Republic in South America with Caribbean reach
The Federal Communications Commission has added "advanced robotic devices" — including humanoid robots, four‑legged machines and some connected power inverters — to a list that blocks new foreign-made models from US markets on national‑security and cybersecurity grounds. The rule has taken effect for models not yet authorised; existing authorised devices remain allowed while exemptions can be requested.
The US is considering an off-ramp from the Iran conflict as officials say air strikes alone may fail to meet goals. Discussions involve top advisers and notes of potential agreements with Iran and Oman over Hormuz shipping routes. Officials deny public discussion of confidential conversations.
France 24 reports that DR Congo has advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, following a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. England tops Group L after a win over Panama; Belgium faces Senegal; US advances to the Round of 16 with favorable simulations.
The yen has weakened to multi-decade lows as US rates remain higher than Japan's. Intervention is being considered, but the long-running carry trade and energy costs keep downward pressure on the currency. Markets are watching potential official action and the broader implications for Japan's economy and global markets.
Jude Bellingham scores twice as England overturn a Norway lead to beat the Norwegians 2-1 after extra time and secure a place in the World Cup semi-finals; Haaland is limited and a disallowed goal shapes the second half in Miami, in searing heat.
England defeats DR Congo 2-1, with Harry Kane scoring twice to secure a place in the Round of 16. DR Congo are eliminated after finishing bottom of Group F. The Congolese coach Desabre reveals his father’s death after the match. The result preserves England’s unbeaten run and advances them to face Mexico in the next round.
Brazil's deforestation rate has fallen by half in Lula's first year back in office, with 1,295 sq km cleared from January to June, the lowest since 2016. Lula defers to his government on zero-deforestation targets while facing criticisms over oil exploration near the Amazon mouth and shifting U.S. tariffs amid a tight election race.
Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has suspended the transition with incumbent President Gustavo Petro, accusing him of planning a coup. Petro denies fraud and international observers have praised the vote. The new cabinet is being announced as tensions rise over governance, oil policy, and the future of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace.
Multiple aircraft crashes across the Americas have been reported, with Bahamas Flamingo Air suspending flights after a Cessna 402 crash in North Andros, Bahamian PM Davis mourns, and investigations underway. One survivor from the Bahamas incident is confirmed amid confirmed casualties.
World Cup events have brought unprecedented attention to Kansas City, with 344,135 spectators at venues and 310,000 visitors to FIFA’s fan festival, highlighting the city’s growing role in global soccer culture.
The International Football Association Board has updated VAR protocols this summer, enabling interventions for mistaken identity in yellow-card cases. Embolo’s red card after a review at the World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina has intensified debate over the new rule. Critics warn of potential chaos at club level, while supporters see it as a step toward deterring simulation.
Officials say a string of fatal incidents involving immigration enforcement have prompted renewed scrutiny of DHS vetting and tactics. The Maine and Houston shootings have sparked demands for independent investigations and reforms as lawmakers push for oversight.
The late Sen. Lindsey Graham has died; FBI agents are assisting local authorities in examining his Capitol Hill residence as investigators pursue leads. Authorities have emphasized a continued security presence around the home, and President Trump is commenting publicly on the situation.
The Miami judge has issued a default judgment against Maduro, Saab and others for failing to respond to a civil action tied to alleged torture and a network dubbed the Cartel of the Suns. The actions seek damages under the Anti-Terrorism Act as Americans sue Venezuelan officials over imprisonment and abuse. A related ruling targets the group’s leaders as part of ongoing accountability efforts.
Spain vs Argentina finals update: Argentina captain Messi reacted to an interaction with a former Spain defender during a tense final in New York. Fernandez was sent off after a foul on Cubarsi; a referee spray mishap occurred; Barton’s officiating history is highlighted.
France's National Assembly has passed a bill allowing medically assisted dying for adults with a serious, incurable illness in an advanced or terminal stage, with strict safeguards and a constitutional review pending. The measure now faces scrutiny by the Constitutional Council and potential enactment by President Macron.
Waze has rolled out five new features, including personalized navigation, a new motorcycle mode, and a less chatty voice. The updates are rolling out globally on Android and iOS as the company leans on Gemini AI to refine routing and communications.
President Trump has told ICE to resume traffic stops after Homeland Security had ordered a temporary pause following two fatal shootings during vehicle encounters in Maine and Texas. The decision reverses a short internal review and comes as protests, congressional questions and international criticism have grown.
Leaders are demanding oversight and transparency after two deadly ICE shootings in Maine and Texas spur controversy over training, vehicle stops and body cameras. Lawmakers press DHS for clearer vetting, identification and accountability.
