As the world's attention turns to Paris for the Olympics, a coordinated sabotage effort has struck France's train network. The attacks on three TGV lines and a thwarted fourth attempt have raised concerns about security and disruption. With hundreds of thousands of passengers impacted, including international leaders like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the incident highlights vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. As investigators work to identify those responsible, the focus remains on restoring services and ensuring safety for the influx of Olympic visitors.

US Vice President Kamala Harris has officially announced her candidacy for the 2024 presidential election. She made the declaration on social media, stating she will work hard to earn every vote. Harris's bid follows President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race, with Biden endorsing her candidacy. Former President Barack Obama has also expressed support for Harris. With their backing, Harris is now a key contender in the Democratic field. Her campaign will focus on a people-powered approach, aiming for a November win. Harris is the first major Democrat to formally enter the presidential race.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with former U.S. President Donald Trump at Trump’s Florida resort on Friday, aiming to ease tensions between the two leaders. This meeting followed Netanyahu’s discussions with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Netanyahu's visit comes during a prolonged Israeli offensive in Gaza and critical global attention on the humanitarian crisis. Trump, the Republican nominee in the 2024 presidential race, emphasized the need for a swift resolution to the conflict. The meeting also addressed past disagreements, including Netanyahu’s congratulatory message to Biden after the 2020 election.

France's high-speed rail network suffered coordinated arson attacks, causing widespread disruptions just hours before the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony. SNCF, the national train operator, identified multiple sites targeted: signal boxes on lines to Lille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg, with another attack foiled on the Paris-Marseille route. These acts crippled travel, leading to numerous cancellations and delays, impacting hundreds of thousands. The Paris prosecutor has launched a probe into the sabotage, viewed as a threat to "fundamental national interests." Authorities are on high alert as they work to restore services amidst the heightened security for the Olympics.

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for the White House. This endorsement, delivered via a video call, comes as Harris solidifies her position as the Democratic nominee following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race. The Obamas’ backing, announced Friday, underscores their strong support for Harris, who aims to make history as the first female, Black, and Asian president. The former president emphasized their commitment to helping Harris win, while Michelle Obama expressed pride and excitement for the historic campaign.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina faces criticism after she was photographed crying at a metro station in Mirpur, destroyed during recent anti-government protests. The station's damage, including shattered ticket machines and control systems, has drawn backlash from many who accuse Hasina of insincere grief. Over 150 people have died in the clashes between police and university students protesting job quotas. Critics argue that Hasina’s public display of emotion contrasts sharply with her lack of visible sympathy for the protest victims. The prime minister condemned the destruction of infrastructure but has been criticized for not addressing the broader crisis or visiting the families of those killed. The unrest has intensified scrutiny of Hasina’s administration, which faces accusations of excessive force and political repression.              

The World Health Organization (WHO) is sending more than one million polio vaccines to Gaza after the virus was detected in sewage samples. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the urgency, saying, "Without immediate action, it is just a matter of time before it reaches the thousands of children who have been left unprotected." Children under five, especially infants under two, are most at risk due to disrupted vaccination campaigns from nine months of conflict. Israel's military is also offering the polio vaccine to soldiers in Gaza after detecting the virus in test samples.

Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for President. In a tweet, Obama called Harris a "friend" and said she would be a "fantastic President." He added that he and Michelle would do everything to help her win. Kamala Harris thanked the Obamas, saying their support "means so much." This endorsement comes after speculation about their support following Joe Biden's exit from the race. The Obamas plan to campaign for Harris to boost Democratic voters.

Kamala Harris voiced strong concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during her meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. As the probable Democratic presidential nominee, she emphasized that Israel's right to defend itself must consider the humanitarian impact. Harris condemned the high levels of food insecurity and civilian casualties in Gaza, insisting that the suffering cannot be ignored. She advocated for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, pushing for a two-state solution. Harris' remarks came amid mounting criticism of US support for Israel and widespread protests.

Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings faces backlash after donating $7 million to a super PAC supporting Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign. The large donation, potentially his biggest to a single candidate, sparked outrage on social media. Users are criticizing Hastings and calling for a Netflix boycott. The controversy raises questions about the influence of wealthy donors in politics. Hastings' move has put Netflix in the spotlight, with many users threatening to cancel their subscriptions in protest. The donation's impact on the platform remains to be seen.