One Step Closer to Peace in the DRC.

Special Feature

How the World Celebrated the Summer Solstice

On June 20, the Northern Hemisphere welcomed the Summer Solstice—the longest day of the year and one of the most ancient celebrations of life, light, and renewal. In Sweden, people danced around maypoles during Midsommar; on the Yucatan peninsula, locals saw sunlight create the silhouette of a snake; and at Stonehenge, thousands gathered at dawn. Meanwhile, Indigenous communities across Canada and the U.S. marked the solstice with ceremonies honoring the land and their ancestors.

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📸 Extra: Sunrise at Stonehenge

Africa

DR Congo and Rwanda Initial Draft Peace Deal

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have initialed a draft peace agreement aimed at ending years of hostilities in eastern Congo. The document, brokered with U.S. support, lays out a framework for restoring territorial integrity, ceasing hostilities, withdrawing troops, disarming armed groups, and returning displaced civilians. The deal comes amid heightened international pressure to stabilize a region long plagued by violence linked to the M23 rebel group.

The final signing is scheduled for June 27 in Washington, D.C., with both governments under scrutiny to follow through on their commitments.

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Tunisia sentenced ex-president Moncef Marzouki to 22 years in prison in absentia on charges related to national security. Read more

South Africa has reopened the inquest into the apartheid-era killing of the Cradock Four, nearly 40 years after the activists were abducted and murdered by police. Read more

Asia & the Pacific

Thailand’s Coalition Crumbles After Leaked Call

Thailand’s fragile coalition government is falling apart after a leaked phone call between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen sparked political chaos. In the recording, which appeared to show the Thai PM seeking foreign support during the current border dispute, critics accused her of undermining sovereignty.

In response, the Bhumjaithai Party withdrew from the governing coalition, stripping Paetongtarn of her parliamentary majority. With her leadership hanging by a thread, calls for her resignation or snap elections are gaining traction.

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Malaysia is facing criticism for ramping up online surveillance as it rolls out a controversial data-tracking system tied to mobile users. Rights groups warn it would promote digital authoritarianism. Read more

All seven members of BTS are officially back together after Suga completed his alternative military service, sparking fan excitement and rumors of a full-group comeback. Read more

Middle East

Aid Seekers Among 82 Killed in Gaza Strikes

At least 82 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza this week, including dozens waiting for humanitarian aid. The attacks targeted alleged Hamas hideouts but struck areas packed with civilians. The bombing follows a steady escalation in the region, as Israel’s campaign in Gaza continues in parallel with its confrontation with Iran. As the death toll rises, humanitarian corridors remain closed and tensions ripple across neighboring states.

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Diplomatic talks between Europe and Iran in Geneva ended without breakthroughs, as both sides brace for deeper involvement in the widening Israel-Iran conflict. Read more

Turkish President Erdoğan pledged to accelerate missile production in response to the war, stating that “a strong Turkey is needed more than ever.” Read more

Latin America & the Caribbean

Colombia’s Senate Passes Labor Reform After Fierce Debate

Colombia’s Senate has passed President Gustavo Petro’s signature labor reform bill—an ambitious package that expands workers' rights, limits outsourcing, and strengthens unions. While Petro celebrated the vote as a “victory for dignity,” the move has deepened divisions between his government and powerful business groups. The reform still faces legal challenges and must be implemented carefully to avoid destabilizing an already strained economy. It marks a critical moment for Petro’s broader effort to reshape Colombia’s socio-economic model.

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Brazilian President Lula and diplomat Albert Ramdin rallied support for Haiti, in a regional meeting in Brasília. Lula criticized “abandonment and indifference” of the international community to Haiti’s struggles. Read more

Pro-Morales roadblocks across Bolivia have been paused after 6 were killed in the violence. Read more

Eastern Europe

Belarus Frees Tsikhanouski and 13 Political Prisoners in Surprise Move

In a rare gesture, Belarusian authorities released 14 political prisoners, including opposition figure Siarhei Tsikhanouski, following a high-profile visit by a U.S. diplomat. Tsikhanouski, a blogger and activist, is a staunch critic of Belarus President Lukashenko, and was jailed after announcing to challenge Lukashenko in the 2020 elections. Following the 2020 elections, thousands took the streets in protest, and 35,000 people were detained. Lukashenko has since entered his 7th term in office.

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Romania’s president nominated Liberal Party leader Ilie Bolojan as prime minister, hoping to restore stability after weeks of coalition infighting. Read more

Ukraine is warning teenagers to beware of pro-Russian disinformation campaigns spreading through mobile games and apps. Read more

Good News Around the World

AI is revolutionizing weather forecasting, offering earlier and more accurate storm warnings and predictions, saving lives in the process. Read more

A man in a red hoodie is feeding the homeless in South Africa. His name is Olwethu and he’s become a local hero. Read more

A groundbreaking leukemia treatment is being hailed as a major milestone, offering new hope for patients with hard-to-treat cancers. Read more