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Palestinian Student Sues Michigan School Over Teacher’s Response to Her Silent Protest of Pledge

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Palestinian Student Sues Michigan School Over Teacher’s Response to Her Silent Protest of Pledge

DETROIT (BN24) — A 14-year-old Palestinian American student has filed a federal lawsuit against a Michigan school district, alleging her constitutional rights were violated after a teacher publicly chastised her for refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance in protest of U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza.

Danielle Khalaf

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan and the Arab American Civil Rights League, claims that Danielle Khalaf was subjected to humiliation and discrimination after silently protesting the Pledge over a three-day period in January. Danielle, a student at Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, is of Palestinian descent.

According to the complaint, Danielle’s teacher confronted her in front of classmates, saying, “Since you live in this country and enjoy its freedom, if you don’t like it, you should go back to your country.” The lawsuit argues that this comment, along with other actions, amounted to a violation of Danielle’s First Amendment rights.

“She was exercising a deeply held belief, grounded in her conscience and in protest of the violence unfolding in Gaza,” said ACLU attorney Mark Fancher. “We should all admire the courage it took for her to take that stand.”

The lawsuit further alleges that Danielle was labeled “disrespectful” by the teacher, leading to lasting emotional and psychological harm. It cites episodes of distress, including nightmares, heightened anxiety, and social isolation, including damaged peer relationships.

“It was traumatizing,” Danielle said at a news conference earlier this year. “It hurt, and I know she could do that to other people.”

The ACLU is seeking financial damages on Danielle’s behalf and a court ruling affirming that her rights were violated.

In a prior statement issued after the incident, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools acknowledged awareness of the situation and said “appropriate action” had been taken. The district has not elaborated on what that action entailed and declined to comment further Wednesday due to ongoing litigation.

“Discrimination in any form is not tolerated by Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and is taken very seriously,” the district stated at the time.

Michigan is home to one of the largest Arab American populations in the country, with over 300,000 residents of Middle Eastern or North African descent, second only to California, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

The lawsuit adds to growing concerns about the treatment of Arab and Muslim American students amid heightened tensions over the Gaza conflict. Civil rights organizations have warned of rising bias incidents in schools across the U.S. tied to expressions of political dissent and ethnic identity.

Ecuador Recaptures Fugitive Drug Kingpin Wanted by U.S. Over Cocaine Trafficking

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Ecuador Recaptures Fugitive Drug Kingpin Wanted by U.S. Over Cocaine Trafficking

QUITO, Ecuador (BN24) — Ecuadorian authorities have recaptured notorious drug kingpin José Adolfo Macías, alias “Fito,” more than a year after he staged a mysterious escape from prison, President Daniel Noboa confirmed Wednesday. The fugitive, who is also wanted in the United States on major drug trafficking charges, was apprehended in his hometown of Manta on Ecuador’s Pacific coast.

Macías, the longtime leader of the violent gang “Los Choneros,” was taken into custody by Ecuadorian military forces in what appeared to be a coordinated raid. Officials said he was found hiding beneath a kitchen counter in the basement of a house. Footage released by the military shows armed officers storming the property and one of them pointing a rifle at Macías as he confirmed his identity.

Interpol had issued a Red Notice for Macías following his escape from Guayaquil Regional Prison in early 2024. He had been serving a 34-year sentence for drug trafficking, murder, and organized crime. Authorities only discovered he was missing when military officials arrived to transfer him to a higher-security facility—only to find his cell empty. No credible explanation for the escape has ever been provided.

His recapture marks a significant victory for the Ecuadorian government, which has struggled to contain spiraling violence linked to drug cartels and prison gangs. The arrest also coincides with another high-profile prison break involving Federico Gómez, alias “Fede,” leader of the Las Águilas gang, who escaped custody earlier this week.

