Everything you need to know about the world this morning, curated by VICE.Trump Warns North Korea of 'Severe Things'
President Trump said he was considering "pretty severe things" to halt North Korea's missile program and nuclear development. Appearing at a joint press conference with Polish president Andrzej Duda in Warsaw, Trump said: "I have pretty severe things that we're thinking about. That doesn't mean that we'll do them." Trump also urged NATO allies to pledge more money to bolstering regional security.—VICE NewsMore Than 100 Shot in Chicago Over Long Weekend
At least 102 people were shot in Chicago during the long Fourth of July weekend, with some 15 killed and 87 more wounded. Police seemed disappointed that their ShotSpotter system for pinpointing that gunfire did not have much impact in reducing violence, possibly because of fireworks confusing the technology. "The mood here is frustration," said spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.—Chicago Tribune
US News
President Trump said he was considering "pretty severe things" to halt North Korea's missile program and nuclear development. Appearing at a joint press conference with Polish president Andrzej Duda in Warsaw, Trump said: "I have pretty severe things that we're thinking about. That doesn't mean that we'll do them." Trump also urged NATO allies to pledge more money to bolstering regional security.—VICE NewsMore Than 100 Shot in Chicago Over Long Weekend
At least 102 people were shot in Chicago during the long Fourth of July weekend, with some 15 killed and 87 more wounded. Police seemed disappointed that their ShotSpotter system for pinpointing that gunfire did not have much impact in reducing violence, possibly because of fireworks confusing the technology. "The mood here is frustration," said spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.—Chicago Tribune
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US Open to Team Up with Russia on No-Fly Zones in Syria
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the US and Russia could potentially work together to establish no-fly zones in Syria. Tillerson also suggested the countries could collaborate to put in place "on the ground ceasefire observers, and coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance."—The Washington PostHobby Lobby Agrees to $3 Million Fine for Buying Ancient Iraqi Artifacts
The chain store Hobby Lobby has resolved a civil complaint brought by the Department of Justice, agreeing to give up thousands of artifacts smuggled out of Iraq and paying a $3 million fine. The DOJ accused the company of purchasing falsely labeled goods from suppliers, including ancient cuneiform tablets, despite being warned against it.—VICELibyan National Army Declares Victory in Benghazi
The commander of the Libyan National Army has claimed victory over militant fighters in Benghazi. Khalifa Haftar, once a commander in Muammar Gaddafi's army, declared the "full liberation" of the eastern city after three years of fighting. A UN-backed government retains control of Tripoli in the west.—Al JazeeraPro-Maduro Protestors Storm National Assembly in Venezuela
At least five lawmakers in Venezuela's opposition-controlled National Assembly were injured when around 100 pro-government supporters stormed the building Wednesday. Military police on scene reportedly did little, if anything, to prevent the chaos.—BBC News
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the US and Russia could potentially work together to establish no-fly zones in Syria. Tillerson also suggested the countries could collaborate to put in place "on the ground ceasefire observers, and coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance."—The Washington PostHobby Lobby Agrees to $3 Million Fine for Buying Ancient Iraqi Artifacts
The chain store Hobby Lobby has resolved a civil complaint brought by the Department of Justice, agreeing to give up thousands of artifacts smuggled out of Iraq and paying a $3 million fine. The DOJ accused the company of purchasing falsely labeled goods from suppliers, including ancient cuneiform tablets, despite being warned against it.—VICE
International News
The commander of the Libyan National Army has claimed victory over militant fighters in Benghazi. Khalifa Haftar, once a commander in Muammar Gaddafi's army, declared the "full liberation" of the eastern city after three years of fighting. A UN-backed government retains control of Tripoli in the west.—Al JazeeraPro-Maduro Protestors Storm National Assembly in Venezuela
At least five lawmakers in Venezuela's opposition-controlled National Assembly were injured when around 100 pro-government supporters stormed the building Wednesday. Military police on scene reportedly did little, if anything, to prevent the chaos.—BBC News
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Hong Kong Student Leader Pleads Guilty to Civil Disobedience
Pro-democracy student leader Joshua Wong will not fight a civil disobedience charge stemming from his role in Hong Kong's "umbrella movement" protests of 2014. Wong, 20, said he chose to plead guilty to show "I am willing to bear legal responsibility," adding, "Although there's a chance I might be put in jail, I have no regrets."—ReutersMalaysian Muslim Group Urges Starbucks Boycott over LGBTQ Rights
