On June 6, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation instituting a travel ban affecting nationals from 12 countries, a move the administration claims is necessary to fortify national security against potential threats from foreign terrorists. The travel ban is set to come into effect on June 9, 2025, at 11:01 AM EST.

The travel restrictions apply to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and do not possess a valid visa. The proclamation explicitly states that any immigrant or non-immigrant visa issued prior to this date will not be revoked under this new regulation.

Countries Subject to Full Travel Ban

The complete travel ban encompasses the following countries:

• Afghanistan
• Myanmar
• Chad
• Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Libya
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Yemen

Countries Subject to Partial Travel Ban

In addition, a partial travel ban affects certain countries where entry is suspended for immigrants and specific temporary visa holders, namely those holding B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas. The countries facing partial restrictions include:

• Burundi
• Cuba
• Laos
• Sierra Leone
• Togo
• Turkmenistan
• Venezuela

Exceptions to the Travel Ban

There are several exceptions outlined in the proclamation. These include:

• Lawful permanent residents of the United States
• Dual nationals
• Diplomats traveling on valid non-immigrant visas
• Athletes and members of athletic teams, along with their immediate relatives, traveling for major sporting events such as the World Cup or Olympics
• Immediate family immigrant visas
• Adoption cases
• Afghan Special Immigrant Visas
• Special Immigrant Visas for U.S. government employees
• Immigrant visas designated for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran

Potential Future Travel Restrictions

In March 2025, reports indicated that the Trump administration was evaluating travel restrictions on a list of 41 countries. Notably, 17 of the countries now included in the travel ban were also part of that preliminary assessment, while Burundi and Togo were newly added. Countries that were considered in the earlier list but are not currently affected include North Korea, Syria, South Sudan, Angola, and several others.

A growing number of amateur programmers are embracing ‘vibe coding,’ a laid-back, intuitive approach to software development that prioritizes experimentation over rigid structure. This emerging trend appeals to DIY enthusiasts and creatives who prefer to build based on feel, aesthetic, or instinct, rather than formal best practices—highlighting a cultural shift in how coding is perceived and practiced outside professional environments.

Yoshua Bengio, widely regarded as one of the founding figures in artificial intelligence, has issued a stark warning that current AI models can and do lie to users. His comments highlight growing concerns in the scientific community about the unpredictability of generative AI systems, and the need for stronger safeguards to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical alignment in future model development.

The world’s largest accounting firms are racing to develop standardized audit tools for artificial intelligence products, responding to mounting pressure from regulators and clients for greater oversight. These initiatives aim to provide formal verification of AI system behavior, security, and fairness—positioning auditors as key players in building public confidence around emerging technologies.

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, is reportedly targeting a staggering $113 billion valuation as it looks to raise $300 million in a new share sale. The ambitious funding round reflects investor enthusiasm for next-generation AI ventures led by high-profile figures, even as questions remain over the firm’s product roadmap and commercial strategy.

Walmart is delivering record revenues while operating with fewer employees, as the retail powerhouse increasingly turns to automation and digital infrastructure to enhance efficiency. The shift reflects broader trends in the retail sector, where companies are streamlining operations to boost margins—prompting debate over labor impacts and the future of frontline jobs.

U.S.-based telehealth firm Hims & Hers is preparing to launch replica versions of popular obesity medications in the UK and Europe, signaling an aggressive expansion into the global weight-loss market. The company says the move is part of a broader strategy to offer more affordable and accessible treatment options through its digital healthcare platform.

Toyota is set to buy out one of its major suppliers in a landmark $33 billion take-private deal, aiming to tighten control over its supply chain amid global manufacturing disruptions. The acquisition underscores a strategic shift toward vertical integration as automakers worldwide seek greater resilience and efficiency in the face of rising competition and component shortages.

The United States has confirmed a reduction in its troop presence in Syria, marking a significant shift in its military engagement in the region. The decision is expected to impact local alliances and the balance of power on the ground, amid ongoing tensions involving Kurdish forces, ISIS remnants, and competing geopolitical interests from Russia, Iran, and Turkey.

Donald Trump has stated that any future nuclear deal with Iran must include a complete halt to uranium enrichment, reinforcing a hardline stance that could complicate future negotiations. The declaration comes as international efforts to revive the 2015 agreement continue to stall, with key players divided over verification, timelines, and mutual concessions.

A fintech startup backed by BlackRock has raised significant capital as it positions itself to become the ‘European Charles Schwab,’ offering low-cost, user-friendly investment services to retail clients. The firm’s expansion strategy focuses on democratizing access to financial markets across the EU, tapping into a growing appetite for digital wealth management tools.

The phrase, a play on the popular Mexican dish, was Armstrong’s way of describing Donald Trump’s now-predictable pattern: threatening to impose steep tariffs, only to back down shortly after. “Markets have learned that the U.S. administration doesn’t tolerate economic pain well,” Armstrong wrote. “It retreats once tariffs start to hurt. That’s the TACO theory—Trump Always Chickens Out.”

