Cuba experienced its third nationwide blackout of the year on Monday, marking the eighth blackout since late 2024, affecting a population of 9.6 million. The state electricity company attributed the outages to an oil blockade imposed by the U.S. in January, which has severely depleted fuel supplies for the aging power generation system, leading to power cuts exceeding 24 hours in Havana and over 70 hours in rural areas. Despite efforts to invest in solar energy—which now constitutes only 10% of the energy mix—the combination of the blockade and sanctions has led to escalating shortages of food, drinking water, and medicine, prompting the UN to declare a humanitarian emergency.
The New York City Democratic Socialists of America held a "Tax the Rich" rally on November 16, 2025, amid a notable surge in socialist candidates winning elections, with 305 DSA-backed lawmakers having triumphed since 2018. Despite claims that these socialists are supported primarily by urban, educated electorates, candidates like Melat Kiros and Claire Valdez have demonstrated a growing appeal across diverse voter bases, winning in districts with significant Black and Hispanic populations. The organization has expanded its presence to 39 states, challenging the traditional Democratic establishment and reshaping the political landscape, as evidenced by primary successes in states such as Georgia and Kentucky.
More than 1,000 people were arrested across 59 countries during Operation Global Chain, a global effort to combat human trafficking, which identified 2,070 victims or potential victims, predominantly women. The operation uncovered various trafficking networks, including one that trafficked individuals into online scamming in Cambodia and another that forced underage girls recruited via social media into sex work in Europe. Conducted by 40,000 officers, the operation resulted in 334 arrests for human trafficking, 690 for associated crimes, and initiated 465 investigations, revealing alarming trends in trafficking routes and methods, particularly involving Latin American victims.
A former Syrian intelligence chief, Khaled al-H., and a former police chief, Moussab Abou R., were found guilty in Vienna of torture and sexual abuse of political opponents under Bashar al-Assad's regime, receiving eight-year prison sentences each. The court heard testimony from former detainees who described severe abuse, including beatings and electric shocks, with many suffering lasting mental trauma. Both men, who sought asylum in Austria in 2015, denied the charges and plan to appeal the verdict.
Millions of mourners attended the funeral of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which included representatives from several dozen countries; however, the absence of the current Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, raised concerns among the public. Mojtaba has not been seen in public since an Israeli airstrike on February 28, which killed his father and wife, with officials citing assassination threats as the reason for his absence. The recent Israeli attacks have also targeted various high-ranking Iranian officials, further intensifying fears about security and stability in Iran.
Keir Starmer intervened to oppose Fifa's proposal to move England's World Cup kick-off time against Mexico from 1am UK time to an earlier time, arguing it would disadvantage England by reducing their acclimatization to high altitude in Mexico City. The match, originally scheduled for 1am, was eventually delayed by an hour due to weather protocols, and England won 3-2, securing a quarter-final spot against Norway. Additionally, Heineken reported a 67% increase in drink sales and an 81% rise in food sales across managed pubs during the match, contributing to a nearly 150% increase in foot traffic on UK high streets compared to the same period last year.
Tomi Adeyemi, the author of *Children of Blood and Bone*, has publicly distanced herself from the film adaptation directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, stating, "I will not watch" it and expressing regret over the situation. The adaptation, set to premiere on January 15, 2027, features a star-studded cast including Amandla Stenberg and Cynthia Erivo, but has faced backlash regarding casting choices related to character descriptions in the book. Adeyemi emphasized her commitment to writing for Black teenage girls, stating, "I fought for us" and announcing her separation from the project's promotion due to ongoing emotional pain and attacks behind the scenes.
The UN human rights group has raised alarm over the imminent danger to Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safia, calling for his immediate release from "arbitrary" Israeli detention, citing violations of multiple human rights articles. Abu Safia, who has been held without charge since December 2024, shows signs of torture and is allegedly subjected to daily abuse, prompting concerns for his health. The UN body warns that his case may reflect a systematic practice of arbitrary detention in Israel, and has urged for not just his release but also compensation and reparations in line with international law.
The article covers various music-related topics, including notable releases, artist interviews, and significant anniversaries, such as the 20th anniversary of "Return To Cookie Mountain." It highlights new music from artists like Carmen Villain and Ciara, while also mentioning unique events like Jeff Rosenstock being booked for a 311 cruise 12 years after his petition. Other featured content includes a review of U2's "Staring At The Sun" as part of the Alternative Number Ones series and discussions around genres like metal and jazz.
The Boston Celtics are undergoing significant changes following the trade of Jaylen Brown, with discussions highlighting the impact on the team's future, notably the potential for Jayson Tatum's role. Brad Stevens detailed the reasoning behind the decision to trade Brown, clarifying that Tatum was not involved in the discussions surrounding the trade, indicating a focused approach to roster development. The trade was described as featuring a package "almost incomprehensible," suggesting the complexity and significance of the assets exchanged.
