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In southern Syria, fighting has reignited between government forces and Druze armed groups after a ceasefire broke down. Meanwhile, Israel has carried out airstrikes near Damascus and increased its military presence near the border, stating its interest in protecting the Druze minority.
Key Facts
Fighting resumed in the southern Syrian city of Sweida between government forces and Druze armed groups after the ceasefire ended.
Israel conducted airstrikes near the Syrian Ministry of Defense in Damascus.
The Israeli military has increased forces at the Syrian border, citing protection of the Druze community.
The Syrian Defense Ministry claims Druze militias violated the ceasefire, leading to renewed clashes.
Reports indicate government forces might have committed extrajudicial killings and looted homes in Druze areas.
Casualty numbers vary; the Syrian Interior Ministry reported 30 deaths, while a war monitor suggests over 250 people have been killed.
The Druze are a religious group with a significant presence in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.
Within Israel, the Druze community is often integrated, frequently serving in the military.
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Marta Elena Feito Cabrera, Cuba's Minister of Labour and Social Security, resigned after stating there are no actual beggars in Cuba, only people pretending to be homeless. The resignation followed her controversial remarks, which drew widespread criticism amid the country's economic challenges.
Key Facts
Marta Elena Feito Cabrera was the Cuban Labour and Social Security Minister.
She claimed there are no real beggars in Cuba, suggesting they were only pretending.
Her comments led to widespread criticism, and she resigned after acknowledging her mistakes.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel criticized the lack of sensitivity in handling poverty issues.
The US trade embargo against Cuba, dating back to 1960, is blamed for many of the country's economic problems.
Cuba has been experiencing an energy crisis and blackouts recently due to reduced Venezuelan oil supplies.
The US recently imposed sanctions on Cuban President Diaz-Canel and a luxury hotel in Havana.
Tourism plays a vital role in Cuba's economy, with millions of visitors every year.
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Police in India arrested a man named Amritpal Singh Dhillon after he allegedly hit Fauja Singh, considered the world's oldest marathon runner, with his car. Singh, who was 114 years old, was hit while crossing a road near his birth village in Punjab and died later in the hospital. Despite being a renowned figure in marathon running, Singh's records were not officially recognized by Guinness World Records due to a lack of birth documentation.
Key Facts
Fauja Singh, thought to be the oldest marathon runner, died after a hit-and-run incident in Punjab, India.
The accused driver, Amritpal Singh Dhillon, is alleged to have hit Singh with a speeding SUV.
Singh died from his injuries shortly after being taken to a hospital.
Singh was known for setting marathon records in multiple age categories, starting his running career at age 89.
At 100, he became the first centenarian to finish a full marathon, though Guinness did not officially recognize this.
The police recovered the SUV involved in the incident near Singh's birth village, Beas Pind.
Singh's achievements in running began after personal losses, including the death of his wife and son.
He gained global attention through a 2004 Adidas ad campaign alongside sports legends like Muhammad Ali.
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Colombia has started using armed drones in its efforts to combat drug gangs. These drones are a new addition to the country's strategies against criminal groups, which have been using similar technology for offensive purposes.
Key Facts
Colombia is deploying drones that can carry explosives to fight against guerrillas and drug-traffickers.
These drones are part of Colombia's response to increasing violence after peace efforts, like ceasefires, fell apart.
Criminal groups in Colombia have used drones to attack security forces about 200 times in the past two years.
Explosive-laden drones are inexpensive and purchased online by drug traffickers.
The homemade explosives on drones can harm civilians due to imprecise targeting, leading to deaths and injuries.
Colombia's military defense against drones is expensive and struggles to keep pace with the improvements in commercial drones.
Military personnel have been affected by these attacks, with multiple injuries and fatalities reported.
Anti-drone systems used by Colombia's army include radars and jammers but are costly.
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The word "y'all," originally from the Southern United States, is now widely used across the country, especially by young people. Linguists explain that "y'all" effectively fills a gap in English for expressing "you" in a plural sense and has spread due to migration and cultural inclusivity.
Key Facts
"Y'all" has become popular outside the Southern U.S. in the last 20 years.
It is commonly used by people under 40 in various parts of the U.S.
