Republic in western South America, the longest north-south country, seat of a modern state since independence
Researchers have detected helium escaping from LHS 1140b, a rocky super-Earth 48 light-years away that sits in its star's habitable zone. The Science paper has confirmed an atmosphere on a habitable-zone rocky exoplanet for the first time; teams used ground-based infrared spectroscopy and theoretical models to identify an upper-atmosphere helium signal. JWST follow-up is planned.
The NOIRLab has released a detailed image of the sombrero galaxy, revealing its extensive stellar halo and star streams from past collisions. Meanwhile, astronomers have observed interstellar comet C/2025 R3 Pan-STARRS, which is passing through the solar system for the first time in 170,000 years, and the upcoming Lyrid meteor shower is expected to peak tonight, offering spectacular skywatching opportunities.
Australians and other international activists detained during a Gaza flotilla have started arriving home. Several claim mistreatment, including beatings and denials of food and water, while Israel denies wrongdoing. Detainees plan to consult lawyers to pursue evidence for possible ICC action.
The blue micromoon is visible this Sunday, visible as a calendar blue moon and a micromoon. It will appear about 6% smaller than an average full moon and is not blue in color. Peak fullness is around 6:45 pm local time.
Adoptees have recovered memories and DNA links to families torn apart during Pinochet’s regime. Reunions are accelerating as organisations push for justice; critics warn of ongoing exploitation and underfunded archives.
Record ticket and travel prices have left many supporters unable to attend the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico. FIFA's dynamic pricing, an expanded 48-team schedule and rising transport and accommodation costs have pushed some fans to cancel plans, resell tickets or watch from home, while host states warn of heavy transit bills. (Updated 17 Jun 2026)
The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced postponement and health-safety concerns ahead of the World Cup, with authorities canceling a pre-tournament friendly in Spain over Ebola fears. Congo has shifted preparations to Belgium and is now coordinating with FIFA and host nations to ensure team arrival and match readiness for Group K play.
New studies and reports show fertility rates falling globally, with India and China posting notable declines. Experts warn aging populations and policy responses will shape the coming decades. The US sees infant mortality trends stabilize, while debates on contraception, childcare, and housing costs continue.
A collection of new court decisions and political moves are reshaping birthright citizenship in the US and Canada, while individual cases highlight bureaucratic gaps that leave some adoptees and migrants in limbo. The developments come amid ongoing legal battles and policy debates about who belongs where.
The global fertility rate is declining faster than expected, with two-thirds of people living in countries below replacement level. India and China report rates near or below 2.0, while sub-Saharan Africa continues to lead with high fertility. The shift raises questions about aging populations, development, and the policy choices that will shape the coming decades.
England extends its 4-2 victory after a measured lineup; Ghana brings in Benjamin Asare after injury and recalls Thomas Partey amid visa issues. Canada and Morocco lineups unfold in mid-tage fixtures for WC 2026.
Colombia, Peru and Brazil are moving right in a regional shift that could reshape how the Amazon is managed. De la Espriella in Colombia has secured a narrow win, while Peru is poised to elect Fujimori. Brazil faces a high-stakes election that could redefine environmental policy amid deforestation concerns.
Recent data shows a sharp rise in home battery installations across several states, driven by high electricity prices and policies that reward rooftop solar plus storage. Utilities and tech firms see these distributed assets powering a future grid and supporting data centers, AI workloads, and virtual power plants. Major players are expanding partnerships to coordinate thousands of home batteries for grid needs.
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has begun the Legacy Survey of Space and Time, a 10-year program that will image the southern sky every few nights. The telescope has started regular operations from its Chilean mountaintop site and is already returning new detections, including thousands of asteroids and transient views such as Comet 3I/ATLAS.
The U.S. has concluded its hantavirus response tied to the MV Hondius outbreak. The 42‑day monitoring period for Americans is finished with no sustained transmission detected. Debates center on the use of strict federal quarantine orders and individual rights during public-health crises.
Colombia’s presidential runoff winner is under pressure over US citizenship and possible conflicts of interest. Senator Iván Cepeda has urged Abelardo de la Espriella to renounce his US citizenship and clarify whether he is an agent of the United States. Cepeda warns of civil disobedience if legality conditions are not met.
Rescue teams have pulled 43-year-old Hernán Alberto Gil Flores alive from the collapsed Galerías Playa Grande shopping centre in La Guaira after he had been trapped since 24 June. International and Venezuelan teams have worked about 100 hours to tunnel to him, keeping him alive with water and liquid nutrients passed through a narrow shaft during the operation.
The Andes hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius has ended. The ship completed last quarantine in May and resumed sailing in mid-June. No new cases have been reported since 25 May. WHO is coordinating ongoing studies with 21 countries to improve diagnostics, treatment, and vaccines.
Fujimori has been certified winner of Peru’s June 7 runoff with a slim margin of 50.135% to 49.865% for Sánchez. Protests and allegations of fraud have continued, while the country faces political polarization and a volatile Congress as she prepares to take office.
Folarin Balogun has been ruled to continue for the World Cup knockout clash after FIFA suspends his automatic red-card ban following a personal appeal from President Trump. The decision has drawn sharp reactions from Belgium and other observers as the co-hosts push toward the quarterfinals.
FIFA has suspended the implementation of Balogun’s red-card sanction following a direct appeal by Donald Trump to Gianni Infantino, prompting wide criticism and reigniting questions about political influence in football. The move allows Balogun to play in the next World Cup match against Belgium, marking a rare departure from standard disciplinary practice.
Multiple deaths and injuries have followed a vehicle crash that plowed into stalls at a Chilean market. Authorities say the driver is in custody and investigations are underway; the casualty toll is evolving with six reported dead by local media.
A federal class-action suit in Washington state accuses Costco of selling Orgain Organic Protein Powder with undisclosed levels of lead, cadmium and arsenic. Plaintiffs say testing by third parties and Consumer Reports shows contamination, while Orgain asserts products are safe and compliant. The case builds on similar claims and ongoing scrutiny of protein powders.
A family renting an Airbnb in Oceanside, California, has discovered a framed beach photo on a wall that features members of their own family from roughly a decade ago. The image has left them astonished as they try to understand how it ended up in a home they rented for a grandfather’s birthday.