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Five immigrants deported by the United States are currently held in solitary confinement in Eswatini. They were sent there as part of a U.S. program to deport individuals to third countries despite having no ties to those nations. The Eswatini government plans to eventually send them back to their own countries with help from a United Nations agency, although no timeline has been set.
Key Facts
The U.S. deported five immigrants to Eswatini under a program initiated during President Trump's administration.
These individuals are from Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen, and Laos and have been convicted of serious crimes, including murder and child rape.
They are currently held in solitary confinement in Eswatini, away from other prisoners.
Eswatini aims to send the men back to their home countries with assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a U.N. agency, but has not established a timeline.
The Department of Homeland Security described the people deported under this program as having committed “uniquely barbaric” crimes.
Eswatini’s acceptance of deportees continues a trend where the U.S. sends deportees to countries they have no direct ties with.
The process of their repatriation is unclear, and the IOM stated they have not been asked to help yet.
The terms under which Eswatini agreed to take the deportees have not been disclosed.
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Protesters gathered outside the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to oppose Nick Adams, a pro-Israel author and commentator, being named as the new US envoy. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the decision on Adams's appointment is still under consideration, and Malaysia aims to maintain its good relations with the United States.
Key Facts
Protesters in Malaysia opposed Nick Adams's appointment as US envoy because of his pro-Israel stance.
Nick Adams is a conservative author and commentator chosen by President Donald Trump.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated it's too early to make a decision on Adams's appointment.
Adams's social media posts supporting Israel have upset many Muslims in Malaysia.
Malaysia is a country with a mostly Muslim population and supports the Palestinian cause.
The protestors submitted a memorandum to the US embassy asking for reconsideration of Adams's nomination.
Malaysia is negotiating with the US to avoid a new 25% tariff on its exports.
Trump mentioned that the tariff could be avoided if Malaysia moves some manufacturing to the US.
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North Korea recently opened a seaside resort called the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone on July 1. However, the country has now decided to temporarily stop foreign tourists from visiting. The resort, which features hotels, restaurants, and a water park, is part of North Korea's efforts to increase tourism.
Key Facts
North Korea's Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone opened on July 1.
The resort was promoted to attract both local and foreign visitors.
Recently, a notice announced that foreigners cannot visit the resort temporarily.
The first group of Russian tourists arrived at the resort last week.
Direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang are expected to start by the end of the month.
The resort includes a 4km beachfront with hotels, restaurants, and a water park.
Human rights groups have raised concerns about the working conditions for those building the resort.
North Korea had allowed Russian tourists to visit again after tourism was stopped during the pandemic but halted tourism from Western countries without explanation in February.
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Beverley Callon experienced financial trouble after moving to Huddersfield, but with help from a debt coach, she cleared her debt over several years. A charity, Christians Against Poverty (CAP), reports that many people in Yorkshire feel isolated and stressed due to debt. The government is considering changes to debt recovery laws, while campaigners call for more support and education on managing money.
Key Facts
Beverley Callon moved to Huddersfield and faced significant debt problems.
She worked with a debt coach from a charity to clear her £11,000 debt.
Many people in Yorkshire are experiencing similar debt-related stress and isolation.
On average, UK families are spending £216 a month on unsecured debt payments.
CAP's report highlights the urgent need for more debt assistance services.
The government is reviewing debt enforcement practices, including how bailiffs operate.
Campaigners suggest there needs to be more focus on teaching money management in schools.
The government is taking steps to address household debt, but some say these measures are not enough.
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Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed at least 26 Palestinian people, including children, with the ongoing violence placing pressure on Gaza's strained healthcare system. Hospitals are overloaded with wounded patients, and power shortages are causing more hardships. In Israel, a survey shows divided public opinion on whether the ongoing conflict will achieve the country's aims.
Key Facts
At least 26 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza.
Five people died in an air attack on Jabalia an-Nazla in northern Gaza.
An attack on al-Mawasi destroyed tents in a designated "safe zone," killing five, including children.
Israeli strikes are said to use missiles containing shrapnel that cause severe injuries.
