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Worldnews

Russia-Ukraine War: List Of Key Events, Day 1,231

Here are the key events on day 1,231 of Russia’s war on Ukraine. Here is how things stand on Wednesday, July 9: Follow Al Jazeera English:...

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The Lonely End Of Fame: Pakistani Actress Humaira Asghar Ali Found Dead 9 Months After Passing

In a haunting tale of isolation, neglect, and the brutal silence that often surrounds lives lived in the spotlight, the tragic story of Pakistani actress and model Humaira Asghar Ali has shaken Karachi and beyond. Her remains had decomposed in her flat in the upscale Ittehad Commercial area for nearly nine months since she had passed away, leaving all of us with more questions than solutions. What had been a dazzling life full of glitz and glamour was now reduced to a tragic hollowness—no callers, no calls, and no one to pick up her body. The situation only came to light when a court officer broke into her rented apartment to serve her with an eviction notice. The atmosphere that the officer walked into was reminiscent of a dark thriller. Inside the apartment, police found Humaira’s highly decomposed body, spoiled food, rusty containers, dry water pipes, and an open balcony door—tedious but powerful indications that no one had been in the house for months. Officials now estimate Humaira died in October 2024, despite her body being found in July 2025. Initially, doctors approximated her death a month ago. But upon examining her online activity and call detail records (CDR), officials found a different timeline. According to Deputy Inspector General Syed Asad Raza, Humaira’s last recorded phone call was in October 2024. Her final Facebook post was on September 11, and her last Instagram update was on September 30, further solidifying the belief that her death occurred shortly thereafter. Neighbors confirmed they hadn’t seen her since late September or early October. When police and forensic teams examined the apartment, they encountered a chilling stillness. There were no signs of foul play, yet the setting was starkly lifeless—no candles, no backup power, and no effort made to keep the space livable once utilities were cut off. The only neighboring apartment on the same floor was unoccupied until February, and by the time the new tenants moved in, any odor from the decomposing body had long since dissipated. One investigator described the scene with unsettling clarity: “She probably died between paying her last utility bills and when her electricity was disconnected in October 2024.” What makes Humaira’s story even more disturbing is the lack of anyone noticing her absence. She died alone, and no one—friends, family, or fans—raised an alarm. It was only when legal action for eviction was initiated that anyone thought to check in. Adding another layer of tragedy, her family reportedly refused to take her body, claiming they had severed all ties with her two years ago. “They flatly refused to own her or take the body for burial,” DIG Asad Raza said, highlighting the painful reality of estrangement in her final years. Sadly, Humaira’s case isn’t unique. Just weeks earlier, the body of 84-year-old actress Ayesha Khan was found in a similar state in her Karachi residence. Ayesha, too, had been living alone. These back-to-back cases have triggered a nationwide conversation around the isolation of senior citizens, especially those from the entertainment industry. Both women once held public attention, graced screens, and had fan followings. Yet, in their final moments and the months that followed, they were utterly alone. Humaira Asghar Ali lived a career of a few television dramas and two films. Though not widely known, she was recognized by many who watched Pakistani entertainment. On social media, her life appeared to reveal a woman who was vivacious and had hopes, interacting with her fans, uploading fashion shoots, and giving peeks at work. But below the surface, maybe, was the crushing weight of fame in solitude and a history that gradually herded her off.  The reason for Humaira’s death remains undetermined. There has been no elimination of suicide, accident, or homicide by investigators, although no immediate signs of violence were discovered. Forensic tests are still being conducted, trying to get together on exactly what happened in that tranquil flat in those final days. But one thing is painfully clear: Humaira had been away much longer than people knew. Humaira’s story has to be more than just another sad headline. It’s a sobering reminder of the psychological, emotional, and social isolation that can befall anyone, status or fame notwithstanding. The entertainment world, criticized in the past for glorifying triumph and its fallen stars, needs to take a serious look at how it nurtures its folk behind the camera. And as a culture, maybe it’s time we ask ourselves: Are we really checking in on the people around us? Behind every bright screen personality may be a life quietly fading into the dark. And before the world realizes, it may be much too late.

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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.