Macías has long been one of the most feared criminal figures in Ecuador. U.S. federal prosecutors in New York unsealed a seven-count indictment last year accusing him of trafficking thousands of pounds of cocaine into the United States, in coordination with powerful Mexican drug cartels. The indictment also alleges Macías conspired to smuggle firearms and ammunition from the United States into Ecuador.

“Los Choneros operated a vast network responsible for the shipment and distribution of multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America through Central America and Mexico to the United States and elsewhere,” the U.S. indictment states.

U.S. Attorney John Durham has described Los Choneros as a transnational criminal organization comprised of assassins and arms traffickers. Washington designated the gang as one of the Western Hemisphere’s most violent organized crime groups in 2024.

Inside prison, Macías reportedly wielded considerable influence. He hosted lavish parties with liquor and even cockfighting rings, and once released a video message flanked by heavily armed men, addressing “the Ecuadorian people.”

The Ecuadorian government has labeled Los Choneros a terrorist organization and, earlier this month, raised the reward for Macías’ capture to $1 million. His re-arrest is expected to bolster President Noboa’s campaign against organized crime, which has intensified in recent months following a wave of gang-related violence.

The U.S. Justice Department is expected to formally request Macías’ extradition in the coming days, though Ecuadorian authorities have not commented on when or whether that process will begin.

Trump Administration Sues All Federal Judges in Maryland Over Immigration Removal Block

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Trump Administration Sues All Federal Judges in Maryland Over Immigration Removal Block

WASHINGTON (BN24) — In an unprecedented legal maneuver, the Trump administration has filed suit against all 15 federal judges in Maryland, escalating its fight with the judiciary over immigration policy. The lawsuit, lodged Tuesday, seeks to overturn a standing order issued by Chief Judge George L. Russell III that temporarily halts the deportation of migrants who file habeas corpus petitions in federal court.

The order, issued in May, mandates that immigrants who challenge their detention cannot be removed from the United States until 4 p.m. on the second business day after filing. The administration argues that this rule directly contradicts a Supreme Court ruling and undermines President Donald Trump’s constitutional authority to enforce immigration laws.

“It’s an extraordinary step,” said Laurie Levenson, a legal scholar at Loyola Law School. “Suing an entire federal bench is unheard of—and a clear escalation in the Justice Department’s campaign against judicial intervention.”

The lawsuit underscores the administration’s growing frustration with what it views as judicial overreach that has repeatedly thwarted its hardline immigration agenda. “President Trump’s authority has been undermined since the first day of his presidency by a torrent of court injunctions,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement Wednesday. “This is not just a legal fight—it’s a defense of the democratic will of the American people.”

Chief Judge Russell’s order was aimed at preserving due process for detained migrants, ensuring access to legal counsel, and maintaining the court’s jurisdiction while allowing the government time to formally respond. However, the Justice Department dismissed the order as a sweeping and “lawless” injunction that enjoins executive action without case-by-case analysis.

In its complaint, the Trump administration is asking that all Maryland federal judges recuse themselves from the matter and that a judge from another state be assigned. A spokesperson for the Maryland district court declined to comment.

Legal experts say the suit signals an erosion of long-standing norms. James Sample, a constitutional law professor at Hofstra University, said the Justice Department’s move circumvents typical procedure. “Ordinarily, losing parties appeal injunctions—they don’t sue the court,” he said. Still, he noted, the administration’s repeated transfer of detainees before they could seek relief left the judiciary few alternatives. “The court’s response was cautious and justified,” Sample said.

Among the judges named in the suit is U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, who earlier this year ruled that the government’s deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador violated court orders. The administration admitted the deportation was a mistake, and a Justice Department attorney later fired in connection with the case filed a whistleblower complaint alleging that top officials had discussed ignoring court directives.

Abrego Garcia was returned to the U.S. earlier this month and charged with smuggling. Though prosecutors sought to detain him pretrial, a judge allowed his release pending further proceedings.

