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Worldnews

Trump Blasts MAGA Focus On Jeffrey Epstein After Memo Causes Uproar

US president dismisses lingering questions about accused sex trafficker after law enforcement review dismays supporters. United States President Donald Trump has waved away lingering questions about accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein after the release of a law enforcement memo about the case incensed segments of his MAGA base. Trump’s angry dismissal of the continuing interest in the case on Tuesday came after a joint review by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI concluded that Epstein died by suicide and did not possess a “client list”. “Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy’s been talked about for years,” Trump said in response to a reporter’s question directed at US Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Are people still talking about this guy, this creep? That is unbelievable,” Trump continued, before asking Bondi if she wanted to “waste the time” addressing the question. “I mean, I can’t believe you’re asking a question on Epstein at a time like this, where we’re having some of the greatest success and also tragedy, with what happened in Texas,” Trump said. “It just seems like a desecration.” Prominent figures in Trump’s “Make America Great Again” coalition reacted to Monday’s memo with disbelief and outrage, accusing members of the administration of joining a cover-up about the truth of Epstein’s death and his connections to political and financial elites. Alex Jones, the founder of the conspiracy website InfoWars, called the memo “over the top sickening” and suggested the DOJ might next claim that Epstein “never even existed”. Laura Loomer, a far-right activist and influencer, called on Bondi to resign, suggesting in a radio interview that she appeared more interested in being “another Fox News Barbie” than doing her job as attorney general. In an episode of his podcast, Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson claimed Bondi was covering up “very serious crimes”. Conspiracy theories suggesting that Epstein was murdered and possessed sexually compromising material on powerful figures have circulated widely since his 2019 death in a Manhattan jail cell, particularly in right-wing circles. Before the release of Monday’s memo, senior Trump administration figures, including Bondi and FBI director Kash Patel, had been among the most prominent figures to lend credence to the existence of a list of Epstein’s clients. In an interview with Fox News in February, Bondi was asked if her department planned to release “the list of Jeffrey Epstein’s clients”, to which she responded: “It’s sitting on my desk right now to review.” On Tuesday, Bondi sought to clarify those comments, saying they referred to documents about the Epstein case, rather than a specific list. Bondi also said that she had “no knowledge” of whether Epstein worked with US or foreign intelligence agencies and that thousands of videos reviewed in the case could not be released as they consisted of child sexual exploitation material. “Child porn is what they were. Never going to be released, never going to see the light of day,” she said. Follow Al Jazeera English:...

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Justin Bieber Returns With Swag: Full Album Breakdown, Collaborators, And The Story Behind The Surprise Drop

After a four-year break from full-length studio albums, global pop icon Justin Bieber is back, and he’s doing it in style. On Thursday, Bieber surprised fans with the unexpected release of his seventh studio album, Swag, marking a bold return to music and a new era in his artistic journey. The album is now streaming across all major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, and it has quickly become the talk of the internet. Swag isn’t just another album in Bieber’s discography; it’s a statement. It is his first project since becoming a father in August 2024. The emotional transformation is clear throughout the album, which combines fearless experimentation with flashes of raw vulnerability. The cover shoot, posted on Instagram, sees Justin cradling his son, Jack Blues, and his wife, Hailey Bieber, indicating the way fatherhood has influenced his artistic trajectory. It also represents his first big release following Justice (2021), which opened at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and brought chart-leaders such as Peaches, Hold On, and Anyone. While Bieber launched the Justice World Tour in 2022, he suspended the performances in September of that year to focus on his well-being, making Swag his highly awaited return. The buzz about Swag started earlier this week when enigmatic billboards appeared in such locations as Iceland, Atlanta, and Los Angeles with Bieber’s image and the term “Swag.” Speculation went through the roof on the internet. Was it merchandise? A single? A documentary? Soon after, Justin reposted the billboards on Instagram, confirming the hype. Just hours later, he dropped a video from Times Square revealing a 20-song tracklist. At the time, fans didn’t know that the final release would include 21 tracks. The surprise element worked within minutes of release; social media was flooded with reactions. One fan tweeted, “Justin dropped Swag, and my cat’s already breakdancing to it.” Another wrote, “Swag isn’t just a title; it’s a mission statement. Justin Bieber’s back, and the vibe shift is officially in motion.” Swag is a dynamic blend of genres—pop, R&B, rap, and gospel—and reflects a more relaxed yet intentional Bieber. From trap-infused hooks to tender ballads and introspective moments, the album captures different moods and stages of Bieber’s life. It’s confident without being cocky, a matured version of the 2010s teen idol who once sang Baby. Here’s the full tracklist of Swag: 1. All I Can Take 2. Daisies 3. Yukon 4. Go Baby 5. Things You Do 6. Butterflies 7. Way It Is 8. First Place 9. Soulful 10. Walking Away 11. Glory Voice Memo 12. Devotion 13. Dadz Love 14. Therapy Session 15. Sweet Spot 16. Standing On Business 17. 405 18. Swag 19. Tuma House 20. Too Long 21. Forgiveness The closing track, Forgiveness, is especially strong, a gospel standard Lord, I Lift Your Name on High cover performed by legendary gospel singer Marvin Winans. It’s a spiritual and emotional finale to an album that doesn’t hold back on introspection. The album is full of guest appearances from all sorts of artists, mixing vintage charm with new blood. Here’s who shows up on Swag: • Gunna—with his trademark trap vibes • Sexyy Red—adding bold, no-holds-barred swagger • Druski—with comic relief in skits and interludes • Dijon – injecting indie-soul richness • Lil B—a special guest appearance with a cult following • Cash Cobain—representing the New York drill and sampling worlds • Eddie Benjamin—longtime Bieber collaborator and up-and-comer • Marvin Winans—with gospel authenticity on forgiveness Each artist brings his own special texture to the album, complementing Bieber’s own varied vocals and storytelling. Aside from vocals and guest appearances, Swag rests on the shoulders of strong production. Bieber collaborated with high-profile producers such as Carter Lang, Dylan Wiggins, Daniel Caesar, mk.gee, Daniel Chetrit, Knox Fortune, and others. The A-team blends lo-fi instrumentals, vintage synths, acoustic-driven whittlings, and bass-forward anthems for radio play and headphone satisfaction. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) with excitement: “I’m sorry, but all my tweets will be about Justin Bieber till further notice. 3 songs in and oooooffff.”

