Syria's war: Families of detainees wait for closure

Thousands of people are still detained or have been forcibly disappeared by the government since 2011.

It has been a week since the United States imposed its toughest sanctions yet on Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad and his allies.

Central to those sanctions was evidence that Syrian prisoners have been tortured.

But activists say the US action falls short of delivering justice.

Al Jazeera’s Priyanka Gupta reports.

Football: Title blow as Barcelona draw with Celta

MADRID (AFP) – Barcelona’s title hopes suffered a hammer blow on Saturday (June 28) as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Celta Vigo, handing Real Madrid the chance to move two points clear at the top of La Liga.

Luis Suarez twice put Barca in front at Balaidos with his first goals since January but Iago Aspas bent in a late free-kick to earn Celta a draw, in what could prove a pivotal moment in the title race.

Tunisia: Hopes of tourists' return as country reopens

As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases declines, the government has set June 27 as the date for reopening.

Tunisia is about to welcome back tourists.

It is hoping visitors will revive an industry which suffered many setbacks even before the pandemic shut everything down.

As Al Jazeera’s Mohammed Jamjoom reports, it is likely to be a long road to recovery.

US hits record number of COVID-19 cases for third day

Meanwhile, Vice President Mike Pence says ‘we flattened the curve.’

The number of new COVID-19 infections in the United States has surged to another high, for the third day running, driven by surging cases in 16 states.

Sensing a worsening situation, the government held its first coronavirus task force briefing in two months.

And although Vice President Mike Pence remained upbeat, the top infectious diseases expert warned there is a serious problem.

Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher reports from Washington, DC.

UK coronavirus: Privacy concerns over contact-tracing rules

Coronavirus data collection rules are said to be a transition measure, but how long they will continue for is an open question.

Privacy campaigners are warning that the next phase of the United Kingdom’s lockdown could lead to major data breaches.

From July 4, restaurants and bars in England can welcome customers again, but operators will be required to record their names and contact details.

Al Jazeera’s Paul Brennan reports from London.

Reading stabbing: Man charged after attack killed three people last Saturday

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Kairi Saadallah, 25, has been charged with three counts of attempted murder following the attack last week. 

More to follow…

USC School Of Dramatic Arts Dean Resigns Over Student Relationship

The USC School of Dramatic Arts Dean has resigned, admitting to dating a student in what he characterized as “evidence of irresponsibility.”

Dean David Bridel’s resignation came after another woman revealed the relationship at a USC town hall meeting on Wednesday of this week. A day later, Bridel sent a letter to faculty acknowledging the relationship with a BFA senior in 2009. He claimed the relationship ended amicably and said its depiction was “grossly inaccurate.”

However, he acknowleged his fault in his letter. “I fully accept, however, that my behavior in 2009 demonstrated a failure in judgment and evidence of irresponsibility. I apologize, profusely, for any harm I caused by my conduct in 2009.”

Provost Charles Zukoski said that he had accepted Bridel’s resignation and would look into the allegation. School of Cinematic Arts Dean Elizabeth Daley was named interim dean.

News of the relationship came during a meeting for faculty, students, and alumni of the MFA in acting program and was first reported by the Daily Trojan. The student was not named and has not been identified in any official documents.

Bridel is the second dean to resign under new USC President Carol Folt in less than a year. Bridel became dean in 2016 after being a faculty member for 10 years. He is the founding and artistic director of the Clown School in Los Angeles  and has worked as a playwright, director and performer.

Saudi Arabia says it forces three Iranian boats out of its waters

CAIRO (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia forced three Iranian boats to retreat from its waters on Thursday after firing warning shots, a spokesman for Saudi boarder guards said on Saturday.

The spokesman, quoted by Saudi news agency SPA, said the Iranian vessels refused to stop after they entered Saudi waters despite repeated warnings, which forced the Saudi authorities to fire the warning shots.

COVID-19 threat: Merchant ships stalled while others stuck at sea

The crews stranded around the world struggle to understand why they are considered potential sources of infection.

The coronavirus pandemic has been making it difficult for crews on merchant ships to return home.

Some have been at sea for more than six months.

At the same time, crews hoping to resume work have been struggling to get to their ships.

Al Jazeera’s John Psaropoulos reports from the Greek port of Piraeus.

Argentina extends lockdown amid rise in COVID-19 cases in capital

Argentina was one of the first countries in the region to impose a strict lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Argentina has extended its coronavirus restrictions for Buenos Aires and surrounding regions.

Rules that were due to end on Sunday will now stay in place until at least July 17.

That is putting more pressure on businesses that are barely scraping by.

Al Jazeera’s Teresa Bo reports from Buenos Aires, Argentina.