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World News
Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
The United Nations has started the search for its next secretary-general as Antonio Guterres’s term comes to an end. The UN Security Council held a first informal vote, showing former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan as the leading candidate, while several others remain in the running.
Key Facts
The UN is looking for a new secretary-general to replace Antonio Guterres, who has served for ten years.
The UN faces many challenges, including global conflicts and criticism from far-right groups.
The first informal Security Council vote gave Rebeca Grynspan 10 “encourage” votes, making her the early frontrunner.
Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett from Guyana received nine encouraging votes.
Rafael Grossi, head of the UN nuclear watchdog, came in third among seven candidates.
The Security Council has 15 members; their support is important, especially from the five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US).
Voting is done secretly with options to “encourage,” “discourage,” or have “no opinion” on candidates.
The selection process may last until September or October and could be extended if no clear choice is made.
More candidates, like former presidents and diplomats from various countries, continue to join the race.
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Residents in Puakō, Hawaiʻi, have developed a new sewer system to replace harmful cesspools that damage nearby coral reefs. The plan uses low-pressure liquid-only sewers to better manage wastewater and protect coastal environments, and local officials are considering this model for other areas.
Key Facts
Puakō is a coastal community on Hawaiʻi island working to reduce wastewater damage to coral reefs.
The community nonprofit Puakō For Reefs plans to install a low-pressure liquid-only sewer system as an alternative to cesspools and septic tanks.
Hawaiʻi must convert over 49,000 cesspools by 2050 to meet state regulations.
Mayor Kimo Alameda supports the Puakō plan as a potential model for other coastal areas needing sewer improvements.
Kahaluʻu, another coastal area, is developing a similar sewer plan to protect its reefs from nitrogen pollution.
Septic systems allow nitrogen to leak into reefs, harming marine life even when better than cesspools.
Low-pressure sewer systems move wastewater efficiently to treatment plants for safer processing.
Cleaner wastewater management aims to help restore coral reefs by reducing pollution entering the ocean.
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Arlene Smith, the lead singer and co-founder of the 1950s girl group the Chantels, died at age 84 from a heart attack. She was known for the hit song “Maybe,” which helped pave the way for female Black vocal groups in early rock ’n’ roll.
Key Facts
Arlene Smith was the lead singer and co-writer of the Chantels’ 1958 hit “Maybe.”
“Maybe” was recorded in a church studio and sold over 1 million copies.
The Chantels were among the first Black female groups to gain success in rock ’n’ roll during the 1950s.
The group influenced the rise of other girl groups like the Shirelles and the Ronettes.
Smith left the Chantels around 1959, later worked briefly with producer Phil Spector, and recorded “Love, Love, Love.”
She earned a master’s degree in education and taught music in New York City after her music career slowed down.
Smith’s contributions were recognized by the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002.
Early racism and copyright issues affected the group, such as Smith’s name being left off song credits and album art changed to feature white faces.
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The United States passport dropped to 10th place in the Henley Passport Index, its lowest ranking since 2016. The index measures how many countries a passport holder can enter without a visa, and while the U.S. passport remains strong, other countries have expanded travel access for their citizens more quickly.
Key Facts
The U.S. passport ranks 10th globally, tied with Iceland.
Singapore holds the top position for the most powerful passport, followed by Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.
Americans can travel to about 180 countries without a visa in advance.
The U.S. allows visa-free entry under its Visa Waiver Program to only 42 countries.
Other countries have signed more visa-waiver agreements and regional travel deals, increasing their passport strength.
The U.S. maintains strict, security-focused immigration policies that limit reciprocal travel agreements.
China's new visa policies allow citizens from several European countries to enter without a visa, while U.S. citizens still need visas for China.
Experts say the ranking drop is due to other nations improving travel access faster, not a big decline in U.S. passport strength.
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Satellite images show new damage to Amazon data centers in the Middle East and to Saudi oil facilities. These attacks are part of a growing conflict involving Iran, its allies, and several Gulf countries, with ongoing missile and drone strikes hitting key targets.