And just like that, TACO was born.

It didn’t take long for the term to go viral. Financial feeds on X (formerly Twitter) were soon flooded with memes, hashtags, and mock analyses. Investors began jokingly referring to “Taco Trades”—buying stocks low when Trump rattled markets with tariff threats, and cashing in when he predictably reversed course. The existence of a taco emoji only helped the meme take off.

Then came Wednesday.

During a press briefing in the Oval Office, Trump was asked about TACO. He hadn’t heard of it—and he did not like it.

“I chicken out? Never heard that before,” Trump barked. “That’s disgusting. Don’t ever say that again.”

He was reportedly furious afterward, scolding his aides for not alerting him to the joke circulating at his expense. According to White House sources, the president’s anger stemmed not only from the ridicule itself, but from what it attacked: his self-styled image as a tough-as-nails negotiator and dealmaker, the very persona he built in The Art of the Deal.

Insiders added that Trump felt the nickname undermined what he views as a strategic trade tactic. He even tried to clarify during the same press event: that he often sets intentionally “ridiculously high” tariff rates to pressure other countries into making concessions—then backs off if they comply.

Still, the damage was done.

“The joke clearly got under his skin,” one White House source told CNN. “It shows a fundamental misunderstanding of how he uses threats as leverage. And frankly, Trump doesn’t tolerate being seen as weak—so the idea that people think he ‘chickens out’ stings hard.”

Whatever Trump’s intentions, Wall Street has largely stopped taking his tariff threats at face value. Last Tuesday, markets surged after Trump once again postponed imposing 50% tariffs on the EU—just days after threatening them. A similar rally followed Wednesday, after a federal court ruled many of Trump’s tariffs illegal. Though the administration immediately appealed and secured a temporary freeze on the ruling pending a June 9 hearing, the pattern repeated itself yet again.

As for Robert Armstrong, he was stunned by the wildfire spread of his TACO theory.

“The mystery of social and traditional media remains utterly beyond me,” he said on the Financial Times’ popular podcast Unhedged. Still, he offered a tongue-in-cheek warning:

“What I really hope doesn’t happen is that Trump stops chickening out because of what I wrote. Let’s be clear: his retreats are the right thing to do. They’re worth celebrating. Three cheers for chickening out of bad policy.”

In the end, what began as a clever acronym has become a symbolic critique of Trump’s trade strategy—and a rare moment where a financial columnist found himself under the President’s skin, simply by calling his bluff.

This wasn’t expected. PSG were favorites, but Inter had previously entered finals as underdogs and held their own—like their strong showing against Manchester City two years ago. This time, Inter weren’t just beaten—they were erased. It was so humiliating that some fans may wish they’d lost the semifinal to Barcelona instead. Calling it a mismatch is an understatement.

There have been one-sided finals before, but the losing teams still walked away with pride. In 2017, Real Madrid beat Juventus four–one—but it was one–one at halftime. Porto’s three–nil win over Monaco in 2004? First goal came in the thirty-ninth minute. Even Milan’s famous four–nil win over Barcelona in 1994 had a fighting Barca side. Inter offered nothing. Not even for a second.

So what went wrong? Inter had no injuries, no suspensions, and fielded their best lineup. Coach Simone Inzaghi used the same system that defeated Bayern and Barcelona. Yes, Inter is the oldest team in the tournament and played on multiple fronts—but fatigue doesn’t explain this collapse. They had two full weeks to rest and prepare. They just didn’t show up.

And maybe that’s because PSG were just that good. This wasn’t just dominance—it was something far beyond expectations. Credit goes to coach Luis Enrique, who has slowly built a cohesive, ego-free squad over the past two years. It’s proof you don’t need superstar names to win the Champions League—just a team willing to work for each other.

PSG’s journey this season was brutal. They had the toughest group stage draw and lost early matches against Arsenal, Atlético, and Bayern. At one point in early 2025, they were ranked twenty-fifth. Then came the turning point: down two–nil against Manchester City, they mounted a stunning comeback and won four–two.

From there, they rolled forward. A convincing win in Stuttgart, a comeback at Anfield, surviving Villa’s fightback, and then eliminating Arsenal—who had just crushed Real Madrid. The team gained confidence, rhythm, and momentum with every round. By the time they reached the final, they were playing fearless, fluid football.

Luis Enrique has instilled total football principles. No fixed roles. Fluid front lines. A flexible midfield without a traditional playmaker or defensive anchor. Fullbacks join attacks, defenders cover wide spaces, and young players like Willian Pacho quietly deliver near-perfect performances.

The goals in the final told the story: Hakimi, a right-back, scoring from center-forward position. Dembélé creating and pressing. Dhoué everywhere—assisting, scoring, dictating tempo. Even academy graduate Senny Maiolo got in on the action with a late fifth goal.

