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Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
Heavy rains and flooding in Beijing have led to the deaths of at least 30 people. Over 80,000 people have been moved from flooded areas, and many roads have been damaged. Rescue and safety efforts are ongoing as more rain is expected.
Key Facts
At least 30 people have died due to heavy rains and flooding in Beijing.
The deaths mostly occurred in the mountain areas of Miyun and Yanqing districts.
Beijing experienced rainfall up to 543mm (21.3 inches) in its northern regions.
More than 80,000 residents have been evacuated from flood-affected areas.
The flooding has damaged many roads and cut power to at least 136 villages.
Authorities released water from a full reservoir in Miyun to manage rising river levels.
Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered search and rescue operations to reduce casualties.
Local residents reported sudden flooding, with streets and businesses quickly submerged.
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Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe was found guilty of bribery and witness tampering. The court ruled he tried to influence witnesses against him in an investigation of his ties to paramilitary groups. Uribe, who may face up to 12 years in prison, plans to appeal the decision.
Key Facts
Álvaro Uribe, former Colombian President, was convicted of bribery and witness tampering.
The trial lasted nearly six months and was closely followed in Colombia.
Uribe was convicted of trying to influence witnesses connected to allegations of his ties with paramilitary groups.
The ruling does not immediately result in Uribe's arrest; he is not required to be in jail yet.
Uribe could face up to 12 years in prison at a later sentencing hearing.
Protests occurred outside the courthouse during the ruling, with supporters and opponents of Uribe clashing.
Uribe previously led Colombia from 2002 to 2010 and is a significant political figure with strong opinions for and against him.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the ruling, while Colombian President Gustavo Petro supported the court’s decision.
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On July 29, a Russian drone attack on a residential building in Kyiv injured eight people. Ukraine's Air Force reported a large-scale attack involving drones and missiles across the country, most of which were intercepted. In other events, Russia claimed control over areas in eastern Ukraine, and the U.S. set a deadline for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
Key Facts
A Russian drone attack in Kyiv injured eight people, including a four-year-old girl.
The Ukrainian Air Force said 324 drones and several missiles were launched in the attack.
Ukraine's Air Force successfully intercepted 309 drones and two missiles.
A fire started in Kropyvnytskyi, central Ukraine, but no injuries were reported.
Russia claimed to have targeted a Ukrainian air base and ammunition depot.
Polish and allied aircraft were activated as Russian missiles approached Poland's border.
Russian troops took control of two settlements in eastern Ukraine.
Russia's airline Aeroflot canceled over 50 flights due to a cyberattack by pro-Ukraine groups.
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The United States and the European Union have reached a trade agreement. The deal includes a 15 percent tariff for the EU, but not for the US, and plans for large US energy and weapons contracts.
Key Facts
The US and EU reached a trade deal.
The agreement includes a 15 percent tariff for the EU.
The US is not subject to this new tariff.
The deal involves large contracts for US energy and weapons.
EU supporters claim the deal prevents a trade war.
Some critics believe the agreement favors the US more.
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A humanitarian aid convoy has reached Suwayda province in Syria, bringing relief supplies after recent clashes there displaced thousands and damaged essential services. The United Nations has warned that the humanitarian situation remains serious, with ongoing challenges like roadblocks that hinder aid delivery.
Key Facts
A convoy carrying aid has arrived in Suwayda province, which largely consists of Druze communities.
The convoy included 200 tonnes of flour, 2,000 shelter kits, 1,000 food baskets, and medical supplies.
The UN describes the situation in Suwayda as critical despite a largely held ceasefire.
Clashes, which began on July 13, involved Druze fighters, Sunni Bedouin tribes, and later the involvement of government forces.
The violence displaced over 128,000 people and led to shortages of critical supplies like food and medicine.
Local reports indicate ongoing blockades and road closures that prevent aid from reaching many people in need.
Israel conducted air strikes in Syria, affecting government forces and key buildings in Damascus.
Russia has emphasized the need for respecting Syria’s territorial boundaries amid the conflict.
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Dozens of ministers met at a United Nations conference to promote a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians. The United States and Israel did not attend the meeting, which was hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. The conference aimed to discuss steps towards ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but tensions remain high as the conflict continues in Gaza.
Key Facts
The United Nations conference focused on a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians.
The United States and Israel chose not to participate in the meeting.
The meeting was organized by France and Saudi Arabia, following a decision made by the UN General Assembly in September of the previous year.