Key Facts
Iran and its Houthi allies in Yemen launched missile and drone attacks on Amazon data centers in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
Satellite images from Europe’s Copernicus Sentinel-2 confirm damage to these data centers.
On July 21, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for new missile strikes on Amazon data centers in Bahrain.
Amazon Web Services customers in the Middle East have had to move their cloud workloads to other regions due to damage.
Houthi forces declared a naval blockade targeting Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea’s Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Houthis also attacked Saudi oil refineries and the port of Yanbu, important for shipping oil to Asian markets.
These attacks threaten Saudi Arabia’s efforts to reroute oil exports away from the Strait of Hormuz, a region disrupted by the conflict between the US and Iran.
Saudi officials and Saudi Aramco have not publicly commented on possible damage from recent strikes.
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The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is growing faster than ever and is causing more hunger in a region already suffering from conflict and food shortages. The United Nations food agency warns that millions of people in the area are facing severe hunger and the outbreak is making the situation worse.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo was declared on May 15 and is the fastest growing in history.
Over 3,300 people have been confirmed infected, with nearly 1,500 deaths so far.
The affected area, Ituri province, has about 1.9 million people needing food aid.
Eastern Congo has almost 10 million people facing crisis or emergency hunger, worsened by ongoing conflicts.
The United Nations World Food Program had to reduce food assistance from 3 million people last year to 1 million this year due to lack of funds.
The Ebola virus in this outbreak has no approved vaccine or treatment yet; a vaccine trial is underway but is months away from distribution.
Measures to control the virus, such as border closings and movement restrictions, have disrupted markets and increased food and fuel prices.
The UN humanitarian appeal for Congo is only 45% funded and requires more support to address the combined Ebola and hunger crisis.
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A security camera captured a suspected Russian missile exploding inside Poland near the border with Ukraine. This happened during a large air attack by Russia on Ukraine. Polish officials and NATO are investigating how the missile struck Polish territory.
Key Facts
A missile believed to be Russian exploded inside Poland.
The explosion occurred near the border with Ukraine.
The missile landed during a major Russian air attack on Ukraine.
Polish authorities are looking into the incident.
NATO is also conducting an investigation.
The event raises concerns about the conflict affecting NATO member countries.
The missile impact inside Poland is unusual as Poland is a NATO country bordering Ukraine.
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Rapper Young M.A has released her first full album in five years called Kween, marking her return to music after a break. The album reflects her personal growth, challenges, and the importance of music in her life from childhood to now.
Key Facts
Young M.A grew up in Brooklyn, New York, with music playing a big role in her home.
Her mother rapped and supported her interest in music from an early age.
She began freestyling around age 9 or 10 and started writing seriously around 11 or 12.
Young M.A credits a karaoke machine from her mother as a key tool in developing her skills.
She took a break from releasing full albums due to personal challenges and health concerns.
During this time, she focused on discipline, faith, and self-reflection to improve herself.
The album Kween is arranged to tell a story about her life, healing, and future plans.
Music has always been her way to process emotions and experiences privately.
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The new South African TV drama called The Polygamist, available on Netflix, is sparking worldwide conversations about marriage and betrayal. The show includes many surprising plot twists and has attracted attention beyond just entertainment news.
Key Facts
The Polygamist is a drama series from South Africa.
It is streamed on the Netflix platform.
The show's story involves themes of marriage and betrayal.
It features several unexpected plot changes.
The series has caused debates around the world on its subject matter.
The lead screenwriter of the show is Busisiwe Zwane.
The show is produced by Clarisse Fortuné and Antonia Cimini.
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Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, has been allowed to take her case to the UK Supreme Court. She will challenge the UK government's decision to label Palestine Action as a terrorist group.
Key Facts
Huda Ammori is the co-founder of Palestine Action.
The UK government designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organization.
Ammori has received permission to appeal this decision.
The appeal will be heard by the UK Supreme Court.
Palestine Action is involved in activism related to Palestine.
The decision to challenge the ban is a legal process.
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A coal mine explosion in Pakistan’s Balochistan province killed at least 11 miners and trapped dozens more. Rescue teams are searching for survivors deep underground, but the chance of finding people alive is low.
