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Argentina’s former President, Alberto Fernandez, has been charged with corruption relating to government insurance policies during his presidency from 2019 to 2023. A court has frozen $10 million of his assets, and 33 others are also involved in the case.
Key Facts
Former Argentinian President Alberto Fernandez will face trial for corruption charges related to insurance policies.
He is accused of misusing his position by forcing government offices to buy insurance only from a specific company.
A friend of Fernandez led the company benefiting from these contracts.
The main broker involved was reportedly the husband of Fernandez’s personal secretary.
A court has frozen $10 million of Fernandez’s assets during the trial.
The case includes 33 other individuals.
Corruption claims arose after the investigation of a phone during a separate domestic abuse inquiry involving Fernandez.
Fernandez did not run for re-election, and another person became president in December 2023.
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Countries agreed to set up a headquarters in Paris for a rapid response team once fighting stops in Ukraine. The U.S. joined the discussion for the first time during the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome. They plan to help Ukraine by providing experts to rebuild and protect its military forces.
Key Facts
European countries and the U.S. met to plan a response team for Ukraine after hostilities with Russia end.
The headquarters for this team, called the Multinational Force Ukraine, will initially be in Paris.
U.S. officials, including a special envoy and two senators, attended the meeting.
The team will provide logistical and training support to Ukraine's armed forces.
U.S. participation was highlighted as a sign of strong Western support for Ukraine.
There is no current plan for U.S. troops to be stationed in Ukraine.
The meeting took place during the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome.
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Fighting has increased in Ukraine with Russia stepping up drone and missile attacks, resulting in the highest civilian casualties since April 2022. The UN reported many people were killed or injured, and Ukraine received significant aid pledges at a conference in Rome. US and other countries are providing weapons to Ukraine, and diplomatic efforts are ongoing.
Key Facts
In June, 232 civilians in Ukraine were killed, and 1,343 were injured, the highest numbers since last year.
Russia claims its attacks focused on military targets, but many towns and cities suffered damage.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reported over 400 drones and 18 missiles were used in recent Russian attacks.
Air traffic in Moscow was briefly disrupted by Ukrainian drones intercepted by Russian air defenses.
A Rome conference pledged over 10 billion euros in aid for Ukraine's recovery.
The US and other countries are preparing to send more weapons to support Ukraine.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister expressed challenges in US-Russia relations, but seeks improved ties.
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Two music duos, Clipse and The Swell Season, have each released their first albums in 16 years. Clipse’s new album is called "Let God Sort Em Out," while The Swell Season’s album is named "Forward." NPR's podcast "All Songs Considered" discusses these releases along with other new albums.
Key Facts
Clipse is a rap duo from Virginia Beach made up of two brothers, Malice and Pusha T.
The Swell Season consists of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, known for their film "Once."
Both Clipse and The Swell Season have not released albums in 16 years until now.
The new Clipse album is titled "Let God Sort Em Out."
The new Swell Season album is called "Forward."
NPR’s "All Songs Considered" podcast reviews these albums.
Other featured albums in the podcast include Wet Leg’s "moisturizer" and Allo Darlin's "Bright Nights."
The podcast is available on multiple platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.
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A conflict over language education in Maharashtra, India, began when the government required Hindi to be taught as a third language in state primary schools, along with English and Marathi. This decision sparked protests and violence, as many saw it as an imposition of Hindi over regional languages. The government has since paused the policy to reconsider it amid ongoing tensions.
Key Facts
Maharashtra government required Hindi to be taught as a third language in state schools, adding to English and Marathi.
The policy aligns with India's National Education Policy, which advises teaching three languages in schools.
The decision faced strong opposition from groups that view it as imposing Hindi in a Marathi-speaking area.
Language is a sensitive issue in India, often linked to regional pride and identity.
Protests over the policy have turned violent, with incidents reported against non-Marathi speakers.
The Maharashtra government paused the decision and set up a committee to review it.
Political tensions have risen, involving accusations between the ruling coalition and opposition.
The controversy arises months before local elections, amplifying political stakes.
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South Korea, which has the world's lowest birth rate, is seeing more people use fertility clinics. Between 2018 and 2022, fertility treatments increased by nearly 50%, helping address the country's demographic challenges. In 2024, the birth rate rose slightly, marking its first increase in nine years.
Key Facts
South Korea has the world's lowest birth rate.
Fertility treatments in South Korea increased by nearly 50% from 2018 to 2022.
One in six babies in Seoul were born with the help of fertility treatments last year.
Young people in South Korea are more focused on planning their families.
South Korea's birth rate slightly increased to 0.75 in 2024, its first rise in nine years.
The population is aging, with one in five people aged 65 or above.
Experts are watching if attitudes toward marriage and parenthood are changing.
The fertility industry in South Korea could grow to be worth over $2 billion by 2030.
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President Trump has announced a 25% tariff on Japanese goods, causing concern among Asian countries that rely on exports. Trump has extended the deadline for tariff negotiations, giving countries until August 1 to reach a deal, but many, including Japan, remain concerned about their economic impact.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a 25% tariff on Japanese goods.
