World News: BRICS summit opens in Brazil overshadowed by Trump’s tariff policies and Middle East tensions

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Leaders of the ten-member BRICS group gathered in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday for the bloc's 17th summit under the slogan "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance."

Leaders from Brazil, India, China, South Africa, and newer members such as Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, UAE, and Ethiopia gathered for the two-day summit.

Despite the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who attended virtually, BRICS leaders achieved a rare consensus, approving a 31-page declaration.

Key points included criticizing "indiscriminate" U.S. tariff hikes and condemning increased NATO defense spending.

Host President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged the bloc to act as defenders of multilateralism.

BRICS nations represent more than half the world's population and 40% of its economic output.

The gathering comes amid growing calls for a united front to counterbalance the U.S.-led G7.

Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk has announced the formation of the "America Party" marking a further break from former ally U.S. President Donald Trump.

Musk made the announcement on social media on Saturday, after posting a poll that showed two-to-one support from 1.2 million respondents.

He pledged to oppose Trump-supported legislation and shake up U.S. politics ahead of 2026.

Musk branded the current political system a "one-party" structure and not a democracy, and vowed to give people back their freedom, as well as showing his outrage over what Trump called his "Big Beautiful Bill" that Musk said would "bankrupt the country."

Trump on Sunday called Musk's plans "ridiculous" but said that Musk "can have fun with it."

Musk was once a major Trump campaign financier and head of the "Department of Government Efficiency."

Pope Leo XIV arrived at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo on Sunday, the first time in 12 years that a pope has used the summer retreat.

The pope will spend two weeks from July 6 to 20 at the Villa Barberini on the edge of Lake Albano.

Before leaving the Vatican, the pontiff said during his Sunday prayer "I hope everyone can have some vacation time to restore the body and spirit."

The stay at Castel Gandolfo is a change from the late Pope Francis, who stayed in the Vatican during the summer.

Legendary artist and Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne delivered his final live performance on Saturday in Birmingham, England, under the title, "Back To The Beginning."

Seated on a symbolic bat-themed throne due to his Parkinson's and spinal issues, the 76-year-old singer launched into his solo hits, before being joined by Black Sabbath's original lineup.

The 11-hour event also included performances from other rock legends such as Metallica and Guns N' Roses.

The massive event drew 40,000 fans to the concert at Villa Park and over 5.8 million viewers via global livestream.

Three charities are set to receive proceeds from the event, including Cure Parkinson's. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.