considering taking an equity stake in Intel instead of issuing grants, Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick said, arguing taxpayers deserve shares for their money, BBC reported.
The plan, tied to Intel’s Ohio hub, remains unconfirmed, with the White House calling reports “speculation.” Intel has pledged support for President Trump’s drive to expand domestic manufacturing.
SoftBank’s recent $2bn investment lifted Intel’s stock nearly 7 percent. Analysts say government equity could safeguard US chip supply but may also slow Intel’s turnaround by adding political influence, according to BBC.
Mohamed Salah wins record third PFA Player of the Year award
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has been named the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Player of the Year, becoming the first player to win the award three times, Al Jazeera reported.
The 33-year-old was the Premier League’s top scorer last season with 29 goals and 18 assists, driving Liverpool to the league title. He also claimed the Player of the Season, Golden Boot and Playmaker awards, the first player to sweep all three in a single campaign.
Salah, who previously won the PFA award in 2018 and 2022, signed a two-year contract extension with Liverpool in April.
North Korea's Kim Yo Jong says South Korea has 'dual personality'
North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong has accused South Korean President Lee Jae Myung of “double standards,” saying Seoul talks of peace while staging military exercises with the US, according to Reuters.
The drills, launched this week, are designed to counter North Korea’s nuclear threats. Pyongyang calls them invasion rehearsals, while Seoul and Washington say they are defensive.
President Lee has taken steps to ease tensions, including implementing past agreements and removing border loudspeakers, but North Korea dismissed his efforts as insincere. Seoul’s presidential office said its moves aim to ensure stability and prosperity for both Koreas.
Kim Jong Un also condemned the drills, calling them a sign of “provocation” and vowing to strengthen North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, Reuters reported.
Australia's Albanese downplays Netanyahu's criticism as ties sour
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended his diplomatic approach after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Australia’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state, Reuters reported.
Netanyahu called Albanese “weak” and accused him of betraying Israel, while Australia had informed Israel of its plans beforehand.
According to Reuters, the dispute escalated after Israel revoked visas for Australian diplomats following Canberra’s cancellation of an Israeli lawmaker’s visa. The tensions unfold amid Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza, which has caused heavy civilian casualties and mass displacement.
Syrian foreign minister met Israeli delegation for regional stability talks
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani met an Israeli delegation in Paris Tuesday to discuss regional stability and de-escalation in southern Syria, Reuters reported.
The US-mediated talks focused on reviving the 1974 Golan Heights disengagement agreement. This was their second Paris meeting in a month after July talks failed to yield a final accord.
According to Reuters, recent clashes in Sweida between local fighters and government forces, partially checked by Israeli airstrikes, underline the challenges facing interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in stabilizing Syria.