Japan is trying to negotiate to avoid tariffs, especially for its car industry.
Trump has sent tariff letters to 22 nations, including 14 in Asia.
Countries have until August 1 to negotiate tariff deals with the US.
Transhipped goods, or goods rerouted through other countries, are also targeted by the US tariffs.
Economists believe more extensions of the deadline might happen due to complex trade agreements.
Tariffs affect global trade and are a concern for export-dependent Asian manufacturers.
Vietnam and Cambodia are facing high tariffs but have limited negotiating power against the US.
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Despite pressure from Western countries, Russia continues its military actions in Ukraine. The tough talk from former U.S. President Donald Trump has not changed Russian President Vladimir Putin's approach, as attacks in Ukraine are intensifying.
Key Facts
Russia is still engaged in military actions in Ukraine despite international pressure.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's strong words have not altered Putin's strategy.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is increasing attacks on land and air in Ukraine.
The BBC's Russian Editor, Steve Rosenberg, reported on the situation.
Sanctions are part of the pressure from the West against Russia.
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Greece has temporarily stopped processing asylum applications from people arriving by sea for three months. This action follows a significant increase in people traveling from Libya to Crete across the Mediterranean Sea.
Key Facts
Greece has paused asylum applications for people arriving by sea for three months.
This pause is a response to more people crossing from Libya to Crete by sea.
The Greek government aims to prevent boats from entering its waters.
Human rights groups argue that denying asylum is against international law.
The issue raises questions about whether policy changes can stop people from traveling to Europe.
There is ongoing discussion about North African countries' roles in reducing boat arrivals.
The matter also concerns possible outcomes of the suspension policy.
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On the first day of the third Test at Lord's, Joe Root scored 99 not out, helping England reach 251-4 by the end of play. England batted cautiously, which is different from their recent approach under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, while India’s bowlers kept the scoring slow.
Key Facts
Joe Root scored 99 not out, helping England reach a score of 251-4 on the first day of the third Test match at Lord's.
Root batted for more than five hours and narrowly missed scoring a century.
England captain Ben Stokes batted with Root and ended the day on 39 runs, though he had some injury concerns.
England’s batting style was slow and cautious, different from their usual aggressive "Bazball" approach.
India’s bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, kept the run rate low, limiting England's scoring to 2.75 runs per over in the afternoon session.
England managed two significant partnerships: Root with Ollie Pope and Root with Ben Stokes.
Root became the first batter to score 3,000 Test runs against India and earned his 23rd half-century against the team.
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Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed at least 82 people, with ongoing ceasefire discussions taking place. Among those killed were civilians, including children and women, waiting for aid. Negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of captives continue, while concerns about forced displacement are being raised.
Key Facts
At least 82 people have died in Israeli attacks in Gaza, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
Among those killed in an attack were 15 people, including nine children and four women, waiting for nutritional supplies in Deir el-Balah.
At least 30 others, including 19 children, were injured in the attack.
UNICEF condemned the attack and called for an investigation and compliance with international humanitarian law.
Hamas described the attacks as part of a campaign against civilians.
As of October 7, 2023, over 57,762 Palestinians have died, and 137,656 others have been wounded in the conflict.
Negotiations for a ceasefire involve Israel, Hamas, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, with a possible 60-day ceasefire and captives' release being discussed.
Israel's Prime Minister mentioned conditions for a permanent end to the conflict, requiring Hamas to disarm.
Plans to forcibly relocate Palestinians to Rafah, southern Gaza, have sparked criticism, with fears of creating large displacement camps.
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Jane Birkin's original Hermès handbag sold for a record €8.6 million (approximately £7.4 million or $10.1 million) at an auction in Paris. The bag was designed for Birkin after a chance meeting with the head of the luxury fashion brand on a flight. A collector from Japan bought the bag, setting a new auction record for this kind of item.
Key Facts
The handbag auction took place in Paris.
Jane Birkin's bag sold for €8.6 million (£7.4 million or $10.1 million).
This sale broke the previous record of $513,000.
The bag is made of black leather and shows signs of wear, including spots where stickers were once placed.
Hermès designed the bag specifically for Jane Birkin after she spilled her items during a flight.
A private collector from Japan purchased the bag.
The auction was conducted by Sotheby’s.
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The United States has halted imports of cattle from Mexico due to concerns about a parasite called the New World screwworm, which affects livestock. This decision followed the discovery of the parasite in Mexico, despite efforts to control its spread using sterile flies. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the decision as exaggerated.
Key Facts
The United States stopped importing Mexican cattle because of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite.
The screwworm lay eggs in wounds of warm-blooded animals, causing painful infestations.
The parasite was previously eradicated from the US in 1966 but has been found in Mexico recently.
The US cattle industry is worth $515 billion, prompting worries about screwworms affecting its livestock.
The US Department of Agriculture aims to stop the parasite's spread at the Darien Gap, between Panama and Colombia.
