Birthplace of Islam and holiest city in Islam, capital of Mecca Province
New Justice Department files show Jeffrey Epstein referred to a private island building as a mosque, with plans evolving from a music room to Middle Eastern-inspired spaces. The materials include references to mosque tiles, a golden dome, and discussions with Saudi and Uzbek contacts as Epstein advanced his art-collecting and networking interests before his 2019 death.
Over 1.5 million Muslims have begun the hajj in Mecca, with pilgrims arriving from around the world amid geopolitical tensions stemming from US-Israel strikes on Iran. Saudi authorities report strong international participation despite security concerns and hot weather.
Pilgrims traveling from Egypt and beyond have faced extreme heat during the Hajj, with daytime temperatures in Mecca forecast to reach 42-47°C. Authorities are deploying air conditioning, misting systems, and water distribution to protect worshippers who are mainly outdoors during rites, including at Mount Arafat. Health teams are treating heat-related ailments as the pilgrimage begins.
More than 1.5 million Muslims have arrived for the annual Hajj in Mecca, with pilgrims circling the Kaaba in intense heat. The pilgrimage unfolds against a backdrop of fragile ceasefires in the Iran war and broader regional tensions, while Saudi authorities prepare for launches to Mina and Mount Arafat.
Pilgrims continue the Hajj in Mecca under extreme heat. Reports outline heat-avoidance measures, a fragile Iran-US war ceasefire backdrop, and a global energy crisis shaping the pilgrimage this year.
A nine-year-old Australian girl, Hania Ahmed, has been killed and her father and brother injured after Pakistani police opened fire on a rental car, mistaking it for robbers in Chakwal, Punjab. Authorities say officers intervened during a robbery, and an officer has been arrested. Australia demands a transparent investigation.
Europe endures a record-breaking heatwave as red heat alerts spread. Authorities warn health and infrastructure face strain while experts link extreme temperatures to climate change. UK, France, Spain and other nations are deploying measures as temperatures push past past records.