An Austrian court sentenced former Syrian intelligence officer Khaled al-Halabi, 63, to eight years in prison for torture and other abuses against opponents of President Bashar al-Assad, with another defendant, Musab Abu Rukbah, receiving the same sentence. During the month-long trial, more than a dozen victims testified about severe mistreatment, such as beatings, electrocution, and other forms of torture while al-Halabi led the General Intelligence Directorate in Raqqa from 2011 to 2013. This case is one of the few where a European country asserted jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed by Syrian officials, amid ongoing trials in France, Germany, Sweden, and Belgium for similar offenses.
Mexican fans expressed deep disappointment after England defeated Mexico 3-2 in the World Cup, resulting in Mexico's elimination. This match marked the furthest the Mexican team has advanced in the World Cup in the last 40 years. Reactions came from various fans at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Canada has selected the German consortium ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to build 12 state-of-the-art submarines in a contract worth over $12 billion, which could exceed $70 billion when including 50 years of maintenance. This decision is aimed at replacing the aging fleet of four secondhand submarines currently in use by the Royal Canadian Navy, with the new vessels expected to enhance Canada's presence in the Arctic and strengthen its NATO ties. The selection process involved extensive competition with South Korea's Hanwha Ocean, which also proposed technological advancements and economic benefits for Canada.
Argentina faces Egypt in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on July 7 at 12pm (16:00 GMT) in Atlanta Stadium, with Argentina having topped Group J with a perfect nine points, while Egypt came second in Group G with five points. In their respective knockout matches, Argentina edged past Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time, and Egypt won against Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, marking Egypt's first World Cup knockout win since their tournament debut in 1934. Both teams are dealing with fatigue after their intense previous matches, and if Egypt wins, they will become the fifth African nation to reach the World Cup quarterfinals.
EasyJet shares rose nearly 10% after agreeing to a £5.5 billion takeover bid at £6.90 per share from US private equity firm Castlelake, following four rejected bids. Analysts highlighted concerns over UK firms being sold at low valuations, noting that EasyJet's shares had previously declined by about 30% over the past year. EasyJet employs 19,000 people and serves around 93 million passengers annually, with Castlelake signaling its intent to support the airline's growth and modernisation strategy.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, faces scrutiny over his funding sources, including a £5 million gift from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne and support from convicted criminal George Cottrell, which he claims is part of an "establishment plot" to undermine him. Farage has a history of financial controversies, including 17 breaches of the MPs’ code of conduct and having his pay docked for misusing European parliament funds in 2018. The situation raises concerns among Reform officials that Farage's ability to deflect scandals, akin to Boris Johnson during the Partygate incident, may be faltering, potentially impacting his appeal to voters.
Tehran is witnessing massive public gatherings as the nation mourns the late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the onset of the US-Israel war in February. Funeral processions have attracted large crowds, especially at Enghelab Square, where mourners display Iranian flags and red banners representing martyrdom and vengeance. International media, including the BBC, face restrictions on reporting in Iran, limiting coverage of the event's significance.
The death toll from the monsoon in Maharashtra has reached 15. A Ram temple trust member, Champat Rai, resigned on moral grounds, while an accused in a temple fund theft case reportedly spent Rs 19 lakh on friends and family. Additionally, a new private firm in Karnataka is seeking a license for power distribution amidst ongoing challenges faced by MSMEs due to GST rules and delayed payments.
Ten Democratic lawmakers, led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for drastically reducing the civilian harm mitigation and response (CHMR) program, which they argue jeopardizes service members and undermines military ethics, citing a Pentagon report that deemed civilian protection efforts "inactive." The CHMR program, intended to minimize civilian casualties, saw a cut of approximately 90% in staffing and was deemed incompatible with Hegseth's aggressive military strategy, coinciding with increased civilian casualties in operations, particularly in Yemen and Somalia. The lawmakers urged a response from the Pentagon by July 9, seeking clarification on staffing and funding for the CHMR mission.
The Cuban national zoo has celebrated the birth of four Bengal tiger cubs, including a rare white tiger, which has provided a morale boost for zookeepers amid ongoing shortages of fuel and medicine. Zookeeper Ángel Cordero noted that the zoo requires 20 litres of diesel fuel daily for animal care but currently receives only five litres, forcing workers to use horse and buggy and electric tricycles to navigate the 375-hectare grounds. Despite these challenges, the zoo's animal population remains stable due to the efforts of workers and partnerships with small businesses, while potential economic reforms may open avenues for future support and supplies.