Gaza's healthcare system struggles with limited power and resources, impacting patient care.
Some Gaza hospitals have reduced services due to fuel shortages and power cuts.
An Israeli public opinion survey shows people are divided on whether the war will meet its goals.
A bombing of Gaza's only Catholic church by Israel led to casualties and drew international criticism.
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The European Union has approved new sanctions against Russia in response to its ongoing war in Ukraine. These measures include lowering the cap on Russian oil prices, banning transactions involving Nord Stream gas pipelines, and targeting Russian ships. The EU aims to increase pressure on Russia to end the conflict.
Key Facts
The EU has implemented new sanctions to pressure Russia over its war in Ukraine.
Sanctions include reducing the oil price cap from $60 to $45 per barrel.
Transactions with Nord Stream gas pipelines are banned to cut off potential revenue for Russia.
Additional Russian ships are targeted under these new measures.
The EU's decision marks its 18th package of sanctions against Russia since February 2022.
The EU is seeking to involve major international powers in supporting the oil price cap.
Obstacles have arisen because of increased oil prices due to Middle East conflicts and lack of US support.
Slovakia initially delayed the sanctions over concerns about Russian gas supply disruptions.
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On July 18, 2025, the House approved a plan to cut $9 billion from previously allocated funds, impacting public media like NPR and PBS. Meanwhile, Trump denied allegations from a Wall Street Journal article about a 2003 letter to Jeffrey Epstein and threatened to sue. The White House also reported Trump's diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, a common vein condition in older adults.
Key Facts
The House voted 216 to 213 to approve a rescission plan that cuts $9 billion, affecting public media funding and foreign aid.
The reduction in funds could lead to some public media stations closing, especially in rural areas.
A Wall Street Journal article claims Trump sent Jeffrey Epstein a suggestive letter for his birthday in 2003, which Trump denies.
Trump is threatening legal action against the Wall Street Journal over the article.
Trump directed the Attorney General to release certain files related to Epstein's criminal case.
Trump's doctor reported he has chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where veins have trouble returning blood to the heart.
Chronic venous insufficiency is common among those over 70 and can cause symptoms like swollen ankles. Trump is 79 years old.
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The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held talks with leaders from both sides of Cyprus, but they didn't reach an agreement on opening new border crossings. While there was some progress on other issues, disagreements on how to move forward remain, with ongoing talks to improve relations and future conditions.
Key Facts
The talks were held at the United Nations in New York.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 after Turkiye invaded the northern part.
The divided island's leaders did not agree on opening four new border crossings.
The UN Secretary-General called the meetings "constructive" but noted a long way ahead.
Progress was made on several initiatives: youth committee, environmental projects, cemetery restoration, and demining agreements.
The UN peace deal framework proposed a reunified Cyprus with both Greek and Turkish Cypriot zones.
Ersin Tatar, the Turkish Cypriot leader, wants a two-state solution, while Greek Cypriots oppose formal partition.
Discussions continue on new border crossings and solar energy projects in the buffer zone.
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UN experts claim Rwanda controls the M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and that Uganda has increased its military presence there without coordination. The report, not yet officially published, accuses armed groups, including those connected to the DRC government, of human rights violations. Rwanda and Uganda both deny these allegations.
Key Facts
UN experts say Rwanda is in control of the M23 rebel group in the DRC.
Uganda has increased its military forces in the DRC without consulting others.
The UN report blames both neighboring countries for worsening the DRC conflict.
The report has not been officially released but was submitted to the UN Security Council in May.
Rwanda has denied its involvement with M23 and criticized the UN experts.
M23 has taken control of important areas in the DRC, including Goma and Bukavu.
The US-brokered peace deal between Rwanda and the DRC doesn't include M23 but supports continued peace talks.
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South Korea will stop using private agencies for adoptions and will create a public adoption system where the government will manage the entire process. This change follows an investigation that found problems in the international adoption process, such as fake orphan registrations and not checking adoptive parents properly.