Saudi Foreign Minister urged countries to support a roadmap for a Palestinian state while ensuring Israel's security.
The UN Secretary-General asked for decisive action rather than just talk.
France plans to recognize a Palestinian state in an upcoming UN assembly.
The meeting occurs during continuing conflict in Gaza, sparked by a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023.
Israel's ongoing military actions in Gaza have led to significant Palestinian casualties.
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The Tasis Alliance, a group of Sudanese armed organizations, has set up its own "transitional peace" government to compete with the official government in Port Sudan. Formed by the RSF and SPLM-N, Tasis aims to gain international recognition and strengthen its position before upcoming peace talks in the US.
Key Facts
The Tasis Alliance, formed in February, consists of Sudanese armed groups like the RSF and SPLM-N.
Tasis has created a separate government to compete with Sudan's official government in Port Sudan.
SPLM-N has fought against Sudan's central government for 40 years due to land disputes.
RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) were allies but began fighting in April 2023.
Tasis wants to gain legitimacy and improve its standing in future peace negotiations.
New peace talks involving international parties are set to start on July 29 in the US.
The RSF leader, Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, leads Tasis's new government, with SPLM-N leader Abdelaziz al-Hilu as deputy.
Tasis's new administration includes members from smaller armed groups and political parties.
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President Trump called for efforts to send more food to Gaza, highlighting the risk of starvation for many Palestinians. He stressed that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu should ensure the delivery of food.
Key Facts
President Trump urged for more food to be sent to Gaza.
He mentioned the threat of starvation affecting many Palestinians.
Trump stated that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu needs to ensure food reaches Gaza.
The comments were reported by Deema Zein.
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President Trump announced he is giving Russian President Vladimir Putin 10 to 12 days to work out a deal to stop the Ukraine war. A judge stopped the Trump administration's attempt to cut funding to Planned Parenthood. A suspect was arrested after two people died outside a casino in Reno, and officials are looking into a plane fire in Denver where passengers had to evacuate.
Key Facts
President Trump set a 10 to 12-day deadline for a Ukraine peace deal with Vladimir Putin.
A judge blocked an attempt by the Trump administration to remove funds from Planned Parenthood.
A suspect is in custody following the killing of two people near a Reno casino.
Passengers evacuated a plane in Denver that caught on fire.
Authorities are investigating why the plane in Denver began burning.
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The United States and Europe have agreed on a new trade deal. This deal is part of President Trump's efforts on tariffs and trade, and reactions vary in both regions.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Europe have made a new trade deal.
This deal is part of ongoing trade discussions led by President Trump.
Mixed reactions to the deal are seen in both the U.S. and Europe.
Jovita Neliupšienė is the European Union’s ambassador to the United States.
Amna Nawaz interviewed the ambassador about the trade agreement.
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People are now using food waste to create electricity instead of sending it to landfills. A reporter visited the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory in Vermont to learn more about this process.
Key Facts
Food waste can be turned into electricity.
This helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
The Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory in Vermont is involved in this process.
A reporter visited the site to understand how the process works.
Converting waste to energy can be environmentally friendly.
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President Donald Trump has negotiated new trade agreements with several countries, including the European Union and Japan. These deals involve the countries agreeing to U.S. tariffs and making significant investments in the U.S. economy. However, these agreements lack many details and face criticism for potentially increasing costs for American consumers.
Key Facts
The European Union agreed to 15% tariffs on most goods sold to the U.S.
The EU committed to buying $750 billion in U.S. energy products and investing $600 billion by 2028.
Japan also agreed to 15% U.S. tariffs and plans to invest in the United States.
Other countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines have seen increased tariffs on their exports to the U.S.
Trump's use of tariffs has resulted in billions of dollars in revenue for the U.S. Treasury.
Economists warn that these tariffs might lead to higher prices for Americans and could affect economic growth.
The details of these trade agreements are not fully documented and are still somewhat unclear.
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A BBC journalist accompanied a Jordanian military plane dropping aid into Gaza. Despite restrictions on filming outside the plane, he noted extensive damage in northern Gaza. Humanitarian groups argue that airdrops are insufficient and more trucks should deliver supplies.
Key Facts
Jeremy Bowen of the BBC flew on a Jordanian military plane delivering aid to Gaza.
The Jordanians instructed the BBC not to film outside plane windows.
Bowen observed severe destruction in northern Gaza.
Israel controls all supplies entering Gaza.
Israel denies causing food shortages and starvation in Gaza.