“We called the little guy unemployed and with nothing to do so much; little did we know we’d get this feast. Thank you, Justin Bieber.” “I’m already obsessed with this album. There’s not one skip.” Clearly, Bieber’s return was worth the wait. With Swag, Justin Bieber reclaims his place at the top, not with flashy gimmicks, but with evolved artistry, emotional honesty, and genre-blending experimentation. It’s the sound of an artist who’s grown up, faced real life, become a father, and still knows how to make the world dance. Whether you’re in it for the vibes, the vocals, or the vision, Swag delivers on all fronts. And for Beliebers, this album isn’t just a comeback; it’s a cultural reset.

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Worldnews

Irans FM Araghchi, Saudi Crown Prince MBS Hold Fruitful Talks In Jeddah

Tehran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi visits Saudi Arabia for the first time after Iran’s 12-day war with Israel. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah in the first visit by a top Iranian official to the Gulf kingdom after Israel’s war with Tehran. Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Araghchi’s talks with Prince Mohammed and other Saudi officials on Tuesday were “fruitful”. The visit after the 12-day intense conflict between Israel and Iran, which saw the United States bomb three Iranian nuclear facilities before mediating a ceasefire, suggests that the war did not derail the rapprochement between Tehran and Riyadh. Saudi Arabia’s official news agency, SPA, said Araghchi and Prince Mohammed “reviewed bilateral relations and discussed the latest regional developments and the efforts being made in that regard”. “The Crown Prince expressed the Kingdom’s aspiration that the ceasefire agreement would contribute to creating conditions that promote security and stability in the region, emphasizing the Kingdom’s stance in supporting dialogue through diplomatic means as a path to resolving disputes,” SPA said. It added that Araghchi expressed his gratitude to the kingdom for “condemning the Israeli aggression”. The top Iranian diplomat also met with Saudi Minister of Defence Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Israel launched a massive bombardment against Iran on June 13, without direct provocation, killing top military commanders and nuclear scientists as well as hundreds of civilians. Iran retaliated with missile barrages that left widespread destruction in Israel. After the US targeted Iran’s nuclear sites, Tehran responded with a missile launch against a US airbase in Qatar. Shortly after that attack, US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. While Arab countries condemned the attack as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, Iran appears to be pushing to repair relations with Gulf states. Ties between Tehran and Riyadh were strained for years over disagreements around regional conflicts and mutual accusations of spreading instability. But the two countries agreed to restore formal relations as part of a deal brokered by China in 2023, and top Saudi and Iranian officials have been in regular contact. Before the outbreak of the recent war, Saudi Arabia had welcomed Iran’s nuclear talks with the US, saying it supported efforts to resolve regional and international disputes. On Monday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he believed Tehran could resolve its differences with the US through dialogue, but trust would be an issue after the attacks on his country. In an article published by the Financial Times earlier on Tuesday, Araghchi accused Israel of preferring conflict over diplomacy. “Iran remains interested in diplomacy, but we have good reason to have doubts about further dialogue,” he wrote. “If there is a desire to resolve this amicably, the US should show genuine readiness for an equitable accord.” Follow Al Jazeera English:...