Key Facts
South Korea will no longer outsource adoptions to private agencies.
The government will take full control of the adoption process through a new public system.
More than 140,000 Korean children were adopted abroad after the Korean War.
An investigation revealed issues like false orphan registrations and identity tampering in past adoptions.
A government ministry committee will now assess potential adoptive parents and match them with children.
The government aims to prioritize the safety and rights of adopted children.
Past adoption practices were criticized for being profit-driven due to lack of regulation.
International adoption originally aimed to send mixed-race children, born during the Korean War, out of South Korea.
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Syrian security forces are getting ready to move into Suwayda to stop fighting between Druze and Bedouin groups. Recently, Israel attacked Syrian locations, targeting Bedouin fighters, while a ceasefire effort was ongoing. Qatar and Turkey have criticized Israel's actions, and the U.S. stated it did not support the Israeli strikes.
Key Facts
Syrian security is preparing to redeploy to Suwayda to address tribal clashes.
Israel attacked a convoy of Bedouin fighters on a Syrian highway.
The Bedouin fighters are engaged in conflict with Druze groups in Suwayda.
A ceasefire was agreed upon, but Bedouin fighters say it does not apply to them.
Syria accuses Israel of violating its sovereignty with recent bombings.
Qatar and Turkey have condemned Israel’s attacks on Syria.
The U.S. has clarified that it did not support Israel's recent strikes.
Israel claims its attacks are to protect the Druze minority in Syria.
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Indian tax authorities and the market regulator SEBI are expanding their investigation of Jane Street Group for suspected tax evasion and price manipulation in Indian stock markets. SEBI has already seized a significant sum from Jane Street and banned its related entities from trading in India due to allegations of price manipulation.
Key Facts
Indian authorities are investigating Jane Street Group for tax evasion and price manipulation.
SEBI seized 48.43 billion rupees ($570 million) from Jane Street over alleged price manipulation.
SEBI banned four entities related to Jane Street from trading in the Indian market.
There are concerns about SEBI’s ability to monitor and protect investors in the large options trading market.
Trading in India's weekly equity index options dropped by a third after the ban on Jane Street.
A whistleblower named Mayank Bansal presented Jane Street's trading patterns to SEBI.
Jane Street disputes SEBI’s findings and has deposited the seized funds pending a final investigation report.
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Experts advise parents to ask questions about safety measures related to heat, wildfires, and floods when sending their children to camps. There are no federal standards specifically for camps, and state regulations vary, so it's important for parents to inquire about precautions directly with camp operators.
Key Facts
At least 27 children and staff died at Camp Mystic in Texas, raising safety concerns about summer camps.
Global warming is increasing the risk of extreme weather, impacting camp safety.
There are no specific federal safety standards for camps; only general business regulations apply.
The American Camp Association offers voluntary health and safety accreditation, but only 12% of camps participate.
State regulations for camps vary widely, with some states having little or no oversight.
Parents should ask camps how they manage risks related to heat, wildfires, and floods.
Children are more vulnerable to heat illnesses because their bodies aren't as efficient at temperature regulation.
Experts suggest parents ask about camp facilities like shade structures and misting systems to handle heat risks.
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The article discusses how President Trump advised his supporters not to focus their time and energy on a certain topic. It also invites readers to participate in creating quiz questions about recent news events.
Key Facts
President Trump advised his supporters not to focus on a specific issue.
The article encourages readers to try their hand at creating quiz questions.
Readers can submit quiz questions that relate to events from July 14 to July 22.
Selected quiz questions may be featured in the NPR Weekly Quiz.
Contributors to the quiz may receive acknowledgment on NPR's website.
The article includes a general privacy notice from NPR.
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Congress is working on a new sanctions bill against Russia, with support from both Democrats and Republicans. This united effort aims to push Russia toward peace talks with Ukraine, amid growing tensions between the U.S. and Russia.
Key Facts
Both Democrats and Republicans in Congress are backing a new sanctions bill against Russia.
The bill is called the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025.
Over 160 members of Congress support the bill, including 84 senators.