Migration patterns, like the Great Migration, helped spread "y'all" beyond the South.
The term "y'all" is believed to have roots from both British and West African influences.
"Y'all" fills the gap for a plural form of "you" in standard English.
The word has existed in written form since at least the 17th century, though its usage has evolved.
"Y'all" is often used to promote inclusion and support for marginalized groups.
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The Senate is discussing proposed funding cuts for NPR, PBS, and international aid, totaling $9 billion. The vote to consider these cuts passed by a narrow margin, with Vice President JD Vance casting the deciding vote. Some Republican senators and all Democrats opposed the cuts, and certain funds will remain to support Native American radio stations.
Key Facts
The Senate narrowly voted to begin debate on $9 billion in funding cuts requested by President Trump.
Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote needed to move the debate forward.
The cuts include $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds NPR and PBS.
Another $7.9 billion was earmarked for international aid to fight famine and disease.
The U.S. AIDS relief program PEPFAR was removed from the proposed cuts by the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski voted against the cuts, citing concerns over legislative authority and support for public broadcasting.
A compromise ensures funding for 28 Native American radio stations through a Department of Interior program.
The proposal must be approved by midnight Friday or the cuts will not occur.
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President Donald Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about striking Russian cities if the U.S. provides long-range weapons. Trump later clarified that Ukraine should not target Moscow and denied plans to send long-range missiles to Kyiv. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the discussion was taken out of context and emphasized Trump was asking a question, not promoting further hostilities.
Key Facts
President Trump asked if Ukraine could hit Moscow and St Petersburg with long-range weapons.
Trump said Ukraine should not target Moscow and denied plans to provide longer-range missiles.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated Trump was asking a question, not encouraging violence.
Trump announced plans to give more weapons to Ukraine and threatened tariffs on Russia's trade partners.
Trump’s stance has changed due to Russian President Putin's refusal to negotiate peace.
The Kremlin labeled Trump’s comments as “very serious” and said it needed time to analyze them.
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South Korea has arrested a high school teacher and a student's father for attempting to steal exam papers from a school. The incident occurred at a school in Andong when a security alarm stopped their efforts. A facilities manager was also arrested for helping them break into the school.
Key Facts
A teacher and a student's father were arrested for trying to steal exam papers.
They attempted the theft at 01:20 local time on 4 July at a school in Andong, South Korea.
The school's security alarm prevented their attempt.
The teacher faces charges for taking bribes and trespassing.
The student's father is accused of trespassing.
A facilities manager allegedly helped them and was also arrested.
The teacher was privately tutoring the student, which is not allowed for active teachers in South Korea.
The case is part of ongoing exam-related issues in South Korea's competitive education system.
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One in ten children in Gaza screened by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees is malnourished. The ongoing blockade by Israel has led to a lack of essential nutrition supplies, making the situation worse. UN officials stress the urgent need for humanitarian aid entry to prevent further loss of life.
Key Facts
One in every 10 children screened in Gaza is malnourished.
The UN agency, UNRWA, attributes this to Israel's blockade, which prevents needed aid from entering Gaza.
There are severe shortages of nutrition supplies, medicine, hygiene materials, and fuel.
Since January 2024, UNRWA has screened over 240,000 children under five.
More than 870 people seeking food have been killed due to issues with the distribution system.
Before the war, malnutrition cases in Gaza were rare.
UNRWA has 6,000 trucks of supplies ready but unable to enter Gaza.
Malnourished mothers struggle to produce breast milk, and families use contaminated water with beans or lentils to feed children.
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The Code Switch team shared books, movies, and music that influenced them in their understanding of race and identity. These works played a key role in shaping their perspectives during their childhood.
Key Facts
The Code Switch team works at NPR, focusing on topics related to race and identity.
They created an episode discussing cultural influences from books, movies, and music.
Team members shared how these cultural elements impacted them as children.
The episode aims to explain how these early influences helped shape their current views.
The episode was produced by Courtney Stein and Jess Kung.
Leah Donnella edited the episode, while Kwesi Lee handled the engineering.
The episode is available on platforms like the NPR App, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
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Indonesian police arrested 12 people involved in a group that illegally sent over a dozen babies from Indonesia to Singapore for adoption. The group took babies from their biological parents in West Java and moved them to Singapore, where they sold them. Police rescued some babies and are working with international law enforcement to locate others.