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Frances Macron Begins UK State Visit, Calls For Support On Gaza, Ukraine

Emmanuel Macron’s three-day trip is the first state visit to the UK by a European Union head of state since Brexit French President Emmanuel Macron has called for British support to recognise the state of Palestine and help defend Ukraine as he arrived in the United Kingdom for the first state visit by a European leader since Brexit. Macron, in a rare address to both houses of the British parliament on Tuesday, celebrated the return of closer ties between France and the UK, and said the two countries must work together to end “excessive dependencies” on the United States and China. The French president’s three-day trip came at the invitation of King Charles III. Macron was earlier greeted by the royal family, including heir-to-the-throne Prince William and his wife, Princess Catherine, before they travelled in horse-drawn carriages to Windsor Castle. Macron then set out to parliament where he said the two countries needed to come together to strengthen Europe, including on defence, immigration, climate and trade. “The United Kingdom and France must once again show the world that our alliance can make all the difference,” the French president said in English. “The only way to overcome the challenges we have, the challenges of our times, will be to go together hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder.” Macron also promised that European countries would “never abandon Ukraine” in its war against invading Russian forces, while demanding an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. He then urged the UK to work together with France on recognising a Palestinian state, calling it “the only path to peace”. “With Gaza in ruin and West Bank being on a daily basis attacked, the perspective of a Palestinian state has never been put at risk as it is,” Macron said. “And this is why this solution of the two states and the recognition of the State of Palestine is… the only way to build peace and stability for all in the whole region.” He listed the geopolitical threats France and the UK face, and argued they should also be wary of the “excessive dependencies of both the US and China”, saying they needed to “de-risk our economies and our societies from this dual dependency”. Macron went on to set out the opportunities of a closer union, saying they should make it easier for students, researchers and artists to live in each other’s countries, and seek to work together on artificial intelligence and to protect children online. The speech symbolised the improvement in relations sought by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s centre-left Labour Party, as part of a broader reset of ties with European allies following the rancour over London’s departure from the European Union. Later on Tuesday evening, King Charles hosted a banquet for the Macrons at Windsor Castle, with 160 guests, including politicians, diplomats and celebrities such as Mick Jagger and Elton John. Charles used his speech at the opulent state banquet to christen a new era of friendly relations, upgrading the “entente cordiale” – an alliance dating from 1904 that ended centuries of military rivalries – to an “entente amicale”. “As we dine here in this ancient place, redolent with our shared history, allow me to propose a toast to France and to our new entente. An entente not only past and present, but for the future – and no longer just cordiale, but now amicale,” the king said. The UK and France marked the three-day visit with an announcement that French nuclear energy utility EDF would invest 1.1 billion pounds ($1.5bn) in a nuclear power project in eastern England. The two also said France would lend the UK the Bayeux Tapestry, allowing the 11th-century masterpiece to return for the first time in more than 900 years, in exchange for London loaning Paris Anglo-Saxon and Viking treasures. Politics will take centre stage on Wednesday, when Macron sits down for talks with Starmer on migration, defence and investment. Despite tensions over post-Brexit ties and how to stop asylum seekers from crossing the English Channel in small boats, the UK and France have been working closely to create a planned military force to support Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia. The two leaders will dial in to a meeting of the coalition on Thursday “to discuss stepping up support for Ukraine and further increasing pressure on Russia”, Starmer’s office confirmed on Monday. They will speak to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, according to the French presidency. Starmer is hoping the UK’s support for Ukraine will help persuade Macron to take a different approach to stopping people smuggling, with London wanting to try out an asylum seekers’ returns deal. This would involve the UK deporting one asylum seeker to France in exchange for another with a legitimate case to be in the country. A record number of asylum seekers have arrived in the UK on small boats in the first six months of this year. Starmer, whose party is trailing Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform UK party in the polls, is under pressure to find a solution. France has previously refused to sign such an agreement, saying the UK should negotiate an arrangement with all EU countries. Follow Al Jazeera English:...