Key Facts
The explosion happened in a coal mine near Sorange, about 50 kilometers east of Quetta.
At least 11 miners died in the blast, with 28 still missing as of late Thursday night.
The explosion may have been caused by a buildup of methane gas, a flammable gas found in mines.
Rescue efforts continue at a depth of around 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) underground.
Coal mining accidents are common in Balochistan due to poor safety measures like weak ventilation and lack of gas monitoring.
Miners and labor groups say mine owners do not properly enforce safety rules or provide enough protective gear.
Many miners work in difficult conditions because they rely on this industry for their income in a poor and underdeveloped region.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority is assisting in the rescue operations.
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France and Spain are seeing some relief from large wildfires that have caused mass evacuations, but fires continue in other parts of Europe including the UK, Greece, Portugal, and Turkey. The wildfires have been severe this year, with damage to homes, large areas of forest, and loss of life, while climate change is increasing the risk and intensity of these fires.
Key Facts
A major wildfire in southwestern France is no longer spreading, giving hope that the situation is improving.
Over 220,000 people were evacuated in France near Bordeaux, with more than 200 homes destroyed and two firefighters killed.
Spain lifted a state of emergency near Madrid after most of the 60,000 evacuated residents were allowed to return.
Spain’s Avila region is experiencing its largest wildfire on record, burning 50,000 hectares.
New fires in Spain’s Fermoselle area have forced another evacuation of over 600 people.
Greece has seen three firefighters die while fighting wildfires, with mass evacuations on the island of Crete.
Firefighters continue to battle wildfires in the UK, Portugal, and Turkey.
Experts say climate change is making wildfires in Europe more frequent and intense by drying out vegetation.
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The rate at which Ukraine intercepts Russian missiles has fallen from about 90% in March to around 70-75% now. This change comes as Russia uses more advanced ballistic missiles in its attacks, which have caused civilian deaths, including children.
Key Facts
Ukraine's air force intercepted 55 Russian missiles and 265 drones during a recent attack.
At least 10 civilians were killed in the missile and drone barrage, including children.
The average interception rate of Russian missiles dropped from around 90% in March to 70-75%, sometimes even lower.
Russia has been deploying more advanced ballistic missiles that are harder for Ukraine to intercept.
Patrick Bury, a warfare and counter-terrorism expert, provided these details to France 24.
The missile attacks are part of ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
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Saudi Arabia and 13 other countries have formed a military alliance to protect ships passing through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. The alliance aims to keep these important waterways safe for trade and energy shipments amid rising regional tensions.
Key Facts
The Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance includes Saudi Arabia and 13 other countries.
The group wants to protect freedom of navigation and secure vital trade routes linking the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean.
The alliance was formed due to threats from Iran-backed Houthi fighters who have attacked shipping in the area.
43 out of 51 invited countries participated in the founding meeting, including a European Union delegation.
Member countries will share intelligence and conduct joint naval exercises, but exact military contributions are not detailed.
The alliance is described as defensive and not aimed at any specific country.
Some nearby countries with similar interests, like the UAE and Oman, have not joined the coalition.
Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a narrow and strategic chokepoint where about 10-12% of global maritime trade passes, including large volumes of oil.
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Liberian authorities destroyed 4.2 tons of cocaine worth about $336 million, following the country’s largest drug seizure ever. Senior police officers have been charged for allegedly helping traffickers, as part of an investigation into a large drug smuggling network.
Key Facts
Liberian law enforcement burned 4.2 metric tons of cocaine valued at approximately $336 million.
This seizure is the biggest drug bust in Liberia’s history.
Senior police officials, including the police chief of highway patrol and the head of major crimes, have been charged.
A deputy police commander at Liberia’s main airport is also a suspect.
The cocaine was recovered during a raid at a property near the capital, Monrovia.
Two foreign nationals, a Serbian and a Colombian-Spanish, were arrested and are under investigation.
West Africa is a key route for cocaine trafficking from South America to Europe.
Local cocaine use is increasing in the region, including crack cocaine.
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Spain is sending its military to help police control the border area of Ceuta after thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco. The situation has overwhelmed local authorities, and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will visit Ceuta to address the crisis.
