Ezra Jin, the founder of Zion Church, an unregistered church in China, has been released from jail following intervention from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Many Christians in China opt to worship at unregistered churches like Zion Church instead of those sanctioned by the government, which are subject to regulation.

Jin Mingri, the founder of the Zion Church, has been released from prison following a direct appeal to Chinese President Xi Jinping from former U.S. President Donald Trump. This development highlights ongoing tensions surrounding religious freedom in China.

Ezra Jin, the founder of the Zion Church, has been released from detention in China and has arrived in the United States, according to his family. He had been held for several months before his release.

On July 3, 2026, U.S. men's national soccer team head coach Mauricio Pochettino threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Seattle Mariners game. The event highlighted the diversity of America, with Pochettino extending birthday wishes not just to player Folarin Balogun, who turned 25, but also to the country they represent, emphasizing the team's connection to American identity.

Iran's national football team experienced a delay of 25 minutes during their trip to Seattle, as assistant coach Mehdi Taremi and another team member, Alhoei, were held up by US officials for an undisclosed reason, according to Al Jazeera.

President Donald Trump expressed gratitude to FIFA for suspending the red card given to USA's Folarin Balogun, allowing him to participate in the upcoming last-16 match against Belgium in the World Cup.