Mexico’s Democracy Just Took a Hit

Special Feature

Hajj 2025 Begins: Faith, Heat, and New Realities

Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, drew over 1.5 million Muslims from across the globe to Saudi Arabia. As one of the five pillars of Islam, Hajj is a deeply spiritual journey that every Muslim is required to complete at least once, if financially and physically able. The pilgrimage arrived just ahead of Eid al-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion and God’s mercy, celebrated on June 6.

But this year’s Hajj also reflects modern pressures: extreme heat, tighter age limits, and growing financial strain. With temperatures nearing 45°C (113°F), Saudi authorities have barred children and introduced payment plans to help pilgrims manage rising costs. The government is also expanding digital tools like mobile apps and crowd management tech to improve safety. Still, climate change and rising demand are forcing a rethink of how this centuries-old tradition can endure.

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Latin America & the Caribbean

Mexico’s Judicial Election Sparks Fears of Authoritarian Drift

Mexico has elected its entire judiciary for the first time, but far from a win for democracy, the June 1 vote has raised alarm. Turnout was just 13%, and half of voters annulled their ballots in protest. The ruling Morena party dominated the results, aided by “cheat sheets,” partisan observers, and ballot irregularities. Critics say the vote stripped the courts of independence and cemented one-party rule, marking a serious setback for Mexico’s young democracy.

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Panama’s social security protests have continued for 45 days, fueled by fears of cuts and privatization. Read more

Chile is back in the abortion spotlight, as lawmakers debate a bill to expand legal access. It spotlights Latin America’s growing support for abortion. Read more

Eastern Europe

Poland’s New Political Divide: President vs. Parliament

Poland’s pro-EU government is bracing for major clashes with newly elected President Karol Nawrocki, a nationalist critical of Brussels. Nawrocki won the election on Monday with just 50.89% of the vote. The left-leaning Prime Minister Tusk is expected to clash on Nawrocki opposition to abortion, same-sex marriage, and Ukraine joining NATO. Analysts fear a power struggle could stall reforms and weaken Poland’s influence in the EU, just as Warsaw was gaining momentum as a regional leader.

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Eastern Europe’s Solar Power Surge is gaining traction quietly, as countries like Poland, Hungary, and Romania lead a regional green energy push. Read more

Bulgaria is preparing to join the Eurozone, marking a major economic shift. The switch is slated fo January 1, 2026. following years of inflation controls and banking alignment. Read more

Asia & the Pacific

South Korea Elects President Lee After Martial Law Crisis

South Korea has a new president: Lee Jae-myung, a populist figure elected months after martial law rocked the country. Lee of the liberal Democratic Party won 49.42% of the vote, beating conservative rival Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party. Lee has vowed to restore democracy, stabilize the economy, and pragmatic diplomacy. His presidency will likely redefine the country's stance on North Korea, China, and the U.S.

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The Thai military says it’s ready for a “high-level operation” if border tensions with Cambodia worsen. Recent disputes over land and checkpoints have revived historic grievances, and both sides have begun amassing troops. Read more

Japan’s second private moon landing attempt has failed, as ispace lost communication with its lunar lander. It’s another setback for Asia’s growing space race, but the company says it will try again in 2026. Read more

Middle East

Gaza Aid Sites Remain Closed as Strikes Continue

Despite brief hopes for a pause, the US-backed Global Humanitarian Fund reports that its aid sites in Gaza remain shuttered after renewed Israeli airstrikes killed 42 people on the festival of Eid al-Adha. Food deliveries remain blocked, and key infrastructure has been destroyed. International NGOs warn that if aid access isn’t restored soon, famine and disease will intensify across Gaza. The announcement came after the US vetoed UN’s call for an unconditional and permanent ceasefire.

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Israel opposition parties move to dissolve the parliament and call for early elections. Netanyahu’s coalition has fractured over Gaza policy and internal corruption probes. Read more

Jordan has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever, after a historic win against Oman. The team’s underdog run has sparked nationwide celebrations and renewed investment in youth sports. Read more

Africa

Sudan’s Refugee Crisis Tops 4 Million Amid Ongoing War

The UN reports that over 4 million people have now fled Sudan since civil war broke out 3 years ago. As fighting continues between rival military factions, refugee camps in Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan are stretched beyond capacity. Aid agencies warn of famine and disease, with only a fraction of international pledges fulfilled. With no ceasefire in sight, the crisis is one of the world’s fastest-growing humanitarian emergencies.

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Zambia’s former president Edgar Lungu has died at age 68 while receiving treatment in South Africa. He served from 2015 to 2021 and was known for significant infrastructure projects and steering Zambia through difficult economic periods. Read more

The African Union launched a new call to eliminate cholera by 2030, partnering with regional health ministries. Progress has been made in early-warning systems and sanitation, but outbreaks persist in 15 countries. Read more

Good News Around the World

The EU is on track to meet its climate targets, despite recent political pushback on green policies. Carbon emissions and renewable energy targets are both ahead of schedule. Read more

An innovative mosquito net has saved an estimated 25k lives in 3 years. The innovation could protect millions more from malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Read more

Japanese researchers have developed a biodegradable plastic that dissolves in seawater within hours—offering hope for reducing ocean waste. Read more