The administration’s sweeping lawsuit comes amid a wider confrontation with federal courts. President Trump has previously railed against judicial rulings, once even suggesting the impeachment of a D.C. judge who ordered deported migrants returned to the U.S.—a move sharply rebuked by Chief Justice John Roberts, who said impeachment is not an appropriate remedy for legal disagreement.

Defense of the Maryland order by the court emphasized its intent to maintain legal clarity and procedural fairness amid an influx of emergency filings. The order, later amended, cited repeated instances where the government failed to provide timely information on petitioners’ whereabouts and legal status.

Still, the Justice Department insists the court cannot unilaterally freeze deportations. “This is a textbook case of judicial overreach,” Bondi said, vowing to continue pressing the matter in federal court.

 Mbappé Returns to Real Madrid Training Ahead of Crucial Club World Cup Clash

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 Mbappé Returns to Real Madrid Training Ahead of Crucial Club World Cup Clash

 MADRID (BN24) — Kylian Mbappé has resumed full training with Real Madrid after recovering from a bout of gastroenteritis that sidelined him for the Spanish club’s opening two matches at the FIFA Club World Cup.

The 26-year-old French star, who reportedly lost nearly five kilograms during his illness, had been hospitalized but is now back in contention for Madrid’s next group stage match. His return offers a major boost to manager Xabi Alonso’s squad ahead of their early Friday morning fixture against Red Bull Salzburg.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Mbappé rejoined team activities this week and is being closely monitored as Madrid assesses his fitness. The club has yet to confirm whether he will be included in the matchday squad, but his return to training suggests he could be ready to feature in some capacity.

Mbappé last appeared on the pitch earlier this month during international duty with France, where he scored twice to help Les Bleus secure third place in the UEFA Nations League.

In his absence, Real Madrid managed a 1-1 draw against Saudi side Al-Hilal and secured a 2-0 victory over Mexico’s Pachuca, earning four points from two matches in Group H. Madrid needs a win against Salzburg to guarantee top spot in the group, although a draw may suffice if Al-Hilal fail to defeat Pachuca.

The Club World Cup has offered Alonso an opportunity to rotate his squad, but with a place in the knockout stage on the line, Mbappé’s potential return adds star power to an already high-stakes encounter.

The former Paris Saint-Germain forward, who made headlines with his high-profile summer move to Madrid, is expected to play a central role in the club’s ambitions at the tournament if fully fit. His recovery and return could not have come at a more pivotal moment.

Trump Says U.S. to Hold Nuclear Talks With Iran, Credits Airstrikes for Forcing Ceasefire With Tehran

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Trump Says U.S. to Hold Nuclear Talks With Iran, Credits Airstrikes for Forcing Ceasefire With Tehran

 THE HAGUE, Netherlands (BN24) — President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the United States will begin talks with Iran next week aimed at securing a commitment to end its nuclear program, and credited recent U.S. airstrikes with helping bring a swift close to the 12-day war between Israel and Tehran.

Speaking at a NATO summit in The Hague, Trump described Sunday’s U.S. strikes—featuring massive bunker-buster bombs—as devastating to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, calling the outcome “a victory for everybody.”

“It was very severe. It was obliteration,” Trump said, dismissing early assessments from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) suggesting that Iran’s nuclear capabilities may only have been delayed by several months.

U.S. officials later tempered expectations. CIA Director John Ratcliffe said in a statement that the strikes had “severely damaged” key Iranian nuclear sites, with credible evidence that some facilities were destroyed and would take years to rebuild. Israel’s nuclear agency issued a similar assessment, estimating the strikes set Iran’s nuclear weapons development “back by many years.”

Despite the show of force, Trump said he was optimistic about engaging Iran diplomatically.

“We’re going to talk to them next week,” he said. “We may sign an agreement. I don’t know. To me, I don’t think it’s that necessary… but the last thing they want to do is enrich anything right now. They want to recover.”

Trump gave no details about the venue or participants in the upcoming negotiations. Tehran has long denied that it is seeking nuclear weapons, despite Western accusations to the contrary.