U.S. striker Folarin Balogun will play in the World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium after FIFA suspended his automatic one-game ban due to a controversial red card. The match is set to take place at Seattle Stadium, where the U.S. men's national team will compete against Belgium. Additionally, another game will feature Portugal facing off against Spain at Dallas Stadium.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described his relationship with US President Donald Trump as "fine," dismissing reports of rifts over a ceasefire with Iran and Israeli attacks in Lebanon, stating they see eye to eye on "just about everything." Amid ongoing conflict, four civilians were killed in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, and Netanyahu confirmed he will soon visit the US, where he plans to lobby against the transfer of F-35 jets to Turkiye. He emphasized Israel's role as a model ally to the US, contrasting it with Turkiye's lack of support regarding Iran, as tensions between the two nations rise.
Most gamers do not actually need a water-cooling system to achieve excellent performance from their PCs, as standard air-cooling solutions are often sufficient. In the gaming and PC building community, many myths exist regarding essential upgrades, including cooling systems, and avoiding these misconceptions can save users money. Additionally, common pitfalls include misconceptions about power supplies, RAM, and GPUs, which are addressed to help consumers make informed decisions.
David Streever filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after federal agents tracked him down over a critical email he sent to the former head of ICE, Todd Lyons, regarding a controversial immigration enforcement incident in January 2026. The agents visited Streever's home on June 23, 2026, leaving a "WARNING NOTICE" that alleged he may have violated federal law with his email, which compared Lyons to a Nazi and predicted he would face a guilty conscience. The lawsuit, filed by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, contends that Streever's email was protected speech under the First Amendment and accuses DHS of abusing its authority to retaliate against him for exercising his right to criticize federal officials.
The United Nations General Assembly is convening to address nations' responsibilities regarding genocide and other humanitarian crises, notably amidst ongoing events in Gaza and Sudan. The UN's definition of genocide has been established since its integration into the 1948 Genocide Convention, ratified by 196 countries, yet past genocides, like the 1994 Rwanda genocide where an estimated 800,000 people were killed, highlight the international community's failures to respond effectively. Despite awareness of such atrocities, the UN's lack of intervention and a broader reluctance from global leaders have led to repeated tragedies, leaving the organization with an enduring sense of shame over its inaction.
A Steam game has reportedly been refunded 55,000 times, highlighting significant dissatisfaction among players. Meanwhile, Xbox has announced layoffs affecting 3,200 employees due to concerns about the health of its business, with a notable impact on teams like Bethesda and The Elder Scrolls Online. Xbox's Game Pass was projected to reach 77 million subscribers by 2026, but it currently has less than half that number.
The European Court of Human Rights has ordered Italy to compensate Audrey Ubeda approximately €60,000 (£51,000) after her rape allegations were dismissed by a prosecutor who perpetuated sexist stereotypes, stating such behavior from men was "normal" and downplayed gender violence. The case, which dates back to April 2021, involved allegations of physical and mental abuse, as well as multiple rapes and threats against Ubeda and her children, leading to a lack of proper investigation by the Italian justice system. The accused, who received a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence from a trial court, remains free pending appeal, while Ubeda expressed that the ruling serves as a vindication and a victory for all women.
The NATO summit in Ankara this week, involving 32 leaders, is focused on increasing defence investment, expanding Europe's defence industrial base, and ensuring long-term military support for Ukraine, following a pledge to spend five percent of GDP on defence, with European allies and Canada increasing investment by $139 billion in 2025. The summit occurs amidst tensions regarding the US's role in NATO, with President Trump criticizing the alliance for perceived lack of reciprocity and announcing plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany. Despite concerns about reduced US involvement, experts believe a US pullout from NATO is unlikely given the legal challenges and the prevailing bipartisan support for the alliance in Congress.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a significant expansion of illegal settlements, with the Israeli cabinet approving the establishment of 13 new settlements in the central occupied West Bank, part of a strategy that has seen an increase from an average of eight outposts annually (2012-2022) to a record 86 in 2025. The surge in settlement activity has coincided with a 130 percent rise in Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians since 2023, including 1,659 attacks documented in May alone, where settlers were directly responsible for 551 of these incidents and the destruction of over 7,222 trees. The ongoing violence, alongside systematic home demolitions where 70 operations destroyed 155 structures in May, has contributed to a total of 1,175 Palestinian deaths since October 8, 2023.
Most Australian first home buyers are utilizing the government’s 5% deposit scheme, with one in three new participants earning above the previous income caps of $125,000 for singles and $200,000 for joint borrowers that were removed last year. This influx of higher earners has contributed to rising property prices, with 39,704 government-backed loans issued between October and April, including 13,979 loans exceeding previously scrapped income caps. Economists warn that the expansion of the scheme has financially advantaged individuals who likely would have purchased homes regardless, thereby failing to address the underlying housing affordability issues.