Humanitarian groups insist airdrops aren't enough and more truck deliveries are needed.
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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to replace all 16 members of a national health panel. This panel helps decide which treatments insurance companies should pay for and guides doctors on patient care.
Key Facts
Health Secretary is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kennedy plans to remove all 16 members of a health panel.
The panel's full name is the United States Preventive Services Task Force.
This group influences which treatments insurance companies cover.
Doctors across the country follow the panel's care recommendations.
Dr. Bobby Mukkamala discussed this plan with Stephanie Sy.
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A distillery in Providence is making and selling local alcohol, marking the return of such businesses about 100 years after prohibition. This alcohol is unique because it is organic and has a connection to the ocean.
Key Facts
A distillery in Providence is producing local alcohol.
This activity comes roughly 100 years after prohibition ended, which was a time when making and selling alcohol was illegal in the U.S.
The alcohol made by this distillery is organic, meaning it is produced without using synthetic chemicals.
The alcohol also has an oceanic element, though details on what this means are not specified.
Pamela Watts from Rhode Island PBS Weekly reported this story for the arts and culture series called CANVAS.
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France and Germany have expressed concern over a trade deal between the EU and the US, saying it could harm their economies. The agreement introduces a 15% tariff on most EU exports to the US, less than the originally threatened rate, while Europe agrees to buy more American energy. The deal requires approval from all 27 EU members, and although some leaders are unhappy, none have stated they will block it.
Key Facts
France and Germany are worried the EU-US trade deal will harm their economies.
The agreement sets a 15% tariff on most EU exports to the US.
Europe will buy more American energy and lower taxes on some imports.
The deal must be approved by all 27 EU members, each with different interests in US trade.
No EU country has said it will block the deal, despite some dissatisfaction.
The deal aims to prevent a full-scale trade war, which would have been worse.
Discussions took place at Trump's golf course in Scotland.
The EU's trade commissioner said the deal was the best possible under tough conditions.
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Two Israeli rights groups, B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. They presented reports detailing their findings based on studies of the conflict over the past 21 months. The Israeli government strongly denies these allegations.
Key Facts
B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel released reports accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.
The reports are based on 21 months of study.
The allegations mark the first time Israeli rights groups have used the term "genocide" against Israel.
B'Tselem's report suggests Israel's actions are intentionally harmful to Palestinian society in Gaza.
Physicians for Human Rights-Israel claims Israel targeted Gaza's healthcare systems deliberately.
The accusations are related to events following an attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Israel's government rejects the genocide claims, stating they only target terrorists, not civilians.
The International Court of Justice is examining a related case by South Africa about genocide allegations.
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The United States and the European Union reached a trade agreement that stops the US from putting a 30% tax on goods from Europe but adds a 15% tax instead. The UK has a separate trade deal with the US featuring a lower 10% tax on goods, which some see as more favorable because of the lower rate. However, there are many details and uncertainties in both agreements that make direct comparisons difficult.
Key Facts
The US will not impose a previously threatened 30% import tax on EU goods but will apply a new 15% tax instead.
The UK has a trade deal with the US that features a 10% tariff on exported goods.
The UK agreement allows exporting up to 100,000 cars yearly at the 10% rate; any extra cars face a 25% tax.
In 2024, the EU exported about 758,000 cars to the US, much more than the UK’s exports of around 100,000 cars.
Details about how tariffs will apply to products like steel and pharmaceuticals remain unclear.
Currently, UK steel exports to the US face a 25% tariff, lower than the global standard rate of 50%.
US and UK officials are in talks to potentially lower or remove tariffs on UK steel within certain limits.
The text of the new US-EU trade agreement has not been released, adding to the uncertainty of specific terms.
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Global hunger levels decreased in 2024, according to a United Nations report. Improvements in food access in South America and India helped, but hunger remains a major issue in Africa and the Middle East due to conflicts, climate issues, and high population growth.
Key Facts
Global hunger affected 8.2% of the world's population in 2024, down from 8.5% in 2023.
The United Nations report was prepared by five agencies, including the WHO and FAO.
Hunger decreased in South America and southern Asia due to better agriculture and social programs.
South America's hunger rate dropped to 3.8% in 2024.
In southern Asia, hunger fell to 11%.
Africa faces high levels of chronic undernourishment, with more than one in five people affected.
Over one billion Africans cannot afford a healthy diet.
The report points out continuing inequalities, with women and rural areas hardest hit.
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