The airstrikes followed Israel’s surprise bombing campaign launched on June 13, which targeted Iran’s military command and its nuclear program. Iran responded with a massive missile barrage that, for the first time, breached Israeli air defenses. By Tuesday, both countries agreed to a ceasefire, bringing a halt to the most intense confrontation between the two nations in history.

Iranian officials reported 627 deaths and nearly 5,000 injuries, while 28 people were killed in Israel. Tight restrictions on media access in Iran have made independent verification of the toll difficult.

In Israel, officials claimed their objectives were met by eliminating Iran’s nuclear sites and missile capabilities. Iran, meanwhile, asserted it had forced an end to the war by successfully striking inside Israeli territory.

President Trump said he no longer supported regime change in Iran, an idea he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had floated during the war. “I don’t want chaos. I want stability,” Trump said. “We’ll work toward something better with them.”

U.N. nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi emphasized that the international community must prioritize access for inspectors at Iranian sites. “Technological knowledge and industrial capacity remain. The key now is transparency and long-term solutions,” he said.

 Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, a moderate who rose to power last year, hinted the war could catalyze internal reform. “This war and the empathy it created are an opportunity to change how officials govern and unite the nation,” he said in a statement carried by state media.

Still, the Iranian government moved quickly to reassert authority. On Wednesday, the judiciary announced the execution of three men convicted of spying for Israel’s Mossad. State-affiliated media also reported the arrest of 700 individuals accused of collaborating with Israel during the conflict.

The war took place amid a sensitive political backdrop in Iran, as Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, now 86, is expected to be succeeded soon. Israel’s ability to strike senior Iranian officials at will has rattled Tehran’s ruling establishment.
 As the ceasefire took hold, residents in both countries began to emerge from shelters and return to daily life, but uncertainty lingers.

“We came back after the ceasefire was announced,” said Farah, 67, who fled Tehran for nearby Lavasan during the Israeli bombing campaign. “People are relieved, but there’s a lot of fear about what comes next.”

In Tel Aviv, Rony Hoter-Ishay Meyer, 38, echoed that sentiment. “The last two weeks were catastrophic. We’re exhausted,” she said. “We just want to get back to our normal energy.”

 Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon Aims to Break Four-Minute Mile Barrier in Paris as Nike Launches ‘Breaking4’ Bid

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 Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon Aims to Break Four-Minute Mile Barrier in Paris as Nike Launches ‘Breaking4’ Bid

 PARIS (BN24) — Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, the most decorated female middle-distance runner in history, will attempt to rewrite athletics history on Thursday night in Paris as she takes on the first-ever unofficial sub-four-minute mile for women.

The attempt, backed by Nike as part of its ambitious “Breaking4” initiative, echoes the sportswear giant’s earlier success in helping marathon great Eliud Kipchoge run an unofficial sub-two-hour marathon. Kipyegon’s run will take place at Stade Charlety, the same track where she set world records in the 1,500 and 5,000 meters.

The 31-year-old three-time Olympic and world 1,500-meter champion is aiming to break her own world mile record of 4:07.64, set in 2023, by more than seven seconds—a margin that would shatter one of the most elusive barriers in women’s middle-distance running.

“If there’s a place for something special, it’s Paris,” Kipyegon said ahead of the attempt. “I’ve broken the 1,500 and 5,000 world records here. I feel the energy on this track. Now we try for this historic mark.”

Weather conditions in Paris are expected to be optimal Thursday night, and the attempt will feature cutting-edge elements designed to maximize Kipyegon’s performance. She’ll be equipped with Nike’s latest super-spikes, weighing just 85 grams, along with specially engineered racing apparel. But more critical may be the aerodynamic pacer formations, inspired by those used during Kipchoge’s sub-two marathon.

A rotating crew of pacers, choreographed by computational modeling to deliver maximum drafting advantage, will flank Kipyegon in tight formation. Each will be fresh enough to maintain the necessary pace—each of her four laps must average just under 60 seconds to break the four-minute barrier.