Key Facts
Thousands of migrants crossed into Ceuta, a small Spanish territory in North Africa, causing chaos at the border.
Spain’s government announced deployment of the Armed Forces to support border police (Civil Guard).
At least three migrants died trying to reach Ceuta by sea during the recent surge.
Moroccan and Spanish authorities agreed to cooperate on returning people who entered Ceuta illegally.
Ceuta authorities linked the migrant surge partly to a Spanish Supreme Court decision protecting sea arrivals from immediate pushback.
Migrants crossed mainly by swimming from Moroccan towns Fnideq and Belyounech.
The current influx resembles a similar large crossing event in May 2021, when over 8,000 migrants entered Ceuta in two days.
Morocco’s government has not publicly commented on the recent crossings.
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The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, has confirmed her support for a £100 million fund linked to the Church of England’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. During a visit to Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, a historic site where enslaved Africans were held, she reflected on the Church’s role and stressed the need to help communities affected by the legacy of slavery.
Key Facts
The Church of England set up a £100 million fund to address its role in the transatlantic slave trade.
Archbishop Dame Sarah Mullally made her first pastoral visit to Africa since becoming head of the Church.
Cape Coast Castle in Ghana was a key site where enslaved Africans were held before being sent to the Americas.
The Church of England previously apologized for its historic links to slavery, including involvement in slave plantations and ownership.
The £100 million fund aims to support investment, research, and engagement in communities harmed by slavery.
Some people disagree with the fund, questioning the Church’s level of involvement and raising other concerns.
Ghana’s government supports the reparations campaign and praised the Archbishop’s visit.
The Church continues to face pressure from both supporters and critics about the reparations initiative.
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Spain will send its military to Ceuta, a Spanish city in North Africa, to keep order after thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco, mostly by swimming. The incident caused nine deaths and has raised concerns in Europe, with Italy thinking about suspending its agreement with Spain on open borders within the EU.
Key Facts
Thousands of migrants entered Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa, coming from Morocco.
Many migrants crossed the border by swimming.
Nine people died during this border crossing event.
Spain decided to deploy its military to restore order and security in Ceuta.
The situation has caused tension within the European Union.
Italy is considering suspending the Schengen agreement, which allows free travel between some European countries, because of the crisis in Ceuta.
The migrant influx highlights challenges at the borders between Europe and Africa.
Ceuta is one of two Spanish enclaves located on the northern coast of Africa.
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George and Amal Clooney evacuated their home in Brignoles, France, due to wildfires in the region. They sent a note to the town’s mayor expressing concern for the community and their commitment to help rebuild. The wildfire burned about 130 hectares and injured four firefighters while efforts to fully extinguish it continued.
Key Facts
George and Amal Clooney live in Brignoles, a town in southeastern France with about 18,000 people.
They evacuated their home because of wildfires in the area.
The Clooneys sent a note to Didier Bremond, the mayor, expressing hope that residents were safe and promising support.
The wildfire started on Wednesday, burned roughly 130 hectares (321 acres), and was contained but not fully out by early Thursday.
Four firefighters were injured while fighting the fire.
Wildfires are affecting large parts of southern Europe, including France, Spain, Greece, and reaching the U.K.
The Clooneys bought their home in France in 2021.
George Clooney has spoken positively about living on a farm in France for his family.
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Hundreds of migrants entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, located in North Africa, by swimming and using inflatable devices to cross from Morocco. Local leaders said the number of arrivals has overwhelmed resources and called on the Spanish government for help.
Key Facts
Between 2,000 and 3,000 migrants arrived in Ceuta on one day, according to Spanish media estimates.
Migrants crossed by swimming around the border fence or running through a gate in the fence.
Ceuta is a Spanish territory on the northern coast of Morocco.
The arrival of migrants has put pressure on local services and resources.
Juan Jesús Vivas, the leader of Ceuta, has requested assistance from the Spanish government.
The Guardia Civil, Spain’s national police, has not officially confirmed the estimated number of arrivals.
Ceuta is a common entry point for migrants trying to reach Europe from North Africa.
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