Palestine, earthquakes, and...male birth control?

Africa

Sudan’s crisis deepens with cholera outbreak, mass displacement, and deadly violence

As the civil war between the army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) rages on, Sudan faces an escalating humanitarian catastrophe. Over 2 million people are now displaced, cholera outbreaks have killed 2,300+, and aid organizations warn of famine-level hunger in conflict zones like Khartoum and El Fasher. The fighting has intensified in North Kordofan, where the RSF reportedly launched deadly attacks on civilians, killing 300. Aid workers describe the situation as “beyond emergency,” while the U.N. warns Sudan is on the brink of becoming the world’s worst hunger crisis. Efforts to broker a ceasefire remain stalled.

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M23 Rebel expansion continues despite DRC-Rwanda truce. Human rights activists believe the deal will be of little consequence. Read more

Central African Republic’s president eyes controversial third term. The announcement comes after a referendum in 2023 abolished term limits, which some claim was rigged. Read more

Eastern Europe

Tsunami strikes Russia’s Far East after historic offshore quake

A powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on July 30, triggering tsunami waves that reached Japan and the U.S. Local authorities reported infrastructure damage and large-scale evacuations, though no deaths have been confirmed. This is the strongest earthquake in the world since 2011. Schools and transport services were suspended, and emergency crews remain on high alert as aftershocks continue. Experts are closely monitoring the situation, warning of potential long-term instability in the region.

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Lithuania’s prime minister, Gintautas Paluckas, stepped down following a major investigation and days of public protests over alleged government misconduct. His resignation throws the ruling coalition into uncertainty ahead of the next election. Read more

Russian forces prepare renewed assault on Pokrovsk. Nearly a year after reaching the outskirts of the Ukrainian city, Russia is poised to encircle and siege the city. Read more

Asia & the Pacific

Philippine Supreme Court tosses impeachment case against VP Duterte

The Philippines’ highest court has ruled the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional, effectively ending the political challenge against her. The case stemmed from allegations of overreach and threatening to kill the sitting President, but the court cited procedural flaws and lack of merit. Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has remained a polarizing figure in Philippine politics. Her supporters view the ruling as a legal victory, while critics argue it reflects the entrenched influence of political dynasties. The decision clears the path for Duterte to continue her tenure unimpeded - and remain a frontrunner for the 2028 Presidency - for now.

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Thailand seeks neutral site for talks with Cambodia, amid recent deadly clashes. ASEAN’s ability to mediate remains in question. Read more

South Korea’s special counsel to execute detention warrant for former President Yoon, after failing to appear for questioning twice. Read more

Middle East

UK, France, Canada to recognize Palestinian state at the UN in September

This past week, France, UK, and Canada has announced it will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly this September, marking a major diplomatic shift. But, it all of these of conditional. UK demands Israel take “substantial steps” to end the appalling situation in Gaza, Canada demands democratic reforms and the exclusion of Hamas. Israel and the US condemned the decision, calling it a “reward for Hamas.” This move isolates the US - as it becomes the only permanent member of the UN Security Council to not recognize Palestine. Analysts warn, however, that symbolic recognition may do little to stop the violence as all 3 countries have continued to supply military equipment.

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Sweida post-ceasefire report reveals mass executions and a burial site in the Druze-majority region. Read more

Lebanon’s president urges Hezbollah to disarm. In a rare public rebuke, the Lebanese head of state called on Hezbollah to hand over its weapons, citing national sovereignty and regional stability. Read more

Latin America & the Caribbean

Colombia’s former president Uribe found guilty of bribery

Álvaro Uribe, Colombia’s influential former president and a towering figure of the country’s right-wing politics, has been found guilty in a landmark bribery case. The ruling could have profound implications for Colombia’s political landscape, where Uribe remains a polarizing but powerful figure. Prosecutors accused him of manipulating witnesses in an effort to discredit opponents and avoid prosecution. His conviction threatens to erode the legacy of the man credited many credit him for saving the country from becoming a failed state. Others associate him with human rights violations and the rise of paramilitary groups in the 1990s

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Tensions rise between Brazil’s judiciary and Bolsonarismo. The Supreme Court faces backlash from the US and former president Bolsonaro, who faces charges of plotting a coup. Read more

Extortion dominates headlines in Mexico. A new report highlights the widespread scale of organized crime's grip on small businesses and transport workers across the country. Read more

Good News Around the World

A male birth control pill passes a key safety trial. YCT-529 could offer a revolutionary new contraceptive option, with no major side effects reported in its first human tests. Read more

AI brings ancient Roman texts back to life. A new model helps researchers digitally restore damaged Latin inscriptions that were once unreadable. Read more

Child deaths from diarrhea have fallen 72% since 2020, thanks to vaccines for rotavirus and access to clean water. Read more