Key Facts
Indonesian police arrested 12 people linked to a baby trafficking group.
The group sent over a dozen babies from West Java, Indonesia, to Singapore.
Authorities discovered the group's operation after a parent reported a suspected kidnapping.
Suspects admitted to trading 24 infants, with 14 sent to Singapore.
The babies ranged in age from 3 to 6 months old.
Police rescued six babies in Indonesian cities Pontianak and Tangerang.
The suspects played different roles, such as finding, sheltering, and arranging documents for the babies.
The group sold babies for 11 to 16 million Indonesian Rupiah (about $676 to $983).
The operation started in 2023 and targeted parents unwilling to care for their children.
Indonesian police plan to work with Interpol to find more babies possibly trafficked to Singapore.
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Israeli forces carried out air strikes on Suwayda, a city in southern Syria, where fighting occurred after the Syrian government announced a ceasefire. Israel stated the objective of its actions was to support the Druze minority in the region, while Syria condemned the strikes as illegal. Fighting in Suwayda between different groups has resulted in multiple casualties over recent days.
Key Facts
Israeli forces launched air strikes in Suwayda, southern Syria, after a ceasefire was announced.
The Syrian Ministry of Interior reported that Israeli air support aided armed groups against government troops.
Syria condemned Israel's actions as violations of international law.
Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri, a Druze leader, accused the Syrian government of breaking the truce.
Israel stated its strikes aimed to protect the Druze minority from violence.
Fighting between Bedouin and Druze groups has caused over 30 deaths and injured more than 100 people.
The Druze are a minority religious group mostly living in the southern Syria region.
Israel has conducted regular air strikes in Syria since 2024, with an average frequency of every three to four days.
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President Donald Trump supports the release of reliable information about investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, who was accused of sex trafficking. Trump's supporters are unhappy with how the case has been handled, and there is a call for more transparency about the investigation.
Key Facts
President Trump wants "credible" information about Jeffrey Epstein's case to be made public.
Trump encouraged US Attorney General Pam Bondi to release any reliable findings about the Epstein case.
Trump dismissed some claims about Epstein, saying certain films were fabricated by past leaders.
Epstein died in a Manhattan jail in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges.
Trump's supporters have been upset since a memo stated Epstein died by suicide and had no client list.
The Make America Great Again movement believes there are hidden truths about Epstein's connections.
Matt Walsh, a conservative commentator, insists on continued focus on the Epstein case.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has joined calls for more transparency in the investigation.
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On July 16, fighting in Ukraine involved Russian attacks in the Kharkiv and Sumy regions, resulting in several casualties. Meanwhile, Russia claims military advances in Donetsk, and Ukraine conducted drone attacks on Russian territories, causing injuries. In the political arena, former US President Donald Trump made comments on the Ukraine conflict, and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced his resignation.
Key Facts
A Russian attack in Ukraine's Kharkiv region killed two elderly people and injured two others.
Another Russian attack in Ukraine's Sumy region killed a 50-year-old person.
Russia claims control over two villages in Ukraine's Donetsk region.
A Ukrainian drone attack in Voronezh, Russia, wounded 27 people and damaged a kindergarten.
Russia reported the destruction of 55 Ukrainian drones overnight in various regions.
US President Donald Trump suggested Ukraine should not attack Moscow, stating he wants to stop the killing.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal resigned, with plans to become defense minister.
The European Union delayed new sanctions against Russia after Slovakia requested a pause.
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The Trump administration started an investigation into Brazil's trade practices, focusing on issues like digital trade and tariffs. The investigation aims to find out if these practices harm U.S. businesses. Trump also announced a new 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, and Brazil plans to match this increase.
Key Facts
The U.S. is investigating Brazil's trade practices, calling them "unfair."
Areas of concern include digital trade, electronic payment services, and tariffs.
Trump ordered the investigation, targeting actions that may harm U.S. companies.
Trump sent a letter to Brazil's President Lula about the investigation and tariffs.
The U.S. will impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports starting August 1.
Brazil plans to match the U.S.'s increased tariffs.
