QUICKREADS

Larry Ellison's rag-to-riches journey: From being raised by adoptive relative to a college dropout
Larry Ellison, Oracle co-founder, briefly became the world's richest person after Oracle's stock surge. A tech mogul and Trump supporter, he owns 41% of Oracle, Lanai island, and has diverse investments across real estate, philanthropy, and technology.

Police search for sniper who killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a gun violence discussion at Utah Valley University. Authorities launched a manhunt for the sniper, who remains at large. Kirk's murder prompted bipartisan condemnation of political violence. Utah Governor Spencer Cox emphasized the threat to constitutional rights posed by such acts. Kirk was a prominent ally of Donald Trump and co-founder of Turning Point USA.

After Russian drones downed, Poland restricts air traffic; UN council to convene: Key updates
Poland restricts eastern air traffic after downing Russian drones near Belarus and Ukraine borders. NATO member's first military engagement with Russian assets raises security concerns. UN council to convene as European leaders suspect intentional Moscow escalation.

US foreign aid cuts could cause additional 22 lakh deaths in high-burden TB countries: Study
Recent cuts to US foreign aid could severely impact tuberculosis programs in high-burden countries like India, potentially leading to an additional 2.2 million deaths over five years, according to a study. The US has been a major funder, and reductions could threaten global TB control efforts, highlighting the urgent need for alternative funding sources.

Ben Shapiro reveals what he thought about Kirk after first meeting, ‘We must pick up the baton where Charlie left it’
Ben Shapiro mourns Charlie Kirk's shocking murder, praising his conservative activism. Describing Kirk as principled and determined, Shapiro calls for continuing his legacy and fighting for a better America while seeking justice for his tragic death.
Charlie Kirk murder: Security failure at Utah event led to shooting? Witness account raises questions
Charlie Kirk was shot during a Utah Valley University event amid concerns about lax security. Witnesses reported no checkpoints, metal detectors, or entry checks. Police acknowledged security failures after the shooting, which caused panic and immediate evacuation.
Pakistani security forces kill 19 militants in raids in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Bannu
Pakistani security forces killed 19 militants in raids on hideouts in northwestern Pakistan, targeting the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. The operations occurred in Mohmand, North Waziristan, and Bannu districts, following a recent attack on a security camp. The military's actions come amid increasing militant violence in the region.

Elon Musk briefly loses ‘world’s richest person' crown to Larry Ellison
Elon Musk briefly lost the world's richest person title to Larry Ellison after Oracle's stock surged, but quickly reclaimed it. The billionaires' net worth difference is $1 billion, driven by Oracle's blockbuster earnings and AI potential.

'Expel Hamas or...': Netanyahu's 9/11 reminder in fresh warning to Qatar after Doha strikes
Netanyahu warns Qatar to expel Hamas leaders, drawing parallels to 9/11. He threatens action if Doha doesn't comply, comparing Hamas' October 7 attack to the 2001 terror strikes and vowing to hunt down terrorists like the US did with al-Qaeda.

China cannot be ignored, Britain's trade minister says, despite row over embassies
Britain's new trade minister, Peter Kyle, is in China to restart trade talks after a five-year hiatus. He emphasized the importance of engaging with China's economy but highlighted that improved ties depend on resolving disputes over embassy construction. Kyle aims to lift trade barriers worth £1 billion, focusing on agriculture, autos, and services, despite ongoing diplomatic tensions.

Melania Trump breaks silence on Kirk's murder, ‘Charlie’s children will be raised with stories instead of memories’
Melania Trump mourns Charlie Kirk's murder, stating his children will be raised with stories and memories. Donald Trump blames the "radical left" and vows to hold those responsible accountable, calling Kirk a patriot and martyr for truth and freedom.

Temporary residents in Canada will be further reduced, signals Carney
Canada plans to reduce temporary residents, including international students, to under 5% of population by 2027. Study permit refusals have increased, with Indian students particularly affected, dropping from 45% to 32% of permits issued.

Two killed, three injured in store shootout at East Oakland, hours after Charlie Kirk's killing
Two people died and three were injured during a shootout at a Cash 4 Gold store in East Oakland after a robbery attempt. The incident occurred on the same day as conservative activist Charlie Kirk's shooting, highlighting escalating gun violence concerns.
Cuba hit by fifth nationwide power blackout this year, leaving citizens in anguish
Cuba faced its fifth nationwide power blackout this year, exacerbating the country's severe economic crisis. The energy ministry reported a total disconnection linked to the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant's unexpected shutdown. With ongoing electricity shortages and aging infrastructure, citizens express despair over the recurring outages, which have sparked rare anti-government protests.

China's rare cut to power pollution offset by higher US emissions: Maguire
In 2025, China's power sector has seen a rare decline in pollution from fossil fuels, with a 1% drop in emissions. However, this reduction is overshadowed by a 16% increase in coal-fired electricity in the U.S., driving global emissions higher. This highlights the interconnectedness of pollution trends and the necessity for global cooperation in emission reductions.
Australian authorities probe US influencer filming wild crocodile wrestling in Queensland
Australian authorities are investigating American influencer Mike Holston for filming himself wrestling crocodiles in Queensland, deeming the act "extremely dangerous and illegal." Despite claiming the videos were for educational purposes, the state is exploring penalties up to AU$37,500. Officials emphasized the importance of respecting wildlife, highlighting the risks posed to both humans and crocodiles.