A leading Islamic group in Malaysia has urged its half million strong membership to boycott Starbucks over the company's support for gay rights. The conservative organization Perkasa also called on the Malaysian government to revoke Starbucks's license, along with those of similarly tolerant companies. The Indonesian group Muhammadiyah also recently condemned Starbucks over the issue.—APLil Wayne Drops Four New Songs
Lil Wayne has released four new tracks on his YouTube page. They include the Playboi Carti track "Magnolia" in which Lil Wayne freestyles, and a Young Jeezy collaboration entitled "Fireworks," produced by Mike Will.—NoiseyTupac Letter to Madonna Goes Up for Sale at Auction
A 1995 letter from Tupac Shakur to ex-girlfriend Madonna is expected to fetch serious cash at auction. In the note, the late MC tells the star he ended their relationship because he felt he would "be letting down half of the people who made me what I thought I was."—i-D
Pro-democracy student leader Joshua Wong will not fight a civil disobedience charge stemming from his role in Hong Kong's "umbrella movement" protests of 2014. Wong, 20, said he chose to plead guilty to show "I am willing to bear legal responsibility," adding, "Although there's a chance I might be put in jail, I have no regrets."—ReutersMalaysian Muslim Group Urges Starbucks Boycott over LGBTQ Rights
A leading Islamic group in Malaysia has urged its half million strong membership to boycott Starbucks over the company's support for gay rights. The conservative organization Perkasa also called on the Malaysian government to revoke Starbucks's license, along with those of similarly tolerant companies. The Indonesian group Muhammadiyah also recently condemned Starbucks over the issue.—AP
Everything Else
Lil Wayne has released four new tracks on his YouTube page. They include the Playboi Carti track "Magnolia" in which Lil Wayne freestyles, and a Young Jeezy collaboration entitled "Fireworks," produced by Mike Will.—NoiseyTupac Letter to Madonna Goes Up for Sale at Auction
A 1995 letter from Tupac Shakur to ex-girlfriend Madonna is expected to fetch serious cash at auction. In the note, the late MC tells the star he ended their relationship because he felt he would "be letting down half of the people who made me what I thought I was."—i-D
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SpaceX Rocket Puts Satellite in Orbit
SpaceX has successfully launched a communications satellite after technical snags spoiled two attempts over the weekend. A Falcon rocket put the Intelsat in orbit, but did not have the fuel for a return booster landing, instead falling into the Atlantic Ocean.—APJustin Trudeau Meets the Queen in Scotland
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau met the Queen of England at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on Wednesday. He also received an honorary degree from the University of Edinburgh for his equality campaigning work.—The GuardianWill Butler Samples Roy Orbison in New Solo Track
Arcade Fire band member* Will Butler has released his first solo material of 2017, a new song on his SoundCloud page called "Anything You Want." The chorus is taken from Roy Orbison's "You Got It."—NoiseyKaty Perry Takes Flak in Koala Controversy
Katy Perry is getting shit for telling her poodle Nugget to "go chase some koalas" in an ad for Australian chain store Myer. The company removed part of the ad after a leading wildlife expert pointed out attacks on koalas are a very real problem.—i-D*Correction 7/6/17: An earlier version of this story referred to Will Butler as the frontman of Arcade Fire, that is actually his brother Win Butler. We regret the error.
SpaceX has successfully launched a communications satellite after technical snags spoiled two attempts over the weekend. A Falcon rocket put the Intelsat in orbit, but did not have the fuel for a return booster landing, instead falling into the Atlantic Ocean.—APJustin Trudeau Meets the Queen in Scotland
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau met the Queen of England at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on Wednesday. He also received an honorary degree from the University of Edinburgh for his equality campaigning work.—The GuardianWill Butler Samples Roy Orbison in New Solo Track
Arcade Fire band member* Will Butler has released his first solo material of 2017, a new song on his SoundCloud page called "Anything You Want." The chorus is taken from Roy Orbison's "You Got It."—NoiseyKaty Perry Takes Flak in Koala Controversy
Katy Perry is getting shit for telling her poodle Nugget to "go chase some koalas" in an ad for Australian chain store Myer. The company removed part of the ad after a leading wildlife expert pointed out attacks on koalas are a very real problem.—i-D*Correction 7/6/17: An earlier version of this story referred to Will Butler as the frontman of Arcade Fire, that is actually his brother Win Butler. We regret the error.