And while PSG danced, Inter crumbled. Their players mentally checked out and waited for the final whistle. It was a complete collapse.

Yes, PSG deserved to win. The players delivered. Luis Enrique deserves all the praise. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: this win is also a PR victory for Qatar.

This is sportswashing. A repressive regime accused of funding terror and abusing migrant workers improves its global image through beautiful football. It’s no coincidence that western media praises the club’s “new management style.” That’s the point. This is the story they want told.

The players—Dembélé, Dhoué—aren’t to blame. It’s unrealistic to expect young athletes to choose teams based on morality. But fans do have a choice. You can admire PSG’s football and still detest what the club represents. This win, as dominant as it was, is a sad milestone for football. PSG’s highest high is the sport’s lowest low.

Thailand has announced the closure of multiple border crossings with Cambodia following a fatal military clash near the disputed Chong Bok area in Ubon Ratchathani province. The incident, which occurred on May 28, resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier and heightened tensions between the two nations.

Clash Details

The confrontation began around 5:30 a.m. when Thai troops encountered Cambodian soldiers in a contested border zone. Thai authorities reported that Cambodian forces initiated gunfire during an attempted negotiation, leading to a ten-minute exchange before a ceasefire was brokered by local commanders. Cambodia's Ministry of National Defence stated that Thai troops opened fire on a long-standing Cambodian position, resulting in one fatality and several injuries among its soldiers. Thai forces reported no casualties.

Border Closures Implemented

In response to the incident and subsequent nationalist backlash in Cambodia, including widespread calls on social media to boycott Thai products, Thai security agencies convened an emergency meeting. Citing concerns over the safety of local communities and cross-border trade, authorities decided to close all border checkpoints along the Thai-Cambodian border. The closures affect six permanent border crossings:

• Chong Sa Ngam, Phu Sing District, Sisaket Province
• Chong Chom, Kap Choeng District, Surin Province
• Ban Khlong Luek, Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province
• Ban Laem, Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province
• Ban Phak Kad, Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province
• Ban Hat Lek, Khlong Yai District, Trat Province

Additionally, ten temporary crossings, including those at Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom, have been closed.

Diplomatic Efforts and Military Movements

Following the clash, Thai Army Chief General Pana Claewplodtook met with his Cambodian counterpart, General Mao Sophan, to express condolences and discuss de-escalation measures. Both sides agreed to withdraw troops from the immediate area and to seek peaceful resolutions through joint border committees. Despite these efforts, Cambodia has reinforced its military presence along the border, emphasizing its commitment to protecting territorial integrity.

Historical Context

The Thailand-Cambodia border has been a longstanding source of tension, particularly around the Preah Vihear temple area. In 2013, the International Court of Justice granted sovereignty over the temple to Cambodia, but disputes over adjacent land persist. Previous incidents, including a February confrontation at the Ta Muen Thom temple, have further strained relations.

Government Statements

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet have both expressed a desire to avoid further conflict and to resolve disputes through diplomatic channels. Cambodian authorities have urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information on social media to prevent exacerbating tensions.

The situation remains fluid, with both nations monitoring developments and engaging in ongoing discussions to restore stability along the border.

At the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva in May 2025, Thailand, representing the World Health Organization's South-East Asia Region (SEAR), delivered a Joint Regional Position Statement concerning the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034. The statement outlined four key recommendations aimed at enhancing the integration and regulation of traditional medicine within global health systems.

1. Strengthening Evidence-Based Traditional Medicine

The SEAR delegation emphasized the necessity for the WHO to support the development of scientific evidence underpinning traditional medicine practices. This includes promoting regional research networks and the utilization of real-world data, while acknowledging and respecting the context of unrecorded traditional knowledge. The delegation also advocated for the elevation of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, India, as a hub for international research and innovation cooperation.

2. Ethical Innovation and Digital Health

The statement called for the ethical application of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in traditional medicine. It stressed the importance of respecting cultural contexts and ensuring that technological advancements serve to promote, rather than replace, traditional knowledge. Additionally, the delegation highlighted the need for adequate data protection measures and equitable access to digital health resources.

3. Protection of Traditional Medical Knowledge

The SEAR countries urged the WHO to implement stronger protections for traditional medical knowledge. This includes establishing fair benefit-sharing mechanisms and supporting the rights of indigenous communities in managing biodiversity sustainably. The delegation noted the urgency of this issue in the context of rapid trade and digital transformation.

4. Establishing Strong Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanisms

The statement recommended that the WHO establish clear, measurable indicators to track the progress of the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy efficiently. It also supported a comprehensive review of the strategy by 2030 to assess its effectiveness and impact.

These recommendations align with the strategic objectives outlined in the WHO's draft Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, which aims to integrate traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine into national health systems, strengthen the evidence base, and ensure the safety and quality of traditional medicine practices.