QtrendsTrump abruptly refused to sign a landmark housing bill passed by Congress, citing stalled elections legislation. Russia makes incremental gains in eastern Ukraine while Ukraine strikes deep into Russian territory with long-range attacks. A US-Iran deal draws cautious optimism from Iranians, with Pakistan playing a broker role. A new Ebola outbreak traced to a gold-mining town raises global concern as cases spread to France. A UN commission finds Israel deliberately targeting children in Gaza, accusing it of genocide.
President Trump suddenly reversed course and refused to sign a widely supported bipartisan housing bill that had just passed Congress. He cited stalled elections legislation as the reason for his refusal. The move caught lawmakers off guard and throws the housing package into uncertainty.
Russia continues to make incremental advances in eastern Ukraine, though experts say claims of rapid progress are exaggerated. Ukraine struck back with long-range attacks hitting a major Russian natural gas plant and satellite centers. Crimea has locked down as Putin acknowledged a relentless wave of Ukrainian drone strikes.
Iranians have reacted with cautious optimism to a thorny emerging deal between Tehran and Washington. Pakistan played a key brokering role in the negotiations. Meanwhile, the presidents of Pakistan and Iran reaffirmed their commitment to stronger bilateral ties.
A new Ebola outbreak has been traced to a gold-mining town in the DRC, where the outbreak likely started. Aid agencies are calling for a children-focused response. The first case has reached France, confirmed in a doctor who had worked in the DRC, raising global alarm.
A United Nations commission has found that Israel deliberately targeted children in its ongoing military campaign in Gaza, accusing it of genocide against Palestinians. Israeli attacks continue to kill civilians in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The findings have drawn sharp international condemnation.