FIFA president has spoken at a United Nations session to frame the World Cup as a catalyst for youth mental health and global unity. The tournament in North America has set attendance records, with Argentina and Spain preparing for Sunday’s final in East Rutherford after 102 matches across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Gianni Infantino’s travel across Canada, Mexico and the United States during the 2026 World Cup has been tracked through private jets and flight data. The journey, highlighted by 43 matches attended and hours aloft, underscores the tournament’s expansive geographic footprint and rising costs, with the final set in New Jersey.
The Justice Department is conducting a compliance review of Harvard University’s foreign funding disclosures to ensure it does not discriminate against American students in financial aid. Harvard says it does not unlawfully discriminate and is reviewing the DOJ notice as part of ongoing scrutiny of foreign money in U.S. higher education.
Nicaragua’s government has announced the cancellation of elections scheduled for November 2027 as Congress extends the presidential term by one year. Ortega, governing with Rosario Murillo, has tightened control since 2007, jailing opponents and reshaping institutions. Rights groups warn of a deeper crackdown, while international actors condemn the move.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is underway in Morocco with 16 teams, 34 matches, and a new qualification tie to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Morocco hosts; Nigeria defends the title as several debutants join the field. Kick-off times start at 17:00 GMT across venues, with the final on Aug. 16.
The United States has set new tariffs on imports tied to forced labor, with 10% duties on partners that have begun enforcing bans and 12.5% for those that have not. The changes take effect at 12:01 a.m. on July 24, as part of a broad push to enforce labor standards in global supply chains.
The United States planned to send senior officials to monitor Brazil’s October elections, but Brazilian authorities denied visas, accusing the move of implying electoral interference. Lula da Silva’s government says Brazil will safeguard its sovereignty as Bolsonaro’s allies press foreign support. The dispute underscores foreign involvement concerns ahead of the vote.
Diplomatic rift between Brazil and Argentina escalates as Lula denounces external meddling amid Milei’s harsh rhetoric. Brazil downgrades ties with Argentina; US visa tensions surface in parallel disputes ahead of Brazil’s October elections.
A Western Australia District Court jury has found Yung Filly star Andres Barrientos not guilty on three counts of sexual penetration without consent, but has convicted him on two counts of assault causing bodily harm. The jury could not reach verdicts on three rape charges. Barrientos remains on bail as sentencing is scheduled for August 21 after the mixed verdicts in Perth.
Keiko Fujimori has been sworn in as Peru’s president, vowing a hardline approach to crime and instability after a tumultuous decade of leadership. She pledges military involvement in high-crime areas during emergencies and seeks to bolster ties with the United States while addressing El Niño impacts and inequality.
AP and Independent report reveal that six former child soldiers in Khartoum recount being forced to fight with the RSF, trained by Colombian mercenaries. They describe being shackled to anti-aircraft guns and artillery, with civilians cited as targets. UAE-linked groups are accused of arming the RSF; UAE denies it, calling shipments humanitarian. Events illustrate a wider deployment of foreign mercenaries in Sudan.
Peru’s Constitutional Court has nullified the entire criminal proceedings against former president Ollanta Humala and his wife Nadine Heredia, following a 2025 conviction for money laundering tied to Odebrecht funding. Humala is expected to be freed from Barbadillo Prison in Lima. The decision marks a dramatic turn in a case that has spanned several presidents and the Odebrecht corruption scandal.
Colombia reports 119,483 hectares of forest lost in 2025, a 5% rise from 2024, but remains 31% below 2021 levels. Officials cite illegal land grabbing, cattle ranching, and infrastructure as the main drivers while highlighting progress in national parks and community conservation efforts.
A car bomb has exploded at a toll plaza on the Pan‑American Highway in southwestern Colombia, injuring two security guards, the army has said. The military has blamed dissident FARC factions and is securing the scene. Newly inaugurated president Abelardo de la Espriella has pledged a hardline crackdown and moved prisoners linked to prior peace talks to maximum‑security jails.
Petro claims thousands of tally sheets were manipulated after counts were transmitted, a charge rejected by electoral authorities and international observers as Colombia prepares to inaugurate the new president after a tightly contested election.
DiCaprio and Bezos have launched the Phoenix Species Project, pledging $200 million to recover critically endangered species across 30 countries. The initiative has drawn swift criticism from critics who accuse the effort of greenwashing, while supporters point to the potential gains for threatened fauna and indigenous communities.
Sen. Bill Cassidy has announced he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, giving Trump’s nominee a crucial edge as several Republicans oppose him. With Collins and Murkowski opposed and McConnell absent, Cassidy’s stance could push Blanche over the line, though resistance remains among a faction of GOP senators.
The Senate has passed the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026" by 86–11, authorising up to 100% tariffs on the top buyers of Russian oil and expanding sanctions on Russia and Iran. The measure has cleared the Senate and now heads to the House, which will not vote until after its August recess.