Kipyegon’s dominance in the 1,500 meters spans nearly a decade. She captured Olympic gold in 2016, 2020, and 2024, and won the world title in 2017, 2022, and 2023. Last year, she also added the 5,000-meter crown to her résumé, underlining her range and durability. Remarkably, she returned to world-class form after a 21-month hiatus following the birth of her daughter in 2018.

She currently holds the world records in both the 1,500 meters (3:49.04) and the mile (4:07.64). Her 5,000-meter record was recently broken by Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay.

Nike’s “Breaking4” mirrors the 1954 milestone when Britain’s Roger Bannister famously broke the four-minute mile for men. Just weeks later, Diane Leather became the first woman to run a sub-five-minute mile. The current men’s mile world record, 3:43.13, was set by Morocco’s Hicham El Guerrouj in 1999.

Thursday’s attempt won’t be officially ratified for record purposes due to the pacer format and technology support, but for Kipyegon and millions of fans watching, a sub-four mile would still be a seismic moment in the sport’s history.

 U.S. Marine Convicted of Sexual Assault in Okinawa, Sentenced to 7 Years by Japanese Court

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 U.S. Marine Convicted of Sexual Assault in Okinawa, Sentenced to 7 Years by Japanese Court

 NAHA, Japan (BN24) — A Japanese court on Tuesday sentenced a U.S. Marine to seven years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in Okinawa, deepening tensions on the southern island long burdened by the American military presence.

Lance Cpl. Jamel Clayton, 22, from Ohio, was convicted by the Naha District Court of assaulting a woman in her 20s in May 2024 in the village of Yomitan. According to prosecutors, Clayton choked the woman from behind, sexually assaulted her, and left her with injuries. The court found him guilty despite his denial of the charges, which prosecutors had sought to punish with a 10-year sentence.

Presiding Judge Kazuhiko Obata said the victim’s account, delivered anonymously and remotely during the proceedings, was both consistent and credible. The court rejected Clayton’s claims of innocence, siding with the prosecution’s argument that the assault was both violent and deliberate.

The conviction has reignited outrage on Okinawa, home to roughly 70% of all U.S. military installations in Japan. Although the island accounts for less than 1% of Japan’s landmass, it hosts the bulk of the 50,000 U.S. troops stationed across the country under the Japan-U.S. security treaty.

“This behavior does not reflect the values of the Marine Corps nor does it exemplify the standards the overwhelming majority of our Marines uphold daily,” said Capt. Kazuma Engelkemier, spokesperson for the 3rd Marine Division, in a statement confirming the verdict. Engelkemier added that the Marine Corps had fully cooperated with the investigation and respected Japan’s judicial process. Clayton has remained in Japanese custody since his indictment last year.

The case is among several high-profile sexual assault allegations involving U.S. service members that sparked criticism in 2024, especially after reports emerged that local authorities initially delayed publicizing the arrests to protect victims’ privacy. That approach triggered accusations of cover-ups and eroded public trust.

Defense Minister Gen Nakatani raised the issue during a meeting Monday with Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, commander of the III Marine Expeditionary Force, calling for stronger disciplinary and preventive measures. The meeting coincided with the 80th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of Okinawa, one of the bloodiest campaigns of World War II.

The legacy of that battle, followed by decades of U.S. military occupation until 1972, has left a deep sense of resentment among Okinawans. Residents continue to protest the noise, environmental pollution, aircraft accidents, and recurring crimes associated with U.S. bases.

The case has also intensified calls for revisions to the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between Japan and the United States. Critics argue the agreement too often shields American personnel from Japanese legal accountability, allowing the U.S. to retain primary jurisdiction over many crimes.

This week, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s Cabinet adopted a new statement revealing that between 2014 and 2024, Japanese prosecutors dropped over 300 criminal cases involving U.S. military personnel, including a 2020 sexual assault case in Okinawa that never resulted in charges.

