Central American republic known for stability and biodiversity
The United States has expanded deportations of third‑country nationals under deals with multiple countries, including Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea. Rights groups warn of abuses as deportees face uncertain futures after removal from the U.S., with many lacking ties to the destination nations.
England has beaten Costa Rica 3-0 in a friendly in Orlando. Jude Bellingham has started in the No 10 role, pressing from the front and helping set the tone; Reece James inverted into midfield and Anthony Gordon has provided the early attacking threat. Declan Rice has opened the scoring.
Declan Rice has been managing a nerve pain in his hamstring since Christmas, but has described himself as ready and fit for England’s next World Cup game. He was subbed off in the Croatia match due to discomfort, raising questions about England’s midfield depth as they prepare for the second group game against Ghana.
Tunisia has dismissed coach Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 loss to Sweden and has appointed Hervé Renard to lead the team as World Cup progress remains uncertain. Renard is preparing a squad that faces Japan with the goal of advancing from Group F, despite an upstart schedule and a short preparation window.
Multiple outlets report a flood watch for parts of New York and New Jersey ahead of a World Cup match at MetLife Stadium. Forecasts warn of heavy rain, possible flash floods and travel disruptions during the event, with authorities urging planning and caution.
Switzerland has beaten Algeria 2-0 in a World Cup knockout match. Breel Embolo opened in the 10th minute after a Johan Manzambi run; Dan Ndoye doubled the lead within a minute of the second half after an Algerian clearance. Algeria pressed and made attacking changes but failed to score, ending their tournament while Switzerland advances to the last 16.
England has secured a last-16 spot after overturning a 1-0 deficit with Gordon assisting Kane’s brace; attention shifts to penalties and Tuchel’s preparation ahead of a clash with Mexico. Penalty strategy and shootout readiness dominate coverage as teams progress through the World Cup.
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.
Australia’s World Cup run ends in Dallas after a 1-1 draw with Egypt, with Egypt converting all four penalties to advance. Coach Tony Popovic defended his decision to substitute the keeper, while Lucas Herrington and Harry Souttar faced heartbreak in the shootout.
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara has arrived in Miami after a five-year prison sentence in Cuba. The exile follows a U.S. parole grant and mounting diplomatic pressure. He is the cofounder of the San Isidro Movement, whose members have faced persistent repression in Cuba.
Senegal has endorsed former president Macky Sall’s candidacy for United Nations secretary-general, marking a strategic reorientation ahead of the selection process. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has instructed his government to mobilise support, signalling a new coalition-building phase for Dakar. Critics say the move risks justice for victims of past protests.
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.
Candidates for the UN secretary-general post have presented reform-minded visions amid a funding and credibility crisis. Straw polls begin late July with a January 2027 appointment target; Latin America is pushing for a regional rotation.
Brazilian President Lula Da Silva is defending sovereignty as talks with the US fray over election interference fears. Milei’s rhetoric and Bolsonaros’ campaign moves intensify regional tensions ahead of Brazil’s October vote. Diplomatic spats include visa revocations and downgrades, amid a broader regional shift toward conservative leadership.
The UN Security Council’s informal straw polls have begun to shape the field for secretary-general. Rebeca Grynspan leads on encouragement votes, with other candidates including Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Rafael Grossi, Macky Sall, Michelle Bachelet, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, and Olara Otunnu. The process remains flexible, with multiple rounds possible and no consensus yet.
Petro has claimed thousands of tally sheets were manipulated after counts were transmitted to Colombia’s election agency. Officials and observers reject the fraud claims, and Abelardo de la Espriella is set to be sworn in this week, as Colombia prepares for a tightly watched transition.
Mexican authorities are enforcing a new transit arrangement for deported nationals, routing Mexicans via Guatemala and Honduras before return to Mexico within 24 hours, as the United States widens cooperation with Latin American partners. Officials say this tactic is aimed at deterring migration, while Mexico protests and seeks clarity on legal protections for its citizens.
The UN Security Council has conducted a straw poll for the next secretary-general, with Rodrigues-Birkett leading the field, followed by Grynspan and Grossi. Several other contenders remain, and a formal vote in the General Assembly will determine the outcome. The process involves nine votes in the Council and potential vetoes by the five permanent members.
The administration has ended Temporary Protected Status for Haiti and other nations, and deportations are expanding. ICE has shifted from criminal targeting to people in limbo, asylum seekers, and long-term residents, with thousands already detained or facing removal as flights increase and new detention capacity is built.
A victim has travelled to Reading Crown Court to witness the sentencing of Ethical Forestry directors after they admitted fraud. The case centers on the misappropriation of funds from thousands of investors for personal gain, while victims hope for accountability and closure.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has completed a three‑country tour of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru to expand military and counter‑drug cooperation with right‑wing governments. Washington has pledged funding, vessels and designations of gangs as foreign terrorist organisations while US forces have intercepted and sunk vessels linked to Ecuadorian criminal groups.
PISA 2025 data show England and some UK nations performing well in science, with Reading and Maths trailing in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. England leads in science; Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland trail in reading and maths. A global trend shows declines in reading proficiency, linked to digital distraction and shifting reading habits.
El Niño is strengthening, with forecasts predicting historic intensity. Reports show drought in Central America’s Dry Corridor and a UK weather shift toward wetter, stormier conditions. Scientists warn impacts will extend into 2027 as temperatures rise globally and rainfall patterns shift.