To control the screwworm, the US is releasing sterilized male flies in Mexico and southern US, as these flies cannot reproduce.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum believes the US decision to halt cattle imports is an overreaction.
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A federal judge stopped the enforcement of an executive order that aimed to end birthright citizenship, which the Trump administration had introduced. Russia carried out a nearly ten-hour missile and drone attack on Ukraine. The Secret Service suspended six agents due to issues related to an attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Pennsylvania last July.
Key Facts
A federal judge blocked a Trump administration executive order about birthright citizenship.
Birthright citizenship means people born in a country automatically get citizenship.
Russia attacked Ukraine with missiles and drones for almost ten hours.
The Secret Service is an agency responsible for protecting U.S. leaders.
Six Secret Service agents were suspended.
The suspensions relate to an attempted assassination of Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania last July.
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The United Kingdom has banned Palestine Action, a group known for its protests against the arms industry. People who support the group could now face up to 14 years in prison.
Key Facts
The UK government has banned Palestine Action.
Palestine Action is known for taking direct action, like strikes and protests, against the arms industry.
The group is now classified similarly to ISIL (ISIS) and al-Qaeda in the UK.
Supporters of Palestine Action may receive prison sentences of up to 14 years.
Some protesters against the ban have already been arrested.
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Changing weather patterns and rising temperatures are impacting important tea-growing areas in China and Taiwan. These environmental changes are altering the way tea is produced in these regions.
Key Facts
Climate change is causing weather patterns to shift in China and Taiwan.
Rising temperatures are affecting tea-growing areas in these countries.
These areas are known for producing prized and high-quality tea.
Changes in weather can alter tea production methods.
Adapting to new climate conditions can be challenging for tea farmers.
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Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on Brazil amid accusations of Brazilian government actions against U.S. companies and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Trump's decision follows tense relations between the U.S. and Brazil, with current Brazilian President Lula da Silva criticizing the move. In response, Brazil has promised to impose its own tariffs on U.S. goods.
Key Facts
Trump announced tariffs on Brazil, potentially up to 50%, citing actions against U.S. tech companies and Bolsonaro.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva responded that Brazil will not accept such actions and will impose its own tariffs in return.
Bolsonaro is facing legal issues in Brazil related to alleged election interference.
Trump has previously used tariffs to influence political situations and support allies like Bolsonaro.
Brazil currently buys more from the U.S. than it sells, which fits Trump's trade goals.
Trump's announcement continues a pattern of political tension between him and Lula’s government.
Eduardo Bolsonaro, Jair Bolsonaro's son, moved to the U.S. to gain support for his father from Trump’s circle.
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Australian universities risk losing government funding if they don't address antisemitism. A recent report showed a significant increase in antisemitic incidents, prompting recommendations for tighter controls on public institutions and potential immigrants with antisemitic views. The government is considering the proposals to reduce antisemitism while maintaining multicultural values.
Key Facts
Australian universities could lose government funding if they don't combat antisemitism on campus.
The Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism reported a rise in antisemitic incidents after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.
Synagogues, cars, businesses, and homes have been attacked in Sydney and Melbourne.
The report suggests screening potential immigrants for antisemitic views.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is reviewing the report's recommendations.
Universities Australia supports condemning racism but stresses the importance of academic freedom and responsibility.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry supports the report, while the Jewish Council of Australia worries it might impact political dissent.
More than half of Australia’s population is either born overseas or has an immigrant parent, emphasizing the nation’s multicultural identity.
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Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad turned 100 years old and remains active in politics and public life. He celebrated his birthday by working and sharing thoughts on his past leadership and personal health practices.
Key Facts
Mahathir Mohamad turned 100 years old on Thursday.
He served as Malaysia's Prime Minister twice, from 1981 to 2003 and from 2018 to 2020.
He is Malaysia's longest-serving Prime Minister.
On his birthday, he continued his work at his office.
Mahathir attributed his long life to avoiding smoking and overeating and staying mentally active.
He has experienced heart disease and had two heart bypass surgeries.
Mahathir is known for transforming Malaysia's economy and holding strong political control during his tenure.
After retirement, he returned to politics, winning an election at the age of 92.
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A U.K. intelligence committee reported that since 2022, Iran has increased threats to people in the U.K., particularly targeting Iranian dissidents and Jewish and Israeli interests. The report documented at least 15 attempts at murder or kidnapping against British citizens or residents during this period. Iran's embassy in London denied the accusations.
Key Facts
A U.K. intelligence report claims Iran has become more of a threat to people in Britain since 2022.
The report states Iranian dissidents and Jewish and Israeli interests are at risk, similar to threats from Russia.
Between January 2022 and August 2023, there were at least 15 murder or kidnap attempts targeting British citizens or residents.
The report describes Iran as unpredictable and engaging in high-risk activities.
Iran's embassy in London denied the report's findings, calling them politically motivated and hostile.
The embassy rejected claims of Iran engaging in violence or espionage on British soil.
In a related case, three alleged Iranian spies were charged in London in May for plotting violence against U.K.-based journalists.
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