 Armed Police Arrest Suspect After Rush-Hour Stabbing Near Earl’s Court Tube Station, London

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 Armed Police Arrest Suspect After Rush-Hour Stabbing Near Earl’s Court Tube Station, London

LONDON (BN24) — Armed officers descended on Earl’s Court station in west London during rush hour Wednesday after a man was stabbed near the busy transport hub, police said.

The Metropolitan Police responded to reports of a violent altercation on Hogarth Road, just yards from the station entrance, at approximately 4:24 p.m. London Ambulance Service medics treated the victim for stab wounds at the scene before transporting him to hospital. Authorities confirmed his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-altering.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH), and a police cordon remains in place as officers continue their investigation.

Dramatic footage shared online shows armed officers conducting searches in and around Earl’s Court station, which is served by the District and Piccadilly lines. The incident unfolded as commuters made their way home, triggering a swift response from both the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police.

The stabbing came less than 24 hours after another violent incident occurred in the same area. A viral video circulating on social media showed a man sprinting through the ticket hall at Earl’s Court station and assaulting another individual before being restrained by members of the public. Police said a 20-year-old suspect was arrested in that case on three counts of common assault and remains in custody.

Despite speculation on social media linking Tuesday’s incident to an attempted watch theft, British Transport Police have said there is no indication that robbery was involved.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said officers are actively pursuing leads in the Wednesday stabbing and urged the public to come forward with any relevant information.

“This kind of violence in broad daylight near one of London’s busiest stations is completely unacceptable,” the spokesperson said. “Our officers responded swiftly to secure the scene, arrest a suspect, and ensure public safety.”

The area around Earl’s Court remained partially closed off into the evening, with visible police presence and forensic teams collecting evidence. No additional suspects are currently being sought, police said.

Trump Applauds NATO’s Historic 5% Defense Spending Pledge, Slams Spain for Falling Short

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Trump Applauds NATO’s Historic 5% Defense Spending Pledge, Slams Spain for Falling Short

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (BN24) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday celebrated what he called a “big win” for NATO and Western civilization after alliance leaders pledged to dramatically boost defense spending, agreeing to a new target of 5% of GDP by 2035. The sweeping commitment, finalized at a landmark summit in The Hague, follows sustained pressure from Trump, who had long criticized member states for what he viewed as inadequate contributions.

“This is a great victory for everybody. We’ll be equalized shortly — and that’s the way it has to be,” Trump said at a post-summit news conference, calling the outcome a “big success” and the alliance “stronger, fairer, and more lethal.”

The new NATO declaration commits members to allocate at least 3.5% of their GDP to core defense expenditures, with up to an additional 1.5% to cover broader national security infrastructure investments. The revised goal more than doubles the current benchmark of 2%, first agreed upon in 2014.

While most leaders embraced the shift as a response to evolving global threats, Spain stood out in opposition. President Trump publicly criticized Spain for resisting the new spending requirement, calling Madrid’s stance “terrible” and warning of repercussions in ongoing trade talks.

“They’re not making the same effort as the others — and that’s going to be a problem for them,” Trump said, signaling potential punitive trade measures. His comments followed a tense group photo where Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez appeared visibly isolated.

Sánchez defended his position, stating Spain was already making an “enormous effort” to reach 2.1% of GDP and calling the 5% goal “misguided.” Nevertheless, he signed the final communiqué, asserting it allowed “flexibility” for individual nations to meet the commitments in line with national capabilities.

The summit, described by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte as historic, came amid heightened tensions with Russia and ongoing instability in the Middle East. Leaders reaffirmed NATO’s foundational Article 5, which guarantees mutual defense, though notably the final declaration stopped short of directly condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — a shift from previous statements.

“No one should doubt our capacity or determination should our security be challenged,” Rutte said. “We’re building a stronger alliance at a dangerous moment.”