Trade between the U.S. and Brazil was valued at $90 billion last year.
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The article discusses how people in the United States and Europe handle home loans. It highlights the common practice of home financing in these areas.
Key Facts
The focus is on home loans in the US and Europe.
Home financing is a common method for buying homes in these regions.
The program discussing this topic is called Business Daily.
The episode about home loans is available for over a year.
The program also touches on other topics like the looting of ancient relics.
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A retrial has begun for Kim Jae-gyu, the former head of South Korea's spy agency, who assassinated President Park Chung-hee in 1979. The court will determine if Kim's actions were treasonous or aimed at promoting democracy by ending Park's authoritarian rule.
Key Facts
Kim Jae-gyu was the head of the South Korean spy agency, KCIA.
In 1979, Kim shot and killed President Park Chung-hee, who had ruled South Korea for 18 years.
President Park was known for boosting South Korea's economy but also for his strict and authoritarian governance.
Kim was executed for insurrection, which means trying to overthrow the government.
The retrial is happening 46 years later to reassess Kim's actions as treason or a push for democracy.
Kim's family argues that he should not be remembered as a traitor.
The shooting incident initially shocked South Korea, with early reports labeling it accidental.
Kim had been an ally of Park since they attended military academy together.
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Bradley Murdoch, who was convicted of murdering British backpacker Peter Falconio in 2001, has died in an Australian prison. Murdoch was serving a life sentence and had been receiving treatment for terminal throat cancer. Australian police recently offered a reward for information leading to the discovery of Falconio's remains.
Key Facts
Bradley Murdoch, 67, was convicted of murdering Peter Falconio in 2005.
Murdoch died in a prison in Alice Springs, Australia, where he was serving a life sentence.
He had terminal throat cancer and was treated at a hospital in recent weeks.
Peter Falconio was killed in July 2001 on a remote highway in Northern Territory, Australia.
Falconio's girlfriend, Joanne Lees, escaped an attempted kidnapping by Murdoch.
Murdoch never revealed where Falconio's body is located.
In June, Australian police renewed efforts to find Falconio's remains, offering a reward of A$500,000.
Police made several unsuccessful attempts to get information from Murdoch about the body's location.
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Francesca Albanese, a United Nations official, urged countries to take concrete steps against Israel's actions in Gaza, labeling them as "genocide." Nations met in Colombia to discuss ways to pressure Israel to end its military actions, as more than 58,000 people have reportedly been killed since October 2023. Some countries are considering measures like cutting military ties and trade with Israel.
Key Facts
Francesca Albanese is the UN's special rapporteur for the Palestinian Territories.
Albanese spoke about Israel's actions in Gaza to delegates from 30 countries in Bogota, Colombia.
Over 58,000 people have died in Gaza since October 2023, according to Palestinian health officials.
Israeli blockades have severely impacted Gaza's 2.3 million residents.
Colombia and South Africa organized the conference, with delegates from countries like Spain, Ireland, and China.
The Hague Group, a coalition of eight countries, has pledged to cut military ties with Israel.
South Africa's ruling party has compared Israel's policies to its own history under apartheid.
The European Union is considering measures such as banning imports from Israeli settlements and imposing individual sanctions.
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The United States and Indonesia have reached a trade agreement, which involves Indonesia making significant purchases from the U.S. in order to avoid higher tariffs on its goods. US President Donald Trump announced a 19% tariff on Indonesian goods and detailed Indonesia's commitments to buy U.S. energy, agricultural products, and Boeing airplanes.
Key Facts
The United States and Indonesia negotiated a trade deal to avoid higher U.S. tariffs.
A 19% tariff will be applied to Indonesian goods entering the U.S.
Indonesia agreed to purchase $15 billion in U.S. energy and $4.5 billion in American agricultural products.
Indonesia also committed to buying 50 Boeing jets, many of which are 777 models.
Trump had previously threatened a 32% tariff on Indonesian goods, effective August 1.
The timeline for implementing the new tariff rate or for Indonesia's purchases was not specified.
Other trade agreements with countries like Britain, Vietnam, and China have been announced, with talks ongoing with the European Union and India.
Trump postponed higher tariffs on trading partners multiple times, sending update letters to over 20 countries.
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