The bill would place high tariffs on Russian goods and freeze assets of top Russian officials.
President Trump has hinted at imposing severe tariffs if Russia doesn't pursue a ceasefire with Ukraine.
The U.S. is also coordinating with NATO to send more military aid to Ukraine.
Senate approval of the bill is pending, as lawmakers wait for further direction from President Trump.
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The article provides advice on how to feel more confident when flirting with someone in person. Regina Bonds, a life coach, shares tips to help people overcome common fears about flirting, such as worrying if someone will like them or how to start a conversation.
Key Facts
Regina Bonds is a certified life coach based in Atlanta.
The article focuses on boosting confidence for in-person flirting.
For people worried about being liked, Bonds suggests practicing self-love and positive thinking.
To show interest without being intrusive, Bonds recommends starting with eye contact.
If unsure how to start a conversation, giving a compliment can be effective.
There are no strict rules about who makes the first move in dating.
Not receiving a call back should not be discouraging; being proud of attempting is important.
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A new program in Ukraine offers soldiers points for destroying Russian targets, which they can use to get more equipment. The system is designed to motivate and reward troops as they engage in combat along the front lines. Ukrainian officials believe this approach helps in effective use of resources and keeps soldiers motivated.
Key Facts
Ukrainian soldiers earn points for confirmed kills or destroying equipment.
The points can be exchanged for new military gear on a government website.
Bigger targets like rocket launch systems earn more points, with smaller targets like tanks worth fewer points.
The program is managed by Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov.
The initiative aims to provide better motivation and efficient use of resources during the ongoing war.
The program allows soldiers to watch live drone feeds from the front lines for better strategic planning.
Some soldiers find the system motivating as it offers a way to replenish lost equipment.
Reactions from soldiers vary, with some embracing the program while others are skeptical.
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United States President Donald Trump has asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to request the release of grand jury testimony from an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, a deceased sex offender. The Trump administration previously decided not to release certain documents related to Epstein, sparking criticism. Meanwhile, Trump denied involvement in a letter tied to Epstein, which a media outlet reported as part of Epstein's birthday messages.
Key Facts
President Trump wants grand jury testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein to be released by the court.
The administration had earlier held back on releasing some documents about Epstein.
Trump denied a report about a letter he allegedly wrote to Epstein, calling it fake.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Justice Department is ready to ask the court to unseal the testimony.
The Wall Street Journal published a story about a controversial letter linked to Trump, which he disputes.
Epstein died in 2019 while in jail for charges involving sex trafficking of young women.
Claims circulate that Epstein's death was not a suicide, but part of a cover-up involving his wealthy clients.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed new leaders in a major government change since Russia's invasion. Yulia Svyrydenko is now the prime minister, replacing Denys Shmyhal. New appointments were made for positions like the defense minister, while some officials remain in their roles.
Key Facts
Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Yulia Svyrydenko as the new prime minister.
Svyrydenko took over from Denys Shmyhal, who was prime minister since 2020.
Denys Shmyhal is now the defense minister.
Svyrydenko aims to boost Ukraine's domestic weapons production and strengthen the military.
Olga Stefanishyna is named as the potential new ambassador to the United States, but needs US approval.
Outgoing ambassador Oksana Markarova had a positive relationship with former US President Joe Biden.
Andrii Sybiha remains the foreign minister while Oleksiy Sobolev and Taras Kachka have new roles in economy and European integration.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged that Europe needs to invest more in its defense and not rely so much on the United States. He visited the UK to strengthen defense ties and discussed issues like the war in Ukraine and trade matters with President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz agrees that Europe needs to spend more on its own defense.
Merz visited the UK to increase defense cooperation as part of a friendship treaty.
He has met with US President Donald Trump three times since taking office in May.
Merz supports Ukraine and has visited Kyiv to show solidarity.
A US official's criticism led Germany to plan for a large increase in defense spending.
Germany is working closely with the UK and France on security and economic growth.
A new bilateral treaty was signed between Germany and the UK to reinforce their commitment to mutual defense.
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