The gathering marked Trump’s first NATO summit since 2019. While he initially raised eyebrows with comments questioning the alliance’s security guarantees, he later reaffirmed his support: “I stand with Article 5. That’s why I’m here.”

The summit also offered a moment of levity. During a discussion of the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel — a truce Trump helped broker — the president likened the warring nations to “two kids in a schoolyard.” Rutte quipped in response, “And then daddy has to sometimes use strong language,” referencing Trump’s on-camera expletive-laced frustration over ceasefire instability.

In bilateral talks on the sidelines, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. While expressing continued support for Kyiv, Trump acknowledged the difficulties of securing a lasting peace with Russia. “It’s more difficult than I thought,” he said, hinting at further military assistance and suggesting he had asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to “help us on Russia, not Iran.”

NATO’s final communiqué emphasized Ukraine’s central role in European security, stating that contributions to Ukraine’s defense — including direct military aid and support for its defense industry — would count toward member states’ defense spending.

The commitment also drew pushback from French President Emmanuel Macron, who challenged Trump’s ongoing trade disputes with the European Union. “We can’t call for more defense spending among allies and then wage a trade war against one another — it makes no sense,” Macron said.

Despite mixed responses, many leaders praised the summit’s unity. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declared NATO “more relevant than ever,” saying, “We’re bigger, stronger, and more united — and that sends a powerful message to our adversaries.”

BBC

 Court Halts Burial of Zambia’s Ex-President Edgar Lungu in South Africa Amid Government-Family Feud

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 Court Halts Burial of Zambia’s Ex-President Edgar Lungu in South Africa Amid Government-Family Feud

 PRETORIA, South Africa (BN24) — A South African court halted the burial of Zambia’s late President Edgar Lungu at the last moment Tuesday, deepening an already tense dispute between his family and the Zambian government over where and how the former leader should be laid to rest.

The burial was scheduled to take place immediately following a private funeral mass in South Africa, but mourners were informed of the abrupt legal intervention only after the service had concluded. The Pretoria High Court’s ruling effectively delays any funeral until at least August, marking the latest development in a bitter standoff that began shortly after Lungu’s death.

Lungu, who died in South Africa earlier this month at age 68, was Zambia’s sixth president and had long maintained a contentious relationship with his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema. That acrimony has now spilled into the debate over his final resting place.

The Zambian government filed an urgent application with the Pretoria High Court to prevent the planned private burial, insisting that Lungu be accorded a state funeral on home soil. The court announced that the funeral could not proceed, citing an “agreement between the parties,” and scheduled a full hearing for August 4, 2025.

As part of the ruling, Zambian Attorney General Mulilo D. Kabesha must submit amended court filings by July 4, while Lungu’s family has until July 11 to respond. The court will also determine who bears the legal costs of the halted burial during that August hearing.

The standoff highlights longstanding tensions between Lungu and Hichilema that date back to their time in office. During Lungu’s presidency, Hichilema was jailed for over 100 days on controversial treason charges after his motorcade allegedly refused to yield to Lungu’s convoy. That legacy of political animosity has lingered, now resurfacing around Lungu’s death.

According to the family, Lungu expressed a desire not to have President Hichilema attend his funeral. They opted for a private burial in South Africa, asserting control over the arrangements and repatriation of the body. Initially, both parties had agreed on a state funeral in Zambia, but that consensus collapsed amid disagreements over the specifics.

President Hichilema has since argued that Lungu, as a former head of state, “belongs to the nation of Zambia” and must be buried there. Government officials further contend that individual wishes cannot supersede national interest, referencing the 2021 case of founding President Kenneth Kaunda. Despite Kaunda’s reported desire to be buried beside his wife, he was laid to rest at Lusaka’s Embassy Memorial Park by government directive.

The Lungu burial saga underscores the fragile political reconciliation in Zambia, where past rivalries continue to reverberate. For now, Lungu’s body remains in limbo, with South Africa temporarily serving as the stage for a dispute that has become a symbolic extension of Zambia’s deeply divided political legacy.

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